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City council approves land purchase

The expansion of the Estevan Police Service’s (EPS) building has resulted in Estevan city council purchasing nearby land to accommodate future developments in the area.
Police building
Estevan city council has approved purchasing land next to the former fire hall location to create additional parking, stemming from an expansion of the Estevan Police Service’s building.

The expansion of the Estevan Police Service’s (EPS) building has resulted in Estevan city council purchasing nearby land to accommodate future developments in the area.

Council approved the purchase of two lots to the west of the old fire hall during the June 24 meeting.  

The future of the police building has been the subject of speculation recently, as the city police has to contend with a lack of available space. The EPS received a report last summer that recommended the construction of a new building, rather than renovating and expanding the current 60-year-old facility.

But a decision was made to go ahead with a renovation instead because of the cost of a new building.

According to a report released by city manager Jeff Ward on June 24, with the expansion of the police station having to go east of its current location, there is going to be a requirement for the police parking lot to be moved one lot to the east. This creates parking issues for staff and patrons at city hall.

“Council had instructed administration to look at purchasing the properties for sale at 1111 and 1109 Third Street,” Ward said.

The sale price for these properties was $172,000. There are current tax arrears and penalties for the approximate value of $12,000 that would be redeemed to the city through the sale proceeds.

These lots will provide appropriate space needed for city hall parking and will open all of the 11th Street parking to be used by patrons of City Hall and the police station.

Councillor Travis Frank pointed out there is little parking in the area, and it will leave parking available in the downtown area for shoppers.

Councillor Dennis Moore said he hopes the city paid a fair market value for the property. Due to the effects of the economic slowdown, he wondered if that was the current market value.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said the real estate agent had been trying to sell the two houses. One is in decent shape and could be moved to another location.

“I’m not opposed to what we’re doing here, I just hoped that we skinnyed it down to the best price possible, because times are tough,” said Moore.