A motion to begin the rezoning process for the Fraser Place development, passed its first reading in Hay River council.
With a forecasted boom in Hay River’s population, which is anticipated to grow to 6,000, the 29 housing units set to be built as part of the development are seen as part of accommodating that growth.
The proposed development has faced some criticism, with a petition submitted to council urging councillors to consider other locations for expansion as the development would ruin a wooded area.
The plan includes leaving an existing trail system intact, which connects communities on the north and south sides of the river.
The rezoning process will designate some plots of land as residential to allow the building of houses and also make some lands designated for park space and a playground.
Geotechnical work has been completed and preliminary design work for the crescent has started, according to council documents.
A finance and sales presentation outlining the costs of the project is set to go ahead around the end of February. Following that would be a public hearing where the initial design is presented. Mayor Kandis Jameson emphasized the importance of consulting the public and ensuring everyone knows the plan for the project.
Then a detailed design process and issuing tenders for the project would happen.
If the project moves ahead, construction at Fraser Place could begin before the end of 2021.
