Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 17/05) - A zoning change that would allow double-wide trailers at Niven Lake was heavily panned by residents during public hearings at city council, Monday night.

Yellowknife resident Jeff Round tells city council he doesn't think double-wide trailers are appropriate for Phase VI of the Niven Lake subdivision during public hearings held at City Hall, Monday. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Fifteen citizens came to the hearings. Almost all opposed rezoning Phase VI of the Niven Lake subdivision from R2 residential-low density to R6, an entirely new zoning designation that would allow "limited manufactured dwellings" on the 92-lot site.

The hearings were divided into two parts, one for the zoning change, the other for an amendment to the Niven Lake Development Scheme.

Jen Morin, who owns a house near Phase VI where the double-wides are being built, questioned why council is pursuing a change to the bylaw even though the developer never requested it.

"I don't think it's responsible for council to bring forward a developer's interests," said Morin.

"I can't believe this."

Council pushed for a zoning change after a stop-work order was issued on four pre-manufactured units developer Homes North hauled into the site last April.

A development officer who inspected the units concluded that they didn't meet R2 zoning requirements which allows manufactured, multi-sectioned homes but not trailers.

After the stop-work order was issued, a flurry of council committee meetings followed to resolve the impasse. Council later adopted a motion to change the zoning and amend the Niven Lake Development Scheme.

Homes North signed a development agreement with the city nearly two years ago, but until this spring, they have been unable to build due to development appeals and court challenges by residents.

Architect Barry Ward, along with several other residents, told council Monday, he was worried Phase VI would resemble the Homes North-built trailer court on Demelt Crescent.

"How in the hell did this vision turn into blast rubble on gravel trails?" asked Ward.

"You don't create a livable city by continuously lowering the bar."

Jeff Round said he didn't think it was appropriate to construct a large lot of similar-looking double-wides on the site considering its close proximity to Highway No.4 - the gateway to the city.

"I believed the original spirit of Niven Lake was that no houses would look the same," he said.

Other than six speakers, council received seven written submissions during public hearings, plus a petition bearing 27 signatures - all opposed to rezoning.

Kevin Hodgins of FSC Architects and Engineers, who spoke on behalf on Homes North, pleaded with residents to give the company a chance to finish its work before passing judgment.

He said none of the 10 buyers who purchased individual lots in Phase VI by ballot draw have complained to Homes North about the way they're developing the site.

Hodgins challenged council to "knock on the doors" on Demelt Crescent, and find anyone unhappy with the homes they purchased.

"What you see out there is a work in process," said Hodgins.

"The earlier phases of Niven Lake looked much the same."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said it will be another couple weeks before council makes any rulings on the hearings.

City councillors declined comment until then.