The recently completed Business Mix & Gap Analysis for Wetaskiwin provides a number of strategic recommendations on how the City can help facilitate local economic success. One of these recommended actions is redistricting Centennial Park and declaring it as surplus land in order to sell it for business development.
If redistricted and sold, this would result in either the whole greenspace, or a portion thereof, being transformed into a commercial or mixed-use (commercial and residential) development. The City understands that greenspaces are important to community members and is seeking the public’s input on this proposed redistricting through an online survey available on haveyoursay.wetaskiwin.ca until end-of-day April 11, 2021. Those who would like a paper copy of the survey mailed to them can contact Andrew Chell, Manager of Planning and Engineering, at
“The City has heard loud and clear that economic growth remains a priority for Wetaskiwin residents and businesses, which is why we are exploring the recommended action of redistricting and selling this greenspace” said City Manager Sue Howard. “We understand that greenspaces are also important to our community, and the information we receive during this engagement process will help inform both the Centennial Park decision, as well as our long-term parks and greenspaces strategy.”
As Centennial Park is currently designated Municipal Reserve (MR), a public hearing would be required in order to remove the MR designation, according to section 675(1) of the MGA. This would be yet another opportunity for Wetaskiwin residents to share their thoughts with City Council. If the greenspace is eventually sold, any proceeds from the sale must be spent on other park projects within the City—also a requirement set out by the MGA.
Community feedback is an integral part of ensuring an informed decision-making process, and the City is engaging with the community—including those who live near Centennial park—to determine what the greenspace has been used for. Wetaskiwin residents are invited to participate in the survey on the City of Wetaskiwin’s online engagement platform, which is open now until end-of-day April 11, 2021. City staff will then present the feedback received for Council’s review at the regular April 26, 2021 Council meeting. The results will also be shared on haveyoursay.wetaskiwin.ca.