Thunder Bay Sign -Acadia Broadcasting Files

The City of Thunder Bay is looking to build in and up as opposed to out, and to do so is seeking the assistance of the public.

A new online survey is geared towards getting public comment on future housing and land needs within previously established areas.

Senior Planner Decio Lopes says for years many cities, including Thunder Bay, have built out which has only increased the infrastructure gaps in those communities.

He adds there are pressures to keep expanding the urban boundary but that requires more infrastructure and with more infrastructure comes less efficiency.

“By having more development and choice for our citizens within existing neighbourhoods, the urban boundary, we could perhaps slow down the need to continue expanding at our boundaries.”

The survey is being funded by Ontario’s Streamline Development Approvals Fund and can be found here until the end of the month.

According to Lopes a study of this nature was last done in the mid 90’s and since then the city has evolved considerably.

“There are hundreds of acres within the urban boundary where services are already available, which could translate into thousands of  potential units.”

As part of the process the city has brought on the consulting firm HTFC Planning and Development.

Adam Kroeker is one of the consultants, he says housing affects everyone and getting a ground level view from residents is the best way to see where improvements or investments need to be made.

“What they’ve seen, where the barriers are, and challenges with finding housing in the city and areas that they think things can be improved upon or areas that are already setting Thunder Bay apart.”

The results of this study could lead to changes to the city’s official plan and zoning bylaws, and would impact Thunder Bay not just in the immediate future but for decades to come.