City Set To Change Zoning Rules

A new proposed amendment to Zoning Bylaw #5346 will have any developers of supportive housing in much of the Downtown require Council’s approval.

The City has issued a notice of intent to change the Bylaw after a motion by Council at their December 1, 2025 meeting.

The motion read:

“THAT Administration be directed to update Bylaw No. 5346, Zoning Bylaw of the City of Moose Jaw to amend the Community Service Institutions use in the C2 – High Density Commercial District from permitted to discretionary.”

Being discretionary does not mean any proposed community service institution - such as assisted living, drop-in centres or food (meal) centres amongst others - will not be allowed.

It means as discretionary use they need an application to Council and a vote in favour of the project.

The zones BEFORE requiring a discretionary use permit on the left and the zones that will require a discretionary use permit AFTER the proposed bylaw amendment.

The proposed bylaw amendment comes after heated debate about the Province moving the Willow Lodge co - ed adult emergency shelter from 83 Ominica Street West to so far an undecided new location.

A proposed location that has been bandied about is the former Canaday’s manufacturing plant located at 115 Coronation Drive.

Additionally the new location for Hope Ministries for their meals and drop-in centre at 27 Hochelaga Street West drew loud protests for and against the location.

Light brown tan areas are C2 zoned areas of Moose Jaw - City of Moose Jaw map

The proposed amendments do allow community service organizations to set up shop in zone CS and C3 without filing a discretionary use permit.

One area the proposed Bylaw amendment does not touch is the CS zone - where most of the surplus schools on South Hill are located on.

If the amendments are passed anyone can still buy one of the four surplus schools on South Hill and convert them to supportive living or other institutions without having to make a discretionary use application.

Anyone who would like to voice their opinion may do so by contacting the City’s Planning and Development Branch by 10 am Tuesday January 27th.

The Bylaw amendments are set to be dealt with by Council at 4:30 pm on January 27th.