A sizable residential development in the heart of Swift Current's south side has run into some delays.

Construction on the former site where St. Joseph's Middle School sat was expected to begin in the fall of 2021 after the City reached an agreement with Taber developer Sidney Tams last spring.

"There's some challenges moreso on the engineering side to ensure that you get proper slope with the sanitary lines," Swift Current's General Manager of Planning and Growth Development Marty Salberg said. "That has kind of put things kind behind schedule."

The lot once completed that will feature 24 structures, 20 single detached houses and four fourplexes, is now expected to experience activity in the springtime once the detailed engineering is completed.

After the deep services are installed by the City on the lot, Tams hopes to construct a few houses immediately and also list some lots for private buyers or local builders.

"I think that St. Joe's School site is going to be a real opportunity for some affordable type housing," Salberg said. "I was at the open house the developer had this past summer and there was a lot of good comments, a lot of interest in more affordable housing, it's a great location. I think it will be a great addition to the south side of Swift Current."

Part of the $310,000 agreement between Tams and Swift Current included an incentive from the City for the listed price on each house to be $300,000 or less and he'd receive a kickback of about $8,000 per home.

If that sale price wasn't attained, however, the City would pass the stimulus onto the individual that purchases the house.