Taskforce recommends top five spots for Cambridge multiplex

A taskforce that has been reviewing locations for the proposed Cambridge multiplex has filed its final report that ranks the top five choices.

Two locations tied for the top spot in the site scoring results. The first location is23.4 acresat 220PinebushRoad in Cambridge's north end. It is made up of three parcels of land which total23.4 acres, all owned by the same individual.

The second top location is 17acres at 261HespelerRoad, the former industrial property which housed the Grand River Flea Market.

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The third spot was 35 acres at 112PinebushRoad, followed by20.7 acres at the north corner of Franklin Boulevard and Savage Drive.

The fifth spot was850 Fountain Street South, which has 26 acres with the ability to expand, is not far from the original location, on lands leased from Conestoga College.

Another location, 1001 Franklin Boulevard, was ranked second, but was removed from the list. It's a city-owned property that is leased to Buckingham Sports Inc. Cancelling that lease would mean financial compensation from the city to Buckingham Sports and the closer of two ice surfaces that the company currently runs in that location.

Council to make decision early next year

A taskforce was launched in May after public outcry over a decision to place the multiplex on lands owned by Conestoga College.

Residents said the site was too far away and would better serve Kitchener residents than Cambridge taxpayers.

The taskforce considered more than 30 locations for the multiplex.

The taskforce ranked the locations based on a set of criteria:

• Community impact.
• Level of cost.
• Degree of access.
• Site size and expansion potential.
• Timing.

The members also took public input into consideration.

"Through the open houses, online survey and open public meetings, the taskforce heard a great deal about the factors that are most important to Cambridge residents with respect to the question of location," the final report said.

Cambridge council will receive the report Monday and it is expected councillors will then set a meeting for early next year to review the taskforce's findings and decide on a location for the multiplex.