Yorkton Council began the procedural process to allow for a new social housing complex to move forward in the city.
"Planning Services has received drawings proposing a 12-unit, social housing complex at the southwest corner of Tupper Avenue and South Front Street," explained City Planner Michael Eger, adding the facility is being referred to as Fromm Manor.
"The project is initiated by the Yorkton Housing Corporation," he said, with partial funding from Sask. Housing.
The housing is intended for individuals who are on Social Assistance or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, and meet two of a number of specific conditions.
"The property is currently vacant, and was historically the site of a skating rink. Neighbouring land uses include single-unit dwellings, City of Yorkton Parks Division storage yard, CP rail line and light industrial uses," said Eger.
As is typical for lands near the City's rail lines, this area marks a transition between older commercial and light industrial, to residential land use.
"Even though the City's current plans prescribe commercial land use, residential use would be an acceptable alternative," said Eger.
Eger said the parcel presents an opportunity to develop needed housing.
"Organizations such as Yorkton Housing Corporation have a very difficult task in attaining affordable land and, in turn, providing affordable housing. These lands, which would be less desirable for single-unit dwellings, present a good opportunity to offset the shortage of affordable housing within Yorkton," he explained.
In order to move forward the City's Municipal Development Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and the new Official Community Plan all require amendments. The three amendments all received unanimous first reading Monday.
Administration will carry out public notice as required under the Planning and Development Act.
Notice will include advertisement in the local paper, at City Hall and on the City website, and a direct mail out to property owners within 75m (250 ft.) of the proposed development.
