Advancing Downtown Redevelopment

In 2023, City Council voted to acquire several properties in the downtown south district to advance redevelopment and reiterate their support for economic development priorities and strategic goals.

What properties did Council vote to purchase?

At their meeting on October 24, 2023, Council voted to purchase the following properties:

  • 151, 153 and 161 Brady St.
  • 211 Shaughnessy St.
  • 219-221 Shaughnessy St. and 170 Van Horne St.
  • 222 Minto St.
  • 212 Minto St.
  • 212 Romanet Lane

Previously acquired properties and signed agreements include:

  • 300 Elgin St.
  • 241-243 Shaughnessy St.
  • 324-326 Elgin and 247 Shaughnessy St.

Is the City expropriating property?

During the November 28, 2023 Council meeting, Council voted to pursue the expropriation process with respect to 187 Shaughnessy St., in the event that the City and property owner are unable to negotiate a purchase price for the property.

The Expropriations Act sets out the expropriation process, including the rights of both the City and the property owner.

Why did Council decide to acquire these properties?

This is an important step as City Council considers a new or refurbished arena in the downtown. This historic investment:

  • signals Council’s intention to make downtown renewal happen.
  • sends a strong message to the community and the private sector that they intend to lead with a focus on our city's future.
  • aligns with our core value to demonstrate foresight by acting today in the interests of tomorrow.

Downtowns are important. They are the historic and symbolic heart of a community, the reflection of a city’s image, pride and prosperity. A healthy, active and successful downtown makes a positive statement about the prosperity of a city, sending a confident message to future residents, businesses and investors. Thoughtful investments in community infrastructure, specifically in the South District of the downtown, will show an important first impression and welcoming image for those entering Greater Sudbury.

How much will this cost?

Properties acquired to date cost approximately $12 million, funded through the previously borrowed Event Centre capital funds.

In 2019, low-interest rate environments provided an opportunity for the City to borrow the necessary funds for specific projects – including the Arena/Events Centre and Junction East/West – in advance of construction in order to secure a very favourable rate. Council directed staff to secure debt up to $200 million in order to take advantage of the low-interest environment. $90 million of that was earmarked as Arena/Event Centre capital funds. Under the terms of the loan, these funds must be directed to capital projects of 30 years or more.

Costs associated with the acquisition of 187 Shaughnessy St. are yet to be determined.

What will be built on these properties?

This land will be available for redevelopment, which increases our capacity to respond to new opportunities and stimulate an economic hub. Choices about specific future land uses will be subject to further consideration. In the new year, we will embark on an updated Downtown Master Plan, the City’s road map for improving the downtown’s level of economic, cultural and retail activity, its sense of place and
its role as the urban centre for the region, which envisions amplifying the role of the South District as a regional destination for fun, arts, events and recreation. Investments in the South District allow us to capitalize on the synergies of the existing amenities and publicly owned sites that have been identified as suitable for new cultural uses.

What is the South District?

Downtown Sudbury is highly diverse in its function and characteristics. The Downtown Master Plan identifies seven downtown districts, one of which is the South District. The South District is envisioned as a regional destination for arts, culture, sporting and entertainment events, anchored by the arena and event centre and the Sudbury Theatre Centre. A larger development in the South District continues to realize the vision of the Downtown Master Plan, a Council-approved guiding document.

When will we know whether we are building a new arena or refurbishing the old one?

Council is committed to making downtown renewal happen, and that includes either a new or refurbished arena downtown. The next update to Council on the Event Centre project will be presented in March 2024 and will include:

  • 300 Elgin St.
  • 241-243 Shaughnessy St.
  • 324-326 Elgin and 247 Shaughnessy St
    • signals Council’s intention to make downtown renewal happen
    • sends a strong message to the community and the private sector that they intend to lead with a focus on our city's future
    • aligns with our core value to demonstrate foresight by acting today in the interests of tomorrow.
    • Results of the analysis on the current Sudbury Community Arena.
    • A recommended process and timeline for the design and construction of a renovated facility as part of the redevelopment of the South District that mitigates any impact on current tenants.
    • A recommended process to construct and open a new build facility in 2027/2028.
    • An initial evaluation of the potential of both options to attract complementary investment as part of a larger redevelopment of the South District.
    • An estimated budget to complete each project option, based on City Council's 2017 list of required features for a new event centre, along with options for enhancements or reductions.
    • A financing plan for both options.