Hunt Club Estates Neighbourhood

/ Planning / Urban Design / Landscape Architecture

GSP Group led planning approvals for a new neighbourhood on a 120-hectare property in Cambridge containing 2,400 dwellings with a retirement community and an integrated main street with a mix of commercial and residential uses. The neighbourhood includes a public school, greenspace network of parks, natural areas and stormwater ponds, trail system, and employment lands.

The team initiated the project with a site walk-through with two dozen participants representing municipalities, agencies, owners, and consultants. A list of issues set the framework for moving forward, including preservation and enhancement of provincially significant wetlands and Middle Creek corridor, and resolving compatibility matters with the Arriscraft manufacturing facility.

A former gravel pit surrounds the existing development and industrial operations. There were also several sensitive natural heritage features. Significant landscape restoration was required for the wetland at Briardean Road, on-line pond removal and creek alignment, and grading. Trail design and implementation required creative solutions to negotiate challenging physical conditions at the site, including slopes, bridges and retaining walls.