Behchokǫ̀’s community government has begun work to plan and develop a new residential subdivision north of Rae.
There are 2,000 residents in Behchokǫ̀, split into three component communities: residents of Rae by the shore of Marian Lake, the smaller community of Edzo along Highway 3, and the homes at Frank Channel in between Rae and Edzo.
On Wednesday, the community government said it had completed a preliminary geotechnical investigation to determine an area of land around Rae that could support development.
While the land immediately next to the existing boundary of Rae is unsuitable for development because of its shape and drainage, the government stated, an area slightly to the north is better suited to the task.
“The land use planning process is under way to shape a subdivision design that reflects Behchokǫ̀’s needs and aspirations while informing infrastructure requirements,” the community government stated.
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A steering committee is being formed to guide the development process.
Residents are also being asked to fill out a survey about the kinds of housing and amenities they’d like a new subdivision to have.
No timeline was given for development to begin in earnest or for the subdivision to be complete.
The population of Behchokǫ̀ has grown only very slightly in the past quarter of a century. There were 1,779 residents in 2001, 2,026 in 2012, and 1,992 in 2019 according to territorial statistics.
Meanwhile, housing problems have long been an issue in the community.
In 2019, a territorial report stated that more than 70 percent of homes in Behchokǫ̀ were considered either unaffordable, inadequate or unsuitable.
