By Greg Nikkel
The developers of The Creeks subdivision on the eastern end of First Avenue North, Terra Developments, asked Weyburn council to reconsider a decision made by the previous council, and was granted its request in order to proceed with the development of one of its parcels near the new 7-Eleven store.
Doug Rogers of Terra Developments was on hand to make the request for a storm water management plan drawn up by Stantec Consulting, and a request for a deferral for the payment of the development levy on Parcel C so that construction of streets and sidewalks could proceed where a strip mall will be built this spring.
The design for the storm water management plan was allowed to proceed as it was done according to the City of Regina’s Development Standards Manual, to mitigate the possible flooding effects of the Tatagwa Creek which flows through the development area.
The previous council had asked the development company to do a design of the entire area, even though they had no idea what future developments might take place on the property.
The previous council had asked for this before the developers could proceed to complete the strip mall on Parcel C.
So far, only the foundation was built for it, and the company ceased construction. Council rejected the offer of the developers to post a $500,000 Letter of Credit for performance to have the detail design completed.
Now the storm water management plan can be done by Stantec, and for the strip mall development, the company has agreed to pay the development levy of $178,289 by Aug. 31.
“We’ve been here before, and I want to say we want to continue working with you,” said Coun. Winston Bailey, adding he hopes to see development take place on this parcel of land “sooner than later”.
City manager Bob Smith explained to council that the city entered a development agreement in August of 2015, at which time the city was to receive payment of this development levy to allow the construction of the strip mall to proceed. When the city contacted Terra Developments more recently about this outstanding levy, the city was asked if the company could defer payment of the levy until the end of August.
In his letter, Rogers explained that construction of the strip mall was halted because it became apparent that they would have a completed building without any water, sewer or roadways built, making the building unable to be occupied by any businesses.
Coun. Bailey asked Rogers if they would be agreeable to pay the levy by the end of August, to allow the development of the strip mall to proceed this spring.
Smith noted that since the conditions of the development permit were not adhered to, the permit is void, but is now back in place with the permission given by council to defer payment of the levy.
Rogers agreed the levy will be paid regardless by Aug. 31.
“I want to see this proceed and not be buried in technical details. Let’s get it done,” said Coun. Bailey.
