As part of our 2022 municipal election coverage, Sudbury.com crafted an eight-query questionnaire for mayoral candidates, asking them to share their thoughts, opinions and strategies on everything from taxation to facilities rationalization to their leadership styles. We will be publishing the responses to each question in individual stories over the coming days. Each candidate was contacted by email several times to provide the questions and invite their participation. Not all candidates responded. As well, in the coming days you will be able to find the answers to each question on the election section of Sudbury.com.
The Question
While it is unpopular to close city-run facilities, the amalgamation that created Greater Sudbury saw the city inherit a host of arenas, pools, parks and other amenities, possibly more than the city needs or can afford. Council has toyed with what’s called ‘facilities rationalization’ (that is reviewing facilities the city owns and operates and deciding what to close and what to keep) but has never done the hard work of actually conducting a rationalization. Is this something you are prepared to do and why, and how will you achieve it? Or, is this something you feel is unnecessary and why?
Brian Bigger
The city undertook a Facility Rationalization Study in 2016. It can be found at the following link: Facility Rationalization Report (escribemeetings.com). I think this report needs to be reviewed in greater detail by the new council. I also think that we should be holding town halls in individual communities to see what the public’s wants and needs are. I would like to continue to make the best use of our residents' hard earned money. I would like the public to have their say on what that looks like so the community has facilities and services that better meet their needs. This will be something I will continue to advocate for during the next term of council.
Evelyn Dutrisac
As I am meeting and listening with the residents, they are still upset about Greater Sudbury’s amalgamation. The community was imposed amalgamation by the province. The residents are telling me that all the outlying towns were doing well before they were amalgamated. When we participated in the Constellation Study, people outlined their needs and what they wanted to keep as services and facilities in their towns. Since amalgamation, we have failed to deliver financially efficient and sustainable municipal services to all CGS taxpayers. The taxes are much too high, the roads and our infrastructure are in terrible state, and the cost of renting has skyrocketed. What are our real needs today? The residents want a say about the pools, the arenas, the parks, and other amenities in their communities. We had services available in our communities before amalgamation. Residents need to be consulted and listened to! The new council and mayor must connect and see what the residents want and need in their communities. The facilities rationalization is important and must be done with all residents in the City of Greater Sudbury. Every community must be treated with respect and allowed to have a quality of life.
Don Gravelle
Several of these buildings the local community uses and loves. They are usually volunteers who love their community but the maintenance has not been done. These volunteers have offered to do painting etc but have been met with roadblocks. As mayor I vouch where community members want to help that we cut the red tape and work with them to get things accomplished. This approach may not work with all buildings but it is a good start.
Bob Johnston — no answer provided
Devin Labranche
When we look at the city asset debt load we most certainly need to take action on what we’re going to keep and what needs to be sold off. We have many facilities that are still pillars of community use and some that have fallen into disrepair. I believe through community engagement we can figure out what can be kept and maintained and what needs to be sold off in the best interest of citizens and ensure that they aren’t paying in excess of their property taxes.
Paul Lefebvre
City-run facilities are the heartbeat of many communities across Greater Sudbury. Any plan to “rationalize” city-run facilities must be based on consultations with affected communities. Under my leadership, the next council will empower communities to be a part of the decision-making process for the issues that matter to them. Here’s how:
- Strengthen CANs, community groups with greater access to city staff and resources to encourage collaboration and make project development easier;
- Act as Community Facilitator to connect the right people to solve problems;
- Review and Increase the Healthy Community Initiative Funds;
- Strengthen and promote Community Improvement Plans;
- Incentivise affordable housing options including infill housing, secondary suites, and detached residential units on existing properties throughout the city.
J. David Popescu — no answer provided
Miranda Rocca-Circelli
Again, I believe that with an external audit we can see where we are spending funds and best determine the course of action in identifying which facilities to continue to operate and which facilities to take different directions with. A financial third-party audit will provide the details required to make these sound decisions. The City of Greater Sudbury should focus on essential services and programs as a foundation, and serve as a facilitator for other services that are not essential.
Mila Wong
I will not just toy with this, a facilities rationalization must happen, many are in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. The city must risk-manage these liabilities of public use.
