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Melfort to expropriate private land by hospital

MELFORT — The City of Melfort has begun the process to expropriate three lots of land beside the Melfort Hospital.
Melfort City Hall

MELFORT — The City of Melfort has begun the process to expropriate three lots of land beside the Melfort Hospital.

Expropriation means the province would intervene, deciding what the cost of the land should be and allowing the city to buy it regardless if the landowner wishes to sell. It has to be seen as necessary for a future plan.

The expropriation bylaw that passed through council stated the expropriation was, “for the purpose of future expansion of the Melfort Hospital and Wellness Centre, and the construction of a heliport at the Melfort Hospital.” It stated that the city “cannot do so by agreement with the landowner.”

The lots of land are located at 308 Stovel Avenue West and 302 Stovel Avenue West, with two of the lots being combined on the land being directly at the intersection, then another on Stovel Avenue – separated by a lot belonging to the City of Melfort.

All three lots belong to the same individual and currently remain empty.

Rick Lang, Melfort’s mayor, said that negotiations have stalled between the city and landowner, resulting in the city taking this last resort measure.

“We’re going through the expropriation process because negotiations have failed,” Lang said.

Lang refused to discuss the related future expansion for the hospital at this time beyond that it’s part of a future plan for a potential expansion at the hospital.   

“Quite frankly, it’s just part of a future plan.”