Peter Crnogorac
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - For two-and-a-half hours Monday night, a steady stream of residents told city council that, for the most part, they liked what they saw for development plans at Phase 7 of Niven Lake, but thought the city could still do a little better.

Council held public hearings Monday on whether Phase 7 should be made R7 - residential, low-density neighbourhood that allows detached dwellings, duplexes and semi-detached houses into the area.

Most people who spoke on Monday said they liked that City Council had a solid plan for the new division, but that there were some things they should look at before going full throttle with the actual building of it.

"The proposed development scheme recognizes trails and has a good chunk of green areas, which is good," said the first speaker Tasha Stephenson. "Unfortunately there are not significant restraints on blasting."

Within the Phase 7 proposal is a section stating that all properties must retain at least 5 per cent natural scenery, such as a trees or rocks.

"I think the five per cent needs to be set higher," said Stephenson.

Former councillor Alan Woytuik said he believed R5, which allows three and four-plex homes, would be a better choice for the development.

"I know it's more efficient to cram everyone together," he said." But there are many people like me who are living in this country because they like wide open spaces."

Ann Peters told council that through zoning, council could keep Phase 7 more natural then past developments.

"Your goals could be better achieved with more medium density housing," she said. "There would be less flattening of the lands."

By the time everyone had a turn to speak, council seemed overwhelmed by all they heard.

Coun. Bob Brooks put forth a motion to have Phase 7 brought back to a committee meeting so council could look at it more before voting on a final design. Council unanimously voted to do so.