THUNDER BAY — The topic of transforming certain neighbourhood parkettes into housing is on city council's agenda on Monday.
McKellar Coun. Brian Hamilton is proposing an additional three parkette locations to be added to the city's list of surplus lands for future use of affordable housing locations.
The additional locations proposed are parkettes on Holly Cresent, Thistle Cresent and Thornloe Drive.
Hamilton said these vacant spaces are desirable to build on to reach provincial and federal housing targets.
"City council should recognize that we've received $20 million from the feds to move in that direction, (and) potentially $5 million from the province. It's incumbent on us to get some of that work done, part of that work being political and addressing some of the issues at the ground level."
Hamilton recognizes that residents are attached to some of these spaces but he said that some tough decisions will have to be made to reach building targets.
"There are very few desirable lots in the community and people are attracted and attached to these lots, but vacant lots are perfect for infill development. They are an important pillar as we march towards our housing targets."
There are five deputations expected on this topic at Monday's meeting, including a written deputation.
Residents on Holly Cresent have banded together and are speaking out about the potential loss of their green space.
A neighbourhood advocate for the parkette, Barb Crowe, spoke to Dougall Media about why she and her neighbours believe the city is barking up the wrong tree, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars since the city recently installed new trees in the space.
"There was always an allotment made for a recreational area for the residents to use, and so much land was set aside that continues today.
"Any new subdivision they decide on, we're going to see the same thing put in. So we question, how can you take this away while you're still following the same rules?"
Crowe wants the city to develop other vacant lots instead.
"We fully understand the need to stop the urban sprawl - we do need to concentrate on housing more," said Crowe.
"I think if you spoke to anybody, whether on this crescent or anywhere in the city, they're going to tell you about a piece of property that's near them 'why don't they develop that?'
"They could put six houses, they could put eight houses on it, and essentially build a community rather than coming to these small areas and suddenly dropping something into what is already a community that enjoy their time together at these places."
Hamilton did note that while there is the one-time cash infusion from selling the properties to builders, there will also be the ongoing tax revenue from having the vacant lots turned into residential spaces.
"We need the revenue, but that's not the sole reason," Hamilton said.
"Ultimately, we have to create a more affordable housing situation for Thunder Bay residents, and it's incumbent on us to do so. This is a vehicle to do that."
Katie Nicholls is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with Newswatch
