Whitehorse Daily Star

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Mayor Dan Curtis

Consultation begins on residential lots infills

Fewer than 24 hours after city council unanimously approved moving ahead

By Stephanie Waddell on May 24, 2017

Fewer than 24 hours after city council unanimously approved moving ahead to look at establishing 13 new residential lots in existing neighbourhoods, the consultation has begun.

On its website this morning, the city posted a page highlighting the plans and asking for feedback.

“On Tuesday May 23rd, city council voted to endorse the initiative to carry out public consultation on what type and form of housing could be built,” the website says. “A public survey is now available until June 18th, 2017.”

Surveys are available for each neighbourhood, with the sites proposed to be:

• in Logan on Finch Crescent in between Magpie Road and Falcon Road;

• in Ingram on Sandpiper Drive near Mallard Drive;

• in Granger on Wilson Drive toward Hayes Place;

• in Hidden Valley on Couch Road behind Hidden Valley School near the Mayo Road;

• in Mary Lake with three potential properties on Fireweed Drive;

• in Cowley Creek on Salmon Trail near Dolly Varden Drive;

• in Porter Creek on Wann Road near Holy Family School; and

• in Whitehorse Copper with four potential sites along Talus Drive.

The sites in the more urban neighbourhoods were selected because they are already zoned from residential development, and water and services are already in the areas.

Meanwhile, the country residential sites would require rezoning.

However, they were selected based on mapping and site visits, with the city now doing some background research on the environmental issues.

As explained on the city’s website (as well as in staff reports to council):

“Whitehorse has a steadily growing population that requires additional housing. The major focus for housing development since 2012 has been Whistle Bend, which is expected to provide housing for another 10-plus years.

“The city is considering additional housing lots in existing neighbourhoods to augment supply to help ease housing price escalation and keep homes affordable for families.

“As there is a temporary gap in lot availability in Whistle Bend, it is important to get additional supply to market in the short term.

“By developing housing lots in existing neighbourhoods, there isn’t a need to construct new infrastructure (roads/sewer/water). This is also a way to more efficiently use existing city services.”

At Tuesday evening’s council meeting, members voiced their support for moving ahead with the process.

For one councillor though, it’s not a preferred approach.

Coun. Samson Hartland noted that ideally, there would be a two-year supply of lots available for over-the-counter sales.

The reality though is that’s just not available right now, he said.

“To meet demand, these options have to be explored,” Hartland said.

As Coun. Rob Fendrick commented: “We’re running very scarce on lots.”

Increasing density in established areas is the only responsible way to grow, Coun. Betty Irwin said.

She pointed out that the updated strategic plan council adopted last night lists planning for growth as well as affordable housing among the highest of priorities.

“We cannot ignore that our city is growing and will continue to grow,” she said.

Mayor Dan Curtis stressed that the proposed 13 lots are spread out over eight neighbourhoods.

“This isn’t one area,” he said. “It’s been very thought-out.”

He said he doesn’t think the addition of the new lots will have a major impact on each neighbourhood where they’re proposed. However, he also said he’s looking forward to the public consultation to find out what residents think.

Similarly, Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu pointed out there’s a process that will be followed, beginning with the public consultation, to ensure the city makes the right decisions on infill.

“This is an important exercise,” she said.

The page highlighting the plans is available at http://www.whitehorse.ca/ departments/planning-building-services/housing-lots

Comments (3)

Up 4 Down 1

So 9 people don't want cost effect on May 26, 2017 at 5:22 pm

planning for the City.

Up 6 Down 16

This is good plan and will make city services more cost effective on May 25, 2017 at 12:26 pm

We need more multi-plex building that can be sold as individual units like in the down town. Good move.
Wilf CArter

Up 15 Down 5

Salar on May 24, 2017 at 8:45 pm

The poor staff are gonna earn their pay checks on this one....'What? I bought this house for a half a mill and now I won't have my green tree to look at!!!.....I'll sue!!!.....aarrrrghh!'

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