The Committee of Adjustment in Thunder Bay will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to review 13 planning applications for various properties across the city. The hearing, which begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall at 500 Donald Street East, will address proposals ranging from new apartment developments to changes for outdoor storage facilities.
The 13 applications currently under review include six minor variance requests, one consent application, and two combined applications. Among the notable proposals is a request for 510 Leslie Street, where the applicant seeks to renovate an existing building into a five-unit apartment. This project requires several zoning variances, including adjustments to the minimum lot frontage, lot area, landscaped area, and required parking spaces. Another application at 50 Ontario Street proposes converting a commercial unit into a dwelling, which would increase the property from a four-unit to a five-unit apartment without requiring physical changes to the structure.
Additional items on the agenda include a proposal for 395 Algoma Street North, where an application seeks to create a new residential lot for the construction of a detached house. Furthermore, an application for 404 Burbidge Street requests permission to change the use of a site to an outdoor self-storage facility, which would include the storage of shipping containers for sale.
Residents have several ways to provide input before the hearing. Those wishing to participate can attend in person at City Hall or join the meeting online via Microsoft Teams. For online participation, registration is required by May 27. Written comments can also be submitted to the committee via email at [email protected] by the same date. For more information, residents may contact the acting secretary treasurer, Zachary Mezzatesta, at [email protected] or by calling 807-625-2542.
This hearing arrives as the city works to address ongoing housing needs. While Thunder Bay saw a strong year for development in 2025, with 1,036 building permits issued and 376 new residential units approved, the city is currently trailing behind its target for affordable housing. According to municipal reporting, the city has reached 37% of its goal for 362 affordable net permitted units. Once the committee reaches a decision on these planning applications, those results may be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 20 days by the applicant or other specified parties.
