Agriculture company Viterra Inc. has purchased nearly 90 acres of land for over $255,000 from the City of Moose Jaw as part of future expansions and upgrades to its grain elevator.
During a recent executive committee meeting, city council authorized a direct sale with the business for roughly 35.56 hectares (88.92 acres) for $2,876.86 per acre — or $255,810.39 in total before GST — for land near the company’s venue on 2575 Britannia Road.
A legal survey will determine the exact amount of land changing hands, as long as: the property is free and clear of all encumbrances, Viterra covers any costs — added to the purchase price — that the city incurs for issues such as legal surveys, subdivision costs or transfer registrations, and the company covers any costs for remedial work related to environmental site assessments.
Furthermore, council agreed to authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the option to purchase agreement between the municipality and company.
Council also authorized city administration to proceed with a street and lane closure bylaw for several parcels of land. Once the bylaw is completed, administration will proceed with the subdivision and consolidation of the adjacent properties.
Viterra can proceed with its expansion upgrades once the street and lane closures occur to some “very minor, undeveloped roadways,” city hall said in an email. This process can typically take a few months, and once it happens, the city would turn over title to the company.
During a follow-up council meeting, council approved the minutes from this executive committee gathering, which means the motion is now in effect and the process for the street and lane closure bylaw can proceed.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Feb. 13.
