Steinbach City Council has approved a subdivision application for land owned by Mennonite Heritage Village along Highway 12 North, paving the way for future commercial development on the property.
The application was submitted by Allan Kroeker on behalf of Mennonite Heritage Village Inc. and involves a roughly 31-acre property on the city's north side.
Four parcels proposed
During Tuesday's council meeting, City Manager Troy Warkentin explained the proposal.
"The application does seek to subdivide the subject property to accommodate a commercial development consisting of four parcels," Warkentin said.
According to Warkentin, parcels fronting Highway 12 North are already zoned C3 Commercial Corridor, while a residual parcel farther east is zoned Development Reserve One.
He noted proposed parcels A and D "are to be consolidated under one title with access to the landlocked parcel to be addressed through the development agreement process and existing uses maintained."
Parcels B and C are intended to accommodate commercial development.
Administration recommended approval of the subdivision, subject to a development agreement and approval of a minor variance related to site width requirements for one of the parcels.
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Council sees development potential
Councillor Susan Penner moved the motion to approve the application and said the location is well suited for development.
"That is prime highway frontage, so it makes sense to me that it would be developed, and I'm really happy to see that," Penner said.
Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra also voiced support for the proposal, noting the property's location and zoning create opportunities for future businesses.
"There's definitely potential for what could go there," Zwaagstra said.
He suggested future commercial uses could complement the Mennonite Heritage Village next door.
Zwaagstra added that the development could create opportunities for cooperation between future businesses and the museum.
Council gives green light
Mayor Earl Funk agreed with council's comments before the vote.
"This is prime commercial highway land and looking forward to seeing what goes there," Funk said.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the subdivision application.
