Though there was some disagreement among council, a proposed change to the Official Community Plan (OCP) for 6 First Street has been given first reading. 

6 First Street is next to Swift Underground and directly across Highway 52 from Loewen Windows. 

The proposed change would see both 6 First Street and a vacant property between First Street and the Swift building be designated Central Business District Policy Area instead of Industrial Policy Area allowing for multi-family development to take place. 

Councillor Jac Siemens initially moved to deny first reading, however, there was no seconder so the motion failed. He then explained his position noting the proposed housing complex is too close to Highway 52, cutting off sightlines. 

“I think normally that is what we do, we give first reading so that we can go to a public hearing but in this case, I don't think it warrants it.” 

Siemens says “I don't think it would be prudent for a building to be built in that location and in order for that to happen, we would need to change the plan as it is today." He adds “to have that building built there would be out of character with what I would see as possible in that area.” 

Siemens pointed to the Schinkel Properties and MTS building on Brandt Street as an example, noting that the building is very close to the street and it caught council off guard when it went up. 

Councillor Michael Zwaagtra moved to give the proposed OCP change first reading so that a public hearing would be triggered. 

“The choice here is, we either want more information or we don't want more information.” He adds “This may or may not be approved at second reading but the vast majority of time, and this would be one of those times, it makes sense to give first reading so we can hear from the applicant, our staff can give us information, and neighbours can comment rather than cut it off before we have the information.” 

Council voted 6 to 1 to give the change first reading and a public hearing will be scheduled in the near future.  

A rezoning bylaw for the same property was also given first reading.  

a map shows six first street and a neighbouring property that is vacant.6 First Street and the vacant neighbouring property are highlighted in red on this map.