Capital Pointe site to become parking lot
Years after it became the city's best known hole in the ground, the former site of the Capital Pointe hotel and condominium project will become a temporary parking lot after a vote on the issue narrowly passed despite strong opposition at the first post-election city council meeting.
“A case can hardly be made for a parking lot,” Coun. Bob Hawkins ( Ward 2) said Wednesday as he questioned whether the parking lot in the heart of Regina's downtown would in fact be temporary.
“There's nothing in the court orders that require us to build a temporary parking lot at that space.”
Hawkins said there was too little information on the property at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Albert Street and the project.
“There is no need for a parking lot,” he said, adding that in the new year, a review on parking in the city will be before council.
“A quarter of the footprint in the downtown is already surface parking,” said Coun. Andrew Stevens ( Ward 3), making his case that there is no need for additional parking in downtown Regina.
Coun. Lori Bresciani ( Ward 4) sought clarification on what financial compensation the city would receive if the zoning bylaw amendment passed — permitting a temporary parking lot for one year — and if the parking lot was indeed constructed.
Chris Holden, city manager, said if a transaction is made, the city would be paid first.
As it stands, the outstanding taxes on the property are approximately $2.8 million according to Holden.
“Upon sale the outstanding taxes that are owed, it's in the court order, the city will be paid back taxes,” said Holden. But the land has not changed hands, nor has a development proposal been submitted so far.
Coun. Daniel Leblanc (Ward 6) said, “I don't think we're in a position where it's so urgent to fill this that we have to put it to a bad land use for a year.”
Coun. Terina Shaw ( Ward 7) asked what the options were if council decided not to proceed with the bylaw.
Holden said if no deal is made taxes would still be owed and the city would move forward to take possession of the land.
Coun. Cheryl Stadnichuk (Ward 1) spoke against the idea of a temporary parking lot at the site. Stadnichuk said while Saskatoon is known as the city of bridges, “I don't want Regina to be known as the city of parking lots.”
The final vote tally was six in favour and five opposed.
During the last month's meeting of the executive committee, Hawkins brought forward a successful amendment to eliminate the mayor's housing commission, replacing it with a once-a-month community wellness committee.
On Wednesday council voted unanimously in favour of that change and the council calendar for the coming year.
Other changes made to the calendar include city council meeting twice a month instead of once.
Also, there was a consolidation of prior committees and commissions with the executive committee taking on additional responsibilities.
A new committee called operations and community services will take on the duties of the community and protective services committee and the public works and infrastructure committee.
Stevens also sought an amendment giving delegations at council the option to submit a written statement, as opposed to mandating it.
He said this was a way to encourage more participation in local government.
A friendly amendment from Coun. Shanon Zachidniak ( Ward 8) changed the wording to say that written submissions are now encouraged, but not mandatory.
The amendment passed 10-1 and the motion passed unanimously. Also, when COVID restrictions are lifted and delegations are allowed to appear in person at Henry Baker Hall, the option to appear by phone or video will also be allowed.