North Regina subdivision poses unique challenges

Coopertown, a planned neighbourhood for 35,000 people in northwest Regina, promises some unique concepts. But the magnitude of the project also poses some unique challenges.

"It's kind of like building a small city," said Paul Moroz, general manager of Homes by Dream.

Coopertown will stretch from 9th Avenue North up to Armour Road and will extend west well beyond Pinkie Road.

The subdivision will be one of the largest new developments in Regina, but it hasn't been without itschallenges.

The first show homes were expected to be completed in December, but that will not happen.

Infrastructure demands prompt delays

According to the city, Regina's growth is a challenge and so is figuring out how infrastructure like roads, sewers, storm drains and water lines will be constructed.

"Currently the city is at a point where we've grown and we've used a lot of existing capacity in our infrastructure systems, so the next phases of growth over the next five years really needs some major investments in infrastructure," explained Diana Hawryluk, director of planning for the City of Regina.

"We want to make sure that we phase development so that it remains affordable for the city and the rate payers."

The plan for Coopertown is to move away from the big box stores, maze of crescents and cul-de-sacs normally associated with the suburbs.

Developer plans urban design

Instead, the developer is planning a more urban design with parks, main streets and homes with large front porches.

The developers have also factored in plans for bike paths with the intention of getting more cars off the road.

"In the long-run, in an ideological world, perhaps there's less cars on the road. Will that happen? It's tough to say, but if we start to plan that way, it is very much something that could potentially happen, " explainedMoroz.

The developers are also looking to an innovative 'green street' residential area.

"Imagine a street of homes with porches or something and no road. A landscaped strip and your vehicular access is off the lane and into your garage.We think it's something cool to try."

Moroz said show homes will openin July 2016, once infrastructure plans are sorted out with the city.

Tune into the Morning Edition with Sheila Coles on CBC Radio One on Friday morning to hear the full story.