Open Houses: Major Update of City’s Zoning By-law

April 14, 2009 – A draft of the new Zoning By-law, updated to reflect community values and current industry and business standards, will be available at a series of public Open Houses for review and comment.

The new By-law is consistent with City Council’s Strategic Plan, the City’s Official Plan and Provincial legislation and policies. You are encouraged to attend one of the Open Houses
to learn more about the changes being proposed. The Open Houses are one step in the review process. The comments and feedback received at the meetings and from the community will be taken into consideration by City staff when they make a final recommendation and present the new By-law to Council for approval in the fall.

What’s New?
• Easy to read regulations with diagrams and illustrations
• Clearer definitions to provide greater flexibility
• Fewer zones and clearer development parameters based on road frontage and location
• More uses permitted in mixed use areas
• Residential regulations that make it easier to develop and redevelop
• Parking and drive-thru regulations that better reflect industry standards
• Landscaping requirements that promote the greening of City streets

Have Your Say
A series of Open Houses is planned for stakeholders to learn about changes to the By-law, give feedback and get answers to questions. Open Houses will be held as follows:

Thursday, May 14
3 - 8 pm
Current River Community Centre,
450 Dewe Avenue
Presentations at 4 & 6 pm
Bus Route #1: Mainline nearest stop at Dewe Avenue and Arundel Street.

Saturday, May 16
11 am - 4 pm
Thunder Bay 55+ Centre, 700 River Street
Presentations at 12 noon & 2 pm
Bus Route #9: Junot nearest stop at River Street.

Tuesday, May 26
2 pm - 8 pm
West Thunder
Community Centre, 915 South Edward Street
Presentations at 3, 5 & 7 pm
Bus Route #2: Crosstown nearest stop at Edward Street.

Saturday, May 30
11 am – 4 pm
Current River
Community Centre, 450 Dewe Avenue
Presentations at 12 noon & 2 pm
Bus Route #1: Mainline nearest stop at Dewe Avenue and Arundel Street.

The City of Thunder Bay will also have a booth at the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show & Business Expo Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9 at the Sports Dome for residents to provide input on the draft By-Law and get answers to questions.

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Contact: Leslie McEachern, Manager – Planning Division, 625-2833