Medicine Hat council OKs 4-unit row house project in Saamis Heights
Council also directed staff to study a permanent secondary roadway for the neighbourhood after residents raised access concerns.
Medicine Hat City Council approved a rezoning at its Oct. 19 meeting to allow a four-unit row house development across two properties in the Saamis Heights neighbourhood. The vote changed the zoning of 22 Sierra Green SW from Neighbourhood Residential 1 to Neighbourhood Residential 2, permitting the lot to be consolidated with a neighbouring property.
A public hearing on the proposal began Oct. 6 but was paused so administration could review concerns about emergency access and egress. Mayor Linnsie Clark told council the emergency exit connecting Saamis Heights to Southridge Drive would not be significantly affected, noting a gate that had raised concerns was removed and replaced with movable plastic boulders. The city will also follow up with Parks and Recreation regarding snow-clearing concerns along the route.
Jayco Homes representative Steve Heid said the development would consist of four bungalow-style row house units with driveways facing Sunwood Crescent rather than Sierra Green, aiming to keep each unit priced below $400,000. Residents offered mixed views, weighing neighbourhood character and traffic concerns against the need for more attainable housing.
Following the rezoning's approval, Councillor Yusuf Mohammed's motion directing administration to explore a permanent secondary roadway in Saamis Heights passed unanimously. The rezoning does not approve construction itself; a development permit application and review will still be required.
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