THUNDER BAY – The question of how to manage development on the edges of Thunder Bay continued to occupy city council Monday, as councillors spent well over an hour discussing the future of the Parkdale area, and later extended a deadline for development of a subdivision off of Wardrope Avenue.
City could spend $400k on Parkdale plan
The city is preparing to spend up to $400,000 on a study to solidify future development standards for the Parkdale area, located west and north of the Thunder Bay Airport.
Council voted to put $180,000 in the 2022 budget for a Parkdale Growth Area Secondary Plan study, which would be combined with previously budgeted funds to support the exercise.
City administration's recommendation to conduct the study comes as developer Nadin Construction urges the city to build a trunk sewer extension in the area, offering to cover the bulk of construction costs.
More study is needed to determine if it’s worth extending more city services to the area, staff advised.
Coun. Shelby Ch’ng was one of several councillors to voice skepticism, saying previous developments on the edge of the city had proven to be costly mistakes.
Others, like Coun. Aldo Ruberto, said the Parkdale area was the logical place for the city to encourage development, saying it would represent urban infill in a partially developed area.
Groups seek support for tiny homes project
A local group is seeking city support for a proposed tiny home project proponents say could help address housing and homelessness issues in Thunder Bay.
Councillors heard details Monday on plans by the Tiny Homes Thunder Bay Committee to build a six-home pilot project beside the Matawa Training and Wellness Centre on Algoma Street North.
The committee plans to return to council in the new year to request the city donates a plot of land to make that a reality, waive building fees, and more.
Designated Truck Route faces procedural hurdles
An impasse at council over a proposed Designated Truck Route can only be resolved by a two-thirds majority of councillors, city administration confirmed in a report presented Monday.
That advice reinforces the increasing likelihood the issue won’t be decided until a new council is elected next year.
Administration continues to recommend council implement the DTR, forcing heavy truck traffic off of Dawson Road and Arthur Street and onto the provincial highway network, councillors heard.
Superior North EMS Community Paramedicine Program
A paramedicine program created to support seniors to live at home longer and reduce the strain on the local emergency department is paying off, councillors heard Monday.
In an annual update on its community paramedicine program, which sees paramedics offer home visits and virtual care, Superior North EMS reported it had decreased 911 calls by 25 per cent among those it served since launching in 2015.
That resulted in better care and saved an estimated $50,000 to $132,000 a year by avoiding hospital admission, the agency stated.
Gemstone Estates deadline extended
Council approved a developer’s request to extend a deadline for draft plan approval for the latest stage in the Gemstone Estates subdivision on Wardrope Avenue, west of Hilldale Road.
The developer behind the proposed development now has until January of 2024 to seek approval for its 66-lot plan, which includes four multi-unit lots.
City looks to extend downtown improvement grant program
The City of Thunder Bay will kick in $100,000 to continue a program offering grants to incentivize building improvements in core areas of the city.
The CIP grants, which max out at $25,000, are meant to encourage renovations, façade improvements, and installation of second-storey residential units.
The program was funded this year through $200,000 from the Community Economic Development Commission. The city called it a success, with nine agreements signed and two others in development.
Council approved a recommendation to contribute $100,000 in funding to the program in 2022, asking the CEDC to match that amount to maintain its budget.
