With the pending development of a 96 acre parcel of land on Yorkton's west side, the City will undertake a closer look at its potential impact on both transportation and drainage.
Engineering Services is aware of the proposed development of a parcel located south of York Road and north of Smith street West, explained Gord Shaw - Director of Planning & Engineering at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
"The subject site is approximately 96 acres. The proposed development is likely to involve at least twenty acres of this site. It is also likely that more of the parcel will be developed within the next five years. Given the type of development contemplated for this parcel, as well as existing development in the area, Engineering Services believes it is prudent to engage the services of an engineering company to undertake work related to the transportation network in this area of the community as well as the drainage," expanded a report circulated to Council.
"The Director has been involved in an initiative from the Economic Development Division to interview companies to determine logistics supply chains. It has become apparent from discussions with LDC, Harvest Meats and the company interested in developing the subject property that the amount of truck traffic in this area will have repercussions on the transportation network. It is also apparent that given the size of the development area within the subject parcel that consideration must be given to preparing a drainage management study to ensure the city's drainage system is not overwhelmed."
It is extremely important that the city is proactive in dealing with the transportation network to ensure future intersection issues can be eliminated as much as possible. Given the amount of traffic projected for this area, Engineering Services wants to ensure that future traffic needs are identified well before they are needed, said Shaw.
"Engineering Services is of the opinion that this type of study should be completed in advance of any development within the subject property so that if any infrastructure improvements are required, these can be identified ahead of when development occurs. This area already experiences significant truck traffic because of the canola crushing plants and other facilities in this general area. This parcel is extremely large and will likely see development within the next year to two years. It is apparent from discussion with the company's engineering team that some building will commence on the site in 2015. Given its strategic location, once this happens, other service-oriented businesses will likely develop the remaining portion of the 96 acres," continued the circulated report.
The study, which received the unanimous support of Council, will be funded from Planning & Engineering Reserves, up to a cost of $75,000.
