City Council Wrap-Up: November 12, 2024

Here is an overview of key discussions and decisions from the City Council meeting on November 12.

30x30 Update

Jenna Kip, Protected Places Assessment Coordinator with Ontario Nature, presented a progress update on the local 30x30 initiative and an overview of the municipal candidate sites for protected green space.

30x30 is a worldwide initiative by governments to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters globally by 2030. Greater Sudbury’s commitment can only include protecting lands that are publicly owned and managed, such as City-owned parkland, open spaces or Crown land, in coordination with the Province.

The 30x30 Progress Update presentation can be viewed online.

Code of Conduct Complaints

Council received reports from the City’s Integrity Commissioner (IC), David Boghosian, regarding complaints he received alleging breaches of the Code of Conduct by three Councillors. He concluded that two of the three Councillors in question violated the Code of Conduct.

The IC recommended a five-day suspension of remuneration for Councillor Labbée. Council defeated that resolution.

The IC recommended no penalty for Councillor Parent and concluded that he did not have jurisdiction to investigate the complaints about Councillor Leduc.

Read the IC’s reports online:

• Report on Councillor Leduc
• Report on Councillors Labbée and Parent

Council Appointment to the Conservation Sudbury Board

Due to a vacancy on the Conservation Sudbury Board, Council appointed Councillor Brabant to the Board. He will serve in this position until November 14, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.

Approval of GSDC Funding

Council unanimously approved financial support from the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation for two local initiatives that play a crucial role in enhancing tourism, cultural and economic development in our community:

• $1 million over two years for the Science North Go Deeper 2.0 project. This investment will support important expansion for Dynamic Earth, one of the region’s top tourism attractions, and play a significant role in increasing economic impact in the city.
• Up to $1 million over three years for YES Theatre. This funding will support both immediate capital improvements and long-term plans for future expansion and modernization in alignment with the development of the downtown South District.

With recommendations provided by the Tourism Development Committee of the Board, the GSDC approved this funding from the Tourism Development Fund, which allocates proceeds from the Municipal Accommodation Tax. There is no impact on the tax levy as a result of this funding.

Reports on both projects can be viewed online:

• GSDC Funding for Science North Go Deeper 2.0 Project
• GSDC Funding for YES Theatre

Member’s Motion to Post Integrity Commissioner Costs

Council passed a motion directing staff to post the total costs of Integrity Commissioner services to the City’s website on a quarterly basis. The costs will be separated into four categories:

• Complaint Investigation and Reporting
• Advice to Council
• Education and Training
• General Information to the Public

Member’s Motion to Amend Housing Policies

The Government of Canada is inviting municipalities to apply for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to accelerate new construction, rehabilitation and expansion of housing-enabling infrastructure to directly support the creation of new housing supply and improved densification. Before applying for the CHIF, municipalities must have zoning in place for four units as-of-right. This means allowing for four dwelling units per property.

The City recently adopted changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to allow third units as-of right. Council passed a motion directing staff to return to Planning Committee on December 9 with a public hearing under the Planning Act to amend recently adopted policies to allow for fourth units as-of-right, where appropriate.

Member’s Motion to Terminate the Integrity Commissioner’s Services

Council passed a motion directing the City Clerk to provide Integrity Commissioner David Boghosian with 180 days written notice of termination of his services.

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.