Controversial apartment complex concerns Cathedral residents

REGINA – In the midst of a serious housing crunch, a proposed townhouse complex in the downtown core is causing much controversy.

“We don’t have the infrastructure to have a development here,” said Gavin Conacher, a Cathedral neighbourhood resident.

A new 90-unit apartment development is planned at 2220 Edward Street. But current area residents have many concerns.

“Traffic, sewer, and the flooding, are the three really big issues,” said Wanda Silzer, who has been living in the Cathedral neighbourhood for the past 13 years.

Despite infrastructure issues, city council voted to go ahead with the housing plan on Monday.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“My reaction was a little bit of shock, fear and desperation,” said Chad Jacklin, another Cathedral resident.

This city has, however, requested a formal investigation by the Public Works Committee.

“There will be a review independent of the new site being developed, that the city will look at the existing community to find out what the problems are and how to fix those drainage issues,” said Mayor Michael Fougere on Monday.

But this isn’t the first time Cathedral neighbours have spoken out about this housing plan. In fact, following complaints in February over possible parking issues and the aesthetics of the building, the developer has made changes.

“We re-designed the site and added an additional 30 parking stalls. We softened the buildings, made it more compatible with the neighbourhood so we thought we did everything we could to help them,” said Doug Rogers, President of Terra Developments.

And those changes come out of the developers pocket.

“The more you layer costs on, the higher rents go. Simple fact of economics,” said Rogers.

While concrete rent prices haven’t been locked down yet, the city says all housing is good housing.

“Our vacancy rate is going up a bit which is good to see, but the more we have the better,” said Mayor Michael Fougere.

Council will vote on the final approval of the development later this month. If it gets the green light, construction will begin in the fall.