City Council Wrap-Up: June 10, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
Here is an overview of some key discussions and decisions from the City Council meeting on June 10.
Enterprise Asset Management Plan
Council approved the Enterprise Asset Management Plan Update (2025), meeting provincial requirements and setting the stage for more strategic, sustainable infrastructure investments over the next decade.
The updated plan builds on the 2023 version and integrates the most current data on asset condition, levels of service and lifecycle strategies for more than $17 billion in municipal infrastructure. More than 85 per cent of that infrastructure is comprised of core assets like water, wastewater, stormwater systems, roads and bridges.
A key feature of the plan is its financial strategy, which compares the estimated cost to meet proposed service levels with the City’s existing capital funding. Over a 10-year period, the City faces a projected infrastructure gap of $620 million. To close this gap, the plan recommends early intervention to extend asset life, combining capital projects to create efficiencies and seeking diverse funding sources. The plan also includes risk assessments and climate resilience planning to ensure infrastructure can withstand future demands.
The plan reinforces the City’s commitment to continuous improvement and includes strategies for enhancing asset data, integrating performance measures and reviewing progress through annual and five-year updates. It reflects similar issues faced by other municipalities across Ontario and highlights the pressing need for a sustainable, long-term funding model to support municipal infrastructure.
Lively-Walden Wastewater Systems Upgrade Project
Earlier this year, the federal government approved funding of up to $27.9 million for the Lively-Walden Wastewater Systems Upgrade project through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Council has now directed staff to enter into the formal funding contribution agreement with the federal government.
This multi-phase, $70-million project will update linear infrastructure and wastewater facilities and increase sanitary sewer capacity in the Lively-Walden area. Once completed, it will support the development of over 3,800 new residential units, enable future industrial development and strengthen the City’s relationship with the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. The Ontario government has also committed up to $34.9 million for the project as part of its Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
Housing Accelerator Fund Implementation Plan
Earlier this year, it was announced that the City was successful in its application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), which provides funding to municipal governments to increase housing supply. The City’s application included an action plan outlining a housing supply growth target, additional targets for multi-unit and affordable housing, and a series of eight initiatives the City will undertake to achieve those targets.
HAF funding will be released in four $4-million installments, conditional on meeting specific milestones and growth targets. Council has now approved a spending allocation plan to provide the best opportunity to ensure the City meets the requirements of the contribution agreement and is eligible for the full amount of its HAF allocation.
Key projects to be funded through the plan include:
- Wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Hanmer and Coniston to support projected residential growth
- Long Lake Road improvements between St. Charles Lake Road and Gateway Drive, including a centre left turn lane and active transportation facilities, along with a South End transportation study to enhance transportation efficiency while supporting multi-residential development
- Master plans focused on flood hazard mapping and stormwater management, to establish a path for future housing development decisions
- Enhanced Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and housing-related incentives
Read the report and action plan summary here
Energy and Related Costs at Municipal Facilities
As directed by Council, staff provided an update on energy use and related costs at municipal facilities and discussed opportunities to reduce usage.
In line with the goals of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP), the City continues to take steps to reduce emissions and costs of City facilities and equipment as a part of regular work and future project plans. Staff are also working with an energy conservation company on an energy reduction project at some of the City’s major facilities, including Pioneer Manor, Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, and 1120 and 1160 Paris Street.
Council directed staff to explore additional funding opportunities that align with our community’s portfolio of buildings and facilities for energy efficiency initiatives and provide updates on these opportunities as part of the regular reporting on the CEEP.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Council directed staff to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of up to 10 level two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This direction supports the CEEP and responds to the federal government’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent (below 2005) levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
According to S&P Global Mobility, EVs accounted for 15.4 per cent of all vehicle registration in Canada in 2024. In Greater Sudbury, EV registrations increased 360 per cent between the fourth quarter of 2021 and the fourth quarter of 2024.
Ensuring the availability of public charging infrastructure is key to this ongoing transition. While a high percentage (80 to 90 per cent) of EV charging occurs at home, public charging infrastructure provides additional flexibility for EV drivers covering longer distances, such as tourists, and provides an alternative for those without access to charging at home.
Lively Ski Hill 2024-2025 Season Report
Based on increased usage and improved financial performance of the Lively Ski Hill during this past winter season, Council approved the staff recommendation to continue operation of the facility. The City will enter into an agreement with ANCAM Solutions for the remaining consulting and engineering services required for re-installation of lift equipment. Staff credited the volunteers from the Lively Ski Hill Planning Committee for their efforts in attracting new community members to the hill.
Council approved the recommendation to pause the chalet repair project pending outcomes of the Lively Recreation Advisory Panel. There is a possibility that the panel will identify Lively Ski Hill as their preferred site for investment, which could mean investment in new infrastructure to support more uses at the site.
Read more on the work of the Lively Recreation Advisory Panel here
For more details on these and other items from this week’s meetings, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/meetings-agendas-and-minutes.