CONCLUSION
The City of Regina’s Real Estate Branch proposes to close and consolidate a portion of the right-of-way with the adjacent parcel located at 2524 Garnet Street. The closed portion of the right-of-way is to be consolidated with the adjacent existing residential parcel at 2524 Garnet Street to enlarge the south side of the property. The property owner is currently using this portion of road right-of-way; however, there are no structures encroaching on to the existing right-of-way, as shown on Appendix A-3.
The portion of right-of-way proposed to be closed is not currently used by the travelling public or service providers and therefore, the proposed closure will not impact traffic flow or circulation. According to the Subdivision Bylaw No. 7748, the minimum lane width is six metres. After consolidation the smallest portion of the lane would have a width of 6.13 metres. The Administration supports the application for the proposed partial lane closure.
BACKGROUND
A closure application has been submitted concerning the right-of-way adjacent to 2524 Garnet Street.
This application is being considered pursuant to Regina Zoning Bylaw No. 9250, Design Regina: The Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2013-48 (OCP), The Planning and Development Act, 2007 and The Cities Act, 2002.
The related subdivision application is being considered concurrently by the Administration, in accordance with Bylaw No. 2003-3, by which subdivision approval authority has been delegated to the Administration. A copy of the plan of proposed subdivision is attached for reference purposes as Appendix A-3.
DISCUSSION
The City’s Real Estate Branch proposes to close and sell a 0.059 ha portion of road right-of-way and consolidate it with the adjacent property located at 2524 Garnet Street as shown on the attached plan of proposed subdivision in Appendix A-3. The adjacent property owner is currently using this portion of road right-of-way as part of their residential property with no structures encroaching on the existing right-of-way. The property at 2524 Garnet Street is located mid-block and is currently developed with a detached dwelling unit.
The road right-of-way provides access to a lane at the rear of properties fronting Garnet Street, as well as, providing pedestrian access to the park/open space to the west which forms part of the Wascana Creek Channel. The portion of right-of-way to be closed is not developed as physical access space and will not impede access to vehicles or pedestrians. The resulting right-of-way width of 6.13 metres will meet the requirements of Subdivision Bylaw No. 7748 which requires a minimum lane width of 6.0 metres. The purpose of the proposed closure is to increase the width of the property at 2524 Garnet Street so that existing landscaping will be contained solely on the subject property.
The surrounding land uses include detached dwellings to the north east and south and park/open space to the west.
RECOMMENDATION IMPLICATIONS
Financial Implications
The sale price for the portion of the lane is $7,086, including GST. Consolidation of the lane into the adjacent property will result in a modest increase in the property tax assessment attributable to the subject property owner. The closure of the lane will relieve the City of any obligations for its maintenance or physical condition of the closed right-of-way.
Environmental Implications
None with respect to this report.
Policy/Strategic Implications
The proposal is consistent with the policies contained within the OCP with respect to the community goal of achieving long-term financial viability. By divesting itself of an unused portion of road right-of-way, the City has ensured that there will not be any long-term financial implications associated with the land.
The portion of right-of-way to be closed is not required for traffic circulation purposes.
Other Implications
None with respect to this report.
Accessibility Implications
None with respect to this report.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communication with the public is summarized below:
Will be published in the Leader Post on | July 15, 2017 |
Letter sent to immediate property owners | April 20, 2017 |
Number of Public Comments Sheets Received | 1 |
The application was circulated to the immediate adjacent properties, as well as the Cathedral Area Community Association (CACA), for comment. The CACA has responded that they do not have any concern with the application. Only one other response was received, which was from a neighbour who fully supported all elements of the development proposal.
The applicant and other interested parties will receive a copy of the report and notification of the meeting to appear as a delegation in addition to receiving written notification of City Council’s decision.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
City Council’s approval is required, pursuant to Section 13 of The Cities Act, 2002.
 Respectfully submitted,
| Respectfully submitted, 
|
Louise Folk, Director Development Services | Diana Hawryluk, Executive Director City Planning & Development |
Prepared by: Pam Ewanishin