THUNDER BAY – The public will have a chance to weigh in later this month on a full refresh of the City of Thunder Bay’s zoning bylaw, an overhaul of land-use planning rules that’s expected to have major consequences for how the city develops in the coming years.
The city will hold a drop-in open house on March 14, and a virtual public meeting on March 22, to collect feedback on a second draft of the new zoning bylaw, it announced Wednesday.
The proposed bylaw would allow second units and development on smaller lots in many residential areas, emphasizing infill where full city services exist.
It would also ease rules around parking minimums and eliminate the hierarchy of retail and office definitions, allowing both uses more broadly throughout commercial areas.
Residents can learn more about the proposed changes and how to provide feedback at the city’s Get Involved website.
Mayor Bill Mauro has called the redrawing of zoning rules “a big opportunity for the community” that only comes around every decade or two. The current bylaw was approved in 2010.
Some city councillors have raised concerns over the amount of leeway allowed in the draft bylaw for smaller, second homes, worrying it could “change the character” of some single-family residential neighbourhoods.
The March 14 drop-in open house will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on the main floor of city hall.
The March 22 virtual public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. online. Those who wish to participate are asked to email jillian.fazio@thunderbay.ca to register.
