Disc golfers around the city are getting closer to plying their skills on a new course near the Kopper King area.

Council was unanimous Monday night in approving conditional use approval that will see new 18-hole disc golf course developed on a 6.3-hectare piece of vacant Commissioner’s land.

The territory approved a five-year licence of occupation for the Whitehorse Disc Golf Association to use the space contingent on the city’s approval of the conditional use application. The licence also stipulates public access will be maintained throughout the area.

The city heard no opposition to the proposal in the weeks leading up to the vote.

Rather, a number of avid disc golfers wrote or addressed council in support of the project and provided details on the plans for the area and future plans for the club.

The sport was promoted as a low-cost recreational activity for almost all ages and all skill levels.

The sport’s popularity has grown significantly in recent years. Many enjoy league nights or just heading out to the course here and there to play a round with friends or family.

As the association watches its numbers grow, it’s making plans to expand its program offerings to include summer camps and additional league opportunities.

The new course is planned to include more secure metal basket targets that would be difficult to steal or vandalize.

In the past few months, disc golfers have seen a rise in vandalism to the courses, with basket target taken off trees and damaged.

The newer course equipment would see the metal poles and baskets cemented into the ground. Though difficult to take without the proper equipment, the equipment is easy to remove, council was informed during the public input session on the conditional use application.

As Coun. Samson Hartland described it last night, the proposal was put forward by a “dedicated group of individuals.”

At last week’s meeting, association president Ryan Norquay said the group was pleased that the conditional use approval had been recommended to go ahead.

The association is ready to comply with the conditions the city has set out, he said.

While the city received no opposition to the proposal, it identified a few issues that it dealt with through the conditions attached to the city approval.

The conditions attached require the disc golf association to submit a detailed design to the city before a development permit can be approved; that parking be restricted to the city’s McIntyre Creek pump house and adjacent parking areas; and that the association adhere to all the terms outlined in the license of occupation.

Access to the site will be via an internal road beginning at Yukon College.

Before voting in favour of the conditional use application, Coun. Betty Irwin wondered whether the licence of occupation would be extended beyond the five years if the course is successful.

Mike Gau, the city’s director of development services, confirmed that there is that potential, and that the city would be consulted on it.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu was absent from Monday’s meeting.