SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
HomesNorth owner Les Rocher is getting closer to his plan to fill an area of Old Town off Bretzlaff Drive with prefabricated cabins.
By adding an additional 10 cabins on to four lots that already include two cabins, Rocher said he is hoping to help address cost-of-living issues and provide a home that could be used by one or two people.
The area is just up the street from the historic Woodyard where some residents live in shacks without running water and flush toilets. Rocher said these cabins will be different.
"There is a great demand for this traditional-style housing and it would enhance the look of the area," said Rocher.
The plan was up for discussion at a city council committee meeting on Monday because Rocher is asking for a 48.7 per cent variance. Basically, he wants to increase the density of the sites so he will be allowed to place four cabins on each lot, instead of just one. The current plan includes delivery of water and fuel, and sewer collection.
While council has yet to vote on whether it will approve the variance, during Monday's municipal services committee meeting councillors said they had no problem going ahead and approving the variance.
"I'm glad administration has brought this forward," said Coun. Cory Vanthuyne.
"A compact housing development like this can reinvigorate an area and these plans fall within the 2011 general plan and also helps address affordable housing. I'll be supporting the variance," he said.
The two cabins that are already on the lots haven't been opened up for the summer, said Rocher.
"I've been waiting for this whole process to go through," he said.
"I need them also for my staff to stay in. They can't afford to stay in the city or live anywhere and this was part of the solution."
Coun. Phil Moon Son said he would also be supporting the application, but wanted to know if there had been any neighbourhood concerns or discussion.
Jeff Humble, the city's director of planning and development, said so far there had been no neighbourhood concerns but, subject to approval by council, a notice would be posted informing people of the decision.
