As concerned citizens of Moose Jaw, we would like to express our displeasure with the proposed subdivision development of the valley properties. We base our opinions on the following observations:
- It is a known flood zone:
In the past, a previous heavy winter snowfall and a rapid melt, the flood waters reached further than the High Street. As a result, the City of Moose Jaw has paid to have houses removed from this area, and passed by-laws to restrict the residential development of the valley. What has changed these thoughts?
- It is already a valley:
Why bring in tons of fill to bring the properties to higher than flood level, only to have streets, sidewalks and concrete pads buckle and shift? Anyone driving on the streets of Moose Jaw knows the truth of how unstable even a small amount of fill can be. Bringing in that amount of fill will definitely alter the topography and destroy the natural beauty of the area that all peoples have been enjoying for centuries.
Properties on Skipton Road and Grandview are slumping as well as 9th Ave South towards 15 Wing. These are perfect examples of the power of water working on the banks of the same valley that you are wanting to develop.
- Wildlife in Moose Jaw:
Recently, one cougar caused quite an uproar in town; deer have always made many South Hill lawns home; bridges are being used as trails leading to easy human food sources for racoons, coyotes, and skunks; now you want to construct an entire residential subdivision in an area that has a naturally high concentration of animals. Where else are the animals supposed to go?
- New developments:
How much population growth can you project for Moose Jaw? Westheath is already in the planning stages, with fewer problems than are involved in the valley; why create an additional subdivision with new added infrastructure and access roads, filtration systems, sewer and water lines. Iron Bridge now wants changes to something that was pre-existing before its development; are you going to change the flow the river to fix the problems that will arise in the valley?
Overextension has happened once before to Moose Jaw, and this city’s record of uncollected taxes, long term developer tax breaks and property development failures are not helping our feelings of dissatisfaction and fears for the future of Moose Jaw. We do not want any part of the valley developed for the profit of a few at the expense of Mother Nature.
Respectfully,
Wm. J. Morrell
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
