Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Cambridge is introducing two AI-powered technologies intended to streamline development approvals and help accelerate new home construction.
The tools, being launched through the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives, are designed to give builders, architects, developers and homeowners greater certainty before submitting development applications.
The first technology, Archistar, is an AI-powered platform that allows applicants to check proposed development plans against municipal requirements before making an application.
The AI PreCheck tool will help applicants identify potential issues and submit more complete applications, reducing delays during the approval process.
Also, the Cambridge Digital Twin, provides a three-dimensional virtual representation of the city. It allows planners, developers and residents to visualize proposed homes and other developments within existing neighbourhoods before construction begins.
Together, the platforms are expected to improve the development application process while supporting the city’s goal of increasing housing supply.
“As of September 1, developers, builders, architects, and homeowners will be able to test their designs and review requirements online, offering greater certainty and reducing delays during the approval process,” the city said.
“I first became aware of this technology at the Association of Municipalities (AMO) Conference two years ago and thought this would be a great way to improve efficiencies in the City’s process,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Cambridge is growing quickly, and we need to continue to find better ways to increase the housing supply while continuing to meet the needs of our community.”
The AI precheck platform is intended to help applicants understand municipal development requirements before they submit plans, while the Digital Twin provides a visual tool for assessing how proposed projects could fit into their surroundings.
“Creating a faster, more user-friendly development process is key to increasing housing supply,” said Hardy Bromberg, general manager of Planning and Growth. “By reducing wait times and simplifying the application journey, these technologies will help advance housing projects more efficiently.”
Both platforms will evolve, with additional functionality and improvements planned as the technologies develop.
