As planning continues for the Whistle Bend neighbourhood, city council has taken a step forward on a proposal that would provide space for nearly another 160 lots.

Council approved first reading on the zoning for Phase 6 of the city’s newest neighbourhood Monday evening.

Coun. Rob Fendrick said he’s pleased to see planning continuing for the area.

Phase 6 would involve approximately 240 housing units built over 16 hectares north of Phase 4 and west of Phase 5.

Phases 4 and 5 are west of Casca Boulevard.

Construction of Phase 4 is underway, with lots expected to be available later this year. The 167 lots for Phase 5 are expected to be released in the spring or summer of 2020.

The 158 parcels planned for Phase 6 would likely be released the following year.

Set to be spread over 16 hectares, it’s anticipated approximately 575 residents would call the area for Phase 6 home, Mélodie Simard, the city’s planning and sustainability manager, told council in a previous report.

Among the properties would be 100 single-detached and duplex lots, 75 townhouse lots, four multi-family lots and one park.

As Simard stated in her report to council: “Phase 6 allows for a wide variety of residential uses including single-detached, suites, duplex, townhouse, and apartments.

“A broad mix of housing allows residents to ‘age in place,’ and has the socio-economic benefit of mixing a range of income levels and demographics within a neighbourhood.

“Phase 6 is located within walking distance to the Whistle Bend core and future transit route, and includes high-density lots, which helps with the viability of both commercial opportunities and transit services.”

Also included in the plans are two green streets where single-detached homes face a walking path rather than a typical street open to vehicular traffic. Parking for those homes would be available via expanded lane ways.

With first reading now passed, a public hearing on the zoning will be held July 23, with a report on that hearing coming forward the following week. Second and third readings are then expected to come forward Aug. 6.

Coun. Samson Hartland was absent from Monday’s meeting.