Whistle Bend land sales surpass government expectations

There are just a handfulof single-family residential lots left unsold inthe Whistle Bend neighbourhood of Whitehorse, and more won't be available until late next year.

The recent run on lots by Whitehorse builders has leftYukon government planners scrambling to catch up with the demand.

"I think that's a good news story," saidMarlene Jennings, director of land development for the Yukon government.

"We've exceededexpectations," saysJennings of the brisk sales in Whistle Bend, "andwe are doing everything we can now to get ready for this fall and next fall and the fall after, to catch up."

Just 12 single-family lots remain available along with four duplex lotsa fraction of the twoyear inventory of building lots the Yukon Government has over the years promised Whitehorse builders.

Home sales brisk

"Yeah, the confidence in Whistle Bend has risen year by year," saidWhitehorse realtor JamesLopushinsky."It's been the busiest neighbourhood for sales this year, by far."

Lopushinskysays the buyers vary, from older peopledownsizing, to others looking for single level ranch style homes, to "baby boomer's kidsyoung double income couples,"looking for alow maintenanceproperty.

"I don't see an end to the demand in Whistle Bend", saidLopushinsky.

"It was a little slow at the beginning when it was a bit more barren, but if you drive through now, you see lots ofconstruction.I think it's going to be one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in town."

The government says 29 townhouse lots will be ready for sale later this year.

The next batch of single-family residential lots won't be ready for sale until late 2017.