Proposed Rezoning That Could Transform a Suburb

Thomastown planning commissioners voted 5-2 on July 7 to forward a rezoning request covering 15 acres in the Willow Creek neighbourhood from single-family residential to mixed-use classification.

The proposal arrives as Thomastown records its strongest sales volume in five years, with 1,842 homes changing hands in the first half of 2026 according to the city assessor’s office. Demand has pushed median sale prices to $462,000, up 11 percent from the same period last year, and city staff say current zoning limits new construction needed to keep pace.

The affected blocks run between Maple Drive and River Road, directly across from the Thomastown Community Center and one block east of the Thomastown Library branch. Planners noted that the change would allow buildings up to five stories with ground-floor retail, a shift that could bring new shops within walking distance of the weekly Thomastown Farmers Market held on the library lawn each Saturday.

Details of the Proposed Changes

Under the draft ordinance, developers could construct up to 320 residential units plus 45,000 square feet of commercial space. The Thomastown Housing Report issued in May projects the city will need 1,200 additional units by 2030 to maintain a 5 percent vacancy rate; current figures sit at 2.1 percent. City records show average rents for two-bedroom apartments reached $1,875 last month, an increase of $210 since January 2025.

Property owners along the southern edge of the rezoning area, particularly on the 400 block of Elm Street, would see their parcels gain the right to add second and third stories or convert ground floors to small offices. The Thomastown Real Estate Association has scheduled an information session for July 22 at the community center to explain how the new rules would apply to individual lots.

Next Steps for Residents

Public comment remains open until August 15. Written submissions can be delivered to the planning department office at 112 Main Street or emailed to planning@thomastown.gov. The full city council is scheduled to hold a final vote on the rezoning during its September 3 meeting. Homeowners in the Willow Creek area who want to understand potential changes to their property taxes or development rights can request a one-on-one review with city staff before the August deadline.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.