When the decision was announced that the City of Greater Sudbury would purchase the properties bordered by Brady, Minto, Elgin and Shaughnessy Streets in our downtown core, (Wacky Wings excluded for now), I was thrilled that this has finally come to be.
As the former co-chair of the volunteer committee examining the potential for a multi-use facility to be built in the downtown (performing arts and convention centre under one roof), we, along with members of the library and art gallery boards, examined every inch of the downtown core to identify property that could accommodate these facilities.
It was clear to us then that this tract of land held the key to these projects going forward in the downtown core. Our committee believed then and I continue to believe that this property is large enough to accommodate an event centre attached to a hotel that could host a convention/performance space, retail space and possibly condo/rental accommodations. The potential for private sector investment in this undertaking is, I believe, limitless.
The work that many had done in support of this plan was sidelined by the five-year debacle that was the KED. I am so grateful that I am still on this planet to see this process come full circle.
Our downtown is rising again, and the acquisition of these properties is the springboard for this revitalization. The acquisition of these properties marks the beginning of a very exciting time for our city.
I commend the leadership of our mayor and the support he has received from most of the council to move this forward.
My children and my grandchildren thank you, too.
John Caruso
Sudbury