The fifth phase of the Whistle Bend subdivision could house close to 600 people if plans go ahead as proposed.

Zoning for the fifth phase of the city’s newest neighbourhood came forward at council’s meeting Monday evening. It shows plans for 44 single-detached and duplex, 66 townhouse, and two multiple-family lots.

There would also be an institutional/recreation lot and a park along with streets built over the 20 hectares that would make up the area.

“A broad mix of housing allows residents to ‘age in place’ and has the socioeconomic benefit of mixing a range of income levels and demographics within a neighbourhood,” city planner Mike Ellis noted in a report to council Monday night.

“Phase 5 is located very close to the Whistle Bend core and future transit route, and includes high-density lots, which helps the viability of both commercial opportunities and transit service.”

A “green street” is also part of the design where single-family houses will face onto a landscaped green corridor with a walking path instead of a typical residential street. Parking for those homes is available from expanded laneways.

“The design remains generally similar to the original 2012 design,” Ellis said.

“The main changes have been made to reduce paving surface through removal of unnecessary, single loaded lanes, and reconfiguration of lots to improve development potential.”

Detailed engineering could eventually result in slight adjustments to things like walkways, roads and service corridors, but the main proposal that council eventually adopts would remain.

Ellis’ report sparked a lengthy discussion among council members.

Coun. Dan Boyd questioned whether the city will deal ahead of time with the issue of whether the trail will be designated as non-motorized or motorized multi-use.

Interim city manager Linda Rapp said she would have to get back to council on the issue.

Boyd also argued the plans aren’t enough to supply the expected housing demands and questioned what’s in the works to meet that demand.

As Ellis reminded Boyd though, with this just at the zoning stage, Phase 5 is still years away.

Lots for Phase 3 will be released in the spring of 2018.

(The Yukon government had initially planned a fall release but delayed it at the request of developers. They were concerned about building timelines that would come with a fall release.)

The first release of lots in Phase 4 isn’t anticipated until the fall of 2018.

Ellis noted that 490 living units are projected for Phase 3, with another 400 for Phase 4.

“There’s a lot coming,” Ellis assured council.

Boyd wasn’t convinced, though, arguing the city needs to do everything it can to ensure the housing demand is met.

“We have a serious shortage of housing lots on the market,” he said.

Meanwhile, Coun. Betty Irwin was focused on commercial enterprises for the new neighbourhood.

Ellis pointed to the numerous commercial lots available in Phase 3.

He said the neighbourhood is designed with a walkable streetscape along a commercial sector.

It’s anticipated that as Whistle Bend becomes more populated, there will be greater interest from businesses wanting to open up establishments there.

“We have some strong potential,” Ellis said.

Meanwhile, Coun. Roslyn Woodcock applauded the city’s long-term vision in moving forward with Whistle Bend.

First reading for the zoning is scheduled to come forward next week.

If that is passed, a public hearing on the proposal would be held at council’s Oct. 23 meeting, where anyone could speak to the proposed zoning.

A report on what was said at the hearing would then be presented to council on Nov. 6, followed by second and third readings likely coming forward on Nov. 14.