Discretionary Use Proposal 

A Discretionary Use application has been submitted from AODBT Architecture and Interior Design requesting approval to develop  Special Needs Housing for up to 161 dwelling units at 2940, 3002 and 3012 Louise Street in the Nutana Suburban Centre neighbourhood. 

The project is an expansion of the existing Columbian Manor senior’s home located at 2940 Louise Street, this home currently contains 122 dwelling units. The proposed new development would provide for 161 dwelling units for senior’s housing in a new building that will range from four to six storeys in height. The new building will be connected to Columbian Manor and will replace the two office buildings located at 3002 and 3012 Louise Street. The proposed development will also include an underground parkade, surface parking and landscaping. The application has been reviewed by other civic divisions and no concerns were identified that would preclude this application proceeding.

These sites are zoned M3 – General Institutional Service District under Bylaw No. 8770, The City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw. The purpose of the M3 District is to facilitate a wide range of institutional and community activities, as well as medium and high density residential uses, within suburban centres and other strategically located areas. Special Needs Housing is considered a Discretionary Use in the M3 District. 

Location Map

Provide Feedback

Questions and comments on this proposal are invited at this time by contacting

Tanner Halonen, Planner
tanner.halonen@saskatoon.ca 
306-986-3699

Appropriate alternatives to public information meetings are being evaluated in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the response to this proposal, next steps in the engagement process will be determined. 

Renderings & Site Plan

What is a Discretionary Use? 

All property in the City of Saskatoon is assigned a zoning designation.  Within each zoning designation, specific land uses are either permitted, prohibited, or discretionary.  A Discretionary Use is a land use that is generally consistent with the permitted uses in a zoning district.  As per Section 4.7.2(1) of the Zoning Bylaw, a Discretionary Use may be allowed either at the discretion of City Council or City Administration.  Either approving authority can approve, approve with conditions, or deny a Discretionary Use application.  Approval for Special Needs Housing in the M3 District is delegated to City Administration.

The Planning and Development Division evaluates Discretionary Use applications on a case-by-case basis considering the site itself, as well the surrounding context including nearby land uses.

A Discretionary Use approval is applied to a specific site, not the applicant.  Any change in size or intensity of the use approved would require a new Discretionary Use application.

What is Special Needs Housing? 

The Zoning Bylaw defines a Special Needs Housing as "multiple unit dwellings or dwelling groups operated by a non-profit corporation or public authority and used exclusively for the domestic habitation of senior citizens, disabled persons, occupants of subsidized housing, or the cohabitant spouse and children of persons noted above.”

Process

When a Discretionary Use application is received by the Planning and Development Division, it is circulated to internal Civic Departments to identify conformance or conflict with the Official Community Plan, the Zoning Bylaw, and any other applicable policies and regulations.  Departments that review the application include Planning and Development, Transportation & Construction, Environment & Utilities, Fire & Protective Services, and Building Standards.

Once the application has been reviewed by internal Civic Departments, public consultation on the application is undertaken.  Registered property owners typically within 75 to 150 metres of the subject site and the Ward Councillor are notified of the proposed Discretionary Use application as per the City’s Public Notice Policy.  When considered necessary, a public information meeting may be held to provide information to area residents on the Discretionary Use application, answer questions, and receive feedback.

Information collected from the internal review and public consultation processes will be considered by City Administration.  The application may then be approved, approved with conditions, or denied.