IQALUIT - Iqaluit city council unanimously shot down a proposal which would have built 118 new apartment units in the downtown core.

At a meeting on Jan. 25, Iqaluit's city council voted against changing the bylaws to allow Nunastar Properties to build four apartment buildings in the downtown core – two behind the Astro Hill Complex and two in the lots across the street from Arctic Ventures. Pictured above is where the two buildings in front of Creekside Village, known as White Row, would have been located. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

Nunastar Properties asked council, at its meeting on Jan. 25, to approve a rezoning bylaw which would change the three lots it owns around Creekside Village, or White Row, from central business to high-density residential.

The plan was to build two apartment buildings behind the Astro Hill Complex facing Creekside Village and two others along Queen Elizabeth Way across from Arctic Ventures. Construction would have taken place in four phases.

Mayor Madeleine Redfern took part in the meeting via tele-conference as she was in Toronto for mayoral duties. She voiced her concerns over building housing in an area which was supposed to be designated for commercial use in the city's general plan.

"We need more commercial space in the downtown to have vibrancy, housing units won't do that," said councillor Romeyn Stevenson.

Councillor Mary Wilman said she thought the buildings were large and would block the views of current residents.

Councillor Joanasie Akumalik suggested Nunastar could make two- and three-bedroom units.

Michèle Bertol, senior director of planning and land at the time of the meeting, said the city cannot control how apartment buildings are subdivided.

"The policies of our general plan really call for a diversification of the downtown core. It would be a pity if they [the lots] weren't developed to the maximum," Bertol said.

With a lack of parking at Arctic Ventures already, the lots across the street are regularly used for overflow. Bertol said Nunastar owns the lots and can use them in whatever manner it sees fit.

Stevenson and the other councillors did not have problems with the two other buildings proposed. Councillor Mat Knicklebein said he was happy about the potential of adding much needed additional housing in the city.

According to the most recent Iqaluit rental survey by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in November and December 2009, there were virtually zero vacant rental units. The survey included units owned by the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Canada. The survey did not include public housing units or privately-owned rentals in homes.

The average price for a home in Iqaluit is $349,168.

General manager for Nunastar Properties Don Sinclaire-Chenier was at the meeting and did not speak. He did not want to comment.

Near the end of discussions before the vote took place, Bertol said:

"I would like to stress personal opinions on the matter are irrelevant."

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