The city will keep moving ahead with plans to develop five small pockets in Porter Creek and Crestview, despite the public's "mixed emotions” on it.

"It appears we again have a case of competing interests,” planning manager Mike Gau told reporters at a press conference this morning.

During a public comment period last month, some residents told the city they want the greenspace protected, while others pointed to the need for more lots, given the housing shortage in Whitehorse. A total of 140 people gave the city their views.

Provided rezoning and subdivision goes ahead, the plan would allow for the development of a 4,500 square metre site in Crestview on Klukshu Avenue near Rainbow Road.

In Porter Creek, development would occur over approximately 6,000 square metres on the south side of Boxwood Crescent, 3,000 square metres at 12th Avenue and Centennial Street, 7,200 square metres at the north end of Elm Street and 4,000 square metres next to the Guild Hall.

Many opposed to the rezoning of the sites (with some slated to move from Environmental Protection to a residential zone) have argued Whistle Bend should be developed instead of the infill sites.

However, Gau was quick to point out that given the city's projected two to three per cent growth annually outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP), all of the sites and more will need to be developed to keep pace with demand.

Further infill sites and expansion areas like Porter Creek D have also been identified for residential lots in the OCP as well.

"We, in fact, need both to happen,” Gau stressed, reminding reporters of the 65 per cent of the city set aside as greenspace in the community plan.

In a statement this morning, Mayor Bev Buckway also pointed to the city's growth creating a need for housing.

"With a population increasing by over two per cent a year, rising housing prices, and an extremely limited vacancy rate, the city has been tasked with providing new places for residents to live,” she said.

"In line with the OCP and the sustainability plan, the city is aiming to maximize existing resources and protect untouched wilderness areas by focusing development close to existing development.

"With a growing population, we need to provide places for families to live while ensuring that our city does not continue to sprawl into untouched areas.”

Outlined in the more detailed infill plans now are provisions to protect some of the greenspace .

At Rainbow Road and Klukshu Avenue, five single-family lots are proposed, ranging from 625 square metres to 813 square metres, with the corner section to remain as greenspace.

Duplexes could not be built on the lots, in keeping with the residents' desire for large single-family lots to match the existing neighbourhood.

At 12th Avenue and Centennial Street, two lots are suggested at 1,098 square metres and 768 square metres.

While the sites would be zoned for single-family homes, the size of the larger lot would allow for a duplex.

The length of each lot would be limited to 45 metres to reduce the potential conflicts with a toboggan hill behind the new properties. A trail connection at the site is also proposed to be relocated.

Meanwhile, if the rezoning moves forward for the land near the Guild Hall, it could mean a new playground for local pre-schoolers. As Gau said, the site sits in the current location of a playground that's in need of repairs and equipment replacement.

With the Jack Hulland Elementary School nearby complete with its own playground equipment for older kids, city officials have suggested the playground closest to the Guild be relocated two blocks away at Elm Street and 14th Avenue. Revenue from the lot sales would go to setting up a playground for kids aged two to five.

Gau said council was receptive to that idea along with a proposal to use other revenues from the lot sales for the rehabilitation of Versluice Meadows, something the Porter Creek Community Association has been seeking in recent years. He also added, however, that council would have to formally approve both ideas before they could go ahead.

Along with the change to the playground, the site near the Guild Hall would see four single-family lots ranging from 948 square metres to 1,158 square metres. The space between the Guild and residential lots would be kept for a future community use after a number of residents suggested the area be remain as is for a future hall, library or other community use.

On the south side of Boxwood Crescent, planners have drafted a proposal for five single-family lots that could also accommodate duplexes ranging from 955 square metres to 1,113 square metres, with the lot boundaries now pulled back from the slope to retain trees.

While a number of residents opposed to development at the Boxwood site suggested there are drainage, erosion and watercourse issues, the city pointed to a recent EBA report showing there are no geotechnical issues with the site.

Finally, the Elm Street site is the lone property suggested to house a multi-family lot at 4,030 square metres along with two other single-family lots at 834 square metres each.

A road connector between the three properties would link Elm Street with Versluice Place and the 30-metre riparian setback would be in place.

As both Gau and planner Ben Campbell stressed, the proposals are at this point simply that – proposals. It will ultimately be up to council to approve or turn down any rezoning or subdivisions that come forward to allow for the infill.

The city will again meet with residents next Tuesday at Porter Creek Secondary School with a public meeting scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

After that, city staff will look at the plans again and make any changes based on that input before bringing it forward to council for rezoning and subdivision.

Residents will again get a chance to comment on the plans, with public hearings being part of the rezoning process.

If the rezoning and subdivision are approved, the project would then be handed off to the city's engineering department for detailed designs on roads and services needed.

Construction would then get underway, with the new properties expected to be sold through a lottery in the fall.