Two mayoral candidates in Thursday's municipal election are taking a firm stance on development of the proposed Porter Creek D area.

The proposed development in the McIntyre Creek area has been the subject of considerable debate. Many have argued development shouldn't happen in the area that's used as a wildlife corridor.

Last week, the five mayoral and 22 councillor candidates in the municipal election were asked their thoughts on protecting the area by the Yukon Conservation Society, Yukon Bird Club, Friends of McIntyre Creek, Porter Creek Community Association and Takhini North Community Association.

The groups provided the full answers of each candidate last Friday.

Dan Curtis and Mandeep Sidhu are the only two mayoral hopefuls to state a yes or no to the question, "If you are elected on Oct. 18, 2012, will you oppose the proposed Porter Creek D subdivision and associated roads?”

While Curtis provided a clear Yes, Sidhu said No.

Given up to 50 words to explain their views, Curtis replied: "I fear the planning and development of McIntyre Creek would have an adverse effect on private developers and the investment they have made to address the Whitehorse housing shortage.

"The development or subsequent planning of development on McIntyre Creek is not something I will support – it does not make economic sense.”

Sidhu, meanwhile, sees it differently, stating: "No, I would not oppose the Porter Creek D subdivision. I support creating housing options for the current and future residents of Whitehorse.

"The D subdivision should be a ‘last resort'. The development is an eventuality, and sensible planning with strict conditions is key to maintaining the environment in the area.”

The other three mayoral candidates said they are undecided, with Scott Howell and Bernie Phillips proposing the possibility of developing it be looked at again.

Howell noted the need for development in the creek corridor "is not just a threat to wilderness, but also an exercise in redundancy.”

He then suggested Porter Creek D and potential infill lots on greenbelts be re-examined.

Phillips, meanwhile, said he'd support re-evaluating Porter Creek D "with community input at every step of the process.

"We need to protect existing vegetation and wildlife habitat when housing development takes place, not strip the land bear. I do not support any more development along the creek corridor.”

Finally, Rick Karp stood by his earlier statements that he wants to see the design of the neighbourhood before a decision on actual development is made.

"Then we will know the impact of a Porter Creek D, and together we will be able to decide whether to move forward or not.”

Of the 22 candidates seeking the six councillor seats in the election, just a little more than half even responded.

Friends of McIntyre Creek board member Gerry Steers said Monday that was the biggest surprise for her, given it was not such a large questionnaire for candidates.

Council candidates who didn't respond are incumbent Dave Austin, Jean-Sebastien Blais, Garth Brown, Helen Geisler, Mike Gladish, Leona Kains, Sharon Shorty, Patrick Singh and Conrad Tiedeman.

Of those council candidates who did reply, most said they would oppose the proposed development, including Pat Berrel, Jocelyn Curteanu, Al Fedoriak, incumbent Betty Irwin, Cam Kos, Julie Menard, Mike Tribes and Roslyn Woodcock.

Incumbent Dave Stockdale was the only candidate for councillor not to oppose the development, stating:

"I will not oppose the Porter Creek D subdivision for the simple reason that I do not know what that will look like. I will oppose the construction of roads in the area, but feel that in the best interest of the community I must consider some in-filling.”

Finally, stating they are undecided were incumbent Kirk Cameron, Randy Collins, Michael Kokiw and John Streicker.

Steers noted that the Friends of McIntyre Creek are scheduled to meet today and will likely discuss how the candidates responded then.

While two of the candidates stand out for her personally based on their answers, she said she prefers to keep their identities to herself.

"The future of McIntyre Creek is an important issue for Whitehorse voters,” Steers said in a statement.

"Time and time again, city council chambers have been filled with concerned citizens when council proposes to ruin the natural character of the area by building a subdivision and roads.

"We asked the candidates to state their position on protecting Middle McIntyre Creek to help voters make an informed decision on Oct. 18.”

As Christina Macdonald, wildlife co-ordinator for the Yukon Conservation Society, noted Monday, many people in Whitehorse want to see, and feel strongly, that the area should be protected.