Sudbury is preparing for several large projects that are expected to launch in the upcoming years but have been experiencing some delays. Ian Wood, the city manager overseeing the projects, recently issued an essential update on their progress highlighting that they are well-positioned when it comes to their schedule. Some of the local large projects are Kingsway Entertainment District, Place des Arts, as well as the future Sudbury library.
Large projects take more time and they are often associated with hurdles that have to be overcome on the way. This is because there are many factors involved and they are directly affecting the speed at which construction is happening. Kingsway Entertainment District is among the large projects that would make Sudbury an attractive location in the foreseeable future, but not until legal obstacles have been taken into account.
KED Conversation Continues in 2020
Ian Wood is the Sudbury interim GM that offered the update at the heels of this summer. This is the first official issuing of information on large projects in Sudbury since this spring and as it turned out, progress has been achieved over the past few months. Mr. Wood said that all of the projects have made a step forward, even though it has been a different one for each of them.
Some of them, such as Kingsway Entertainment District saw a major step forward, as August saw the official hearing of the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal dedicated to the special zone that aimed to shed more light and possibly propel action. As it has been confirmed at the special hearing, the tribunal postponed appeals hearing to May 5, 2020, a delay that was unexpected but would give more time for ironing out the situation.
Mr. Wood stated that the hearing aimed to alleviate the burden of appeals filed, reducing their number to 13 and striving to optimize the process. May 2020 is expected to see the final decision regarding all issues surrounding the project
Gateway Casinos Determined to Develop in the Area
It should be taken in to account that Gateway Casinos & Entertainment remains determined to build within the borders of Sudbury and support the community with revenue allocations. This delay has not discouraged the casino operator that would have to relocate operation from its current gaming hall at Sudbury Downs.
Local developer Dario Zulich has also been an integral part of the entertainment project, actively collaborating with Gateway Casinos. Mr. Wood had a frank conversation with Mr. Zulich, which revealed that for the time being a possible event center within the entertainment district has not been thoroughly planned. Earlier this summer the developer made it clear that a convention center could be constructed at a much lower price, but a plan would have to be presented in the upcoming months.
At the beginning of this year, investment into Kingsway Entertainment District came to a halt, but at this point, Sudbury has spent some CA$2.23 million. It should be taken into account that this is only a fraction of the project’s $100-million budget, but local councilors were determined not to gamble with taxpayers’ cash when there is no certainty.
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