Potential Surplus of Junot Avenue Lands

The City of Thunder Bay is proposing to surplus a portion of the City-owned lands at 60 Junot Avenue North known as Junot Park. If approved by City Council, this means the City would proceed to negotiate an agreement to sell the lands for development of a faith-based community campus. The proposal includes a place of worship, a gymnasium, an educational facility with community space, and residential units.

The City is considering how this proposed development may contribute positively to the community, without having material impact on the function of the park.

The lands under consideration for surplus are located at the southwest corner of Junot Park, beside the Junot Avenue Fire Station, and represent approximately 1.2 hectares (3 acres) of the park’s 5.4 hectares (13.4 acres).

Consideration of this proposed development aligns with the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan, as it would encourage growth through the creation of new housing and welcoming cultural community spaces, and support economic development.

City administration will present the surplus proposal to Council’s Growth Standing Committee for review and feedback on June 16. The decision on whether to surplus the lands will be made by City Council as a whole on July 7.

On this page, you can learn more about the proposed development and the surplus process, and share your input. A brief survey is available at the bottom of this page, and in hard copy at City Hall and branches of the Thunder Bay Public Library. The survey closes on June 1.

The Proposed Development

Under the phased development proposal submitted by the proponent, the proposed development would begin with construction of a prayer hall and gymnasium, followed later by a day school facility and residential units.

The proposed development reflects the identified need for a larger facility to serve a community that has increased significantly over the past decade. The project is designed to meet spiritual, educational, and housing needs while contributing to the vitality of the existing neighbourhood.

Impact to Junot Park

The City is committed to maintaining Junot Park as a neighbourhood recreation and green space destination.

Junot Park’s existing playground, sitting area, paved multi-use trails, play hill, field, and parking lot are outside of the proposed surplus lands and will remain in place. The potential for increased usage and higher community presence will benefit the playground and surrounding area.

Existing park amenities that may be impacted include the Multiple Sclerosis Society seating area, granular connecting trail, and some commemorative trees and benches. The MS Society seating area, an important site commemorating community members who have lived with MS, would be relocated to another suitable area within the park or other site in consultation with The Multiple Sclerosis Society. The granular connecting trail would be rerouted, while commemorative trees and benches, and their markers, would either be transplanted/relocated within the park or, where not feasible, new trees planted.