It should be smoother sailing for Canadian Tire to develop property on the exhibition grounds, now that the proper zoning amendments have been approved.
During its Feb. 24 regular meeting, council unanimously gave three readings to — and thus official approval of — a zoning bylaw amendment that would rezone portions of 250 Thatcher Drive East to C3 vehicle-oriented commercial district from CS community service district.
Canadian Tire purchased 4.78 hectares (11.95 acres) for $3.1 million from the City of Moose Jaw in December. The company intends to develop a retail shopping centre in the southeast corner of the property. This property must be rezoned to C3 from CS as per the offer to purchase agreement.
Council appointments
Coun. Dawn Luhning has been appointed deputy mayor for the next two months, from March 1 until April 30, or until a successor is appointed.
Meanwhile, Coun. Scott McMann was appointed chairman of the executive committee for the next two months, from March 1 until April 30, or until a successor is appointed.
Lastly, Coun. Heather Eby has been appointed chairwoman of the personnel committee for the next two months, from March 1 until April 30, or until a successor is appointed.
Inquiries
The City of Moose Jaw released its new website and a new phone app recently. According to city administration, city hall has received 179 inquiries through the app. Of those inquiries, residents have generated 53 per cent of the complaints/concerns, while municipal staff has submitted 47 per cent of the complaints/concerns through the app.
As of Feb. 24, 634 people had downloaded the app.
“I use it. It works slick,” said Coun. Crystal Froese. “I had a response back in 24 hours.”
City administration also informed council about two other topics that have been discussed lately.
First, the public works department is still in conversation with CN Rail about construction work on the tracks that run across Main Street North. The department has heard work to fix the tracks and surrounding road could happen this summer.
Second, city hall intends to leave up decorative lights that were hung in trees on River Street West as part of the preparations for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. However, all the pots with trees that also had lights will be removed.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 9.
