Keep up the pace

Demand for land is the talk of the town.

Wabush Councillor Cheryl Hardy said in last week's council meeting, while giving her report from the policy committee, that there is an ever-increasing interest from people looking for land.

"We have to look at- in the very near future-what our options will be for future development," she said.

That peaked interest in land development is good news, according to Town Manager Brian Hudson.

"I think we are in for a really good year here, especially when it comes to our tax base," he commented. "I am sure many of you have noticed in the last few weeks, Capital Holdings is fairly strong in their workforce on the condo development. They have at least two dozen workers there steady belt; so that's 22 new units that will be ready hopefully this summer and up for sale."

He also noted, the three (former) bunkhouses slated for development will provide a total of 66 units when completed.

Considering the new residences going up in the Jean Lake Subdivision, that's quite an injection into the housing demand in Wabush, according to the mayor.

"The upper portion of Jean Lake will have just under 50 houses," said Barron. "And we are almost completed in the upper area. They are full steam ahead, from what I understand in on the lower portion of the subdivision and taking deposits."

The lower portion of the subdivision has the potential for another 80 houses, he added.

'Need to buy now'

The town manager mentioned that the robust economy is showing in the business park as well as in the residential area of town.

"We are certainly paying much attention as to how we go forward," said Hudson. "We are making plans for the trailer park area and some other developments in town. It's amazing how many people are coming in [to town office] or sending a letter or email asking what's available because 'I need to buy now'. We have all heard the discussion about the high prices but prices are dictated by how much demand and I don't see it going down anytime soon."

The downside

And the downside of a robust economy and escalating prices is not lost on the mayor. Barron said, in a separate interview with the Aurora, he welcomes developers to his town, especially those who have an interest in developing low-income housing.

"There is certainly a need for affordable housing, not everyone here works for the mining companies," Barron pointed out. "We would certainly look at that if a developer wants to make a proposal. It has to happen."

The shortage of accommodations for low-income earners was never so tight and Mayor Barron says it's unfortunate for students as well.

"Here's the government ready to provide us with a new college that's state-of-the art but didn't factor in a residence," he said. "It makes no sense at all when the vacancy rate here is just about zero, and what is available is definitely not affordable for students. For the life of me, I can't understand why they have not committed to a residence, because without it, the college will fail."