Application

The Planning and Development Department has received an application from Wiggins Holdings Ltd. Partnership (the applicant) proposing to rezone land in the Varsity View neighbourhood.

1224 College Drive is currently zoned M1 – Local Institutional Service District and is proposed to be rezoned to CS1 – Corridor Station Mixed Use 1 District.

The applicant intends to form a single development site with CS1-zoned properties to the east, 1226 and 1236 College Drive. This application, if approved, would establish a consistent zoning pattern for the three properties and future development would be subject to the regulations of the CS1 District.

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Planning Context

The subject land is within the Corridor Growth Area, which is intended to provide infill development opportunities along the city’s major corridors and Link bus rapid transit routes to achieve infill development targets outlined in the Official Community Plan. The Corridor Growth Area is a high priority location for a mix of medium density residential, commercial, and institutional uses and activities designed to support an attractive, high-frequency transit service.

Properties fronting College Drive in this area are designated “Station Mixed Use” in the Official Community Plan. Land with this designation has the potential for medium density developments that incorporate transit-oriented development principles. The applicant is proposing to apply zoning that is consistent with the Station Mixed Use land use policy.

The following graphic illustrates potential built forms that are permitted in the Corridor Zoning Districts, including the proposed CS1 District.

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Background

All property in the City of Saskatoon is assigned a zoning designation under Zoning Bylaw No. 9900. Within each zone, specific land uses are either permitted, discretionary, or prohibited.

Applications to change the zoning of a property are evaluated on a case-by-case basis where both the subject site and the surrounding neighbourhood are considered in the review.

Application Process

1. Review by City Departments: When an application to amend the Zoning Map is received, the Planning and Development team checks if it follows the City's Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and other rules. They also send it to other City departments to look at the technical details, such as if the water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation systems can support the proposal.
2. Public Engagement: After the internal review by the City, the public gets a chance to look at the proposal, ask questions and give feedback. Property owners within 75-150 meters of the site, the Community Association and the Ward Councillor are notified and invited to comment. Sometimes, a public meeting is held where the proposal is presented, and people can ask questions. Follow-up notice will be provided if a meeting is to occur.
3. Report Preparation: Planning and Development writes a report with a recommendation on the application. This report includes feedback from the internal review and the public.
4. Municipal Planning Commission Review: The report is first reviewed by the Municipal Planning Commission, which advises City Council.
5. City Council Decision: The final decision is made by City Council at a Public Hearing. They consider the report, the recommendation and the feedback from the Municipal Planning Commission. Anyone from the public can submit written comments or speak at the hearing.