Iqaluit city council advances bylaw that would allow 116-unit Hospital Hill build

A bylaw revision that would allow Nunavut Housing Corp. to build two five-story, 58-unit public housing buildings at the base of Iqaluit’s Hospital Hill is closer to approval after city councillors unanimously moved it through second reading Tuesday night.

The change would increase the density of the area where the proposed build would be constructed.

The city hosted a public hearing before the city council meeting, where residents could have expressed their views on the proposed changes.

City planner Reiko Kobayashi read the sole written submission, from resident Karen Flaherty, who said she supports building more housing but raised some concerns.

Flaherty’s concerns included increased traffic on Niaqunngusiariaq Road; parking; whether Qulliq Energy Corp. could power the buildings without city-wide disruptions; and whether the NHC would be able to properly maintain the facility.

She also raised concerns about the safety of the area, near the Sailijaaqvik medical boarding home and Uquutaq Society’s low barrier shelter.

“My family used to enjoy walking our dog after supper, but we no longer feel comfortable doing so because of repeated encounters with individuals who are intoxicated, yelling or behaving unpredictably on our street,” Flaherty wrote.

She added, “I am concerned that adding two large apartment buildings without a broader plan to address neighbourhood impacts will place additional strain on an area that is already facing challenges.”

George MacKay, another area resident, was the only in-person speaker at Tuesday’s hearing. He said he’s “strongly in favour” of the project.

“We in Iqaluit are experiencing a very severe housing crisis, and I feel the city needs to add as much high quality public housing as possible as quickly as possible,” he said.

“I don’t believe that the parking issue is a real problem. I think that the future should include good public transportation rather than wasting valuable space on parking lots.”

When councillors discussed the bylaw, it was brief.

Coun. Romeyn Stevenson emphasized the need for the city to update its general plan.

Coun. Kyle Sheppard flagged a typo, but also emphasized that written into the bylaw is a requirement that council first conditionally approve a development permit for NHC’s proposal.

Deputy Mayor Kim Smith and Coun. Amber Aglukark joined Sheppard and Stevenson in voting in favour of the bylaw.

Smith participated in the vote by videoconference, meaning there were only three councillors present alongside Mayor Solomon Awa Tuesday night.

A previous version of this bylaw was rejected by the city’s planning and development committee.

However, a revised version that included more parking was re-introduced to council earlier this month.

The lots of the proposed development are currently vacant but were previously occupied by row homes.