Public concerns expressed as Melfort’s Economic Development Action Plan approved

One of the public comments expressed concern about the need for increased access to residential land and the lack of housing in Melfort. The city’s action plan explained that they will audit residential land availability and readiness for diverse housing, and to review policies and incentives to attract new development or investors.

A resident outlined the need for another hotel, saying that it would help encourage more sports tournaments and tourism. The StoneGate Shopping Centre has been advertising for years that they have space available for potential hotel development, but nothing has materialized since the construction of the Canalta Hotel. The city vowed to further explore how they can support attracting a new hotel development.

The next comment touched on commercial property availability and that the city should look at reducing commercial property prices and taxes. The action item from the city indicated that they could audit commercial and industrial land availability and readiness, while helping to revitalize privately-owned under-utilized buildings or empty lots with new business.

The city also expressed a desire to clean-up and grow the business directory on the website and strengthen their relationship with the Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce, after comments that the city should partner with, and showcase, local business.

Public feedback also touched on the promotion and advertisement of community events on the city’s end. They promised to explore how Melfort can support and encourage new events coming to town, and to enhance relationships with surrounding communities.

After a comment showing interest in seeing more commercial development in the Melfort Mall, the city said in the document they would conduct a needs and assessment survey, reactivate the Community Development Advisory Committee, and help revitalize privately-owned and under-utilized lots.

Another person expressed concern that the StoneGate property hasn’t secured more commercial tenants. The action plan for that query was to review policies and incentives to ensure developers and investors are interested. The city also vowed to create a list of business opportunities or gaps to help attract new businesses, and to explore how the city can specifically attract a new hotel, as referenced earlier.

The city’s website was a concern for one resident, who wanted room for real estate properties and stats on community growth and development. A development of “Why Melfort” messaging was in the action plan from the city, along with building the image library and the building and development page on the website.

An age-old question since the demolition of the Main Arena was also brought up by a member of the public, inquiring about a second ice surface in Melfort. The city said they would conduct a community needs assessment and survey, and as referenced earlier re-activate the Community Development Advisory Committee.

Concern was also expressed about the tree canopy in light of the recent loss of trees due to Dutch Elm Disease, and the city will receive a report from Community Services about urban tree canopy renewal options later this month.

Lok’s report closed by saying that implementing the majority of the plan’s action items would not cost money, instead requiring administrative work to complete. Councillor Trent Mitchell asked at Monday’s council meeting whether the feedback from the community would be incorporated, and City Manager Adam Homes said the input lines up with their action items.

–

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Public concerns expressed as Melfort’s Economic Development Action Plan approved

What's Trending