Pop the corks and raise a glass, the deed is done.

After nearly two years of work, debate, cajoling and public testimony, the Covington City Council unanimously approved the new downtown zoning and design regulations Tuesday. The ordinance sets in motion the future vision for the downtown and town center.

“This is a city of Covington celebration,” Councilman Jim Scott said. “And it is great to be part of it.”

One of the most high profile issues concerning the town center involved a 24-hour emergency department proposed by Valley Medical Center in the town center on a 10-acre site located behind Safeway and Fred Meyer.

Valley has proposed to build a plaza development with medical office, retail and park area. The public hospital is in the process of purchasing the property from Ashton Development for about $5 million.

After a few twists and turns during the past few months, the council approved the zoning that will allow the emergency department.

The Planning Commission had recommended against the zoning allowing the emergency department in the town center on a split vote June 17, but after considerable public testimony and deliberations, the council decided the emergency department would fit in the town center.

“The economy changed everything two years ago,” Councilman Wayne Snoey said. “This is an opportunity for the city and the citizens to make the best out of a difficult economy.”

The downtown zoning and design plan approved by the council is an effort to present clear standards to potential developers and promote a mix of retail, residential, office and open space, which includes parks.

The zoning changes the previous 11 zoning districts in the downtown area to five.