Build the Future of Thunder Bay-
Opportunity Sites Available for Innovative Development Proposals!

The City of Thunder Bay is inviting developers, investors, non-profits, and visionaries to be part of our city's next phase of growth.

Through our Call for Proposals, we are offering strategically located Opportunity Sites for acquisition and development. These properties are prime for high-quality, multi-residential and mixed-use projects that support Thunder Bay’s bold development vision.

For more information on the Opportunity Sites and the Call for Proposals process, direct questions in writing only to buildtbay@thunderbay.ca using “Call for Proposals” in the subject line. 

Inquiries must not be directed to other City employees or elected officials. 
Directing inquiries to other than those designated may result in your bid being rejected.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking proposals that align with our goals for growth, community, and sustainability. Whether you’re planning a housing development, a mixed-use complex, or an innovative urban project, we want to hear from you.

Successful proposals will support:

  • 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 (focus 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.

Why Invest in Thunder Bay?

As one of Northern Ontario’s most dynamic cities, Thunder Bay offers unique advantages for development.

Financial Incentives Available

Eligible projects may qualify for a range of grants and supports:

Non-profit organizations may also be eligible for a land value discount of up to $25,000.

Click here for more information

Available Properties

Our Opportunity Sites are located in both core urban areas and emerging neighbourhoods, offering a range of development potential.

Applicants may propose to develop all or part of a site, and are encouraged to pursue partnerships to unlock the full potential of these locations. 

Click the listings below for more information; click the map image to view in full screen.

 300 Tokio Street (between Picton Avenue and Junot Avenue)

Municipal Address(s): 300 Tokio St.Aerial Image of 300 Tokio Street

Size:  apx. 2.6ha (6.4ac)

Zoning: Urban Mid-Rise                       

Servicing:  Water, Sanitary, and Storm available

Completed Studies: Archaeological, Scoped Environmental Impact Study, Black Ash Assessment

 

144 Fanshaw Street (at Golf Links Road)
Municipal Address(s): 144 Fanshaw St.Aerial image of 144 Fanshaw Street

Size:  approx. 1.2ha (3.0ac)

Zoning:  Urban Low-Rise. Applicants encouraged to submit proposals suitable to Urban Midrise Zone and apply for Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Servicing:  Water, Sanitary, and Storm available

Completed Studies: Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, Scoped Environmental Impact Study, Black Ash Assessment

 218 Empire Avenue (near Brown Street)

Municipal Address(s): 218 Empire Ave. W.Aerial image of 218 Empire Avenue

Size:  approx. 0.8ha (1.9ac)

Zoning:  Urban Mid-rise                      

Servicing:  Water & Sanitary available along Empire Ave. ROW

Completed Studies:  Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, Scoped EIS, Noise & Vibration Feasibility Study, Legal Survey

 

 Hudson Avenue (near Shuniah Street and Otto Street)

Municipal Address(s): MultipleAerial image of Hudson Avenue

Size:  approx. 2.0ha (5.1ac)

Zoning: Urban Low-Rise. Applicants encouraged to submit proposals suitable to Urban Midrise Zone and apply for Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Servicing:  Water & Sanitary available at Hudson Ave

Completed Studies: Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, Scoped Environmental Impact Study, Black Ash Assessment

 791 Arundel Street (near Toledo Street)

Municipal Address(s): 791 Arundel St.Aerial image of 791 Arundel Street

Size:  apx.3.2ha (7.9ac)

Zoning:  Community - Residential uses will require the Applicant to apply for a Zoning Bylaw Amendment.

Servicing: Water, Sanitary, and Storm available at Toledo St.

Completed Studies:  Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, Scoped Environmental Impact Study, Black Ash Assessment

 216 May Street South (near Donald Street)

Municipal Address(s): 216 May St. S.Aerial image of may st

Size:  approx. 0.1ha (0.2ac)

Zoning:  Downtown Neighbourhood

Servicing:  Water, Sanitary, and Storm available along May Street

Completed Studies Available to Successful Applicant(s): None

 239 & 301 Brodie Street (at Arthur Street East)

Municipal Address (s): 239 Brodie St. S. & 301 Brodie St. S.Aerial image of brodie street

Size: apx. 0.09ha (0.22ac) – 239 Brodie St. S. & 0.22ha (0.54ac) – 301 Brodie St. S.

Zoning:  Downtown Neighbourhood

Servicing: Water, Sanitary, and Storm available at. Brodie St. S

Completed Studies Available to Successful Applicant(s): None

 306 Victoria Avenue (at Simpson Street)

Municipal Address(s): 306 Victoria Ave. E.Aerial Image of 306 Victoria Avenue

Size:  approx. 0.1ha (0.3ac)

Zoning:  Downtown Neighbourhood

Servicing: Water, Sanitary, and Storm available at Victoria Ave. E.

Completed Studies Available to Successful Applicant(s): None

 Tupper Street & Camelot Street (between Cumberland Street and Court Street)

Municipal Address(s): 211-223 Tupper St. & 224 Camelot St.Aerial Image of Tupper and Camelot Streets

Size: approx. 0.3ha (0.7ac)

Zoning:  Downtown Neighbourhood

Servicing: Water, Sanitary available at Tupper St./Water, Sanitary, Storm available at Camelot St.

Completed Studies Available to Successful Applicant(s): None

Miles Street, North Street and Simpson Street

Municipal Address(s): 110/114 North Street, 114 Miles Street East & 119 Simpson Street.Aerial image of Miles, North and Simpson Streets

Size: approx. 0.54ha (1.33ac)

Zoning:  Downtown Neighbourhood

Servicing: Water, Sanitary, and Storm available at both Miles St. E. and Simpson St. 

Completed Studies: Environmental Site Assessment (west side of property only)

Download the Call for Proposals Package (PDF)

Ready to Propose?

We’re looking for serious, qualified Applicants ready to transform our city. Proposals must include:

  • A Statement of Qualifications (background, experience, and partnerships)
  • A Concept Outline of your proposed development
  • A Completed Call for Proposals Form (Appendix C)

All submissions will be evaluated by the City’s Development Review Committee. Proposals scoring 70% or more will be preferred for negotiation.

Submission Details

Submit your proposal via email to buildtbay@thunderbay.ca with the subject “Call for Proposal Submission”

Questions?

For more information on the Opportunity Sites and the Call for Proposals process, direct questions in writing only to buildtbay@thunderbay.ca using “Call for Proposals” in the subject line. Please include contact information and the municipal address of the property.

Inquiries must not be directed to other City employees or elected officials.
Directing inquiries to other than those designated may result in your bid being rejected.

Proposal Deadline: July 28, 2025

For questions, email only to the address above. Inquiries sent elsewhere may disqualify or delay your proposal.

Your Opportunity Starts Here

Thunder Bay is growing and this is your chance to help shape it. Whether you’re a developer, builder, non-profit, or entrepreneur, your vision could help define our city’s future.

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