Whitehorse needs more building lots, and fast, councillors say

Whitehorse is experiencing a building lot crunch and there's little relief in sight, according to some city councillors.

"We're going to be out of lots sooner than we think," said councillor Dan Boydat Monday's council meeting.

"The economy is rolling along, we've got mines opening up ...we've come through a bit of a slow period, and now I think demand is going to go up."

• Whitehorse identifies 13 areas that could become residential lots

Council receivedan update on the ongoing development of the new Whistle Bend subdivision, which is expected to bring hundreds morelots and housing units from condos and townhouses to single family homes onto the market in the next few years.

Phase three of the development is already underway, with lots expected to be for sale by next spring. Phasefour development lots could be ready by fall, according to city planners.

That simply won't be enough, Boyd says.

"We have a serious shortage of housing lots on the market, and I would argue that we don't have a huge supply coming," Boydsaid.

"We just need to do everything we possibly can to get onto more planning, and more supply, as quickly as we can."

CouncillorSamson Hartlandagreed, saying Boyd is "in tune, yet again."

"I'velike Councillor Boyd been sounding off about our position here, especially when we're looking at in-fill [lots], to essentially put a band-aid on what is essentially a big wound right now."

No commercial activity, yet

The Whistle Bend subdivision is envisioned by planners as a neighbourhood of over 8,000 residents, with a town square, transit services,three schools and retail shops. It's being plannedthrough a partnership between the City of Whitehorseand the Yukon government.

According to the city, interest in Whistle Bendwas slow at firstbut soonexceeded expectations.

However, it is still a housing development, with no commercial or retail activityyet.

City planner Mike Ellis assured council on Monday that it's only a matter of time before businesses move in.

"The great benefit of building at this scale and density is that, yes, it should be able to support a wide range of commercial services. If you looked at a comparable town of 8,000 people, you'd find a main street filled with barber shops, post offices and cafes and things," Ellis said.

"It really is just taking enough people to live nearby for the private sector to say it's worth jumping in there. But with the acceleration of growth down there, we are optimistic it will be soon."

Ellis says things should pick up after next year, whenthe new continuing care facility opens in the neighbourhood.