Charles Snell, a resident of Thunder Bay’s Red River ward, expressed his support for additional housing development in the area but raised concerns about sacrificing green spaces. Snell, along with approximately 24 individuals, participated in a demonstration opposing a potential 400-unit apartment complex between Junot Avenue and John Street.
The contested property, situated at 300 Tokio St., is one of four vacant lands under consideration by the city for surplus sale to enable new residential projects. The other locations include 791 Arundel St., 144 Fanshaw St., and 211-213 Tupper St. and 224 Camelot St., with varying unit capacities.
Following a detailed evaluation of numerous submissions, the city shortlisted four leading proposals that showcase innovation and an aspiration to create a more dynamic urban environment. The upcoming city council meeting is set to decide on declaring these lands as surplus, paving the way for the proposed developments.
Rod Seabrook, who coordinated the recent protest, emphasized the preference for revitalizing downtown cores over expanding at 300 Tokio St. Concerns voiced by Seabrook and fellow residents encompass traffic congestion, reduced sunlight for adjacent properties, and the potential loss of greenery in the neighborhood.
Joel DePeuter, the city’s development services director, highlighted the urgent need for 1,000 additional housing units to cater to the city’s growing population. Thunder Bay has secured substantial funding from both provincial and federal sources to expedite housing projects and meet set targets.
If the surplus designation proceeds, negotiations for land sales and subsequent regulatory approvals will be crucial steps before construction commences. DePeuter clarified that the current proposals are preliminary and subject to refinement based on various studies and feedback from stakeholders.
Residents are encouraged to engage with the development services department to provide input and address any queries related to the proposals. Councilor Michael Zussino emphasized the importance of striking a balance between housing demands and community concerns, suggesting potential conditions to address both perspectives effectively.
Zussino also emphasized the rationale behind prioritizing high-density housing to optimize existing housing stock and accommodate varying household sizes. Acknowledging the challenges of change, he underscored the importance of finding solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
