City commission approves rezoning requests for semi-detached home development

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 5, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

During the first public Municipal Planning Commission meeting following the election, members approved rezoning and development permits changing specific parcels along Southlands Drive into medium density residential to allow development of semi-detached duplexes with included basement suites.

In two separate proposals, New Tab Homes is seeking to rezone the vacant parcels of land located along Southlands Drive from low density residential to medium to allow development of the multi-dwelling homes.

In total there are four sites along Southland Drive: 5366/5368, 5377/5379, 5271/5373 and 308/310 Somerside Crescent SE.

The city says Southlands is characterized as predominantly low-density residential with various housing types, parks, schools, churches and small commercial.

The neighbourhood, according to the request for decision, is near complete build-out and all remaining lots have already been sold.

The developer is seeking to align with the community’s statutory planning documents and is looking to build semi-detached housing with basement suites as it has become a popular build form in recent years and provides the homeowner the ability to generate additional income by renting space.

The commission approved the rezoning development permits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining appropriate transitions and considering parking needs in growing neighbourhoods.

Rezoning a site does not approve any future development, and New Tab Homes will now seek subsequent development permits from the city before construction can begin.

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