Downtown Sudbury - A Plan for the Future, Final Draft Plan by Clerks Services

Downtown Sudbury

a plan for the future going downtown growing downtown

Centre-ville de Sudbury

un plan pour lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;avenir

January 2012

Table of Contents 1.0 The Downtown Sudbury Master Plan

4.0 The Strategy

1.1 The Master Plan Process

4.1 Activity and Growth

1.2 The Funding Partners 1.3 The Study Area

4.1.1 Grow Employment in the Downtown 4.1.2 Create Destination Attractions in the Downtown 4.1.3 Make the Downtown a Centre for Learning 4.1.4 Make the Downtown a Centre for Living

4.2 Access and Connectivity

2.0 Analysis 2.1 Sudbury Junction to Greater Sudbury 2.2 Growth Pattern of the Community of Sudbury 2.3 The Structure of Downtown 2.4 Downtown: The Strengths

4.2.1 Connect Downtown into local neighbourhood and the Greater Sudbury network 4.2.2 Create a flexible, fully connected street network 4.2.3 Invest in infrastructure necessary to support growth

4.3 Beauty and Pride 4.3.1 Rediscover Main Streets as settings for investment 4.3.2 Create green downtown destinations 4.3.3 Create smaller moments of beauty and surprise 4.3.4 Reflect the Sudbury Story

2.5 Downtown: The Challenges

5.0 Downtown Districts 3.0 The Vision 3.1 A Vision for Downtown Sudbury 3.2 From Vision to Master Plan

5.1 South District 5.1.1 The District Today 5.1.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function 5.1.3 Design Considerations

3.2.1 The Vision Illustrated

5.2 East District

3.2.2 The Master Plan

5.2.1 The District Today 5.2.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function 5.2.3 Design Considerations

5.3 Central District 5.3.1 The District Today 5.3.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function 5.3.3 Design Considerations

FINAL DRAFT

Appendices 5.4 North District

A Priority Capital Project Descriptions

5.4.1 The District Today

Elgin Greenway

5.4.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function

Elm Street Rebuild

5.4.3 Design Considerations

Paris Street Beautification

5.5 North-West District

Durham Street Upgrade Minto Civic Corridor

5.5.1 The District Today

Larch Street Extension

5.5.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function

Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route

5.5.3 Design Considerations

Parking Structures

5.6 West District

Memorial Park Expansion and Grey Street Mews Tom Davies Square Redesign

5.6.1 The District Today

Parc des Pins and Beech Street Mews

5.6.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function

Regreening Downtown: Tree Planting Program

5.6.3 Design Considerations

5.7 Railway Lands

B Residential Incentive Program Briefing Note

5.7.1 The District Today 5.7.2 The District Tomorrow: Role & Function

6.0 The Action Strategy 6.1 Action Strategy

Supporting Reports (under separate cover)

6.1.1 Phasing: A Ten Year Vision

1.0 Baseline Reports

6.1.2 Funding

01 Urban Structure

6.1.3 Building Momentum: Year 1 Actions

02 Retail

6.1.4 Action Strategy Summary

03 Mobility

6.2 Policy Directions

04 Heritage

6.2.1 City of Greater Sudbury Official Plan

2.0 Strategy Reports

6.2.2 Zoning Bylaw 2010-100Z

01 Retail

6.2.3 Metro Centre Community Improvement Plan

02 Mobility

6.2.4 Northern Ontario Growth Plan

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

section 1

The Downtown Sudbury Master Plan

1.0

Downtown Matters! Downtowns are important. They are the historic and symbolic heart of a community, the reflection of a city’s image, pride and prosperity. They are the meeting place for the entire city, where all types of different people come together to celebrate and share common experiences. A healthy, active, successful downtown makes a positive statement about the prosperity of a city, sending a confident message to future residents, businesses and investors. The reverse is also true, which is why a strong, implementable vision for Downtown Sudbury is so important. While Downtown Sudbury has a number of strengths, there is great potential for improvement. This Downtown Master Plan presents a series of recommendations to reinforce the Downtown’s role as the biggest, brightest and best downtown in Northern Ontario. Strategies are presented for improving the downtown’s level of economic, cultural and retail activity, its sense of place and its role as the urban centre for the region. Indeed, The Downtown Sudbury Master Plan suggests ways in which the City of Greater Sudbury can position itself as the true and distinct ‘Capital of the North’. The Master Plan will function as the blue print to guide the revitalization of Downtown Sudbury over the next ten years and beyond, detailing a series of actions and initiatives necessary for this transformation and specifying their timing and allocating responsibilities.

FINAL DRAFT

A Successful Downtown ...

… creates a positive image for the Region. ... supports a strong tax base for the city. … acts as an incubator for new business growth. … retains and creates new and different jobs. … protects property values in surrounding neighbourhoods. … is a significant tourism destination. … allows growth to occur in an efficient and sustainable way. … is the meeting place for the city.

