Weyburn city council feels the city does not need another park, and is supportive of a proposed townhouse development, as they commented on a rezoning bylaw for the area just north of Elgin Street on Monday night.

The bylaw has had two readings, passed by a 5-1 vote, and will be finally passed at its next council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The bylaw seeks to rezone the area from R-1 residential to R-2A residential, which will allow for the building of semi-detached townhouses on the property, if the developers decide to go ahead.

The proposal has been disputed by the residents of the northwest area, particularly on Elgin Street and Third Avenue North, who have requested that the city designate the area as a natural park. The property borders on the Souris Valley grounds, and has been owned by the city for many years.

The residents have formally offered to pay the city $12,000 for the land to keep it undeveloped and for the land to be designated officially as a natural park. Resident Darlene Nimegeers spoke to council prior to the vote on rezoning on behalf of the northwest-area residents.

Council also approved tenders for putting services in to the undeveloped area, with the condition that the land in question is purchased by the developers and that the rezoning is approved.

Many of the councillors agreed with Coun. Gary Frederickson, who said he doesn't feel there is a need for another park and development on this land would be a benefit to the city.

He decried how the discussions on the issue involved personalities instead of focussing on the facts of the proposed development.

"Whatever decision ultimately is made has got nothing to do with personalities, but will be made in the best interests of the citizens of Weyburn," said Frederickson, adding that council is, in his view, transparent and open. To demonstrate that openness, he supported putting over the third and final reading on the rezoning bylaw to Oct. 11 to give people the opportunity to provide further feedback to council on the issue.

Coun. Dick Michel said he's checked with administration and determined that the residents of the northwest area of the city were never promised a park there.

In their presentations to council, the committee of northwest residents have never claimed that the city promised this, but have pointed out the use of the area as a park is by tradition over the last 50 years, as children and families living in the area have used it recreationally and for walking and hiking.

Michel said some concerns will need to be addressed by the developers, including the lack of water pressure.

The lone councillor to speak against the proposal was Coun. Bill McKenzie, who noted he is not opposed to development in the city.

To be fair to the residents who already live there and bought properties when it was zoned as R-1, McKenzie said there should be a for sale sign put on this property under its current zoning, noting it had not been up for sale since about 10 years ago.

He also spoke of the natural beauty of the area, and asked, "Why would we want to destroy it?"

A letter was read from Coun. Bill Rudachyk, the only councillor not present for the discussion, in which he supported the rezoning, as Weyburn needs to develop its "gray industry", namely catering to those who are retiring or are about to retire.

"I would also encourage the residents of the area to endorse the project," he added, noting he and his family lived in that area for 33 years before they moved.

Coun. Ray Hamm said he also supported rezoning the land, and noted while many statements have been made out of strong feelings on this issue, he could only consider the facts of this proposal.

"I have to consider what's in the best interests of the larger community, which is to provide the kinds of opportunities that is of great benefit to all. This kind of development is needed. We do have an opportunity with the 'gray industry' and this is an area where we can help," said Hamm.

Coun. Rob Stephanson noted councils have been looking to develop this land for years, and from all the discussions, "I haven't seen any valid reason not to proceed with this proposal."

Rather than destroying park area, Stephanson noted the extensive trails for the Tatagwa Parkway exist in this area and connect up to the parks throughout the city, and added everything in relation to this proposal has been above-board.

"I'm here to say this proposal has been handled in the same manner as any other project. Any conjectures that it's been handled differently must be seen as that," said Stephanson.

For Mayor Don Schlosser, the main issue was whether this area should be designated as a natural park as requested by the area residents.

"I see this area is already abundant with park area, so to take two acres of what is essentially hay land does not seem unrealistic. If these were the last two acres available in the northwest, my decision might be different," said the mayor, adding he would support the rezoning in the best interests of all the city's residents.

Weyburn placed well in the national judging for Communities in Bloom, but the city did not win its category, said Coun. Stephanson.

The results of the national judging were announced over the weekend, although no one from Weyburn was able to be present at the awards ceremony in Saskatoon.

Weyburn finished with four blooms out of five, while the overall winner was Olds, Alta., which earned five blooms, said Stephanson.

He noted Weyburn was given honourable mention for their Tatagwa Parkway path system. The city's committee will look at the assessment of the judges, and will work on the areas that could be stronger. They will also consider, based on the final report, whether to continue with the competition or not.

Construction on the city's boardwalk Centennial project is nearly complete, council was told, and as it is still under budget will allow for some additional features for the area.

Coun. Hamm said the leftover funds will allow for the purchase and installation of five benches, three of them to go on the boardwalk and two for the alcove area nearby, and the remaining funds will be used in River Park, such as to put pea gravel in for the new playground there.

All the paving has been done for the paths, the light poles are installed and are working, and hand-rails were installed on Friday along the length of the boardwalk, located next to the Souris River going east from Government Road.

In other council business:

· The city's interim paper and cardboard recycling program has continued to do well, and pickups to empty the bins have had to be doubled due to the volume of material, said Coun. Stephanson; the new long-range plans for a city recycling program are due to be discussed soon by the Environmental Resources committee.

· Council turned down a request from city resident Darren Schmidt for a home-based business at his King Street home. Two objections by neighbours were received, and many councillors felt the type of business, to spray on truck box liners using a Vortex spray, was not suitable for a residential area.