Multi-family development near Montgomery Place can proceed

Last week, Montgomery Place residents scored a bit of a win when the City of Saskatoon announced that a proposed wind turbine at the nearby landfill would not go ahead as planned. This week, they weren’t so lucky as city administrators prepared a report for council that states a proposed multi-family development on land just North of 11th Street can move forward in the approval process.

The report states that existing zoning is appropriate for the proposed development which will meet the city’s long-term plans to encourage a mix of housing types in all neighbourhoods. Currently, single-family homes are the only type of housing available in the Montgomery area. Further, the report explains that the development will contribute to a “more compact and efficient urban form and make effective use of existing community infrastructure,” an important consideration given the rapid population growth that Saskatoon is experiencing.

Once the approval process has been completed, five acres of the 18-acre parcel of the land owned by North Ridge Developmentswill become home to a 192 unit apartment complex. The remaining 13 acres will likely be developed as demand dictates. The current plan calls for up to 750 housing units when complete.

The project met resistance from the area’s community associationwho feel that the development is “out of step with the character of adjacent Montgomery Place,” according to a story in the Star Phoenix. Many residents of the historic area that was developed in honour of Second World War veterans feel that the neighbourhood has been “under siege” as the area around them changes to accommodate and expanded landfill, a new bus barn and city yards site, and the extension of Circle Drive South.

In one seemingly over-the-top expression of concern, Councilor Pat Lorje, speaking about Second World War veterans, declared the move as an end to “the recognition of their sacrifice.”

I’m going to go ahead and make two bold predictions. Saskatoon will continue to honour the sacrifice of our Second World Wars veterans, and Montgomery Place will maintain its unique charm for years to come in spite of this development. It’s a beautiful area now and so it will remain.

Learn more about beautiful Montgomery Place. Read: Montgomery development can proceed; Lorje says decision ‘dishonours’ veterans. Read also: Montgomery plan approved.

I’m always happy to answer your Saskatoon real estate questions. All of my contact info is here. Please feel free to call of email me.

Norm Fisher
Royal LePage Vidorra