St. Andrews residents speak out against development project

RM of St. Andrews residents are pushing back against a controversial housing development. Daniel Halmarson explains.

A group of residents in the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews is voicing opposition to a gated community of duplexes planned for a 20-acre swath of land.

Jason Sandilands, a resident of the RM, said the land was zoned for 11 lots, but the proposed development would far exceed that.

“They want to push 76 lots onto it, which causes all types of questions and concerns,” he said.

Sandilands was among dozens of residents who shared their concerns at a council meeting earlier this month. They argued 38 duplexes would put a strain on water supply, existing infrastructure, community services and would go against residential zoning requirements.

Despite the concerns, Sandilands said those objections fell on deaf ears as council approved the subdivision.

“I feel that we didn’t have a voice at the council meeting, and we feel that diplomacy should be taken quite seriously,” he said.

Mayor Joy Sul voted in favour of the development to grow St. Andrews’ population, keep taxes from increasing, and address the needs of aging residents.

“People are looking for smaller lots. You’re getting older, you can’t maintain your yard. This is perfect,” said Sul.

She said many of the issues residents brought up will be addressed as the project moves forward.

“There was a long list of conditions placed on the developer who will have to go through Red River Planning (District), the province,” said Sul. “He has to meet all the conditions before he can proceed.”

Sandilands said he is not against developing the land into housing, but he’s worried this plan could set a precedent.

“There is four parcels of land here and this is just the one parcel that we’re talking about,” he said.

Residents are now gathering signatures for a petition being sent to the province and Red River Planning District board.