For now, it'll likely sit on the shelf but with so many interesting ideas, city council is hoping the newly adopted downtown Local Area Plan won't be left to collect dust like so many reports from consultants that have come before.

The 300 page report has extensive recommendations on how to rejuvenate the heart of Moose Jaw but most will need city cash, something Councillor Dawn Luhning says we just don't have.

"I don't think that we're in a position to put resources into it, at least it's not in the budget right now." said Luhning Monday night.

"I'm not saying that it can't happen but for us to sit here and adopt a plan and get everybody's hopes up that something wonderful is going to happen in the next year is probably setting us all up for... I just don't want to set us up for expectations like that."

Luhning eluded to so many projects, like the River Street Development, that promised to rejuvenate the area but only to fail.

Councillor Don Mitchell shared concerns over funding for the report's recommendations. During the presentation, conceptual drawings were put on the screen showing a completely revamped Main Street with cafes, public squares and new parking layout to enhance pedestrian access. All big ticket items at a time when water and sewer work is ramping up to the highest levels we've scene in decades.

"The priorities that we're dealing with the current infrastructure are huge." said Mitchell. "I don't see a major role being possible with city administration. City Council can and should be part of it."

The report focused heavily on an increased pedestrian experience in the downtown core with more public spaces for gatherings but it also touched on creating a plan to address the high number of vacant lots in the area and attract developers of residential properties as ways to create a vibrant atmosphere.

One of the first tasks outline in the report is the creation of a downtown committee to start reviewing all of the recommendations and ideas, create a task list of priorities and then start the work. The consultant's who created the document said that for this to work, all aspects of the community will need to join together and it can't just be a City Hall initiative since the city doesn't own all of the land.

Mayor Fraser Tolmie tossed his weight behind the report in saying not everything has to do with money.

"The onus is not always going to be on City Council for the budget. if there's infill properties that are looking to be built, then what we're saying is that there are guidelines that we want to adhere to." explained Tolmie.

"I don't really see that there's a budget issue here for us. Our departments look at this and say 'these are some things that we want to preserve' which can also be done through our Heritage Advisory Committee."

In adopting the report, council doesn't need to act on any of the items but can use it as reference on future decision making.