City Council Meeting Wrap-Up – September 26, 2023
Sep 26, 2023
The City Council meeting on September 26 included updates on the proposed Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square and the Greater Sudbury Event Centre.
Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square and Junction East
Staff updated Council on the work being done to explore the potential of housing a new central branch library, art gallery and multicultural centre at Tom Davies Square, as well as the potential relocation of some municipal services to implement this project.
Staff will continue to work with project partners to develop the details of the Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square. They will return to Council on December 5, 2023, with a detailed update report that will include draft conceptual designs and a projected budget for both the Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square and the Municipal Services Relocation projects. The report is expected to include recommendations for Council’s consideration that will provide direction to move forward with this option.
Council directed staff to further explore both the renovation and the new build options for the Sudbury Community Arena. This additional analysis will have an estimated combined cost of up to $200,000, funded through the Event Centre Project budget.
A report will be brought back to Council in March 2024 and will include:
- 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 potential financing plan for both options.
Council directed the City’s Community Development department to develop a strategy to end homelessness in Greater Sudbury by 2030. The motion referred to Housing First, an approach to ending homelessness that focuses on moving people into independent and permanent housing as quickly as possible, and then providing them with the additional supports and services they need.
The draft strategy will include financial and staffing requirements to transition services from temporary shelters to transitional and permanent supported housing. Staff will report back to Council with a draft strategy by the end of March 2024.
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.