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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - City councillors expressed unanimous support on Monday night for the construction of a medical boarding home on the corner of Matonabee Street and Franklin Avenue, despite earlier protests from neighbourhood residents.

"A three-storey apartment building could be put there today without any comment or input from council," said Coun. Mark Heyck.

"There's a real need for this type of facility," he added.

The proposed 28-room facility is designed for use by community residents travelling to Yellowknife for out-patient medical services. As part of its service, the home would also provide shuttles to and from the hospital.

The development permit for the facility is required to go through council because the proposed site is located in a residential zone.

While both Matonabee neighbourhood residents who spoke against the home supported the establishment of such a facility in Yellowknife, they each argued the building should be closer to the hospital.

But there were others in the neighbourhood who supported the new facility - enough to sway Coun. David Wind from his original position.

Wind admitted to some reluctance in the beginning, but was compelled to support the facility after canvassing the area.

Temporary housing gets support

Councillors voiced a range of concerns about permitting a one-year extension on temporary housing for construction workers on a Kam Lake Road property during Monday night's council meeting.

The housing - rows of trailers - has been in place since 2005. The property owner, Arctic Holdings and Leasings Ltd., has made a development permit application to replace the old trailers with new ones.

The item was ultimately given approval with one amendment: that administration ensures the temporary allowance, if passed, comes up for discussion again in one year.

"I thought long and hard about this one," said Coun. David McCann, who voted against the housing.

"I'm loathe to support this kind of thing."

He added he felt temporary housing could undercut housing businesses in the city. Instead, McCann would like to see workers housed in hotels.

Coun. David Wind also did not support the motion because he did not feel such housing was safe and because he wondered about its "temporary" nature.

"I'm not convinced this is the right move on the part of council ... I get the distinct impression these units have been in place for quite a number of years."

But sustainable, affordable and available housing is largely lacking in Yellowknife, said Coun. Lydia Bardak.

"Temporary housing is a reality in getting temporary work done in the North."

City considers sidewalk snow removal policy

Coun. Paul Falvo decided to hold off on a motion regarding sidewalk snow clearing until early December in anticipation of a forthcoming report from administration, he said.

Earlier in the season, council had asked administration what the implications of a bylaw change would be and "that's the report that's coming forward," said city administrator Max Hall.