Residents living in the southwest corner of South Hill could soon have a new, easily accessible corner store that would provide some of the daily necessities of life.
NewRock Developments (Sask.) Inc., based in Medicine Hat, Alta., is the registered owner of 1050 Bradley Street and wants to subdivide and rezone the west-most 821 square metres (8,837 square feet) of the property to develop a 238-square-metre (2,561-square-foot) convenience store.
The property is part of the Currie Heights and Grandview neighbourhoods and is adjacent to an R1 district to the north, an R3 district to the west and south, and an R2 district to the east.
“We believe that there is a significant need within the South Hill neighbourhood, and a store such as this would serve and benefit the community significantly,” NewRock’s Darrick Muth told city council during its March 22 regular meeting.
The store would provide the community with everyday items such as snack foods, confectionery items, beverages, frozen food, lottery tickets, newspapers and fresh foods cooked in-store.
Council voted unanimously to have the rezoning application — which asks to change the area to C1 neighbourhood commercial district from R2 medium-density residential district — proceed to the public notice stage and have city administration prepare an amendment to the zoning bylaw.
City administration recommended approval of the amendment since the proposed project aligns with the review criteria in the Official Community Plan and the South Hill local area plan’s policies and recommendations.
Presentation
NewRock has been working to enhance a 20-acre development on South Hill along Bradley Street between Ninth and 11th avenues since 2012, Muth explained during his virtual presentation. Business owner Megan Xu approached the company last fall and asked if it wanted to construct a convenience store on the corner of 11th Avenue and Bradley Street.
“With all of the other development we have, we thought it would be a great opportunity for all of our residents, as that is an amenity that is greatly underserved right now,” he said. “Since then, we’ve been working with Megan to develop a site plan and concept and location for how we might be able to achieve that.”
The goal is to ensure the convenience store fits into the neighbourhood — which features many townhouses — so it not only looks good but helps the community, Muth added. The proposed building will have a flat roof and have a modern, attractive look.
Xu wanted to build a new convenience store because Moose Jaw is a growing and developing community, she explained.
“I am in love with the city. Now I own one corner store in the city (Union Grocery and Confectionary). I’m very grateful with residents’ support and use of my store,” she said. “(It’s) helpful to have store in walking distance … because this time (of COVID-19) is not easy, because for some people who not have access to transportation.”
If council approved the project, it would support municipal economic growth, meet the community’s demands, and provide necessary items, Xu added. That would be convenient for everyone.
“I think this is a great project. The Union Grocery on the east end is famous,” said Coun. Crystal Froese. “It has been there a very, very long time. It’s a very successful business … . This will be a great addition to the (South Hill) neighbourhood.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, April 12.
