A report thicker than a Moose Jaw Phone book was presented to City Councillors Monday night that is the latest local area plan for our community. This one focuses on the downtown area that has been studied since March of 2016 by B+A Planning Group.

Nathan Petherick presented their report highlighting some key areas they feel need attention in order to revitalize the downtown. The more than 300 page document takes a look at a number of areas that are a benefit to the downtown already as well as areas that could become a major benefit in the future.

"The key findings from the team's review identify the need for streetscape improvements as well as general improvements in the pedestrian realm, bike connectivity throughout the downtown, the need to create focal points in the downtown in the form of public squares." explained Petherick.

"Moose Jaw's rich supply of heritage resources is unique in Canada and every attempt should be taken to preserver, restore or re-purpose these valued and significant assets."

While the report isn't binding in nature, the findings will serve as a guiding light or sorts as future decisions are made when it comes to planning and development in the downtown core. Some councillors welcomed the report with open arms while at least one person in the gallery called it a report on the obvious, saying it stated what we already know.

Petherick said in order for the downtown to be revitalized, it will take more than just City Hall letting out a rally cry.  Businesses and the public need to get on board and work together to achieve a common goal. Since much of the land in the area is privately owned, there needs to be a partnership with City Hall.

In order to help with the overall goal, the report had a main framework that the city should focus on, explained Petherick.

"Prioritize and reinforce heritage conservation, implement a housing strategy to support and stimulate infill development, invest in public real improvements, prioritize a pilot project or catalyst project that incorporates the polices and indentation strategies within the plan to build momentum, encourage excitement and show private public that support infill development."

Housing and filling empty lots were mentioned a number of times in the report but Petherick also stressed the importance of partnerships.

While ideas and best case scenarios for development are great, Councillor Dawn Luhning was quick to point out that this report means nothing without the money to back it up.  Saying that council supports the ideas in a Local Area Plan is one thing but with finances so stressed at this point, she questioned how many of the items they could possibly do.  

Luhning says there's not enough money to fix what needs attention, let alone trying to redevelop streets and sidewalks or create public squares in the downtown.