City Council Wrap-Up: November 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
Here is an overview of key discussions and decisions from the City Council meeting on November 26.
Large Projects Update
Staff provided an overview of the details and benefits of the shift to a Construction Management project delivery model for the City’s large strategic projects, which is a slight variation of the traditional Design-Bid-Build model.
Staff also provided the following updates on the Event Centre:
- BBB Architects Toronto Inc., in partnership with J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, has been selected as the Preferred Prime Architect for this project and the agreement is being finalized.
- Property purchase of Wacky Wings has been completed at a market value of $2.49 million. The owner maintains the rights to claim additional compensation under the Expropriations Act.
- The demolition contract for 352-362 Elgin Street has been awarded and that work is expected to begin in January 2025.
View the Large Projects Update presentation here
Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF)
Council unanimously approved moving ahead with upgrades to the Lively-Walden wastewater system, a multi-phase project to update linear infrastructure and wastewater facilities and increase sanitary sewer capacity in that area. Once completed, this project will enable immediate development of 585 residential units that are in the pre-consultation, site plan and draft approved stages, and approximately 3,300 future units. It will also enable future industrial development and strengthen the City’s relationship with the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation.
In October, the Ontario government pledged up to $34.9 million in funding for this project as part of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which helps municipalities proceed with water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades and expansions to help unlock more housing opportunities and spur economic growth. Tonight’s Council resolution supporting the application and by-law authorizing the execution of an agreement are required by the Province prior to entering into a Transfer Payment Agreement.
Read the Ontario government news release on HEWSF funding for Greater Sudbury (October 28, 2024)
College Street Underpass
The College Street underpass is Greater Sudbury’s oldest bridge yet to be rehabilitated. The structure is currently proposed for rehabilitation or replacement in 2025, as part of the City’s capital budget program.
In determining how best to improve and modernize the underpass in a cost-effective and future-ready way, several alternative design concepts were considered. Council approved the recommended approach, a full rehabilitation of the bridge and the installation of a single-lane roundabout and active transportation (walking/cycling) infrastructure.
Mayor Lefebvre put forward a motion directing staff to seek funding opportunities from senior levels of government and report back with the outcomes of those efforts before issuing a tender for construction.
The Mayor will also advocate to the Premier, the Prime Minister, local MPs and MPPs and appropriate Ministers to request financial support for the project and highlight how it will contribute to federal and provincial objectives.
Read Mayor Lefebvre’s motion here
By-law Amendment
Council voted to amend By-law 2019-16, which deals with the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Local Boards and Complaint Protocol.
Key amendments include:
- A complaint or applications must be signed and dated by the complainant as an identifiable individual. They may not be submitted by a group, organization or corporation.
- A supporting affidavit must be included to set out any evidence in support of the allegation.
- If the Integrity Commissioner (IC) decides to proceed with an investigation, they must provide a copy of the complaint or application, and the supporting evidence, to the Member of Council with a request for a written response to be provided within 10 days.
- The IC will only keep the name of the complainant or applicant anonymous under extenuating circumstances.
Read the full by-law amendment here (begins on page 5)
Member’s Motion to Amend the Procedure By-law
At each Council meeting, matters arising from each Committee of Council are brought forward for Council’s consideration through one resolution per Committee. These resolutions are considered one at a time.
To make more efficient use of Council meeting time, Council agreed to have matters arising from Committees included in the adoption of the Consent Agenda and passed a motion directing staff to amend the Procedure By-law accordingly. Members will still be able to pull any individual matters for separate debate and vote.
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.