By Kevin Martel

Regina planning commission approves strip club application

Jan 8, 2015 | 6:00 AM

Plans for a new strip club in Regina, and the first for the city under new provincial regulations, is almost finalized.

On Wednesday, the city’s planning commission gave its approval to the proposal, which would see the adult entertainment establishment operated out of the old Whiskey Saloon and former JD’s on Park Street in the northeast.

Bryon Gottfredsen is making the application. He currently manages a hotel and strip club on the outskirts of Edmonton.

“I guess my intention is I want to run a clean atmosphere; promote a positive, safe venue within the City of Regina,” he said before the committee.

For him, he wants to see what kind of entertainment will make his potential new business the most successful. That could mean offering strip dances, which is why he needs to make this application. He insisted he’ll be looking at offering other forms of entertainment too.

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“I will be looking at seeing what’s the most viable plan. If it’s bands, well then we’ll look at bands. But if it’s dancers, well then we would be having dancers—male or female.”

City administration recommended approval, saying the building is far enough away from things like schools, playgrounds, homes and churches.

Rothwell Crescent is just blocks away from the proposed club. In many cases, residents have a clear view of the building from their backyards. 

However, many tell News Talk Radio they aren’t bothered with the application, saying they’re used to the location housing a bar or nightclub in the past and think little will change if it’s a strip club, adding it might even be quieter if there’s a reason for people to stay inside. They’ve heard noise from the establishment in the past, but nothing worth moving over.

Nearby businesses are also not overly worried because they say they’ll keep different hours. Some do have concerns with broken glass and other litter from the club, but are hesitant to come forward because they don’t want to be viewed as bad neighbours.

The proposal will now go before city council on Jan. 26, which will be the final level of approval. If it gets the green light, Gottfredsen said he hopes to have the strip club open sometime in March.

news@panow.com

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