A regular meeting of the Weyburn City Council was held on June 14, here are the major points of interest:
*Council was presented with the seventh and final concept for development of the Souris Valley grounds by Principal Engineer for Stantec Consulting Ken Linnen.
The concept was derived from several consultations with the City, health region and several other organizations with interest in the project. The plan also stems from a public consultation held in February that presented five concepts to the public and requested their input on comment cards.
Through these consultations Stantec Consulting determined that there was a strong preference for recreation/open space/park use for the property that formerly occupied the Souris Valley Hospital. The term "healthcare" was viewed as favourable by some but there was a strong sense that the new acute care hospital should not be constructed on the site but rather be located adjacent to the existing hospital where access is better.
Comments regarding possible residential uses were mixed with some suggesting that residential development in moderate quantities would be suitable while others were strongly opposed. Citizens opposing residential development outnumbered those supporting it by two to one.
The recommended concept occupies a 46-acre site, with Saskatchewan Drive as the primary access to the area, leading up to a circular area where a commemorative monument of the former hospital will be displayed.
Four large areas encompassing the monument have been listed as potential future public/institutional development, while two other areas have been cited for potential future public/institutional developments and/or residential.
Notwithstanding the lack of public support for residential uses in the area, the western portion of the site has been identified as a separate and discreet single family residential cell with access from Queen Street. Linnen noted that development of a limited residential area could potentially provide the opportunity to generate revenue to support the construction and maintenance of public facilities within the remainder of the development area.
Director of Engineering Blaine Frank said that the City will display the concept plans, including the recommended plan, at City Hall until at least the July 19 Council meeting to allow for further input from residents.
"We are going to review the plans and make a decision at a later date," said Frank. "We'll accept feedback for another month or so."
*According to the Building Department report for May, the City sold five properties during the month. So far this year there have been 38 property sales.
The City issued a total of 26 permits in May, worth $2.5 million. So far in 2010, 71 permits worth a total of $13.5 million have been issued.
*Council has decided to hold a free weekend for landfill drop-offs due to a lack of free drop-off coupons used in May. Councillor Nancy Styles, chair of the Environment Committee, said that last year over 600 of the coupons issued by the City were used while only 400 were used this year. She said that this was probably due to the rainy weather.
Free landfill drop-offs will be available for residents on June 19 and 20.
