Ontario Construction News staff writer
SUDBURY – The City of Greater Sudbury’s finance and administration committee has directed staff to apply for federal funding to help build a new 40-unit supportive housing development, committing the municipality to cover required operating costs if the project proceeds.
The decision clears the way for an application to the Build Canada Homes (BCH) supportive housing program stream, which supports new supportive and transitional housing projects. To meet program eligibility requirements, council would need to fund operating costs estimated at between $1.25 million and $2 million in the short term.
The direction to staff was included in a broader report on the city’s Social Housing Revitalization Funding plan, which outlines how Sudbury intends to leverage BCH funding to advance priorities under its Roadmap to End Homelessness.
Mayor Paul Lefebvre said the proposed development aligns with council’s long-term housing strategy.
“Expanding supportive housing is a core part of the city’s strategy and is essential to building a healthier, more inclusive community,” Lefebvre said in a statement. “This project represents another meaningful step to ensure residents in need can access safe and supportive housing.”
The report recommends locating the project on a site adjacent to the Greater Sudbury Housing Corporation’s building at 720 Bruce Ave. The location was selected due to its proximity to existing housing and support services, as well as its readiness for construction.
City staff say the proposal also advances goals set out in the Social Housing Revitalization plan approved by council in 2019, which aimed to better align housing stock with community needs. Under that plan, the city has divested more than 50 homes, with proceeds reinvested into priority housing projects.
Those funds have contributed to the municipal share of several developments, including $4.6 million for the 1310 Sparks St. project and $5 million for the 1179 Lorraine St. project.
While the city will continue to seek operating funding from the province, council’s willingness to temporarily cover operating costs allows staff to move forward with the BCH application process. It also enables early discussions with supportive housing providers to identify a potential partner for the proposed development.
A final funding decision would rest with council following the outcome of the federal application and further details on operating and partnership arrangements.To view the full Social Housing Revitalization plan report, visit Housing Revitalization Funding Plan
