The Rural Municipality of Weyburn is changing its requirements for acreage sizes, to accommodate the large number of requests for subdivisions by rural land-owners in recent months.

The growth of both commercial and residential development mirrors what has been taking place in the City of Weyburn, and led the RM council to consider reducing the minimum size for acreages from 7.5 acres down to five acres.

A recent public meeting was held by the RM about the change, and no opposition was raised about it. Council approved it at their Aug. 15 council meeting, and the bylaw change has now been sent to the provincial government for their stamp of approval, said Reeve Carmen Sterling.

"The RM is experiencing a definite increase in subdivision requests. If someone has a proposal for development in a particular zone, they can request us to rezone it. Right now, in an agricultural zone, they're allowed two subdivisions with a house on the remaining quarter," said Reeve Sterling.

She added the RM isn't sure how successful all the new subdivisions are in being sold, as after a subdivision is approved, the municipality isn't involved until there is actual development to take place; in that case, the builder will need a development permit and/or a building permit, and any requisite approvals will need to be sought, so the RM office needs to be contacted to ensure all requirements are met.

"Development has been up all around, with some additional interest in our commercial lots along the landfill road. Overall, we're seeing an increase in all sorts of development," said Reeve Sterling.

She also noted the RM is still offering its incentive for new commercial development, which means no taxes are paid in the year of construction, and 50 per cent is off in the first year of operation.

In other RM business, the municipality reviewed the recap pavement added to the golf course road, and remind area motorists of the weight restriction of a maximum of 16 tonnes to prevent damages to the new pavement.

In addition, construction has begun on the six-mile project on the Wheat Centre road, which provides access to the Pool and Pioneer terminals.

"The weather may play a factor, but we hope it's done as soon as possible, as it is a busier time of the year with harvest underway," said the reeve.

The next meeting for the RM will be on Wednesday, Sept. 12, depending partially on harvest progress and the weather.