(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Council Matters

City of Prince Albert to retain ownership of 48th Street

Sep 30, 2021 | 4:02 PM

The City of Prince Albert denied a motion proposing the annexation of 48th Street, by the R.M (Rural Municipality) of Prince Albert at its recent city council meeting.

The motion proposed that city administration meet with the R.M. to negotiate the terms of the annexation agreement and discuss further details.

The R.M. has a number of residents who use that road and recently received government grants, and have the funds to repair the road. The upgrades would include paving what is now a gravel road.

“I don’t think we as a city have any plans to pave that road in the short term,” Craig Guidinger, the city’s planning and development services manager said at the meeting. “I think it is certainly worth pursuing.”

Councillor Ted Zurakowski was in favour of the idea, calling it a win-win.

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“I think this is an example where we can turn an issue into a positive relationship with our neighbours,” Zurakowski said. “There is a need there, that is a priority for them and costs us nothing. It improves the lives of our community beyond our borders.”

In the past, when the city has asked for help from the R.M. they have not received the funding, and that was brought up by councillor Dennis Ogrodnick.

“We want to build positive relationships, but a couple of months ago where were they when it came to Marion Aquatics,” Ogrodnick said. “Where have they been for our public library and other facilities in Prince Albert?

“If they want to know what it is like to pay for something and not own it, then build the road for us. Why would we annex it and give up a road within our jurisdiction? Let them repair it.”

This opinion was echoed by one of the more long-standing members of council, Don Cody.

“I have been around for a while, and this is the first time that I have seen where a rural municipality takes in city land. That hardly ever happens, if it ever happens,” Cody said. “Normally, the cities or towns take over because they want to build something for their city.

“You tell me that they just want to repair the road because they got some funds from the government? You mean to tell me they aren’t going to butt up against the City of Prince Albert and butt up against our businesses and try to take our businesses into their community? Absolutely they are.”

Council denied the request 6-3.

Voters for the annexation were Charlene Miller, Tony Head, and Dawn Kilmer while councillors Terra Lennox-Zepp, Don Cody, Dennis Ogrodnick, Blake Edwards, Ted Zurakowski, and Mayor Greg Dionne voted against the road being annexed.

The R.M. of Prince Albert Reeve, Eric Schmalz was not present at the meeting for discussion.

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dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8