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The Weyburn District Regional Planning Commission reached the end of its first year of operation with their meeting on Dec. 3, and reports that they are achieving their goals so far.

The Planning Commission was founded in early 2010 by the City and RM of Weyburn, as a body that could aide in the planning for development and growth that the area is experiencing.

"This is a big process, but we've come a long way already. Having the two municipalities at the same table every month to talk about land planning and growth will be instrumental in ensuring that growth happens in an organized and responsible manner," said commission chair Jerry Jordens, adding that having a planning commission in place "will also ensure that developers have a clear understanding of what is required of them, and should create an environment that is very welcoming to development by simplifying and accelerating responses."

"We are sitting at a point in time where Weyburn and the surrounding area will be defined for years by the opportunities on our doorsteps today, and we want to ensure that we aren't just reacting to today but planning for tomorrow," he added.

Reeve Carmen Sterling of the RM of Weyburn said she is very pleased with the progress in the first year of the commission.

"We've seen major gains already, and the RM and City are working closely on positive projects, such as the PTI work camp at the intersections of Highways 13 and 39. This project will add capacity to our community to allow for continued growth. The partnership at the commission has allowed this project to proceed with all necessary regulations covered quickly, while allowing businesses to react to market demands," said Reeve Sterling.

The commission still needs to establish more frameworks to ensure continuity and standards, and the work is proceeding well.

"We're not just talking about providing water to businesses in Evanston Park, although we've already done that; we also need to address plans from police and fire protection all the way to waste water disposal. We want to be at the leading edge of environmental standards, have our systems in place, and for our plans to be simple so that we invite investment and residents into our region without unnecessary barriers," said Mayor Debra Button.

The District Planning Commission is funded with grants from the federal and provincial governments, with representatives from the RM and City of Weyburn, Weyburn Utility Board, the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and the public. The commission has also hired a professional planner to aid in the process.s