A new potential development that would include a bar and lounge across from the Innovation Credit Union iPlex is being considered for discretionary use approval by Swift Current city council.

The City received the development permit application from Vrindda Retailing Ltd., who's looking to open a service station, restaurant with a drive-thru, and a bar and lounge on its 19th Avenue Northeast property. Currently, the lot is zoned as C2 - neighbourhood commercial zoning district, allowing all the services except for the bar and lounge unless approved by the City.

Marty Salberg, the director of community development with the City of Swift Current, said under bylaw no. 24-2014, city council must follow a multitude of steps before giving a business the green light.

"Any proposed discretionary use requires approval by council resolution as well as additional procedures to ensure council considers whether the proposed development conforms to the bylaw's site regulations and development standards, will not be a source of nuisance or endanger the public, and will not impede the orderly development of the surrounding property," he said.

Next up in the application process is the public consultation period that includes the City notifying property owners within 75 metres of the proposed development and putting multiple advertisements in the Southwest Booster. This step also includes allowing the public to voice their opinions for or against by writing the City, calling the City, or attending the January 10 public hearing.

"I would certainly suspect this discretionary use wouldn't have anybody in opposition given that it is commercial development all around it but this certainly does give the ability for property owners all around it to let their voice be heard should they so wish," he said.

The final step of the discretionary use process is for the City to approve the application, approve it with conditions, or reject it. That decision won't be made until their January 24 meeting.