THUNDER BAY – Housing issues dominated the agenda at city hall on Monday, with council approving an ambitious housing pledge, okaying a planning exemption to allow a quartet of new four-plexes, and hearing a wrap-up report on a $1.75-million upgrade to development services.
In a meeting that stretched past 10 p.m., councillors also put a Government Road couple’s rezoning application to host weddings and other events on hold, after hearing vocal objections from neighbours.
City makes ambitious housing pledge
Council voted to pledge to achieve a provincial housing target aiming to see 2,200 new housing units built in Thunder Bay by the end of 2031.
The vote was a symbolic one, coming hours after the city received word from the province the pledge will not be necessary to access a new $1.3-billion provincial housing incentive fund.
Neighbours’ objections stall rural rezoning
Council hit pause on a local couple’s request for a zoning amendment to allow them to host weddings and other events on their Government Road property, after hearing objections from many of their neighbours.
Council referred the matter back to staff, hoping the scope of the amendment could be narrowed to address those concerns.
Four-plexes approved
Council approved a planning exemption that will allow a project of four four-plexes to go ahead on John Street Road.
The 2.7-acre property is currently occupied by one single-detached home, which will remain.
The lands were rezoned for the development in 2018, while a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal appeal was dismissed in 2021.
City reports results on $1.75M housing fund
Council heard a wrap-up report outlining how the city used $1.75 million in provincial funding meant to improve development services like building and planning applications.
Projects launched with the help of those dollars include a move to online permitting and property management, including a citizen portal, a “Before You Build” handbook, secondary plans for the Parkdale and Belrose areas, and a housing land needs study.
