(File photo/City of Prince Albert)

By Teena Monteleone

Crescent Acres Neighbourhood Plan

Residents in Crescent Acres prefer large residential lots to multi-unit developments

Aug 27, 2021 | 5:30 AM

A survey presented to the public on the future development of the Crescent Acres neighbourhood gave a clear indication of what residents would like to see.

Among the future wants were more large residential lots, an area set aside for commercial mixed-use, a large, naturalized park space and fenced off-leash dog park.

The results were presented as part of the updated Crescent Acres Neighbourhood Plan (CANP). The original plan dates back to 2013 and wasn’t formally endorsed by council. Director of Planning and Development Services for the city, Craig Guidinger said they wanted to ensure it was aligned with all current municipal legislation, regulations and standards before it was considered by council for approval.

“The lions share of this document is engineering so it can’t be changed,” he said. “Pipes will go where they go and transportation and road network will go which makes most sense but when it comes to land use that is one area we can adjust and change and be flexible on as we move forward.”

As part of public consultation, the city created a five-question online survey to present two land use concept plans. The initial plan was primarily for large residential lots. The additional plan included the opportunity for mixed residential.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

13h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

17h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

20h ago

“For the most part people were not excited about introducing multi-unit developments in their neighbourhoods,” he said.

Guidinger suggested the findings mean the public needs more education.

“When I say multi-unit, people think high rise apartments, low income, not attainable, those types of things,” Guidinger said. “When I talk about multi-unit, I want to make sure we are all on the same page. We want to make sure there are condominiums, duplexes. We want to make sure that everyone in the city has the opportunity to own or rent in any neighborhood so that is what providing mixed use is all about.”

The survey also showed the majority of respondents were interested in large residential lots, but comments left by them indicated the cost of the large lots and taxes were an issue. Councillor Don Cody took particular interest to that fact.

“This survey, it tells you something about that area. Those folks don’t want anybody there that’s of low income. They don’t want small lots. They don’t want high density to help them pay taxes. They want large lots. That’s an interesting concept of an area that complains about the fact their taxes are too high,” Cody said.

Councillor Ogrodnick offered a different outlook on the survey results.

“Just because the survey suggested larger lots, doesn’t mean its unwelcoming to lower income. The fact speaks for itself. In Crescent Acres there are more care homes than there are in some wards. So, to say they’re unwelcoming is a little harsh and I don’t think we should read into this report that way at all.”

Guidinger said both land use plans were generally well received and once the CANP is approved, it will provide a clearer picture of the future of the neighbourhood to the public, both current and future residents.

“It will also provide the information administration needs to prepare for future development and it indicates what work needs to take place before hand…infrastructure, installation, upgrades and public consultation.”

He noted that any significant land use decisions would still have to go to city council for approval.

Council will consider whether to approve the CANP at an upcoming meeting.

—

Teena.Monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW