SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Construction on an 81-unit apartment, townhouse, and condominium project is set to begin in May or June, according to developers.

Scott Butler, left, and Brad Procter with Mission Ventures Inc. show off a sketch for an apartment building at the end of School Draw Avenue, on March 30 at city hall. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

Scott Butler, president of Mission Ventures Inc., said the 24-condo units could be priced in the mid to high $200,000 range, while the townhouses will be over $300,000.

"In the next two months we'll be able to provide firm prices and give people the opportunity to throw some cash down (on a unit)," said Butler at a public presentation on March 30 at city hall.

Butler said Mission Ventures has redesigned the layout of the project to address concerns of residents of the surrounding area. One concern was visitors to the apartments and residences in the new area may park along School Draw Avenue and 49 Street.

Butler said to address this concern 11 more parking stalls were added to the designs for the parking lot, which increases the number of stalls to a total of 110 for the 81 units.

He also noted a possibility of putting in a small, additional parking lot near the base of Tin Can Hill for trail-goers.

"We're looking at having a small parking lot for public to come and use," said Butler.

He said Mission Ventures is aiming to meet the EnerGuide 80 energy efficiency standard in all the buildings.

"We want to build a quality development, quality homes that people will live in for a very long time," he said.

"I'm always concerned about developments in the area," said Elise Maltin - who lives within a few blocks of the proposed development - at the presentation.

"Access to (the) Tin Can Hill area is important, and also just the footprint and what its going to look like," said Maltin.

Maltin did not voice concern over the development, and told Yellowknifer she appreciated that the developers were giving the public presentation.

"I think its great that they're building affordable housing in Yellowknife," she said.

Fourteen Yellowknifers attended the presentation on March 30, plus city councillors Cory Vanthuyne, David Wind, and Mark Heyck, as well as city administrative staff.

"At this point they've done a good job of listening to peoples concerns," said Heyck.

"I think it's a nice looking development."