Mayor Dan Curtis isn't ruling out the possibility of land on Wann Road being sold in the future, but he says now is not the right time.

At Monday's city council meeting, Curtis suggested the sale of 67 Wann Rd. may be something for future councils to consider as the city grows.

With a number of developments happening nearby and recent infill homes added to the neighbourhood, however, the city doesn't need to move on it yet, he said.

Curtis spoke following a recommendation from planning manager Pat Ross that the bylaw for the sale of the land continue to move through the process.

Following Curtis' comments, Ross also said council may not want to move forward on the land sale yet.

However, an agreement with the original owner – the Yukon government – outlines a 2015 deadline for the city to sell the property. If it's not moved at that point, the territory could take it back.

"That is a timeline coming up next year,” Ross said.

Council had deferred second reading on the bylaw in November 2013 in order to have a public meeting on the proposal.

Curtis, who grew up in Porter Creek where his mother continues to live, said many residents of the area have argued the neighbourhood has taken on its share of infill development in recent years and the city should be looking elsewhere to provide housing.

"I can't help but look at the location,” he said.

Curtis believes in having a variety of housing stock throughout the city.

This particular lot, however, is close to Whitehorse's next major subdivision of Whistle Bend. It's also not far from the new Crocus Glen development at the other end of Wann Road, where new homes continue to be built, Curtis pointed out.

Many of Curtis' comments were also mentioned in Ross' report to council that highlighted concerns expressed by the public.

Whistle Bend can meet the needs of any population increase, it was argued.

Others cited the potential traffic increase and rise in density that could come with a maximum of three housing units on the site.

In his report, Ross responded to the issues raised by noting this would provide an efficient use of infrastructure. As well, it would offer housing in an area where non-vehicle transportation is possible as it's on a bus route and features a cycling path.

It would also provide new investment in an aging area, present new opportunities for home ownership, provide the possibility improvements that may come with a higher density such as new amenities and could help to prevent urban sprawl.

Ross also said the impact on traffic would be minimal and could be dealt with through a number of measures outlined in recent city studies.

Despite the recent infill lots that have opened up in the neighbourhood, Ross said Porter Creek "still remains the least dense urban neighbourhood in the city.”

It was suggested that the land should be used as a community picnic site.

Ross pointed to a number of other recreational sites nearby, including the Hidden Lake Park area directly across from the property and Holy Family Elementary School grounds just 200 metres away.

"With these other areas available, there is no technical need for 67 Wann Road to function as a recreation site in the future,” he stated.

Arguments also came up over capacity issues at Holy Family Elementary School but, as Ross noted, it's a Catholic school where the student population isn't necessarily based on where students live.

"Because Holy Family Elementary School is one of only two Catholic elementary schools for Whitehorse, its catchment area includes approximately half of the population of the city plus surrounding populated areas.

"Any potential elementary-age students who might live at future dwelling units built at 67 Wann Rd. in the future would be equally likely to attend Jack Hulland public school, Whitehorse Elementary (for French immersion) or potentially other schools depending on individual circumstances.”

The 2,489 square metre property is proposed to have a minimum upset price of $230,000 and would go to the highest bidder.

Council will vote next week on whether to move forward with the bylaw for the land sale.

Coun. Kirk Cameron was absent from Monday's meeting as he was out of town on business.