Proposed Amendment to DCD5 Concept Plan

Smart Centres (the applicant) has applied for a minor Concept Plan Amendment, to amend the DCD5 - Stonegate Regional Retail Centre Concept Plan. The proposed amendments include:

• Two additional commercial retail units proposing a combined range of an additional 20,000 – 60,000 commercial square feet with the ultimate size depending on the tenant build out;
• A reduction of 230 parking stalls; and
• An addition of 4 accessible parking stalls

Council approved Bylaw No. 10019 on July 31, 2024 to remove minimum off-street parking requirements for new developments. Requirements for accessible parking, bicycle parking, hard surfacing and other similar exemptions still apply. Parking will be reviewed through this application to ensure adequate supply is provided for overall demand for the Direct Control District site.

What is a Direct Control District

A Direct Control District is a type of customized zoning district that regulates use and development of land and buildings within a specific geographic area.  Saskatoon currently has eight Direct Control Districts, including for River Landing (DCD1), Preston Crossing (DCD3), and The Willows (DCD4).

What is a Concept Plan Amendment?

A Concept Plan is approved by resolution of City Council following an extensive review process. Once a Concept Plan is approved, it is implemented over many years as the land is subdivided, zoning is applied, roads and services are installed, parks are constructed, and residences and businesses in the new neighbourhood are established. Proposed amendments are reviewed prior to being considered by City Council for a decision.

Concept Plan amendment applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis where both the subject site and the surrounding neighbourhood are considered in the review. All applications require a decision by City Council at a Public Hearing upon conclusion of the process.

What is the Typical Process for an Amendment Application?

When an amendment application is received by Planning and Development, it is reviewed for conformity with the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and other applicable city planning policies and development regulations.  It is also circulated to other Civic Departments to review technical considerations such as the capacity of water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure to accommodate the proposal.

Once internal review by the relevant Civic Departments is complete, public engagement on the application is undertaken. This phase of the process provides the opportunity for members of the public to review a proposal, ask questions, identify issues, and provide comment.  Registered property owners, typically within 75-150 metres of the subject site, the Community Association, and the Ward Councillor are notified of the application, and are invited to provide questions and comment.  When necessary, a public information meeting is held that may include a formal presentation, and question and answer session.

Following public engagement, Planning and Development prepares a report that includes a recommendation on the application, and outlines information collected from the internal review and public engagement processes.  The report is first considered by the Municipal Planning Commission, an advisory committee to City Council.  The final decision to approve or deny an amendment application, rests with City Council who consider the report, and recommendation along with the Municipal Planning Commission’s feedback at a Public Hearing.  Any member of the public is welcome to provide a written submission, or address City Council regarding the application at the Public Hearing.