Another six country residential lots could soon be created in the Hidden Valley subdivision in north Whitehorse.

On Monday evening, council approved the subdivision of a 14-hectare property off of Couch Road. It’s subject to certain conditions being met.

Those include a provision in the development agreement that two of the six country residential lots created not be developed for two years. That will give the city time to make planned improvements to the area’s storm drainage system.

The agreement would also set out development responsibilities for property owner EVEM Ltd. and include a clause deferring development cost charges until building permits are applied for.

The other condition of subdivision requires a geotechnical and hydrological report demonstrating that on-site servicing is feasible for the properties.

Provided the conditions are met, the subdivision of the site will go ahead.

Also set to be created is a public utility lot the city may purchase, another site zoned for future development and a proposed new road. The artery is expected to be named by the developer as Stehelin Drive.

The city also recently approved the subdivision for another lot there. That brings the total number of lots to be developed up to seven.

The original lot – created in 1978 – has been approved for subdivision six times (including last night’s approval) with nine country residential lots and a pond there now.

The Public Use Land Dedication (PULD) requirement was already satisfied in 1993, when a part of the original lot was transferred to the city and used to build the storm pond.

There would be no requirement for public land, given the 1993 PULD.

However, city planning manager Pat Ross noted in a report to council that the plans include the six-metre walkway “that will be dedicated at no cost to the city to create a pedestrian link from the proposed road to Loganberry Lane to the north of the proposed subdivision.”

The subdivision comes at the same time the city is considering a separate initiative that would also add more country residential sites to the south side of Couch Road.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu was the first member of council to point that out. She questioned how many properties the city’s process could create if it goes ahead.

Ross confirmed the city’s proposal would add four one-hectare lots on the south side of Couch Road. No decision has been made yet though on the proposed city initiative.

Coun. Rob Fendrick, meanwhile, said that in general, he’s supportive of private development.

He did also note, however, that he doesn’t want to see more country residential developments. With this in an already-existing subdivision, however, he doesn’t have any major issues with it, he said.

Meanwhile, Coun. Dan Boyd questioned the proposal for the city to purchase the proposed utility lot for $15,600.

That purchase is being dealt with through a separate land acquisition bylaw.

Ross confirmed that the city “could get by without” the property.

But he also pointed out it would provide better access to the storm pond.

If the city doesn’t move ahead with the purchase, Ross said, it would remain as part of the private property owned by EVEM.

Council will have some time to decide on the utility lot purchase.

While first reading of the bylaw to buy the lot was passed last night, there will be a couple of weeks before second and third readings come forward.

Mayor Dan Curtis and Coun. Samson Hartland were absent from last night’s meeting, with Boyd serving as acting mayor.