The Weyburn District Regional Planning Commission held a meeting on August 4 to reaffirm their commitment to orderly planning for growth. The commission, which formed in late 2009, is made-up of City administrators and representatives of the RM of Weyburn.
"What we do today must be considered in the time-frame of multiple generations, and in the overall life-span of buildings. Perhaps 100 years or more," said Mayor Debra Button.
The commission has brought in Planning Consultant Tim Cheesman to assist them in their efforts.
"This planning is very important," said Cheesman. "We want the business community to be involved, we want the agricultural community to be involved - all regions that help guide our future.
Cheesman said the commission is focusing on the immediate needs of Weyburn and the surrounding area, planning that will take the region into the next decade, such as modernizing and replacing infrastructure. The commission, according to Cheesman, will determine how to deal with these issues and agree on the biggest priorities.
"Rate payers and developers have this state of urgency," said Chairman Jerry Jordens. "But we can't delve into these decisions too quickly."
Jordens explained that the City and RM both have their own policies in place but they are willing to look at, and possibly change, these policies to assist developers.
Jordens said although there have been some "growing pains" in the newly formed commission, they are looking out for what's "down the road" in the future.
"It's been a great challenge, but it means growth," said Jordens.
