The Kwanlin Dun First Nation’s (KDFN’s) development corporation is planning a major commercial-residential subdivision directly across from the Whitehorse airport.

The proposal was submitted on Nov. 30 for review by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB).

The board is currently reviewing the adequacy of the proposal submitted, as is standard procedure for the board.

The conceptual plan submitted by the Chu Niikwan Development Corp. shows a layout of 56 commercial lots of different sizes and shapes but mostly rectangular.

The commercial subdivision would sit on a 21.5-hectare parcel of settlement land immediately south of Hillcrest Drive.

“When completed, the project will bring to market much-needed land for a range of commercial and secondary residential uses,” says the proposal.

“Whitehorse’s population is increasing rapidly, and this project will create capacity for approximately 56 lots for lease when the commercial lot inventory is low, and demand is understood to be high.

“Ongoing detailed planning and design will further refine the concept and support permitting and Zoning amendment to Service Commercial (CS).

“While primary uses include commercial, retail and accommodation (hotel), offices, and private schools, secondary uses include multi-unit residential housing and home-based businesses.”

The proposal says the project will create a compact and walkable retail destination, and sustainable infill development close to existing neighbourhoods.

It avoids unnecessary disturbance of high-value wetland areas and significant landscape features, says the proposal.

It says the project is designed to be connected to the existing trail system, is close to existing transit stops in Hillcrest and could easily be added to existing bus routes.

The parcel of settlement land is designated for commercial/residential use in the First Nations self-government agreement, the proposal notes.

“Additionally, the KDFN Community Lands Plan (2020), which synthesizes input from KDFN citizens regarding their aspirations for land use on KDFN Community Lands, identifies the parcel for community development and revenue generation.”

The proposal notes the project is still in the conceptual design stage, and the scope of the information available is restricted in detail as well as precision.

Detailed design and blueprints will be prepared once the YESAB process and permitting process is obtained and completed, says the proposal.

It would be a walkable development within easy walking or cycling distance to Hillcrest, Granger, future Tank Farm residential development and the airport.

“Increasing cross-town traffic using the Alaska Highway to bypass downtown will find a convenient place to shop, work, and purchase services outside the downtown core,” says the proposal.

It says the road and lot layout takes advantage of the topography on an elevated and central location in the Yukon River Valley to provide views of Grey Mountain with passive solar gains.

Streets would be complete with roadways, bike lanes and sidewalks.

There would be underground power and light standards within the road rights-of-way.

Buried water and sewer mains would be connected to the city’s municipal water and sewer systems, says the proposal.

It says the detailed design will confirm the approach to stormwater management.