The deadline for public comment on the city’s plans to allow denser development in single-family residential areas has passed, with a majority of submissions voicing concern or opposition.

“While I support planning for higher-density new development, I’m concerned about ‘unplanned densification’,” said Joe Iles, speaking at the public hearing held Monday evening.

In his Porter Creek neighbourhood, there are already six-plexes on lots that once had a single-family dwelling.

More developments like this will have impacts on neighbours, noise, traffic and increased use of the greenspace, Iles said.

“Residents of affected neighbourhoods need a voice in proposed changes,” Iles said.

Riverdale resident Bob Gates said densification alters “the very nature and character of this city.

“Changing single-family housing into dense housing … it only takes a house or two, but the spirit involved in developing a neighbourhood, from one neighbour to another … it makes it more than just one individual lot being changed in an area,” he said.

Of the 21 written submissions received, corporate services director Valerie Braga said, eight supported the proposed amendments, six expressed concerns and seven opposed the changes.

Council will next deal with the issue at its April 15 standing committee meeting, with final approval possible on April 22.

Birds, not just people, should be considered as well, said Arlin McFarlane.

“I’m concerned about the changes to site coverage and setbacks and (how the loss of mature trees) will affect bird populations downtown.”

While the downtown resident recognizes the need for increased housing, McFarlane encouraged council to take a “deep dive” into how the new rules would work against a “nature-friendly downtown.”

The disruption to neighbourhoods should also be remembered, said Laurie Young.

“I’ve watched our little city grow and grow; I want to better understand how these decisions are made,” she said.

Her family’s business, in the 500-block of Main Street, has suffered from the loss of parking thanks to the Hyatt hotel under construction across the street.

“This went ahead without even a letter to us,” Young said, noting that the loss of sunlight is a problem, as well as the parking woes.

Housing-related amendments to the Zoning Regulation intended to address the city’s immediate housing needs include:

Allowing up to four units per lot in most residential zones;

Enabling garden suites and living suites in all residential zones; and

Relaxing some development regulations.

The rest of the Zoning Regulation will be updated by March 2025, in support of the policy direction set out in the Whitehorse 2040 Official Community Plan passed last year.

The draft rules, and more, are available on the https://engagewhitehorse.ca website, in the “Zoning Bylaw Rewrite” section.