Cambridge looks at heritage district in Galt to draw in businesses

The City of Cambridge is seeking public consultation on the idea of establishing a heritage district in Galt, which planners are saying would preserve historical buildings and increase property values. 

"Heritage is very important to city staff, council and members of the community, and so we wanted to look at ways to work with property owners to encourage heritage-sensitive use of their property," said Elaine Brunn Shaw, an urban planner overseeing long-term development for the city.

City staff came up with the idea in January of last year, while trying implement some of the recommendations from the city's master heritage plan, Brunn Shaw said. 

Brunn Shaw said creating a heritage district can also increase property values and encourage further business development. 

"Our research shows that being a part of a heritage conservation district can have a very positive influence on properties in terms of re-sales." she said. 

Hesitation around property maintenance

Laura Waldie, the senior planner of heritage, who's been holding public consultations, said the overall feedback has been "positive."   

Waldie said there was some hesitation around policies and guidelines that might govern how property owners maintain their building. 

"But we have assured [the public] that property owners will be involved in the very extensive public consultation process, where they can actually provide feedback into how the HCD (Heritage Conservation District) plan will be written," she said. 

Graham Braun, the owner of Monigram Coffee in Galt, said he's supportive of the idea. 

Heritage buildings an 'integral' part of Galt

He said Kitchener-Waterloo lost a number of heritage buildings in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

"Cambridge managed to hang onto some. They're an integral part of what makes downtown Galt charming," he said. 

Braun is also the chair of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Association, and he believes creating a heritage district is only "one piece" of the solution that would generate more economic activity in the area.

"It takes the support of the city, all of the citizens of the city. It takes intrepid entrepreneurs who are willing to take chances," said Braun. 

"When all those things come together, businesses are successful. We're watching it happen all the time down here." 

The city is collecting public input until Friday, June 8. Then, staff will complete the planning study and bring forward recommendations to city council in the fall. 

If council approves the idea, a master plan will be developed next year and implemented in 2020.