Call for Proposals - Opportunity Sites

Thunder Bay needs more housing, and we’re looking at smart, responsible ways to make that happen. The Call for Proposals process is one way the City is doing its part to address the housing crisis.

On this page, you can learn more about the Opportunity Sites, the development process, opportunities to get involved, and find the latest updates.

News

Notice of Application for 791 Arundel Street Re-Zoning

July 10, 2026

The public notice process and public consultation are now underway for a Zoning By-Law Amendment Application for the 791 Arundel Street property.

Members of the public can provide comments by emailing planning@thunderbay.ca no later than August 10, 2026.

The Applicant is hosting a neighbourhood information session:

Monday, July 20, 2026

5pm to 8pm

North End Community Centre

954 Huron Avenue, Thunder Bay

A Public Meeting will also by held by City Council:

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

6:30pm

Council Chambers, City Hall

500 Donald Street E, Thunder Bay

For more details, click here to read the full Notice of Application.

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Notice of Application and Information Session for 144 Fanshaw Street Re-Zoning

July 9, 2026

The public notice process and public consultation are now underway for a Zoning By-Law Amendment Application for the 144 Fanshaw Street property.

Members of the public can provide comments by emailing aleshia.ingram@thunderbay.ca no later than July 17, 2026.

The Applicant is hosting a neighbourhood information session:

Thursday July 9, 2026

5pm to 8pm

Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

2400 Nipigon Road, Thunder Bay

For more details, click here to read the full Notice of Application.

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Site Testing Underway at 3 Opportunity Sites

April 27, 2026

To support the review of these projects, the Developer will be completing site investigations at three sites (144 Fanshaw Street, 300 Tokio Street, and 791 Arundel Street) to provide information on soil conditions, groundwater levels, and other factors.

Residents may observe crews working on these properties as they carry out field work. Work will take place during regular daytime hours and will be carried out in accordance with the City’s noise by-law. Residents can expect to see and hear equipment, trucks, and field staff. While disruption will be minimized, minor traffic delays may occur at times during this work.

For traffic calming concerns, contact City Dispatch at (807) 625-2195.

For site-specific questions or concerns, contact Realty Services at buildtbay@thunderbay.ca or (807) 622-8453.

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Sale of 3 Opportunity Sites conditionally approved

April 8, 2026

At a meeting on April 7, City Council approved the sale of three Opportunity Sites (144 Fanshaw Street, 300 Tokio Street, and 791 Arundel Street), subject to terms and conditions of sale.

Preliminary design concepts envision 950 residential dwelling units across the three sites, expanding Thunder Bay’s housing supply and options across a range of affordability levels. The developments would also generate new property tax revenue and other economic benefits for the community.

Next steps for these sites include finalizing agreements of sale, geotechnical studies, and site preparation.

Additional Opportunity Sites remain available.

Read the City Council report (April 7, 2026)

Background

The City of Thunder Bay launched a Call for Proposals process in 2025, in response to City Council direction to identify City-owned lands available for housing development.

The Call for Proposals was issued on a list of identified Opportunity Sites: City-owned parcels of land that are strategically located for development.

Through the Call for Proposals, the City invited developers and community builders to submit high-quality, multi-residential projects that support Thunder Bay’s smart growth goals. The Call resulted in over a dozen submissions which were evaluated and scored, resulting in four leading proposals. These four proposals represent an opportunity to create much-needed new homes in areas that are already serviced, connected, and desirable.

Proposals were scored on their ability to deliver:

• An Increased Housing Supply
  Accelerate the construction of new multi-unit homes across Thunder Bay.
• Complete, Connected Communities
  Create integrated spaces that combine residential, commercial, and public amenities.
• Sustainable Urban Growth
  Help meet our Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) targets (focused on density, affordability, and environmental sustainability).
• Transit-Oriented Development
  Especially in downtown-zoned sites, proposals should support public transit and walkability.
• High-Quality Urban Design
  Submissions must align with our Urban Design & Landscape Guidelines.

Each proposal focuses on building homes in areas that already have roads, water, parks, transit, and neighbourhood amenities. Infill developments like these help keep our taxes lower, make better use of existing infrastructure, and allow more people to live in walkable, connected neighbourhoods.

Call for Proposals timeline:

• June 2025: Call for Proposals issued
• October 2025: Leading proponents identified, update provided to Growth Standing Committee
• November 2025: Public engagement events held, public notice of intent to surplus 4 sites issued
• January 13, 2026: City Council approves surplus declaration, with conceptual site plans adjusted based on public and Committee feedback
• March 24, 2026: Growth Standing Committee endorses agreement of purchase and sale for 3 Opportunity Sites
• April 7, 2026: City Council endorses agreement of purchase and sale for 3 Opportunity Sites