Residents will have their chance Wednesday night to tell city planners how they think five sites in Porter Creek and Crestview should be developed for housing.

That's when a public meeting will be held at Jack Hulland Elementary School in Porter Creek about the five infill sites the city is eyeing for development later this year.

Earlier this month, city officials announced their plans for the land at the intersection of Rainbow Road and Klukshu Avenue, and in Porter Creek at 12th Avenue and Centennial Street, on 14th Avenue next to the Guild Hall, on Boxwood Street and on Elm Street.

The plans would see lots developed and sold this year while plans continue for more properties to be sold in Whistle Bend, the city's next major development.

Further infill in areas like Porter Creek D, Riverdale and other sites are also expected to be looked at in the future.

"By focusing development in areas that already have existing infrastructure, the city can avoid moving into untouched natural areas,” Mayor Bev Buckway said in a statement Friday.

"Infill development also means the city can accommodate new housing needs without impacting other services, such as snow removal and transit.”

Although the sites sit next to already-established homes and development, two of the areas (in Crestview and on Boxwood) are zoned Environmental Protection.

The zoning, planner Mike Ellis explained at an earlier press briefing, was put in place due to the proximity of other environmental protection areas.

The other sites would also require rezoning. The land at 12th and Centennial, along with the site on Elm Street, are each zoned as Greenbelt, while the 14th Avenue site is zoned as Public Service.

"This is an opportunity for all area residents to share their views and to learn about infill options that can be considered in their area,” said planner Ben Campbell.

"The city encourages anyone interested in the future of these areas to attend.”

Along with the public input that will be gathered Wednesday evening, the city will hold stakeholder meetings, and public hearings will take place when the rezoning for each site comes up.

Exactly what zones planners may propose for the sites would depend on what comes out of the consultations and stakeholder meetings.

Planning manager Mike Gau stated earlier, however, where there is infill added to neighbourhood, many often want to see it reflect the development already existing in the neighbourhood. In these cases, that would generally be single-family homes or duplexes.

Ultimately, it will be up to council to decide how to proceed with the infill after planners make their recommendations to council.

If rezoning on each of the sites proceeds, subdivision of the lots would follow before the project is handed off to the city's engineering department to design roads and services.

Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the large gym at Jack Hulland

Elementary School, off Fir Street.