As reported on CBC News, Regina City Councillor Bob Hawkins is calling for a public inquiry into a controversial plan to build a new commercial office tower in Wascana Park. He says that until an inquiry happens, construction should be halted.  

“Secrecy has plagued this project,” Hawkins said.

“I think there are too many unanswered questions, too much secrecy, too many regulations that have been skirted not to be concerned.”

Regina-based Brandt Developments is in the process of tearing-down the old CNIB building in Wascana Park to make way for a four-storey tower that will be four times the size of what it’s replacing.

The demolition was temporarily halted last month shortly after it began because Brandt had failed to get a permit from the city. Hawkins said his concerns about the project go well beyond that.

The plan is for the building to house the CNIB and other undisclosed commercial tenants. That lack of disclosure has been the source of much of the controversy because, for decades, commercial development in the park has been for the most part disallowed.

Brandt’s commercial realtor is promoting this leasing opportunity in the “brand new four floor office tower in beautiful Wascana Park” for professional offices, laboratories, recreation clubs or government offices. The brochure notes those are just “potential uses (but not limited to).” A Brandt exec has hinted at the possibility of retail stores in the building.

A 2016 leasing agreement obtained by CBC shows that CNIB and the government of Saskatchewan have agreed on a secret document outlining a schedule of permitted tenants which they are refusing to make public.

Hawkins said it’s that sort of secrecy that has led to his call.

Keep reading on CBC News

 

---

Watch the video and learn more about Construction Links Network – the peer-to-peer network sharing platform for the construction, building and design community.

Ideal for YOUR Press Releases | Project Updates | New Appointments | Awards & Milestones | Company News | New Products/Services | Brochures | Videos | Infographics | Blog Sharing | Events and More