It's a topic that's been surrounded by plenty of controversy but Yorkton City council members have made a decision in spite of some opposition.
On Monday council voted in favor of closing a portion of Seventh Avenue North to allow for the expansion of Home Hardware.
While the decision does not entirely seal the fate of the street, it does open the door for continued discussion with Home Hardware to see what arrangement will work best for both the business and the city.
"In consideration of opposed respondents and the council's questions at the December 3 meeting, Planning and Engineering has further reviewed the traffic impact of the proposed closure and also sought alternatives or additional improvements that could be made to the mutual benefit of the affected parties," said Michael Eager, Director of Planning and Engineering to council.
A number of discussions will ensue between administration and store owners over the coming weeks, including the option of selling of a portion of the street to Home Hardware while maintaining easement rights.
The lone councillor opposed to the closure plan, Chris Wyatt, questions why the street can't remain open, allowing the use of a fork lift to travel between Royal Ford and Home Hardware to accommodate business needs. Similar practices are done elsewhere in the city he says, and work well.
In the end, council opted to approve the closure so further decisions can be reached.
"We can't hinder development. Progress is taking place in our city... That doesn't take place unless people are interested in investing. If Home Hardware is willing to invest... that provides people with jobs," says councillor James Wilson. "I'm quite in favor that we address this... let's move this to the next stage..."
