A new pawn store has been approved as a discretionary use along Broadway Street.
鈥淭he property was most recently used as a martial arts teaching facility,鈥� Carleen Koroluk, Land Use Planner with the City told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
聽Pursuant to regulations of the Zoning Bylaw, 鈥渢he proposed redevelopment would not necessitate any site improvements,鈥� she continued.
鈥淭he applicant is not proposing any building improvements or changes therefore a Building Permit is not required at this time.鈥�
The building use does fit with the overall vision for the downtown, said Koroluk.
鈥溾�淥ur City: Our Future鈥� states that 鈥渢he central core is the symbol of a city. The more attractive and vibrant our city centre is, the more pride residents will have for Yorkton as a whole. For this reason our city centre should be strengthened and enhanced,鈥� she said.
Furthermore, 鈥淥ur goal is to continue to make our city centre a great place to live, work and have fun.鈥�
Koroluk said pawn businesses have a better reputation than they once did.
鈥淎lthough, Pawn Brokers may have not been seen as an ideal commercial land use 鈥� the negative perception of Pawn Brokers that has existed is changing,鈥� she said.
The proposed business will operate in an existing building on the property and the property owner has signed the application authorizing consent of the business. There are no required changes to the building or property. The proposal complies with the recently adopted zoning regulations governing pawn shops and is a minimum of 175 metres from other existing pawn brokers, public educational facilities and commercial daycares. Planning Services is prepared to support the application, detailed a report circulated to Council.
鈥淧ublic Notice, including advertisement in the local newspaper, at City Hall and on the City website, and circulation to property owners within 75 m of the subject property was authorized by Council at the April 11, Council Meeting,鈥� explained Koroluk.
At the March 30, Planning and Infrastructure Commission meeting, discussion was had regarding the Zoning Amendment Application to allow Pawn Brokers and Second Hand Stores within the City, noted Koroluk.
鈥淎t that time, a Pawn Broker and Second Hand Store at the proposed location was also discussed and the Commission had no concerns with the location,鈥� she added.
Council was unanimous in supporting the discretionary use application.
