Dryden, Ont., eyes proponents for new mixed-use waterfront subdivision development
CBC
As several major projects are being proposed across northwestern Ontario, the City of Dryden is looking to embrace new development.
About 7,400 people live in Dryden, located about 350 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
Historically known for its forestry sector, a flurry of economic activity is unfolding around the community — such as the province’s push for mining in the Ring of Fire region further north, and Canada’s first deep geological repository for nuclear waste being eyed eastward near Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Last Wednesday, the city issued a request for proposals (RFP) for what’s known as the Van Horne Landing Subdivision and Waterfront Development, which could see a mix of residential and commercial uses.
“With an economically-viable forest sector as our foundation, and significant energy and mining developments advancing across the region, Dryden is well positioned to support continued residential growth, workforce demand, and investment activity,” Dryden’s mayor Jack Harrison said in a news release.
“Van Horne Landing will play a key role in supporting this balanced and diversified future.”
The city recently received about $5.1 million in provincial funding through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Stream.
That money is being used to extend water and sewer services down Van Horne Avenue and Claybanks Road, where the proposed project would be located.
“That's really what enabled this RFP to be released and the City of Dryden to be able to market this land as a potential subdivision area,” said Dryden’s economic development manager, Tyler Peacock.
“There's lots of growth in our community and there are a lot of economic development projects happening throughout the region, and this is a great opportunity to showcase a waterfront piece of property that can help bolster those opportunities.”
Described by the city as “one of Dryden’s most significant development opportunities,” the first phase of the Van Horne Landing project could develop about 10 acres of land that is already zoned for mixed use.
“We see a lot of new multi-residential development and commercial development happening in the community, and we're continuing to build on that,” Peacock said.
With tourism a major economic driver in the community, “developing our waterfront can gain further ad investment opportunity and growth to that sector,” he continued.
Once the city receives proposals from prospective developers — due by March 5 — the submissions will be evaluated before going to city council for final approval.
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