Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 10/01) - Two trailers owned by a city developer are not welcome in Apex.

Long-time resident Erwin Pfeifer said the units threaten property values. Worse, he said, the city violated its development plan by allowing them there.

"Their own bylaw states no trailers outside a designated trailer park. It's beyond me how this happened," Pfeifer said. "I'm totally against it."

The mobile homes arrived in August. By no means are the units new.

Auyuittuq Development vice-president Kenn Harper received approval to relocate and refurbish the units in Apex last year.

The newly elected council and the development committee revisited the application in February. Both parties said the trailers had to stay in Iqaluit. Harper appealed.

The Iqaluit Development Appeal Board ruled in Harper's favour in March. Hence the trailers' arrival in Apex.

Mayor John Matthews insisted the city did not intentionally violate the bylaw in question. The matter is scheduled for discussion at the Sept. 11 council meeting.

Apex resident Madeleine Redfern organized a public meeting Sept. 3 in Apex. A 23-name petition opposing the trailers was went to Matthews last week.

"I'd be surprised if these trailer homes would be allowed to be placed in upper Tundra Valley," Redfern said.

An Apex resident, Coun. Kirt Ejesiak attended the lively meeting.

A perceived breech of protocol, especially community consultation, was repeatedly raised.

Pfeifer supports housing development as outlined in the city's 1996 development plan. He also recognizes the community's chronic housing shortage but said, "If you want affordable housing put a trailer in a trailer park."

The trailers were previously located near the Mariner Lodge in Iqaluit.

Calls to Auyuittuq Development vice-president Kenn Harper were not returned by deadline.