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Estevan City Council has tabled the rezoning bylaw for a proposed multi-unit development along Wellock Road, asking for more information and greater community engagement before moving forward.
Verity Developments and Essex Developments, partners on a proposed multi-unit housing project in The Meadows subdivision. Originally the zoning application was to re-zone the 25 R1 lots on Wellock Road to R4 and plan to build 7 buildings. The buildings are 12-plexes.
After the public engagement and last council meeting feedback, developers changed the re-zoning to only re-zone 7 lots to R4 instead of all 25 lots.
The 7 lots would allow developers to build 2 buildings (12-plexes). 2 buildings would consist of 24 smaller dwellings.
While the developer did host an open house earlier this summer, Veroba says residents still want clearer communication and direct answers from the developer.
“We need to know what the community wants. We need to know why they feel that way,” she said. “They’re concerned about the fact that a daycare is just about to be opened here in the next six to eight months, and when that is opened, how much traffic will now come about that. They’re asking for engagement from the developer.”
Veroba emphasized that the council’s decision to table the bylaw is not about stopping the project but ensuring that residents’ voices are included.
“It was not saying that we’re against the project in any shape or form at this time,” she explained. “We’re just asking for more information. We’re asking for that information to be shared with the public, engage the public, and actually listen to their concerns and then give them some feedback.”
City staff noted that higher-density housing is typically located along arterial roads like Wellock, and the new design reflects evolving market demand since the area was first planned 15 years ago. Still, they acknowledged the importance of ensuring compatibility with the neighbourhood.
Council will revisit the rezoning bylaw at its next meeting on September 22 at 6:00 pm, which will include another public hearing.
More updates from Monday, September 8th's City Council to follow on Discover Estevan.