Central Avenue Development Lands

The City has identified the lands along Central Avenue, between Golf Links Road and Balmoral Street, as an area with strong potential for new growth and residential development. This area is called the Central Avenue Development Lands.

The Central Avenue Development Lands are located in the centre of the city and are in close proximity to urban services and amenities like Lakehead University and Confederation College, existing commercial and retail businesses, and existing transportation corridors including transit and multi-use trails.

The City will be seeking feedback related to the development of these lands from nearby residents, agencies, and the broader Thunder Bay community through a public engagement process starting in early 2025.

Background

Thunder Bay is growing and needs more housing, and more housing options.

The City recently completed a Housing Lands Needs Study that found Thunder Bay doesn't have enough homes, which contributes to rising house prices and rental costs. Building more homes is key to ensuring everyone can find housing that is affordable for them, whether they want to rent or buy. An adequate supply of housing with attainable pricing is also important for attracting new residents and businesses to the City. The Central Avenue Development Lands were identified as an opportunity site in the Housing Land Needs Study to support new attainable housing development.

While the City does not build homes, it can support new housing construction and impact new housing costs in a number of ways.

With funding from the Federal Government, the City has launched the Housing Accelerator Fund Program (HAF program) to encourage new housing construction, focusing on "missing middle," multi-unit, and affordable housing. The program includes grants for local homeowners and homebuilders.

In September 2024, the City was awarded $10.4 million under the Provincial Government's Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund to extend municipal services through the Central Avenue Development Lands. This will enable the City to add more than two kilometres of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in the area to support housing development.

This project aligns with the City of Thunder Bay’s commitment to support the construction of 2,200 homes by the year 2031, and builds on previous Provincial support through the Streamline Development Approvals Fund and the Building Faster Fund.

How can I participate and stay informed?

• To receive projects updates and notices directly via email, please contact the City’s Project Manager at aaron.ward@thunderbay.ca
• Attend a future upcoming public open house. Please check back soon – more information will be posted once dates have been confirmed.