Help Shape the City's Housing Supply Strategy

As work on the Housing Supply Strategy begins, the City is asking residents to provide input to shape this important plan. The Strategy will ensure all current and future Greater Sudbury residents have access to housing options that meet their needs at all stages of life, regardless of income level. A Housing Supply Strategy that encourages thoughtful, targeted and sustainable residential development is one piece of a broader vision to grow the City’s population and local economy.

“In order to ensure that our city is a welcoming place for all, we need a robust supply of housing to accommodate the evolving needs and life stages of families, groups and individuals,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor, Paul Lefebvre. “I look forward to seeing the policy include a true mix of housing types across Greater Sudbury’s communities – including methods to increase and protect the number of affordable rental units.”

On February 7, 2023, City Council directed staff to develop a Housing Supply Strategy. It will include:

• An update on current initiatives;
• Identification of key stakeholders and inputs involved in creating new housing, and evaluation of City’s role in addressing any gaps;
• A review of urban planning practices, including the required infrastructure to support sustainable growth;
• A clear definition of affordable housing in the Greater Sudbury context;
• Recommendations on how Greater Sudbury can help the province achieve its growth targets;
• Recommendations for streamlining of permitting, building services, engineering services and planning services through increased use of pre-consultation (SPART) and electronic permitting systems;
• A framework that defines expectations for housing starts and their key requirements;
• Performance reporting that enables City Council to assess progress using key metrics.

Residents can fill out a survey until July 15, 2023, on overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca.

Beginning the week of June 19, on behalf of the City of Greater Sudbury, Oraclepoll Research will conduct a Housing Needs and Preference phone survey to gather public input for the development of the Housing Supply Strategy.

The survey consists of 19 questions, including current residence type, and location and type of dwelling participants plan to live in within the next five to 10 years. Demographic data, which is statistically important to survey results, will also be gathered.

A first draft of the Housing Supply Strategy is expected to be presented to City Council in December 2023.

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