Mayor Not Worried About Controversy
“I’m not worried about it,” Mayor Clive Tolley responded to a MJ Independent question if he had concerns about another major controversy erupting from the proposed $11,150 parking study.
In Administration’s request for the study the potential need for a parkade was mentioned something Councillor Dawn Luhning pointed out proponents of putting the Multiplex (today’s Moose Jaw Events Centre) downtown had pushed for over a decade ago.
The Multiplex debate turned into two referendums and court case as the City split over the issue.
Despite the community split of the past Mayor Tolley saw the study as progressive and key to development.
“I’m pleased Council made a decision tonight to spend $11,150 to get some experts to have a good look at it. And give us some information about what they believe going forward our requirements are going to be,” he said.
Mayor Tolley quoted a parking study done prior to the Multiplex being approved and how that was beneficial.
“If you recall back before we built the Moose Jaw Events Centre we had a parking study, and I remember distinctly because I was on the committee they came in, and they said you were never going to have any problem with parking around here at your Events Centre because you have at least six ways to come, and six ways to leave.”
“And they said this is ideal compared to most communities. You won’t be inside a compound or a fence and have to queue to get in or get out. So he said it is going to be wonderful,” Mayor Tolley said.
He said the issue wasn’t parking for the Events Centre but rather for the rejuvenation and development of the 0 block of River Street West.
“I think we found there is no problem getting to and from the event center. What I’m concerned about is not having too much surface parking on River Street.”
The redevelopment of the 0 block of River Street West was the major plank in Mayor Tolley’s electoral campaign. One of the Mayor’s financial backers in his election was Shea Jameson - a major part of the proposed hotel development.
“Hopefully will get back to the days where Moose Jaw’s River St., West is busy with people,” he said.
As part of that economic development Mayor Tolley said the parking study was necessary.
“I’m just hoping we’ll have an intelligent look at what our future needs will be and let’s look to avoid too much surface parking on River Street,”he said.
“Where we hope to have economic development with more bars, hotels and restaurants, and those kind of things.”
Before being purchased by a now defunct development group a majority of the 0 block of River Street West was levelled which included historic hotels, bars and restaurants.
The block has sat empty for close to a decade.