After seven years of sometimes tense discussions, the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) Planning District has been formally adopted by all five municipalities in the region.
At an unprecedented joint meeting on Thursday, September 24, bylaws formally establishing the planning district and endorsing the P4G District Official Community Plan (DOCP) were given second and third readings by Saskatoon, Corman Park, Warman, Martensville and Osler municipal councils.
The P4G Planning District replaces the Corman Park-Saskatoon Planning District. It lays out guidelines for land use within an area that encompasses five municipalities. The P4G DOCP outlines the regional vision, principles and policies for growth over the coming decades.
By working in partnership on land use, development, and infrastructure, the P4G municipalities strive to ensure a proactive and coordinated approach to planning for future growth.
“This is truly a historic occasion for the Saskatoon region,” said P4G Director Neal Sarnecki. “The DOCP cements the commitment of the partners to work together for the betterment of the region for the next 50-60 years. The path to the future has been set,.”
All five municipal councils passed first reading of both bylaws in the weeks leading up to the joint council meeting.
The September 24 joint council meeting included a public hearing on the bylaws.
Corman Park Reeve Judy Harwood believes the new P4G regional framework will benefit all municipalities. In fact, she noted, it already has because of the increased level of communication and cooperation resulting from years of meetings..
“It took many years to get to this momentous day,” said Harwood. “It’s not been easy, but it has been rewarding.
“Around the table we have had vigorous debate, along with willingness for flexibility by all involved.”
Martensville Mayor Kent Muench said when the discussions began in 2013, no one knew what a long, involved process it would be.
“But everyone believed this was the right thing to do for this region and for the province,” said Muench. “I know the perseverance and commitment to P4G has been the number one reason in terms of how we got here today.
“This is not the end, but the beginning, and we’ll continue to work toward development and prosperity in our region.”
Warman Mayor Sheryl Spence said the historic agreement was reached as a result of a willingness to compromise on the part of all the municipalities.
“This is something we can all be proud of,” she said. “It will benefit our children and grandchildren for generations to come”
Osler Mayor Abe Quiring said the new framework opens the way for expanded growth in the region.
“It’s going to be very exciting in the coming years to see where our region will go,” said Quiring.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said the regional plan will ensure growth is “efficient, cost effective and sustainable.”
“We’re laying the groundwork for a region that can attract investment and new jobs in manufacturing, value-added processing and energy,” said Clark.