ESTEVAN — Estevan city council has approved first reading for a bylaw that would allow for multi-family residential units to be constructed on the west end of Wellock Road.
The development was discussed during a special city council meeting July 18. If it's given final approval, 25 single-family residential parcels, fronting the north side of Wellock Road from Sister Roddy Road to Irvine Crescent/Devine Road, would be consolidated into larger parcels to accommodate the construction of six or seven 12-plexes.
"Wellock Road is classified as a collector road, which will allow for consideration of apartment dwellings on the property, and it should be noted that lanes will be required to address traffic issues and neighbourhood esthetics," land development services manager Richard Neufeld wrote in his report to council.
Mayor Tony Sernick said Essex is ready to proceed with the development because of last year's announcement that the province's first small modular nuclear reactor would be located in the Estevan area, if it proceeds; and the province's decision earlier this year that the government would extend the lives of its coal-fired power generating units, including four in the Estevan area.
"In 2020, we were going to be a ghost town, and 2025, we're going to be a boom town," Sernick said.
Coun. Shelly Veroba voted against first reading. She said she had a few days to think after the proposal came to council, and she talked to a few people. Veroba believes this is not the appropriate location for high-density housing.
"Maybe further into the development or maybe a different location, but not in the front of Wellock Road," said Veroba.
She is glad to know an open house will happen on the project. She said council and the City of Estevan have been very transparent, and she will stand by council's final decision. Veroba encouraged people to give input on the project.
The proposed development is on land that has been owned by Essex Developments for more than a decade, in a subdivision that was to be known as the Meadows. A previous subdivision plan called for a mixture of single-family and multi-family dwellings, as well as modular homes.
If the proposed 12-plexes proceeds, Sernick said SRI homes would provide the units. He expects they would be "higher end", pre-fabricated homes.
"We know the area is a new, up-and-coming area, and the esthetics of the buildings, they're totally focused on that. They want to make them look as nice as possible."
Sernick noted Essex has been sitting on the property for many years, waiting for the opportunity to develop it. A decision hasn't been made on what would happen to the land behind the proposed development.
A special meeting was needed due to timing so they could get first approval for the bylaw before council's next meeting in mid-August.
"We wanted to get the project going, the developer wants to get going, after approval, in the fall time," said Sernick.
The contractor is scheduled to host an open house at a later date. A public hearing is slated to occur at the Aug. 11 city council meeting. Second and, if applicable, third readings are scheduled to happen at that time.
If it's approved, Sernick said construction could start in the fall.
