By Trend News Line 2024-05-22 08:00:00.
**Thunder Bay Seeks Feedback on Potential Housing Developments**
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The City of Thunder Bay is reaching out to its residents for feedback on potential new housing developments. Signage has been posted on eight city-owned properties, including six parkettes, informing the public that these lands are being considered for surplus and could potentially be put up for sale.
According to Deanna Walker, the city’s manager of realty services, surplus lands are those identified as no longer needed or able to be repurposed. Last year, city council instructed staff to review all city-owned lands, including vacant lots, parklands, and parking areas, to determine if they could be declared surplus.
Walker explained during a media briefing that the city has already presented one batch of properties earlier this year and is now considering a second batch. The goal is to continuously bring forward properties for council’s review, declare them as surplus, and then proceed with marketing them for sale.
**Meeting Ambitious Housing Targets**
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The initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to meet its ambitious goal of constructing over 2,100 new housing units in the next three years. While the city itself is not responsible for building housing, it plays a crucial role in incentivizing development through zoning changes and offering grants to developers committed to building.
Funding for these housing projects is supported by the $20.7 million allocated to Thunder Bay through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. This financial support aims to facilitate the construction of new housing units and improve the city’s overall housing situation.
**Properties Recommended for Surplus**
The properties currently under consideration for surplus include addresses like 628 Thistle Cres., 724 Holly Cres., 740 Grey Cres., 661 Thornloe Dr., and more. Residents have until May 28 to provide feedback on these properties, following which a report will be prepared for council’s review on June 3. The final decision on which properties will be declared surplus is expected to be made on June 24.
Joel DePeuter, the city’s director of development services, emphasized the importance of building on existing infrastructure to achieve Thunder Bay’s housing goals. He highlighted the need to assess the city’s financial situation and generate more tax revenue by increasing housing units on existing services.
**Affordability and Construction**
DePeuter stated that all surplus lands sold by the city must be developed upon. He mentioned that while various types of housing units could be constructed on the properties, most are large enough to support multiple units. Affordability will be a key factor in evaluating offers received for these lands.
The pace of construction will need to be swift to meet the housing targets set by the city. DePeuter stressed the importance of providing a diverse range of housing options to cater to different needs within the community.
**Feedback and Engagement**
The city has already received significant feedback from the public regarding the identified properties. Walker assured residents that proceeds from the sale of parkland properties will be reinvested in supporting parklands within the city.
Residents can provide feedback on the potential surplus properties by reaching out to senior property agent Lisa Zawadzki via email at Lisa.Zawadzki@thunderbay.ca or by calling 807-625-2527. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of housing development in Thunder Bay..
“Thunder Bay housing goals surplus land sale”.
