'We have a bright future': Sudbury mayor gives second state of city address
Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre delivered his state of the city address at the Caruso Club on Thursday, his second since being elected in 2022.
"We have a bright future," he said during his closing remarks.
Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre gives second 'State of the City' address at chamber of commerce event at the Caruso Club. May 2, 2024 (Amanda Hicks/CTV Northern Ontario)
In an interview with CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca after his speech, Lefebvre said he was feeling optimistic about the city's future.
"There's hotels being built, we're investing in our roads, there's more housing opportunities as well, so there's a lot of investments in our community," he said.
"A lot of development and so we're doing what we can as a city to facilitate that, welcome that."
The event, titled 'Investing in Our Future,' was hosted by the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.
The mayor's speech touched on investing in the city's infrastructure through renewal and promoting economic growth.
Lefebvre reflected on the city's infrastructure investments, including construction projects, the cultural hub and the recent decision to build a new events centre downtown to replace the aging arena.
The project was recently greenlit by council with a price tag of $200 million.
Construction is set to start in 2026 and be completed by 2028.
"It's been debated for decades," Lefebvre said in his speech.
"Now, we're finally getting it done."
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Additionally, Lefebvre renewed his goal to achieve a population of 200,000 in Greater Sudbury by 2050, emphasizing on the need to continue to address a housing shortage.
In 2023, the city surpassed its housing target, in turn, receiving funding from the province.
Many business owners and leaders in the community were in attendance for the address.
Members of the Greater Sudbury business community gather for the mayor's second annual 'State of the City' address hosted by the chamber of commerce at the Caruso Club. May 2, 2024 (Amanda Hicks/CTV Northern Ontario)
Kendra MacIsaac, Downtown Sudbury co-chair, said she thought Lefebvre's speech was great.
"Obviously, there has been a significant investment in the downtown core and the downtown Sudbury BIA could not be more thrilled," MacIsaac said.
"Is there more to do? Absolutely, and we're here to cheerlead our city partners and support them all the way."
Dario Zulich, CEO of Sudbury Wolves Sports & Enterainment, said he found Lefebvre's speech inspiring.
"He's done what other mayors, other council have not done in years, decades," Zulich said.
"It was very impressive, very inspiring and the future looks bright for Sudbury."
As for immediate priorities, Lefebvre said ensuring there is enough staff to start major projects, attracting more businesses to the city and finding solutions to help the most vulnerable will be top of mind.
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