The Motorways properties in downtown Whitehorse are once again up for sale.
Whitehorse city council officially approved the sale of 12 lots Monday night.
The nine properties between First Avenue and Second Avenue, adjacent to Keish Street and Black Street, are scheduled to go up for sale this Friday.
The lots will be released by tender and sold to the highest bidder. Bids will be accepted until April 5.
The city also owns three properties along First Ave. It’s keeping them for now, but this bylaw allows them to sell the properties at a later date.
The city wants the land to be developed for both homes and businesses. The land near the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Whitehorse Public Library and the Greyhound bus terminal is mainly used for parking right now.
The city has been trying to develop the Motorways lots for years. In March 2008, five properties were put up for sale, but no one bid on them. Developers found the zoning regulations, design guidelines and parking requirements too restrictive.
The city changed building requirements and put nine lots out for tender later that year. No bids were received then, either.
Last month, Pat Ross, the city’s land development supervisor, assured council the city will make money from selling the land. The smaller properties have a minimum value of just over $200,000. The largest lot is valued at just under $790,000.