SCU parking plans delayed

This likely wasn't the decision SCU was banking on.

A public hearing that could have allowed for the Steinbach Credit Union to pave several vacant lots on Reimer Avenue near the T.G. Smith Centre, was put on hold after Steinbach city councillors sought more information.

Downtown surface parking lots require conditional use approval to be established.

No one from the credit union attended Tuesday's council meeting to present the application. Though not required, lack of representation can lead to challenges when questions do arise. Such was the case on Tuesday night.

SCU said in its written application to the city that the move is being done to create more parking for its nearby commercial properties.

The city's planning department recommended in a report that the request be denied, arguing that such development is not in keeping with plans for the downtown to be "a vibrant urban area."

A written application from the credit union indicated "potential" for city use during events like hockey games, Summer in the City, and parade parking.

Councillors Michael Zwaagstra and Susan Penner both raised concerns. Zwaagstra wanted more clarity on what the conditions of the potential use by the city might be. Penner wondered if the city had frontage concerns about surface parking on that many downtown properties.

Council adjourned the public hearing and planned to resume the matter at its March 20 meeting, when it was hoped a representative from the credit union would attend.