A developer’s decision to not proceed with his proposed residential project in Wakamow Valley is a great victory for Moose Javians, the creator of an online petition says.
“I feel it is a great accomplishment for the community, not only for South Hill residents and those directly affected but for the people of Moose Jaw as a whole,” said Caron Berg.
Berg, who started the Facebook group Leave Our Valley Alone, was amazed at how quickly the group grew; by Oct. 23, it had 1,260 active members. She was also amazed to have so many residents rally together, so for this initiative. Her goal is to keep the group active and amend its name at some point.
The online petition received 2,885 signatures, while 26 people signed a petition at the Wakamow Valley Authority office. South Hill resident Jan Radwanski also acquired 125 signatures from property owners within a 250-metre radius of the proposed development.
In a news release issued Oct. 22, The City of Moose Jaw announced that developer Charles Vanden Broek had withdrawn his application to have the Official Community Plan (OCP) amended so he could build River Pointe Park subdivision. Amending the OCP would have allowed Vanden Broek to construct 100 units of mixed residential housing on 10 acres in a flood plain.
When Berg found out that the developer had withdrawn his application, she cried tears of joy.
“To have started a group because I wanted to be a voice, to end up having a quick victory was beyond what I had imagined,” she said, noting she is not too concerned that another developer might push a similar project in the future.
“I see this as a victory … . I believe in living in the moment and enjoying the valley and the fact that currently, no development will occur,” Berg continued. “You cannot live in fear of the future, as it does nothing but freeze you. Should this arise later, we already have the foundation of a strong group to stand up and voice our concerns once again.”
Berg added that she was grateful that Vanden Broek had graciously withdrawn his application.
