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(Image Credit: File photo/northeastNOW)
Public hearing held Monday

Multi-unit project at former Nipawin church given green light

May 26, 2026 | 5:39 PM

Nipawin’s town council has approved the discretionary use application for the former Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 

A developer is looking to make the building, which has been vacant for seven years, into a multi-unit dwelling. A public hearing was held Monday night as required, so the public can give their thoughts on the project. 

General Manager Derek Seckinger told northeastNOW that reaction to the proposal was mixed at the meeting. 

“There were residents in attendance who shared both support for the project and concerns regarding the proposal,” he said. “Some of the concerns included increased traffic, parking, lighting, and general safety impacts with additional residential density in the area.” 

He said there was also support for seeing the vacant building re-used, and additional housing opportunities available within the town. 

The public hearings are an important part of the discretionary use process, according to Seckinger. 

“They give neighbouring residents and property owners an opportunity to speak directly to council before a decision is made,” Seckinger said. “It helps council better understand potential impacts, hear concerns, and determine whether any conditions should be attached to an approval.” 

There was one condition with the approval of the discretionary use application. The parking lot lighting plan must be reviewed and approved by the municipality as part of the permitting process. 

Seckinger said the next steps are up to the developer and their partners as they determine the timeline and direction of the project. 

“Administration will continue working through the normal permitting, inspection, and development requirements to ensure the project meets municipal standards and bylaw requirements,” said Seckinger. “Overall, it is positive to see interest in reinvesting into a vacant property and bringing additional housing opportunities into the community.” 

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com