Redevelopment bylaw for Civic Square

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

A public hearing for a redevelopment bylaw for downtown Coaldale will take place later this month.

During their regular Sept. 11 meeting, Coaldale town council discussed a redevelopment bylaw for Civic Square.

Bylaw 878-P-09-23 – or the Civic Square Area Redevelopment Plan bylaw – would act as a guide for the Town to use as it

redevelops the Civic Square area. The area in question is located south of 20 Avenue, between 18 and 19 Streets.

“Specifically, this ARP will focus on the lands containing the Civic Square Building, town-owned lands to the immediate south of this building, and a small number of lots to the immediate west of the Civic Square building,” said Hailey Winder, senior planner for the Town.

According to a memo from administration to council, Coaldale has experienced significant economic growth and revitalization in the downtown area over the last five years, and the Civic Square ARP will provide a framework for the preservation or improvement of land and buildings; the rehabilitation, removal, construction or placement of buildings; and for establishing, improving or relocation of roads, public utilities or other services in a specific area of Civic Square.

Winder said that the objectives of the ARP are to encourage the appropriate integration of retail, commercial and dining establishments; improve vibrancy, economic vitality and livability in the area; find opportunities for redevelopment of vacant or underutilized parcels; encourage the sustainable development of the downtown community; and build a strong sense of place that contributes to a positive community identity.

Winder cautioned that the ARP draft is yet to be formatted, and minor textual amendment will be included in the document prior to the public hearing, which is expected to take place during council’s Sept. 25 meeting.

Council passed first reading of the Civic Square ARP Bylaw 878-P-09-23, and directed administration to schedule the Public Hearing date for September 25, 2023.