Proposal previously blocked by city committee
Nunavut Housing Corp. has the go-ahead from Iqaluit city council to build two 58-unit public housing apartments on these vacant lots at the base of Hospital Hill. (File photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Jeff Pelletier
A proposed 116-unit public housing development for the base of Iqaluit’s Hospital Hill received city council approval Tuesday night.
Councillors unanimously approved a development permit for the two 58-unit, five-storey structures, as well as third-reading of a bylaw that increases density limits for the area.
A set of now-demolished row homes previously occupied the Niaqunngusiariaq Road lots where the new builds will be.
“I’m obviously very happy to support this,” said deputy Mayor Kim Smith.
“I’ve been in favour of this development from the beginning.”
The proposed development has had a few hurdles since it was introduced at the planning and development committee in May.
The committee initially rejected the proposal, with some councillors raising concerns about parking and the city’s lack of a general development plan.
City administrators revised and brought the proposal back later that month.
When a public hearing was held in June for residents to weigh in, only two residents shared their thoughts – one in favour and one opposed to the proposal.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Smith added that the city should consider adding a playground nearby.
“This is 116 families that we’re talking about and a lot of children,” Smith said. “This is a huge influx of people into that area and it is a very busy road.”
Mayor Solomon Awa, Smith, Kyle Sheppard and Methusalah Kunuk were the only councillors in the chamber, while Romeyn Stevenson participated by videoconference.