By Mat Barrett

Discretionary use application from Avatex, Edward Jones Investments defeated by Melfort Council

Jan 15, 2019 | 7:50 AM

Two spots for businesses in the Melfort Wellness Centre still remain vacant.

At the City of Melfort’s regular council meeting on Monday, Jan. 14, Avatex Wellness, and Edward Jones Investments came to council with a proposal that Edward Jones be able to set up a location in one of the vacant spots in the Wellness Centre.

Avatex cited the fact that wealth, and mental health are directly related, allowing Edward Jones to be located in the Wellness Centre as ancillary use. Council ultimately defeated the application, voting unanimously against it. Jesse Rudge, President of Avatex said it’s frustrating because there is some confusion on what ancillary use could be in the Centre.

“If they say they want more medical type uses, ok.” Rudge told northeastNOW. “The zoning allows for all of these different types of medical groups in there, and ancillary use. So what’s ancillary use, what’s ancillary use to medical?”

Mayor Rick Lang said he and Council understand that Avatex wants to fill the vacant spots in the Centre, but they would like to have something more directly medical related in those spots.

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“The original intent of the Wellness Centre was to have direct medical services involved in that building,” Lang said. “And council didn’t view a brokerage firm as a direct medical service.”

Rudge said not getting this discretionary approval doesn’t end the possible partnership with Edward Jones Investments, as they could still partner to have Edward Jones in another location in Melfort.

Currently at the Wellness Centre, a denturist’s office is the newest business there, while the Rexall pharmacy and the Medical Clinic for all the doctors in Melfort have been there since the opening back in December 2017.