Lori Santink expressed disappointment yet little surprise at the recent decision made by Thunder Bay’s city council to rezone two vacant properties for new housing projects. The properties, including 791 Arundel St., were sold earlier this year to Terralux General Contractors and Development Limited to address the city’s shortage of around 1,000 housing units.

Pending necessary approvals, the city could potentially see the construction of over 900 new housing units, including 360 units in two apartment buildings at 791 Arundel St., 150 units in one apartment building at 144 Fanshaw St., and 400 units in two apartment buildings at 300 Tokio St.

While the proposals for Arundel and Fanshaw streets required rezoning, which was approved by the city council, the Tokio Street property was already appropriately zoned. This decision has raised concerns among residents like Santink, who mentioned that the new developments contradict the city’s Net-Zero Strategy and Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Santink, a member of the grassroots group TBay Greenspace Preservation, spearheaded efforts to oppose the developments, collecting over 2,600 signatures in a petition and hosting a rally with over 100 participants. Concerns raised by the group include the loss of green space, strain on existing infrastructure, increased traffic, and risks to local species like the yellow-banded bumblebee, Canadian warbler, and grey fox.

The Ontario government’s Bill 60 limits residents’ ability to appeal municipal decisions through the Ontario Land Tribunal, making it challenging for concerned citizens like Santink to address their grievances through the legal system.

The city’s planning services manager, Devon McCloskey, mentioned that the developer is expected to submit applications for site plan control and building permits before construction commences. The proposed projects have undergone various studies focusing on traffic, transportation, and environmental impacts, with input from the public being a crucial part of the process.

Councillor Andrew Foulds, representing the Current River ward, opposed the rezoning of 791 Arundel St., acknowledging the substantial public engagement on the matter. The level of public involvement has been unprecedented, highlighting the community’s strong concerns regarding the developments.

Leia Minaker, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the challenges in achieving consensus on housing developments amidst competing opinions and concerns. She stressed the importance of clear communication and data integration to visualize future impacts of developments and address community apprehensions.

In conclusion, as Thunder Bay prepares for significant growth and development, residents like Santink emphasize the need for transparent communication and meaningful public engagement throughout the process.