One of the first developments planned for the former mill property in Fort Frances has advanced a step.

The town’s Committee of Adjustment is giving its blessing to proposed official plan and zoning changes the BMI Group is seeking.

The changes help with the development of the Wellness Precinct, an area of land that is along Nelson Street and Victoria Avenue.

Tom Janssen. I’m a planner with Scatliff, Miller, Murray says they are seeking a mixed zone to permit a variety of uses.

“A site-specific mix of uses, preserving the employment commercial components that you see in the downtown, but adding ground-oriented residential uses and institutional uses into that overall list of permitted uses,” says Janssen.

He says that helps with plans for two prospective developments within the precinct and offers flexibility to entire other opportunities around housing and hospitality.

“The Wellness Precinct really is premised on this concept of hospital-oriented development. Laverendrye Hospital is a really important asset to the town and the region.”

He says they have met with hospital officials and other medical providers regarding the potential for complementary wellness services, housing, retail, assisted living clinics, and a pharmacy.

A public meeting on the proposed zoning requests will be held on Tuesday.

Council will make the final decision at a future meeting.