Developer Withdraws OCP Amendment Request

Craig Hemingway All News, Home Page News, Press Releases

October 22, 2020

MOOSE JAW – The City of Moose Jaw has been notified by the developer that they have withdrawn their request to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP) in order to facilitate a housing development in privately-held land along 7th Avenue SW in the Moose Jaw River Valley.

In May of 2019 the developers were given advice that a number of reports and studies  would be required so that the City could complete a comprehensive review of the proposed development, in addition to consulting with the Wakamow Valley Authority (WVA). The Concept Plan and proposal was forwarded to WVA in March, 2020 for their consideration, and they provided valuable feedback at that time.

The process was delayed until September while the developer completed a report critical to the presentation to City Council, that also required approval by the Province.  The matter was brought before City Council and the public on September 21, with the remainder of the reports expected to be available by October 19, 2020.  When it was confirmed that the remaining reports would not be available at that time, the public consultation period was extended.

“The City encourages private development,” said Jim Puffalt, City Manager. “We  provide advice and direction to developers on what is required to make an Official Community Plan amendment request so that it can be brought forward to Council and the public for consultation.”

“Public consultation is integral and is enshrined in provincial law and City Bylaws,” Puffalt continued. “Official Community Plan amendments can not occur without it. We thank Moose Javians for providing their thoughtful initial feedback on this proposed development, and we thank the River Pointe Park team for expressing interest in Moose Jaw and fulfilling all obligations required by our administrative process and Bylaws.“