A new zoning by-law will make it easier for developers and residents in the city to build says a city planner.
City senior planner Decio Lopes said while the current zoning by-law, in place since 1987, has served Thunder Bay well, it was time for a more modern approach for development. From enhanced landscape requirements to fewer zones and increased uses, Lopes said the by-law will help the city grow.
"In general they’ll be more permissive, provide a greater flexibility for every part of our city from residential commercial and industrial," Lopes said.
The draft by-law first came before council in June before it told administration to consult with more stake-holders after some businesses and developers complained. Since that meeting, Lopes said the city planning division has met with those concerned to refine the by-law before it goes before council again at the end of August.
"We have since met with them and we’re working as we speak towards refining that particular section of the bylaw," Lopes said. "This by-law represents the vision and values of our community and it is our intent to ensure that," Lopes said.
The by-law will be about half the size of the city’s current by-law and will provide clearer definitions, something Lopes said developers had been asking for. Lopes encourages members of the public to view the draft by-law at the city planning office or online to provide comment.
