Yorkton Council began the process at its regular meeting Monday to help facilitate possible development of a new seniors housing facility in the city.
Planning Services has received a Development Permit application for a two-storey, 80 unit Seniors Assisted Living Facility at 348 Morrison Drive. The application follows a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to establish R-4 High Density Residential zoning across the entire parcel, explained City Planner Michael Eger.
The application came from Brightwater Senior Living, a senior housing developer who specializes in providing personal care to seniors in Canada and the United States.
"The development would consist of 80 units together with a library, chapel and shared dining and recreation areas. The Facility would also provide laundry, housekeeping and personal care services for each resident, with 24 hour staffing, including licensed nurses," he said.
The proposed development is considered a Discretionary Use in the R-4 zone because it combines accessory Personal Services and Health Services uses with the residential use, which was one of the motions before Council Monday. The applicant has provided a preliminary site plan and building renderings.
"These drawings illustrate a desirable and attractive development. The two-storey design creates an appropriate transition from existing four-storey apartment condominiums on Morrison Drive, to one-storey semi-detached dwellings on Good Spirit Crescent," said Egers.
Egers said the project is a timely one for the city.
"Given the community need for this type of housing and the appealing design, Planning Services is in favour of the application. Additional details will be addressed by the Developer, should Council grant approval of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Discretionary Use applications. Planning Services will work with the Developer to ensure that all City Bylaws are met prior to issuance of the Development Permit," he said.
As a result, "Administration would like to initiate the public notice process, including advertisement in the local newspaper, at City Hall and on the City website, and circulation to property owners within 75 m of the subject property. A recommendation will be sought from the Planning and Infrastructure Commission before the application is brought back to Council for their review and decision, in conjunction with the Public Hearing," he added.
In addition, Council gave unanimous first reading to a Zoning Bylaw amendment required for the development.
