By Andrew de Souza

Mill agreement highlights need for industrial land

Mar 10, 2011 | 5:17 AM

With the recent announcement that the Prince Albert Pulp and Paper Mill could be reopening, the need for industrial land is once again at the forefront.

“With the announcement that we had (Monday), it may not be difficult for us to handle from an industrial perspective,” city manager, Robert Cotterill, said to councillors during Monday night’s executive committee meeting.

“If you get two or three of those kinds of announcements, then our growth may require us to look even beyond what we’re currently looking at, which is the annexation lands and the small portion of the lands in the areas that we currently have as industrial.”

According to city reports, Prince Albert has just five acres of land available for industrial development and needs between 80 and 402 acres of additional industrial land to deal with growth projections to the year 2034.

Recent efforts have been focused on the south-eastern portion of the city to fulfil short-term needs due to low cost of servicing and ease of access.

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Cotterill said this was still the only realistic option for quick development.

“We have to be in a position, knowing that with a new industry ready to revitalize itself in the next two years, that other industries are going to want to grow into that,” he said.

“Well, the West Hill isn’t an option for that. We couldn’t get it into place fast enough and the cost of servicing is so large that it’s not on our short-term radar.”

West Hill a possible long-term goal

During the meeting, the city’s planning department suggested that councillors participate in a workshop to learn about the costs associated with developing different areas of the city.

“On our long term radar, if you get diamond mines, (and other businesses) we’re going to need larger areas,” he said.”

“The West Hill is a huge parcel of land and there’s parts of (it) that maybe better suited for industrial land, or depending on how the city grows, we might want to consider going in that directions.”

Councillor Martin Ring said he agreed with what Cotterill was saying.

“What we have to sell people is that we’re in need of a lot more than what we’re looking at. How much is in the West Hill, how much is on the east side, and when we mirror these two together, do we have enough to meet our growth?” he said.

Councillors agreed with the idea to have a workshop and it’s expected to take place in about a month.

Meanwhile, the city’s planning department is continuing its preparations for a second public information session for the south-east land annexation and a date is expected to be set sometime this month.

adesouza@panow.com