SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - An unfinished sentence in a report requesting a developer for the last remaining lots at Phase VII of Niven Lake left city councillors fuming on Monday.

Construction continues in Phase VII of Niven Lake on Wednesday. City council is concerned about new development in the area being affordable and wants administration to consider affordable housing when requesting proposals for development in the area. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

The request for proposals released to council Monday had a section titled "affordability." It contained only a half-written sentence, which read, "The proposed development shall be targeted as an 'affordable' subdivision and as such shall include provisions for..." and then ends.

City councillor Shelagh Montgomery was the first to point out the error.

"I was very keen to see the section (on) affordability, except there doesn't seem to be anything there," said Montgomery about the proposal.

"As far as I know, we have done nothing to date to help to promote non-market housing in the city. And we've done nothing about our affordable housing strategy, and this would be a perfect opportunity," she said.

Phase VII of Niven Lake is currently under development. There are a total of 30 lots, 12 of which are left for purchase.

Montgomery suggested the development of new townhouses, duplexes and apartments in Niven Lake be put on hold until the city finishes its affordable housing strategy. No date has been identified for the strategy's completion as of yet.

Couns. David Wind, Bob Brooks, Mark Heyck and Paul Falvo agreed creating affordable housing needs to be a priority, but they didn't think it made sense to put a stop to development, particularly if it were to be of townhouses and duplexes, said Wind.

"I would not hold up the progress on this project for the sake of the city having to complete its thinking and its policies, and having them in place on affordable housing," Wind said.

"I believe this type of housing is something which is more affordable than we often see in other developments that we have in the city."

Council agreed it needs more information before it can pass the request for proposals (RFP).

City administrator Robert Long said administration will flesh out the section on affordable housing before bringing the RFP to council for approval.

The deadline for proposals from bidders is currently set for Nov. 9, but could likely change. Council plans to chose a bidder early in 2011.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.