Moose Jaw will soon have a new residential care home that will be able to look after 20 people while providing affordable accommodations.
During its June 15 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve a discretionary use application from AMN Royalty Care Inc. to convert a former two-storey office building at 290 Fourth Avenue Northeast into a care home. Council had to give approval since the property is zoned CS – Community Service/Institutional District, while care homes with more than 15 residents are considered type 3 care homes and are best located in high-density areas.
“We believe the demand for personal care homes is high,” Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development, told council. She added that the application meets all the necessary requirements, including having underground parking.
City administration recommended that council approve the application due to the proximity of community amenities, a demand for personal care homes and a low negative effect on adjacent land uses. Furthermore, the discretionary use application meets several criteria in the zoning bylaw.
The proposed care home is also located near the downtown, with sufficient access to transit and other services, Sanson added. The application is compatible with the surrounding land uses and aligns with future development opportunities in the area.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 29.
