An electronic appliance store located at 453 Lillooet St. W. is set to revert to residential use following a unanimous decision by the city council. The property, which has been operating as a commercial establishment since 2020, will now return to its original purpose as a one-unit dwelling.
Key Takeaways
The city council approved a discretionary use application for the property.
The building was originally constructed for residential use before being rezoned in 2011.
The current owners have struggled to find commercial tenants or buyers.
A Change of Use Building Permit is required for residential occupancy.
Background of the Property
The property at 453 Lillooet St. W. has a rich history, originally built as a one-unit dwelling. It served as a residence until 2011 when it was rezoned to accommodate commercial uses under the C2 – High Density Commercial District designation. This area is characterized by a mix of residential and commercial properties, with the subject property located near the boundary of these zones.
Council Decision
During a recent city council meeting, the Director of Community Services, Derek Blais, presented the case for the property’s return to residential use. He noted that the building's original purpose aligns with the current zoning regulations, which allow for one-unit dwellings as a discretionary use. The council unanimously approved the application, recognizing the need for flexibility in property use in the area.
Current Operations
Currently, MS Technology Solutions Corp. operates the electronic appliance store at this location. However, the owners have expressed their intention to explore other options for the property. Since opening in April 2020, they have faced challenges in securing another commercial tenant or buyer, leading them to prefer a return to residential use.
Next Steps
With the city council's approval, the next step involves obtaining a Change of Use Building Permit. This permit is essential for allowing residential occupancy within the building. The city has confirmed that an application for this permit has already been submitted, paving the way for the transition back to residential use.
Community Impact
The decision to revert the property to residential use may have several implications for the local community. It could potentially increase the availability of housing in the area, addressing some of the residential needs of Moose Jaw. Additionally, the change may enhance the neighborhood's character, aligning it more closely with the surrounding residential properties.
As the transition progresses, residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this change impacts the community dynamics and property values in the area.
Sources
Electronic appliance store on Lillooet Street changing back to residential property - DiscoverMooseJaw.com - Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings, DiscoverMooseJaw.
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