A new set of traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of 15th Street E. and Fourth Ave. E. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Green Lit

Council approves another set of traffic lights on 15th Street E.

Jul 30, 2020 | 5:40 PM

At a time when city council and motorists are looking to decrease the number of traffic lights in Prince Albert, another set has been approved to go up. But in this instance, it’s to aid a new development.

Developer Derryl Huyde of Prism Holdings appeared before city council on Monday to advocate for the new lights. Without them, Peavey Mart, the anchor tenant of a 11-acre development planned for the empty lot across from Dr. Javas would not move in, he explained.

“Without this anchor tenant, the rest of the project is in serious jeopardy,” Huyde told the meeting. “At a minimum it will be delayed years, if not decades.”

Huyde told council at full build-out (expected in 2026), the development would easily generate $500,000 of tax revenue for the city annually. Hundreds of residents would be employed during construction, and later at the businesses that will occupy the site, he said.

“The city needs this project,” Huyde said. “Especially at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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The $100,000 installation of the light will be covered by Prism Holdings, but city administration advised against it because the new lights would be third signalized intersection within 488 metres on 15^th Street E. City design standards specify the minimum spacing between controlled intersections should be 400 metres.

A city report indicated another set of lights at that location would “add to traffic congestion that already exists with traffic lights at fifth, sixth and seventh avenues.”

Ultimately, city council agreed to grant an exemption to the design standards, citing the positive economic impact the new development would have on the community.

“I want to see Peavey Mart move from the hill, down onto that property at three times their size,” Mayor Greg Dionne told council, adding he was certain the store would be a powerful force in attracting other tenants.

“I think it’s a statement endorsing our city that [Peavey Mart] is willing to reinvest,” he said.

Councillors also discussed the potential removal of the traffic lights at Fifth Avenue E. to conform to design standards. That topic may be revisited at a later date.

Peavey Mart is expected to open in August of 2021.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom