The City of Thunder Bay is making significant strides to expand housing opportunities through a major investment in infrastructure. The Central Avenue Development Lands project covers 40 hectares (100 acres) of land between Golf Links Road and Balmoral Street. With new infrastructure investments, this area will soon be ready for new residential development and economic opportunities, supporting Thunder Bay’s goal of adding 2,200 new homes by 2031.

Supported by significant provincial funding, this project is part of the City's plan to address the housing crisis, accelerating housing construction and encouraging affordable options.

Developing the Central Avenue lands is an action in the City of Thunder Bay's Smart Growth Action Plan, opening opportunities for new housing and businesses.

Have Your Say

The Public is invited to participate in a Public Meeting before City Council to consider proposed Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and a Draft Plan of Subdivision for the area known as the Central Avenue Development Lands on Monday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m.

How to participate:

Submit written comments, by emailing Planning Services, no later than September 11th. Please quote the file number, PROJ-01-2026, in your submission.

Participate online using Microsoft Teams. Online participants must register by the end of the day on September 11th. Please email Planning Services to register.

Attend in person, by visiting Council Chambers on the 3rd Floor of City Hall (500 Donald St. E.).

Watch live from home by visiting thunderbay.ca/watchcouncil or tuning in to Shaw Spotlight Channel 10, BlueCurve Channel 105 or TBayTel TV Channel 110.

Project Documents

• Notice of Public Meeting
• Summary of changes since previous draft
• Preferred Development Plan - Conceptual Drawing
• Preferred Development Plan - Zoning Block Drawing
• Proposed Official Plan Map
• Proposed Zoning Map
• Proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision

While initial road, trail, and underground infrastructure construction will occur first, development of the site is expected to take place gradually over several years. Residents will have multiple opportunities to provide input as the project progresses.

Please note that any future changes to the zoning of public or private lands, as well as any process to declare City-owned lands surplus for potential sale, will require formal public notice and consultation in accordance with applicable legislation.

Stay tuned for additional engagement opportunities as the project moves forward.

Questions?

City staff are available to answer questions and receive feedback. Please refer to the Who's Listening section of this page for contact information.

Project Update (May 2026)

The May 2026 general Community Update includes information about the proposed 2026 construction works along Central Avenue and the continuing technical studies the City is undertaking to understand the existing conditions of the area. These studies will help to identify opportunities, constraints and mitigation measures relating to future development scenarios and to guide the improvements and extension of new urban servicing within the neighbourhood. See the Documents section on this page for more information.

Read the May 2026 Community Update for details

Investing in Growth and Connectivity
The City is enhancing infrastructure to set the stage for more housing, economic growth, and a stronger community. The funding and associated work will:

• Unlock the development potential for public and private lands, with an initial target to enable over 1,260 new homes to be developed in the future.
• Improve road safety and transportation options, including active transportation.
• Support population growth, attract businesses, and create jobs.

A City Committed to Housing Solutions
Thunder Bay is growing, and so is the demand for housing. The Central Avenue Development Lands will provide a mix of housing options, including missing middle and multi-unit developments. This will increase affordability and create a more diverse housing market that meets the needs of residents.

Why This Matters:

• More housing supply helps stabilize prices and create attainable options.
• Multi-unit and mixed-use developments make efficient use of land and resources.
• A well-planned, connected community supports sustainability and quality of life.

Planning for the Future
Thunder Bay is committed to proactive housing solutions that support sustainable growth. The City’s Housing Lands Needs Study found that increasing housing supply is crucial for affordability and economic stability. While the City does not build homes, it plays a vital role in enabling development through strategic infrastructure investments and policy support.

This project aligns with Thunder Bay’s commitment to build 2,200 new homes by 2031, reinforcing previous Provincial support through the Streamline Development Approvals Fund and the Building Faster Fund .

Join us as we build a more connected, vibrant, and resilient Thunder Bay!

Project Highlights

The City has received:

• $10.4 million in Provincial funding through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to extend and renew water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

• $8.64 million in Provincial funding through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream to extend and improve road and trail networks through the Central Avenue area, including along existing road networks and establishing new road and trail corridors.
• $0.5 million in Provincial funding through the Building Faster Fund to support infrastructure required to enable new housing development and opportunities.

The first phase of construction will commence in 2026 with construction works along Central Avenue. Additional infrastructure construction will proceed over the next three years with all infrastructure works supported by these Provincial funding programs to be complete by March 31, 2029.

Please note that the conceptual Development Plans and associated infrastructure works do not include removal of any baseball fields. Rather, the baseball diamonds provide an opportunity to enhance the development because there is already an established park space that can be expanded for the growing neighbourhood.