Project Status: Planning Framework Approved. On September 15, 2026, City Council approved the Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision for the Central Avenue Development Lands. This milestone establishes the planning framework for a new neighbourhood that will support future housing, parks, trails, commercial opportunities, and municipal infrastructure. The project is now moving into implementation, with infrastructure investments and future development phases continuing over the coming years. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and follow this page for project updates, construction notices, and future opportunities to provide input.

About the Project

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.

Council Approves Planning Framework for Central Avenue Development Lands

Council's approval of the Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision establishes the framework for the future development of a complete neighbourhood. The approved plan supports a mix of housing types, neighbourhood commercial opportunities, parks, open spaces, trails, and supporting municipal infrastructure. The development is expected to enable at least 1,260 future housing units and contribute to Thunder Bay's long-term housing supply.

What Was Approved?

• An Official Plan Amendment establishing the long-term land use framework for the area.
• A Zoning By-law Amendment permitting a range of residential, commercial, park, open space, and community uses.
• A Draft Plan of Subdivision creating development blocks, roads, active transportation connections, parkland, open space areas, and stormwater management facilities.

What Happens Next?

Development of the Central Avenue Development Lands will occur in phases over many years. Infrastructure construction is underway and will continue through March 31, 2029, including roads, trails, water, wastewater, and stormwater improvements supported through provincial funding. Residential, commercial, park, and community development will occur gradually as individual development opportunities move forward. The project is anticipated to provide approximately 10 years of development opportunities to support future housing and growth in Thunder Bay.

Stay Engaged

While the planning approvals have been completed, there may be future opportunities for residents, community stakeholders, and future developers to provide input as various components of the project advance. Residents are encouraged to stay connected and follow this page for project updates, construction notices, and information about future engagement opportunities.

Delivering Infrastructure for Future Housing

The City is investing in infrastructure to support future housing, economic growth, and a more connected community. Through significant provincial funding, improvements to roads, trails, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure will help prepare the area for long-term development and growth.

These investments will:

• Unlock development opportunities on both public and private lands, supporting the creation of more than 1,260 future housing units.
• Improve transportation networks, road safety, and active transportation connections.
• Support population growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.
• Help create a complete neighbourhood with housing, parks, trails, and local services.

Building a Complete Community

Thunder Bay is growing, and so is the need for diverse housing options. The Central Avenue Development Lands are planned to accommodate a mix of housing types, including single-detached homes, townhouses, and multi-unit residential development. This variety of housing will help meet the needs of current and future residents while creating opportunities for a more complete and connected neighbourhood.

Why This Matters

• Increasing housing supply helps create more options for residents and supports long-term affordability.
• A mix of housing types accommodates people at different stages of life and with different housing needs.
• Compact, well-planned development makes efficient use of infrastructure and public services.
• Connected neighbourhoods support sustainability, recreation, mobility, and quality of life.

Thunder Bay's Housing Lands Needs Study identified the importance of increasing the supply of development-ready land to support housing affordability and economic growth. While the City does not build homes directly, it plays a critical role in enabling development through infrastructure investments, planning, and policy initiatives.

The Central Avenue Development Lands project supports Thunder Bay's goal of creating 2,200 new homes by 2031, reinforcing previous Provincial support through the Streamline Development Approvals Fund and the Building Faster Fund .

Key Milestones

• Council approved the Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision on September 15, 2026.
• The approved plan enables at least 1,260 future housing units, along with parks, trails, commercial opportunities, and supporting infrastructure.
• The City has secured $28 million in provincial and federal funding to support infrastructure improvements in the area.
• Infrastructure construction is underway, with provincially funded works expected to be completed by March 31, 2029.

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.