City Council Wrap-Up: September 17, 2024

Here is an overview of key discussions and decisions from the City Council meeting on September 17.

Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square Update

Council received an update on the Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square project, which included a detailed program review, schematic design and Class C cost estimate. The Class C cost estimate is currently $65.2 million (plus or minus 15 per cent), or $68.2 million (plus or minus 15 per cent) with the inclusion of a single-story ramp and accessibility upgrades to Council Chambers. Staff and the design team continue to work toward the total project budget of $65 million.

With the construction of a ramp at the Cultural Hub, staff will accelerate the timing of a pending capital project for exterior facility upgrades along the Paris facing side of the building and include it for consideration in the upcoming capital budget.

The next steps for the project include:

• Preparing and executing a funding agreement with Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada for $24.9 million for the project, which was announced earlier in September.
• Issue a Request for Prequalification for the construction phase of the project.
• Continue to work through the project design.
• Conduct ongoing public engagement.

Staff continue to work toward a schedule that sees Cultural Hub partners occupy the building by the end of Q4 2026. A presentation with conceptual renderings of the Cultural Hub can be found here.

Vacant Buildings in Greater Sudbury

Council received a report on recommendations for addressing vacant and derelict buildings in Greater Sudbury. Council directed staff to prepare a bylaw to amend the User Fee Bylaw, the Property Standards Bylaw, and all other applicable bylaws to implement the recommended changes outlined in this evening’s staff report and to escalate fines for second and subsequent convictions of the same offence.

Amendments to the bylaws will include adding new definitions, provisions, sections for designated heritage properties and additional language around administration, enforcement and non-compliance. This aligns with best practices across other municipalities and will ensure that the bylaws that govern vacant and derelict buildings are both definitive and enforceable.

Budget Review Process

To support the review of the 2025 budget, staff were directed to include steps to reconfirm the 2025 Budget which include:

• Update presentations by each General Manager and service partner on current plans and priorities, progress on initiatives to achieve a 4.9% increase, and changes since the 2025 Budget was first approved that could influence current directions and expected results in 2025;
• Scheduling of special Finance and Administration Committee meetings on October 23 and November 14 to allow time for Council to review and assess information.
• A written question and answer process to address Council questions about the budget and any anticipated changes, with updates circulated weekly via email and posted to the website.

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.

-30-

Media contact:

communications@greatersudbury.ca