A proposed townhouse development on a Whistle Bend property that’s been empty for six years will not go ahead as planned.

On Monday evening, city council voted 5-2 to defeat the proposed rezoning.

It would have allowed for property owner Randy Audette to build townhouses rather than the apartment housing that 11 Tarahne Way is zoned for.

The apartment zoning has a density of 50 units per hectare compared to 40 units per hectare.

Audette told council earlier in the process that apartments wouldn’t be marketable in Whistle Bend.

He pointed out that his townhouses would be more marketable, and could end up providing a similar density or higher, as the townhouses could have more bedrooms per unit than apartments.

At the same time, he said, it would put housing on a property that has remained empty since it was placed on the market six years ago. As well, the project would keep Audette’s staff employed.

These points, were not, however, enough to convince city officials, with staff bringing forward the recommendation the rezoning be defeated.

Greater density, a variety of housing types for the neighbourhood and the potential future demand for apartment units were all cited as reasons to keep the zoning in place.

It was the potential future demand that Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu cited in her vote against rezoning.

She pointed to the 150-bed continuing care facility being built next-door which will have workers needing places to live. The Department of Health and Social Services is even asking its staff to consider renting accommodation to the incoming workers.

Curteanu also noted Yukon College is on its way to becoming a university. That reality could draw students from Outside who will need housing.

As well, the territory’s mining industry is expected to take off soon, which could create further demand for apartments.

Curteanu also took issue with the proposed townhouse site plans. She argued that visitor parking and greenspace seemed to be lacking in the plan.

“Once more amenities are going to be available in that area, I honestly believe that there is going to be a lot more uptick for apartment units,” she said.

Mayor Dan Curtis argued it’s “incumbent upon us” to ensure everyone has an opportunity to live in Whistle Bend, and a diverse housing stock will help the city move toward that.

He and other members of council who voted against the rezoning also pointed to the overall master plan for the Whistle Bend neighbourhood.

The mayor confirmed with staff that “apartment-style housing” doesn’t necessarily mean rental apartments will be built there.

The zoning doesn’t set out whether the units would be rented or purchased individually, but rather determines what type of building could be constructed there and other details such as parking requirements, setbacks and so on.

Coun. Rob Fendrick attended Monday evening’s meeting by conference call. He acknowledged there are valid arguments both for and against the rezoning, but ultimately voted with the majority of council against rezoning.

“It’s by no means an easy decision,” he said, noting he had gone back and forth on how he would vote.

Meanwhile, councillors Dan Boyd and Samson Hartland voiced support for and voted to rezone the property for townhouses.

Boyd was quick to argue that apartment rental housing has “all but collapsed” across the country, with little demand to build such units.

In this case, he noted, a local builder wants to construct homes on the property that could have a density about the same as there would be with apartments.

“I think there’s a business case to be had,” Boyd said, adding it’s possible the townhouses may be rented out as well.

Given the current serious housing crunch, Hartland said he would have liked to see units get on the market as soon as possible.

With the rezoning not going ahead though, any building done would have to be for apartment housing.