New “sustainable subdivision” up for discussion

Iqaluit can expect to see 320 new residential units from the $14.2 million subdivision it’s proposing for the plateau area that stretches from Nunavut Arctic College to the Upper Base road, the city’s director of lands and planning, Michele Bertol, told city council at its Tuesday night meeting.

Lots in the new subdivision will cost $50,000, with more than 100 units to be built in the first of three building phases. Most units will have an unobstructred view to the sea, Bertol said.

Designed to be a “sustainable subdivision,” the new residential development will encourage environmentally friendly building practices. New units will have to be energy-efficient, face south and have enclosed porches to prevent heat loss.

Some larger lots are also planned to provide space for “clustered” units, such as townhouses.

Several councillors said obliging prospective builders to comply with more stringent building regulations could lead to “premium prices” for housing and mean the new housing development would serve the city’s elite.

The proposed development will have two access roads, one above Nunavut Arctic College and another near the new justice centre.

Several of the lots closest to the city are already earmarked for institutional buildings, such as an expansion for the Nunavut Arctic College and new RCMP detachment building.

The public is invited to share ideas on the new development on Monday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Anglican Parish Hall.