MOOSE JAW — A developer who wants to construct more housing units and a grocery/convenience store near Saskatchewan Polytechnic has officially received the green light to proceed with his project.
During its June 10 regular meeting, city council gave three unanimous readings to a zoning bylaw amendment that will allow JC Chhokar to construct a 24-unit apartment complex at 1345 Algoma Avenue.
The property consists of five lots comprising roughly 1,391.50 square metres (14,978 square feet) and is a corner site at the intersection of Algoma Avenue and Laurier Street West.
The lots were classified as R3 high-density residential district, R3f1 high-density residential district and f1 flood fringe overlay, but council rezoned them to R4 core mixed residential district, R4f1 core mixed residential district and f1 flood fringe overlay district.
Besides these 24 units, Chhokar’s company is considering building 80 more units in the future, while its goal is to develop more than 150 multi-unit housing suites — based on need, demand and bylaws — during the next three years.
The new building will have a grocery/convenience store on the bottom floor and apartments above.
“There is a pressing need for a convenience store in the surrounding area (of) Saskatchewan Polytechnic … as there is a lack of essential commercial facilities within walking distance,” Chhokar told council during a previous presentation.
Furthermore, the student population is growing, new international youths lack transportation, and many have little money, he continued. The proposed convenience store will benefit students, especially since it will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 24.
