A 137-unit supportive living facility in the city’s Minnow Lake neighbourhood officially opened on Friday, with Mayor Paul Lefebvre cutting its ceremonial red ribbon.
Although only approximately 20 of its units are currently occupied and its top floors aren’t ready, owner Danny Bawa told Sudbury.com the balance of the building will be open by July.
The building, called the Sudbury Retirement Manor, is located on Second Avenue N across the street from the Minnow Lake Dog Park, and ground broke for the project in 2021.
This is Toronto-based Bawa Hospitality Group’s first venture into Greater Sudbury, and they’ve already lined up a second phase for the Minnow Lake property, and a six-storey seniors complex on Algonquin Road in the city’s South End.
All projects have been opposed by area residents.
City council approved the second phase to the Sudbury Retirement Manor in October 2023. City staff had recommended bumping the second phase down by two storeys, but city council passed a successful resolution to approve the seven storeys applied for.
This second phase will be constructed to the immediate north of the 137-unit building that officially opened on Friday, and will include 110 units.
Bawa said his company expects to receive final approvals to get construction underway within six to eight months, and plan on breaking ground as soon as possible.
When it comes time to build, Bawa said they’re going to re-evaluate their construction practices to prevent styrofoam fragments from snowing onto the community. They’re looking at using a different material.
During construction of the building that opened on Friday, area neighbours complained about styrofoam fragments blowing throughout the community.
In September 2023, city council greenlit Bawa Hospitality Group’s six-storey seniors complex on Algonquin Road, which Bawa said they’re waiting on final approvals to build. He doesn’t yet have a timeline for that project.
Similar to the second phase of the Sudbury Retirement Manor, city administrators recommended reducing its height by two storeys, but city council passed a resolution to approve the company’s full height application.
Reflecting on his company’s efforts in the Nickel City, Bawa told Sudbury.com it has been a good fit.
“We’ve owned this property for a very long time, and Sudbury is a great community,” he said. “There’s a need for retirement homes, there’s a need for housing.”
Sudbury Retirement Manor units are considered independent supportive living. They’re all-inclusive, and start at $3,700 per month, which include three meals daily, snacks, telephone, wifi, housekeeping, washer and dryers and parking. There’s also shared activities space, a fitness centre, hair salon, theatre and chapel.
“Everything is in one building,” Bawa said. “It's a whole resort.”
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
