YORKTON — Yorkton council is looking to amend the city’s Zoning Bylaw to include night clubs as a defined land use category with special use provisions.
The suggested amendment came from a recommendation from city administration by Carleen Koroluk – Planner with the city at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
The Planning Department has recently received inquiries relating to suitable locations for a night club use within the city, said Koroluk.
“Entertainment/Drinking Establishments are listed as permitted uses in all commercial zoning districts. However, night clubs are typically associated with loud music and late-night hours, which may negatively affect neighbouring properties, especially in areas where buildings share close proximity or common walls. In consideration of this, and in light of a recent decision to deny an incompatible discretionary use in the C-1 City Centre Commercial zoning district, specifically relating to concerns over noise, Administration feels that it is prudent to review regulations for night clubs,” she explained.
“. . . Due to the inherent nature of Night Clubs, Bylaw No. 20/2025 proposes to remove them from the land use Entertainment/Drinking Establishments and create a separate category.”
In addition the bylaw proposes to assign Special Use Provisions for Night Clubs to address and mitigate several area of potential concern.
For example, night clubs locations will be strategically considered in locations that preserve the character of existing adjacent businesses, the zoning district as a whole and residential uses if applicable.
It was also recognized development of a night club could boost local economic activities through job creation, enhanced tourism and entertainment appeal as well as the potential to increase revenue for surrounding businesses like food vendors and retailers, said Koroluk.
“These noted considerations ensure that the integration of Night Clubs supports the Official Community Plan and its strategic planning objectives by effectively managing potential impacts through careful regulatory and operational plans,” she said.
The bylaw was given unanimous first reading Monday and now goes to a public hearing will be set for the July 14, 2025 Council Meeting allowing sufficient time for public notification, after which Council may proceed with second and third reading if desired.
