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Red Deer’s Riverlands set to become a diverse multi-use neighbourhood

City Council approves new commercial/residential zoning
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Red Deer City Council took a first big step towards turning Riverlands into a diverse, multi-use commercial-residential neighbourhood on Monday.

Zoning changes were approved to allow for expanded uses for buildings west of the Carnival Cinemas: More commercial buildings were allowed to have upstairs residential suites, and a structure already in use as a residence was allowed commercial uses.

The latter building at 5589-47th St., owned by Lyle Beck, had lost some commercial zoning uses when it was turned into a primary residence. But the property was approved this week for additional discretionary uses as commercial entertainment, commercial recreational and office space.

While neighbors in the Quarry Condominium had concerns about noise and potential disruptions from an entertainment business at the site, most were OK with the discretionary zoning that allows them a say about future businesses proposed for that location.

Council also approved zoning that allows upstairs residential suites in a block of buildings along the bend in 45th Street, including adjacent city-owned buildings along 47th Street.

There was discussion about the city-owned properties not needing the designation since they will become a public square. But Counc. Paul Harris successfully argued that all the buildings in Cronquist Business Park were advertised as part of the new zoning.