Update from the Mayor on the Premier's Housing Affordability Summit

Today, I had the opportunity to attend the virtual Housing Affordability Summit alongside Ontario’s Big City Mayors to address the province’s growing housing crisis. 

While each municipality has its own unique set of challenges related to housing, the City of Greater Sudbury has proven our strength in developing the tools needed to support the rising demand for housing and encourage of growth, investment and development in our region. 

City Council is committed to expanding Greater Sudbury’s housing supply and the success we have seen over the years is the result of the following key approvals:  

• 2018 - The Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan was implemented to encourage sustainable community planning. In doing so, significant incentives were introduced to encourage development such as a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Program, a Residential Incentive Program, a Planning and Building Fees Rebate Program, a Feasibility Program and a Second Unit Incentive Program.
   
• 2019 - City Council approved a 50% reduction of development charges for multi-unit residential developments in specific areas throughout the city and removed development charges entirely for affordable housing projects that are subject to an agreement with the City.
   
• 2020 – In response to the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019, City Council approved amendments to the Zoning By-law to authorize up to three units on a property that contains a single detached, semi-detached or rowhouse dwelling.
   
• 2021 - The amount of building permits issued, and their overall construction value continues to trend upwards year after year - in new residential alone, the building permits issued have garnered a construction value of $84.3 million along with the creation of 382 units.

Of the 382 units, 14 one-bedroom units were created as part of the Sparks St. Seniors Housing project and 30 – 2-bedroom units are being converted into 1-bedroom units to address homelessness where individuals are supported through community agencies to maintain tenancy.

Looking ahead, Greater Sudbury has a large supply of lands for residential development. For instance, our significant investment in the Paquette-Whitson Project alone has opened opportunities for a significant number of single-family homes to be constructed in Val Caron.

While the work related to affordable housing projects is ongoing, city staff continue to monitor trends and best practices to respond to the record number of homes being built. The City of Greater Sudbury is committed to supporting the growth of our affordable housing inventory by providing enhanced services and incentives, and in doing so will have a great impact on the current and future wellbeing of residents.

Mayor Brian Bigger

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Media Contact:
Ryan Humeniuk
Office of the Mayor
City of Greater Sudbury
Phone: 705-674-4455 ext. 2516
E-mail: ryan.humeniuk@greatersudbury.ca