Iqaluit (Sep 29/03) - Nunavut's capital city needs houses, but they won't be built in Tundra Valley. At least for now.

Mayor John Matthews broke a tie and voted against plans to develop lots at Tundra Valley east for up to 90 homes.

The decision came Sept. 23 after a delegation of residents and MLAs presented their case for preserving the land in its natural state.

MLA Ed Picco, whose Iqaluit East riding includes the site of the proposed development, said his constituents aren't ready to see the area developed just yet. "It was a surprise to find out that this was the next project for council," he said.

"There is a need to have more single family homes in the city but it's surprising that it's happening this quickly."

Resident John Laird said more discussion is needed before Tundra Valley is developed further.

"The public meeting was held a week ago and people haven't had a lot of time to process all the information," he said.

Coun. Glen Williams said he voted against the development because it uses trucked in service.

"We need to stop running around with quick Band Aid solutions," he said.

"We have to have a utilidor system for all new developments."

"We have to wean the city from trucked-in service," added Mayor John Matthews.

Coun. Doug Lem added he would like to see more development closer to the city to cut down on traffic use in Iqaluit.

Councillors Keith Irving and Stu Hill wanted to see the project move forward because of the pressing need for new single family homes.

"This is the only way we can get some development on the books for next year," Irving said. The issue of developing in the Tundra Valley isn't over yet. Picco explained he would like to see a hybrid of the development, where council only develops part of the area while keeping most of the natural environment intact.

Matthews explained that council could re-examine the development in the future, although that would like come after the Oct. 20 election.

The Vote

Against development

Mayor John Matthews (cast tie-breaking vote)
Glenn Williams
Doug Lem
Chris Wilson

For development

Stu Kennedy
Lynda Gunn
Keith Irving