Valley authority relieved city won’t amend OCP for proposed project

The Wakamow Valley Authority (WVA) is thrilled that Moose Jaw’s Official Community Plan won’t be opened or amended to let construction of a residential subdivision happen in the valley.

“We’re really excited about the support from the community and it really has shown us the value of the valley,” said WVA general manager Todd Johnson. “We’re just happy (with) all the volunteers (and) all the support we had from Moose Jaw.”

In a news release issued Oct. 22, the City of Moose Jaw announced that developer Charles Vanden Broek had withdrawn his application to have the Official Community Plan (OCP) amended to build the River Pointe Park subdivision. Amending the OCP would have allowed for the construction of 100 units of mixed residential housing on 10 acres in a flood plain.

The municipality explained in the news release that it had forwarded the concept plan and proposal to the WVA board in March 2020 for its consideration. After reviewing the information, the board provided feedback in the form of a letter with concerns.

The Sept. 21 council package included that letter with the WVA’s questions and concerns. Johnson pointed out that the board’s queries were reflective of the limited information it received. The board requested more data — including reports and studies — but realized it was the developer’s right to keep the material quiet until presented to council.

However, during that meeting, Johnson told council that his organization had been asked to review only a photograph — an overlay of the proposed housing development area — and provide feedback.

The consultation was a “tricky situation” since all the information belongs to the architect, Johnson told the Express. The WVA board’s role is to act as an advisory organization, so when city hall wants to undertake a project in the valley, the board is one group consulted.

“I think the city’s put in a tricky spot — and the person proposing the project is put in a tricky spot — because it’s actually their information, and when do they share it?” he continued. “I think from our point of view, Wakamow and the board was happy to be advised of the project. And then we were able to ask questions about it, and our questions were answered.”

Johnson thought city hall did “everything that they could” to consult with the WVA board and ensure the organization contributed feedback on the proposed development.

Developers can always present projects — including in the valley — to the municipality for consideration, which means the WVA board can only deal with initiatives it knows about, he continued. If a similar project came forward in the future, the board would deal with it then. After all, there have been many times when developers have wanted to undertake projects in Wakamow Valley.

Johnson added that he was grateful for the support residents showed toward opposing this project and thankful to everyone who gave their input to city council and city hall.