Civic Square rezoning bylaws passed

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

Lands relating to the Civic Square project in Coaldale have been rezoned to Direct Control.
During the regular March 27 Coaldale town council meeting, two public hearings pertaining to Civic Square rezoning bylaws took place.
The bylaws – Bylaw 863-P-02-23 and Bylaw 864-P-02-23 – aim to rezone two parcels of town-owned land located south of the existing Civic Square building from Residential (R-1A) to Direct Control (DC), to allow for the development of the Civic Square Outdoor Space.
Speaking on the first bylaw, town senior planner Hailey Winder said that rezoning land to direct control would allow council to “regulate and manage” the type of development of those parcels.
“Due to the comprehensive nature of this proposed Civic Square Outdoor Space, it allows council to provide those means of regulation and control, in terms of that development,” said Winder.
No one spoke for or against the bylaws during the public hearings.
Following the public hearing, Cam Mills, director of growth and investment for the town, noted that he believed Direct Control was the “best zoning” in order to accomplish the outdoor phase of the Civic Square project.
Phase 1 of the Civic Square project was completed earlier this year, with Coaldale’s town office moving into the building. Phases 2 and 3 of the project will see the development of up to 10,000 square feet of additional commercial space along Coaldale’s Main Street, and the creation of an outdoor space, which will serve as a hub for festivals, outdoor gatherings, markets and community events, along with additional parking for Coaldale’s downtown.
Council unanimously performed second, third and final readings for Bylaw 863-P-02-23 and Bylaw 864-P-02-23.