WEYBURN – Weyburn city council denied a request from a contractor to operate his business from his home on Highfield Crescent, with six neighbours writing letters in objection.
Justin Horsman had applied to base his business from his home, but neighbours cited increased traffic and noise as they objected to his continuing to operate there.
In speaking to council, Horsman said it would only be temporary, as he is considering a couple of locations in the city to base his business out of. He also claimed that some of the vehicles parked on the streets or alleyway were not his, which a number of the neighbours were also objecting to.
Coun. Mel Van Betuw said he drove by the location a number of times as a number of residents had lodged complaints with the city.
“I just don’t feel this is the place for it, when the majority of residents have objections,” he said. “I’m in business, and we don’t want to deter business. Unfortunately this just isn’t the right location for it.”
“This isn’t about us getting in the way,” added Coun. Jeff Richards. “We approve these applications all the time. It’s just outside of what we expect generally.”
He told Horsman, “Don’t give up, we want your business in Weyburn.”
Coun. Ryan Janke explained if they approved this application with this number of objections, they could appeal the decision, and the City wouldn’t have any grounds to defend their decision in light of what the residents were saying.
“Please don’t give up, we want you to succeed, and a number of your neighbours agree with that assessment,” added Coun. Janke.
The reasons for denying his request included that Horsman indicated one employee’s vehicle would be parked on the street, which is not allowed for a home-based business, plus employees who do not reside at the home are not permitted.
The report also cited the neighbours’ objections to the increase in traffic caused by his business on the crescent.
• In other council business, the Weyburn Arts Council has applied to have Pride Week declared on June 4-10, and council approved the request, including a request to paint rainbow colours on the crosswalks at Coteau Avenue and Third Street.
There will also be a flag-raising on Monday, June 5 to kick the week off.
The theme for this year’s Pride celebration will be “Beyond the Rainbow: Education, Celebration and Inclusion”.
Southeast Newcomer Services approached the Arts Council to partner with them, as they see people fleeing other countries due to persecution.
Collabartive Studios has offered to host a craft night, and CUPE 90 has pledged financial support, including supplying the paint for the rainbow colours on the crosswalk.
In approving the request, council asked that the Arts Council check with the city on what the best kind of paint would be to use.
