Council Approves New Zoning Bylaw
Last night, City Council approved a new Zoning Bylaw to facilitate growth and regulate future land use and development in Regina. A new Sign Bylaw which consolidates all sign regulations into a separate bylaw was previously approved at Council’s August 6 meeting.
The Regina Zoning Bylaw, 2019 will now be submitted to the Ministry of Government Relations for approval as a final step before it can take effect. Once approved by the Ministry, it will replace the existing Regina Zoning Bylaw No. 9250.
“The Zoning Bylaw plays a very important part in achieving the goals of our Official Community Plan and guiding all types of development over the next few decades,” says Mayor Michael Fougere. “I am very pleased with the level of input we received from residents and stakeholders. I feel confident that this bylaw will provide greater clarity and flexibility for developers and residents, and help us continue to build the vibrant, inclusive and attractive Regina that embodies our community vision. In one year, a report will come back to City Council to make sure we got it right.”
Drafts of both the new Zoning Bylaw and Sign Bylaw were released for public review in January 2019 and an extensive consultation period followed during which hundreds of residents attended Zoning 101 ward sessions and submitted feedback online or through other means. Following Council’s first reading of the bylaws on May 15, both underwent several amendments to address concerns of both residents and Council.
“The development of the new Zoning Bylaw has involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement. I am proud of the work we were able to do as a community,” says Diana Hawryluk, Executive Director, City Planning & Community Development. “Like all zoning bylaws, minor amendments will be required from time to time but the framework for the new Zoning Bylaw will facilitate long-term growth, the development of complete neighbourhoods, and the positive transformation of existing areas throughout Regina.”
The new Regina Zoning Bylaw, 2019 will go into effect 30 days after receiving Ministry approval. The Sign Bylaw will also go into effect at that time. Until then, all development applications will be subject to the regulations outlined in Regina Zoning Bylaw No. 9250.
