Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Thunder Bay has launched its “Let’s Build Thunder Bay” campaign as part of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This initiative was unveiled by the Mayor’s Task Force on Building More Homes at City Hall, marked by a banner that signifies the city’s commitment to accelerating housing development.
In February, Thunder Bay was approved for up to $20.7 million in federal funding from the HAF. This funding aims to support the development of over 600 new housing units over the next three years, with a goal of permitting 1,691 new homes by February 2027.
“These funds provide an opportunity to shape the future of Thunder Bay, and that is what we are here to achieve!” said Mayor Boshcoff, Chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Building More Homes. The Mayor emphasized the Task Force’s role in guiding and delivering the housing initiatives enabled by the HAF, as well as recommending additional strategies to accelerate development in the community. “City Council’s vision is for a city that is prosperous, compact, affordable, vibrant, and sustainable,” he added.
The HAF Action Plan outlines eight initiatives aimed at increasing housing development. Financial incentives will be available to everyone starting a building project. Funds will be allocated in the form of grants, helping to achieve a range of housing options and affordability levels. These initiatives are designed not only to boost housing but also to improve the city’s financial position by increasing density within existing serviced areas.
Two grants are now available:
- Affordable Rental Housing Funding Program
- Construction Assistance Grant Program
“Thunder Bay is growing, and that growth is projected to accelerate. Our goal is to ‘Build Thunder Bay’ for the future,” said Joel DePeuter, Director of Development Services. “These funds provide an opportunity to shape the future of Thunder Bay and change the way that we grow. The entire community can be a part of building a Thunder Bay for the future and maximize our growth momentum.”
This campaign and the accompanying federal support mark a significant step forward in addressing Thunder Bay’s housing needs, ensuring that the city can accommodate its growing population with affordable, high-quality housing.
