The next step in the Junction East project is slated to take place in downtown Greater Sudbury from Feb. 9-11, during which geological and hydrological testing will be conducted.
Municipal parking spaces will be affected from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during these days, including those within the Shaughnessy East Block – the area south of the Sudbury Theatre Centre. These spaces will be occupied by contractors.
Results of these tests will help inform the design for Junction East, which is projected to open in 2024 and consist of the Greater Sudbury Public Library main branch and the Art Gallery for Sudbury. The Sudbury Theatre Centre and the Sudbury Folk Arts and Multicultural Association are possible future partners in the project as well. The building will be located on the east side of Shaughnessy Street.
The city, Toronto-based WZMH Architects and the Collaboration Working Group have been working together in planning Junction East. The committee is composed of various stakeholders, including those from the library, art gallery, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Sudbury BIA, The Sudbury Theatre Centre, the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association and others.
An updated cost estimate for the Junction East project is anticipated to be presented to Greater Sudbury city council in March.
The project is anticipated to continue, with Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc withdrawing his motion to investigate the implications of putting the project on pause during the Jan. 25 city council meeting.
The other half of an overall project called “The Junction,” an approximately $66-million build consisting of a rentable convention and performance centre alongside a private hotel, has been put on hold.
Junction East’s final price tag has yet to be determined but was originally priced at $46.5 million. As of Jan. 25, the city had spent $1,341,422 on Junction East, while the net cost to date for Junction West has been $787,528.
