One of Thunder Bay’s most important development tools, the Zoning By-law, will undergo some major changes in 2022. The City of Thunder Bay wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed changes, which includes allowing additional residential units and backyard homes, and permitting retail and office uses in more locations.

The Zoning By-law establishes the rules and regulations that guide how development takes place in the City of Thunder Bay. The proposed changes include a review of the existing Zoning By-law regulations and mapping, as well as updating Official Plan policies approved in 2019.

"Zoning impacts everyone in our community," said Leslie McEachern, Director of Planning Services. "The new Zoning By-law presents an opportunity to re-think zoning and to acknowledge that the By-law’s regulations can instill confidence, affect positive change, facilitate economic growth and development, and improve the quality of the City’s built environment."

Beginning in November 2021, numerous changes have been made in response to public and stakeholder feedback, and in response to comments received through a Peer and Legal review of the first draft.

The Planning Services team invites the public to share their views through any of the upcoming opportunities:

  • Monday, March 14 - Drop-in to our Open House at City Hall (500 Donald St) from 3 to 6:30 pm to discuss the new Zoning By-law and proposed Official Plan changes with City Planners, hear about the updates, and ask questions.
  • Tuesday, March 22 - Join the Virtual Public Meeting at 6:30 pm to share your comments on the new Zoning By-law and proposed Official Plan changes with City Council. Registration is required to participate.

To participate in the Public Meeting, and to share your comments on the draft Zoning By-law with City Council, registration is required. Contact jillian.fazio@thunderbay.ca by 12 noon on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 to register for participation in the meeting.

For more information, and to view the draft Zoning By-law and proposed Official Plan changes, visit: www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved 

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Contact:       Leslie McEachern, Director - Planning Services, 625-2833