City Council Meeting Wrap-Up – October 24, 2023
Oct 24, 2023
The City Council meeting on October 24 included direction to proceed with a historic investment in our downtown, an update on a corporate change project focusing on a new occupational health and safety management program, and a comprehensive review of municipal services, financial performance and staffing trends.
Advancing Downtown Redevelopment
Council voted to proceed with the purchase of several properties in the downtown to advance redevelopment and reiterate their support for economic development priorities and strategic goals.
This is an important step forward as City Council considers a new build or a refurbished arena in the downtown. This historic investment signals Council’s intention to make downtown renewal happen and sends a strong message to the community and the private sector that they intend to lead with a focus on our city's future.
Properties acquired to date cost approximately $12 million, funded through the previously borrowed Event Centre capital funds.
Tonight’s resolutions included acquisition of:
- 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.
The next update to Council on the Event Centre project is expected in March 2024.
In response to Council direction in August 2023, staff presented a comprehensive report that reviews municipal service levels, describes financial performance and provides staffing trends and performance benchmarks for 2019, 2022 and 2023. This information supports interested readers by providing important details about the services the municipality provides and could assist Council during 2024-2025 budget deliberations.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System
Staff provided an overview of an organization change project being implemented to address health and safety matters within the organization and create a safer work environment for every City employee.
This project, which enhances the organization-wide occupational health and safety system, is considered an industry best practice, providing several benefits to increase worker engagement and ensure employee safety while minimizing organizational risk. While the City already has a variety of health and safety policies and programs, standard operating procedures and work instructions in place, this system will clarify roles and responsibilities, improve consistency and enhance awareness to reduce risks throughout all levels of the organization. The project will be implemented over the next 18 to 24 months.
For more details on these and other items from this week’s meetings, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/city-hall/mayor-and-council/meetings-agendas-and-minutes.