The mayor of Greater Sudbury, Paul Lefebvre, aims for the city to reach a population of 200,000 inhabitants within 20 years, in particular to meet the labor needs of the mining industry.
The 2021 census counted 166,004 inhabitants in the nickel town.
The mayor shared that goal in his State of the City address delivered at a Chamber of Commerce event at noon Thursday.
He spoke about the progress made and the challenges ahead, while presenting his vision for the future of the city.
Mr. Lefebvre particularly highlighted the success of the Immigration Program in rural and northern regions.
Since its creation, this program has attracted just over 2,500 new residents to Greater Sudbury.
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Representatives from different economic sectors of Sudbury attentively followed Mayor Paul Lefebvre’s speech.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Venant Nshimyumurwa
The mayor noted that the goal of 200,000 residents relies largely on the ability to have enough housing, including affordable housing.
It plans to build 3,800 homes by 2031.
Former Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce president Anthony Davis wants to see more investment in infrastructure that he says will help the city’s economic growth.
Revitalization of the city center
Paul Lefebvre returned to the recent decision of the municipal council to build a new arena in the city center.
My vision for Greater Sudbury is a place that is both inclusive and affordable and has excellent cultural and recreational facilities
did he declare.
A vibrant, thriving city needs a healthy downtown – a destination where people can gather, celebrate and enjoy entertainment, arts, sports and good food.
Downtown Sudbury board member Geoff McCausland noted that the board was unanimous on the arena, while similar votes in the past have been very divided.
It’s really good to see a city that is investing [dans son centre-ville]
believes the former municipal councilor.
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Geoff McCausland served as Greater Sudbury Ward 4 councilor from 2018 to 2022.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Venant Nshimyumurwa
Mr. McCausland says he is already seeing improvements in downtown, which is increasingly vibrant
according to him.
I would tell you that there are lots of great things happening in our city at the moment.
reacted for her part France Gélinas, provincial deputy for Nickel Belt, a constituency which includes, among other things, the neighborhoods on the outskirts of Greater Sudbury.
And there, as much at the commercial level as at the economic level, at the social level, health, activity, tourism, there is a renewal that is being experienced, that is being felt.
Ms. Gélinas particularly highlights housing building projects for vulnerable people or seniors, as well as efforts to recruit health personnel to provide primary care.
The mayor expects the arrival of 12 new family doctors in the municipality this year.
With information from Venant Nshimyumurwa and Orphée Moussongo
