THUNDER BAY — City council discussed surplus lands at Monday's meeting, specifically several parkettes slated to be sold to builders to create affordable housing.
Of the proposed surplus lands, four are moving forward to be sold, and one is being delayed — with a plan to revisit the topic in January.
Five deputations on the subject were made, including one written submission about three additional parkettes added to the surplus lands list by Coun. Brian Hamilton: Holly, Thistle, and Thornloe parkettes.
All the deputations were against selling the properties. Many individuals commented on their love for the areas, how the neighbourhoods and demographics are evolving, and how the green space is needed.
One deputant expressed that the Woodside Parkette near him is underdeveloped and he wants the space to be more developed so that residents have better access.
Coun. Michael Zussino asked what the vision would be for this particular space.
The deputant wants to see a possible small structure built, a few benches and he wants the space to have some spots for youth to congregate in the area.
They made it clear that a significant investment from the city was not necessary to make the space more appealing for residents and local youth.
Another deputant wanting to keep the Woodside Parkette asked council to delay its decision by six months and brought a petition signed by 150 residents wishing to keep the green space.
Hamilton asked one presenter about their struggles with finding affordable housing.
The presenter answered that he and his fellow neighbours understood the need for affordable housing — that's why their ask to council is to delay any decision for six months to offer more time for "homework" on other options.
The current lots chosen can fit up to six to eight units, depending on how the city decides to split up certain lots.
Coun. Kasey Etreni asked how administration chose the properties to be sold for affordable housing.
According to a city official, an exhaustive search was completed for in-fill lots, parkettes, and other types of vacant lots.
City manager Norm Gale reminded council that they previously decided to sell property directly linked to the city's strategic plan for affordable housing, "supporting urban density and growth."
A total of 40 properties were being considered to be sold as surplus during the previous closed session. Of those, council has reviewed 18 and has not yet looked at the other 22.
By the end of the meeting, the motion to add the parkettes on Thornloe, Holly, and Thistle was lost.
The motion to defer the sale of Woodside Parkette was carried for six months and will be revisited in January 2025.
Katie Nicholls is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with Newswatch
