Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 09/02) - Land. It's not like the rapidly growing territorial capital doesn't have enough of it. What Iqalungmiut really need, however, is land with the services that make it a place on which to build a home.

A housing crunch has plagued Iqaluit's politicians and developers for years -- the population has grown by 50 per cent in just the last three years. But if all goes according to plan, the new Lake subdivision should be ready for construction workers to start building on by September 2003.

It will be located between the Road to Nowhere and the existing development along Apex Road.

"Iqaluit is growing like nuts. We know we're going to need land," said Chrystal Fuller, director of planning and lands.

The land developed by the city will be able to hold 65 dwellings. That won't solve all the problems, but Fuller said going with something bigger would have been difficult.

"The schedule is very tight. There's no doubt that if there's a snag anywhere along the way, this isn't going to work," she said.

The area chosen for the new subdivision was not chosen haphazardly. Utilidor services already run near the site. The plan also allows for a variety of housing types. The road leading to the subdivision will create a second access route for the Road to Nowhere subdivision that can at times get blocked due to snow -- an important element for residents of the neighbourhood.

Most important, Fuller said she believes that development of this land will receive little public opposition.

"It's attractive with the little lake, and it suits our size requirement," she explained.

An open house has been scheduled for next Monday for the public to see the preliminary plans. This will be the first consultation. Fuller said there's still room for feedback and that's what she wants.

"I want to know what they think, and do they have any suggestions," she said.

Once the consultation is finished, the project will need also approval from several other agencies, including the Nunavut Water Board, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, city council and finally the territorial government.

At least one group is enthusiastic so far. News of the development met with positive feedback from councillors at the Aug. 27 city council meeting. "I like this. It's short and sweet," said Coun. Chris Wilson.

A construction tender is expected in March 2003 and a ballot draw for the lots will follow in May.

Fuller said land development in Iqaluit is done differently than in most cities in the South.

"We do the land development and then construction companies get the lots. The city is the regulator," explained Fuller.

In the South, the municipality approves a parcel of land and plans for a subdivision, and then private developers do the rest.

The developed land for the Lake Subdivision will include a walking trail and snowmobiling trails. Recreational space will also be accounted for.

Fuller said the city hasn't worked out how much it will cost to develop the subdivision. A budget is awaiting final approval of the design.