Councillor Robinson Said Vote Changed After Closer Look At Issue

The big question that could be asked about Monday afternoons regular council meeting was why did Councillor Kim Robinson seemingly flip-flop his support from a proposed five-plex development to support 400 block Stadacona Street East residents who oppose it?

To find out MJ Independent simply asked Councillor Robinson the reasons why his seemingly change of heart in what looked like a done re-development deal.

“I think I just had a little bit more time to review the information and had the chance to drive by and I just felt a lot wasn’t suitable for the development of that size,” Councillor Robinson said in answer to MJ Independent questions.

The Councillor said initially he felt compelled to support the bylaw as well as the policy but changed his mind in the interim.

Evco Developments had proposed to redevelop 476 Stadacona Street East into a five-plex but required an amendment to the zoning bylaw to change the presently vacant lot for R1 single family dwelling to R2 multi-family dwelling.

It was a move fought by residents on the 400 block of Caribou Street East.

“Initially I felt of the changes were within our bylaw then we had to support it. But from what I understand the development was hinged on this and I just don’t think it’s a good spot,” he said.

Councillor Kim Robinson explained his change of heart was taking a better look at the proposed development - MJ Independent photo

“I was concerned about the safety and the dart out (into traffic) factor. I thought Mr Jamie Wallace did a good job of presenting his case.”

Mayor Clive Tolley opposed the proposed development after going out to the neighbourhood and speaking personally with and viewing residents’ concerns up close.

Councillor Robinson’s taking a look at the issue was something Wallace lauded in his post Council interview with MJ Independent.

“And Councillor (Kim) Robinson kept his mind open and I think made the right decision there,” he said.

Asked what he thought about Wallace’s accolades for keeping an open mind Councillor Robinson said it was part of the job.

“I think that is part of our duty here. It’s to have an open mind and be able to change our minds for the better(ment) of Moose Jaw.”

Playing Devil’s Advocate we asked if he worried the move not to support the proposed development would scare away developers Councillor Robinson said it was possible.

“I guess there is always that possibility but I believe we have to define our development rules and then go within those,” he said.

THE VACANT PROPERTY AT 476 STADACONA STREET EAST WHERE EVCO DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSEd TO BUILD A FIVE-PLEX HOUSING UNIT IF THEY had received THE NECESSARY ZONING changes - MJ INDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

During Monday afternoon’s regular Council meeting setting development policies more conducive to neighbourhoods they were proposed in was mentioned by Councillor Crystal Froese.

“That’s something I wouldn’t support a five-plex on a lot of that size in the future,” Councillor Robinson said.

“Certainly there is a concern we chase some developers away but I don’t think this is the right spot for it. And ask Mr (Jamie) Wallace alluded to the developer could’ve maybe size down and still had a very nice development there.”

In their previous presentation to Council the developer, Evco Developments, said without the approval to amend the zoning bylaw and construct a proposed five-plex basically made the project untenable.

Asked about resident’s concerns that allowing changes to zoning to R2 multi-dwelling basically allowed developers to build whatever they wanted long as it fit criteria Councillor Robinson said it was “what he was getting at.”

“I think the rules have to be to find at what we want to see in our developments. And then.we stick to that. If somebody comes and they fall within the rules by all means.”

Despite the proposed development of the property, now likely put off Councillor Robinson said the message was still out there that “Moose Jaw is still a great place for any developer.”

“That particular thing didn’t fit into that area for me but obviously I would support something a little smaller in there.”

Councillor Robinson said he would like to see the east side of Moose Jaw get spruced up a bit “with a development that would help increase property value. I’m all for it.”

Asked if that included spending City money into an area where many people complain not much is spent there Councillor Robinson it’s possible.

“It’s something we have to look at as an entire Coincil.”