The largest town in central Newfoundland is taking steps similar to what some others are taking in an effort to kickstart new housing.

Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel indicates that the town has been closely monitoring the housing situation for some time and are putting policies in place to encourage development.

He hopes that making zoning regulations less restrictive will encourage the development of apartment buildings and townhouses.

The town also now has a new commercial land-sale policy.

It amounts to a 40 per cent reduction for developers to purchase commercial land in the town. Manuel says there are also federal and provincial programs which developers can take advantage of which he would like to see happen, adding, “Council can only do so much.”