City Council Wrap-Up: May 13, 2025
May 14, 2025
Here is an overview of some key discussions and decisions from the City Council meeting on May 13.
Sustainable Procurement Strategy
Council passed a motion, presented by Mayor Lefebvre, proposing the development of a sustainable procurement strategy for the City. It acknowledges that every purchase has social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts and aims to use procurement dollars more intentionally to generate positive outcomes in these areas. The motion highlighted how sustainable procurement is a growing movement across Ontario and Canada and emphasizes that integrating sustainability criteria into procurement decisions can align with municipal strategic goals while remaining compliant with trade agreements and legislation. The City will now collaborate with local organizations, experts and suppliers to create a comprehensive strategy by Q4 2025. Additionally, the Greater Sudbury Housing Corporation will launch a community benefit agreement pilot project in Q2 2025 to test sustainable procurement models and evaluate their effectiveness.
Request for Provincial Action on Freshwater Pollution
Council passed a motion, led by Councillor McIntosh, to address the environmental risks of road salt, containing inorganic chloride salts (used on roads, sidewalks and in parking lots to maintain public safety on commercial properties), which is classified as "toxic" under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Concerns were raised about its negative impact on local drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. The City is urging the Province of Ontario to develop liability legislation, enforce contractor training and establish standardized best management practices for snow and ice management. It also calls for a funded advisory committee to guide policy on reducing winter salt pollution, and that this resolution be sent to key provincial officials and organizations for action.
Joint application for First Nation – Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Phase IV
Cando and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities are inviting applications for the Accelerated 2-year Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Phase IV Program. This initiative aims to strengthen government partnerships and support long-term economic and land-use planning collaboration between First Nations and municipalities. Council passed a motion, led by Mayor Lefebvre, to back a joint application from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation and the City for the program. The City remains committed to advancing this work with the two First Nation communities, regardless of the outcome of the CEDI application.
Regulation of Shipping Containers - Additional Information
In August 2023, the Planning Committee received a report about how the City regulates shipping containers from a zoning perspective. The report identified existing issues and suggested options for Council’s consideration related to the permission of shipping containers under the zoning by-law. In December 2024, the Planning Committee passed a resolution directing City staff to prepare a zoning by-law amendment to reflect one of the options. Council deferred the resolution requesting more information. The March 24, 2025 report doesn’t contain a new recommendation, but rather provides additional information to help Council make an informed decision. At last night’s meeting, Council directed staff to prepare an official zoning by-law amendment to modify the shipping container provisions. Staff will continue to monitor how shipping containers are being used and may propose additional amendments in the future if necessary.
Request for Expressions of Interest for Cultural Hub Partners
Staff provided an overview of the two-phased Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) process to gauge interest in Cultural Hub space from community groups. The City anticipates launching an RFEOI in the coming months, generating a short list of potential organizations wanting to use space. The Cultural Hub design is now underway, with construction expected to begin in the fall of 2025, and last approximately 18 months.
For more details on these and other items from this week’s meetings, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/meetings-agendas-and-minutes.