The Yukon government has the zoning it needs to move forward with the proposed 300-bed continuing care facility in Whistle Bend.

In a 5-1 vote Monday evening, council approved the final reading of the zoning change for a piece of land near Keno Way along with a number of other amendments to the zoning plan for the third phase of Whitehorse’s newest subdivision.

Coun. Betty Irwin was the only council member to vote against the final reading of the bylaw.

Coun. Dave Stockdale had proposed holding off on third reading, a motion that was defeated, and had harsh words for the Yukon government.

“We can’t win in this situation,” Stockdale said.

He noted the first phase of the continuing care facility and the proposed sports complex in the neighbourhood are slated for 2016, the same year as the next territorial election.

“I’ve just had my fill,” Stockdale said.

Both he and Irwin argued the city is being pushed into rezoning the site, given the urgency of finding much-needed beds for those on a growing waiting list.

As Irwin described it, the Yukon government has pushed the city against the wall.

She said she’s just waiting to hear: “Ready, aim, fire!”

Over a lengthy discussion among council members, Irwin emphasized she wants more details on the project. Those would include what other location options had been considered before the government selected Whistle Bend as the preferred site.

Irwin was also quick to note the Canadian Medical Association has stated home care is the ideal option for looking after people who require extra care.

“There’s just too many questions left unanswered for me,” she said.

Other council members stated their doubts that a sprawling, 300-bed facility is the best option for continuing care, but noted that decision falls under the Yukon government’s jurisdiction.

The city’s role is to look at the zoning and decide whether an institutional facility is suited to the land, currently zoned future planning, other members said.

A number of residents who spoke at a public hearing on the zoning changes took issue with such a large facility in the neighbourhood. They argued smaller facilities spread out around the city would be a better option.

The territory has defended its plans, saying the facility will be designed and built in a way that helps to create a neighbourhood and village environment with units built on “streets” connecting to common areas in different parts of the facility, with the main gathering points of the building being a “village centre”.

Creating a feeling of home for residents is of the utmost importance, a nurse who works in continuing care told council at the hearing.

Having the beds in one location will mean efficiency for staff, and will bring workers to the area, the Yukon government has said.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu said she continues to have concerns about the size of the building. She also highlighted the need for continuing care beds, noting the responsibility for how continuing care operates is a Yukon government responsibility.

Curteanu also pointed out the territory has stated it would involve the city and local residents in any consultation on the design.

Mayor Dan Curtis, who attended the meeting by conference call, defended the government, arguing the reality of the situation is that there is a clear need for more extended care services.

The city and local residents will be consulted as the project moves ahead, the mayor pointed out, noting the territory has committed to that.

A request for qualifications has already opened on the project, prior to Monday’s vote, city manager Christine Smith confirmed during council discussion.

Along with rezoning the site for the continuing care facility, council also passed a number of other zoning amendments, with Casca Boulevard redesigned so lots front onto local streets rather than the main road.

A number of single-family and townhouse lots have become multiple-family sites; fewer intersections will be in place on Casca Boulevard to improve traffic and align streets.

A number of residential and commercial sections now fall under comprehensive zoning.

As well, 143 lots for phase three are expected to house 300 residents in addition to the eventual 300 who will live at the extended care facility.

Among the residential parcels planned are 40 smaller single-family lots, nine large single-family lots, four duplex properties, 53 townhouse lots and 13 multiple-family sites.

Meanwhile, 35 commercial lots are included in the plans for the third phase, as well as two institutional lots, one of which is for the continuing care facility.

The other would be on the north side of Keno Way.