On this page:
1. Project News
2. Background
3. What work has been completed?
4. What work is being carried out now?
The City of Timmins is moving forward on the planned Melrose Heights subdivision development, a critical project to help build housing capacity in Timmins. Available municipal land will be transformed into approximately 241 residential lots. The project follows recommendations in the approved Timmins Housing Action Plan.
In Timmins, limited housing growth has created pressure
on all levels of housing. There are issues around scarcity, cost, and affordability. The lack
of housing is impacting business development and economic growth. In discussions with potential developers, the cost of servicing lots has contributed to making housing investment a challenge. In early 2025, the City received $9 million in funding from the Ontario government’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. The funding will help the City install critical water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure to assist with subdivision development.
The Melrose Heights subdivision development will offer a variety of residential uses including single-detached homes, apartment buildings, and row houses.
To date, the City's Growth and Infrastructure Department has completed the following reports and studies:
- Detailed draft plan of subdivision (developed in house)
- Geotechnical investigations to facilitate utility design
- Traffic Impact Study
- Water Modelling
- Sanitary Servicing Capacity Study
- Storm Water Management Plans
Coordination with utilities, and inter-departmental reviews and communication has also taken place. Enforcement Services has issued encumbrance letters to adjacent properties.
The City is currently working with legal counsel to assist with municipal real estate and planning. A zoning by-law amendment will be required, as per the Planning Act, to rezone the proposed municipal Melrose Heights subdivision land and remove the holding provision from a portion of the subject land (see Council Meeting - Dec 09).
A tender will then be issued to begin site clearing, grading, infrastructure and roadway installation. Lot development is expected to begin in 2026, with total completion of Phase 1 anticipated in 2028.