Two new country residential lots in Mary Lake will indeed be priced at market value, at $230,000 each.

In a 6-1 vote at Monday’s city council meeting, members approved third reading of a bylaw to allow for the sale of the new 1.36- and 1.38-hectare country residential properties on Fireweed Drive.

Also approved were two residential single lots on Sandpiper Drive in Arkell priced at $127,300 for the 663 square metre site and $137,900 for the larger 718 square metre property.

Coun. Samson Hartland was the only member to vote against the final reading of the bylaw. As he has previously, he argued it’s time for the city to get out of the land disposition business.

Before voting against the sale of the land at market value though, Hartland joined Coun. Dan Boyd in favour of a motion Boyd had put forward. That motion urged council to defer the decision in order to look at other pricing options for the properties, particularly the two in Mary Lake.

While Hartland said he ultimately believes the city needs to leave the land disposition business, he also said he could support Boyd’s proposal in principle.

In bringing forward the motion to defer, Boyd explained that he had already received a lot of feedback on the high price of the lots in Mary Lake.

Boyd argued the city should consider pricing options for land that would be more affordable. He cited one of council’s strategic priorities to help address affordable housing in the city.

Boyd acknowledged that country residential properties are not meant to provide affordable housing. He said he also doesn’t want the city to be “part of the problem” in the high pricing of lots around the city.

“I think we’re part of the problem when we price to what the market will bear,” he said.

While the higher prices may aim to prevent potential property flips, Boyd noted, there could be other ways to ensure that doesn’t happen, while also keeping the prices down.

Others, however, argued against Boyd’s proposal.

Coun. Roslyn Woodcock called herself “vehemently opposed” to going outside of the market value on lots.

There is such a high demand for lots right now, the city needs to go with market value, she said.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu also highlighted the strong demand for lots in the city in arguing that the process should not be held up.

If the city wants to pursue different pricing options for land disposition, Curteanu argued, it should be a more comprehensive exercise that would take some time. Right now, lots are needed, she pointed out.

Mayor Dan Curtis also highlighted the need for properties to open up. He cited the demand for the most recent residential properties available in Whistle Bend – where 103 people entered a lottery for 57 residential lots last week.

Though four lots will not address the overall housing problem, every little bit helps, Curtis said. Land development is one of the most important things the city does, he added.

Coun. Rob Fendrick attended the meeting by conference call. He echoed the mayor’s sentiment, stating he’s “totally in favour” of making the lots available.

It’s a situation the city needs to move on, Fendrick said.

With that, council passed third reading of the bylaw for the lot disposition – with Hartland being the lone councillor to vote against it.

It’s anticipated the lottery for the four lots will be held in mid-August.

At that point, utility installations – power and telecommunications for all, along with water and sewer services in Arkell – are expected to have been completed.