A healthy, active, successful downtown makes a positive statement about the overall prosperity of a city. A struggling downtown sends a negative message to future residents, businesses and investors. A healthy downtown symbolizes a healthy city. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

1.1 The Master Plan Process The Downtown Master Plan was completed in four phases. Phase

Central to this process was the Community Liaison Group - a

1 was initiated in September 2010 and Phase 4 concluded in

30-member group representing a broad cross section of

February 2012.

associations, organizations and institutions that came together to advise and help shape the Master Plan. The Community Liaison

The project was a highly collaborative process and partnership

Group championed the Master Plan, contributed creative ideas

between the project team, the City, the downtown communities

for how to reposition the downtown and offered feedback on

and other interested stakeholders. Across the study’s four

emerging content and advice on local issues.

phases, there were several opportunities for the local community

In total, more than 1,000 creative ideas were shared by a variety

and stakeholders to be actively involved in shaping the Master

of participants across the master plan process. Ideas were

Plan. Opportunities for involvement include three major

collected using a range of outreach mechanisms, including

Community Forums, regularly scheduled Community Liaison Group

community forums, interviews, focus groups, youth events,

meetings, a Community & Stakeholder Visioning Workshop, a

presentations and social media events (including project web site,

Downtown Design Charette and a series of interviews and round

Facebook and Twitter).

tables.

Phase 1 Understand

Project Initiation

Stakeholder Interviews

Mapping Ambition Round Table

Analysis & Catalogue

Phase 2 Vision

Event #1: Project Launch, Visioning & SWOT

Educational Package

Vision: Creative Thinking

Phase 3 Plan

Policy Committee

Master Plan Concept

Event #2: Testing the Vision Defining Priorities

Vision, Principles and Issues Report

Base Maps

Vision

Project Website Materials

Educational Package

Draft Action Plan

Phase 3 Deliverables Master Plan Concept(s) Key Recommendations

Revise Final Plan

Event #3: Draft Master Plan & Action Strategy

Options

Policy Committee

Transfer to City & Community

Phase 4 Deliverables Final Master Plan Final Action Strategy

SPR I N G 2 0 1 2

Analysis Report

Testing Options: Stakeholder Design Charette

SPRING 2 0 11

Phase 2 Deliverables

W I NT E R 2 0 1 0

FA L L 2 0 1 0

Phase 1 Deliverables

Options

Phase 4 Action

Priorities Committee

Priorities Committee Presentation

1.2 The Funding Partners The Downtown Sudbury Master Plan was funded by the City of Greater Sudbury, Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, FedNor, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation et le Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité de l’Ontario.

FINAL DRAFT

1.3 The Study Area Downtown Sudbury is defined in many different ways. The core

influence’ is shaded in yellow and includes the mixed use Cedar-

study area for the Downtown Master Plan is represented by the

Larch neighbourhood to the east, the Rail Lands to the south and

dashed line below. Triangular in shape, the core study area is

the neighbourhoods to the north that are immediately adjacent to

bound by Ste. Anne Road to the north, Paris Street to the east

the downtown. The gateway approaches to the Downtown along

and the rail corridor to the west. Although these streets form

Notre Dame Ave, Elm Street, Paris Street, Howey Drive and the

the boundary of the core study area, the influence of the Master

Kingsway are also noted.

Plan will extend beyond these boundaries. That wider ‘area of

Northern Heights

Flour M

Main Library

Ste Anne des Pins Rainbow Centre

CEDAR ST

YOUNG ST

LISGAR ST

Cedar-Larch neighbourhood

PARIS ST

Provincial Government Medical Building Centre Memorial Park Tom YMCA Davies Square

CPR/ Webbwood Yards

Arena EL

VAN HORNE

GT IN

VIA Station

H RT

BR A

LARCH ST

Theater Centre Fire Station

WO S

E CR

CPR/ Cartier Yards

PARIS ST

DOUGLAS ST

MINTO ST

ST RN E LO

D ST

LLOY

Transit Centre

Federal Government Building

DURHAM ST

ALDER ST

REGENT ST

ELM ST

SDEC

St Mary’s Ukrainian Centre

Church of STE ANN Christ the King E RD

Centre de santé Communautaire Market Square

BEECH ST

Sudbury Courthouse

M DA

YD R

Marymount Academy and Notre Dame

COLLEGE ST

Sudbury Secondary School

BR AD Y

MACKENZIE ST

BAKER ST

The Study Area

Area of Influence

JOHN ST

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

section 2

Analysis

2.1

From Sudbury Junction to Greater Sudbury Few cities in Canada have undergone the transformations that the City of Greater Sudbury has since its birth as a railway camp called Sudbury Junction in the late 1800s. Fame and fortune came quickly to the settlement with the discovery of extensive concentrations of nickel-copper ore during construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883. The development of the railway through the area not only led to the discovery of metals, but also made large-scale mining economically feasible. Capitalizing on this new economic opportunity, Sainte-Anne-des-Pins grew rapidly from a lumber camp into an important commercial centre and transport hub to serve the various mining camps that sprang up in the area. By 1893, the town was well established as a commercial hub serving the various mining communities, and Sainte-Anne-des-Pins was rechristened as Sudbury.

Although the past 125 years have been brought both boom and bust, Sudbury has managed to continue to grow and prosper even in some of the most difficult economic periods, evolving from a lumber town to a world-recognized leader in mining innovation and the regional capital for Northern Ontario. Today, Greater Sudbury is an impressive city with potential to become an even more significant centre that supports several overlapping identities:

Capital of the North With its population, sophisticated cultural offer, level of service provision, community diversity and strength of economy, Greater Sudbury is the capital of Northeastern Ontario, if not of Northern Ontario. The Downtown plays an important role in further cementing this position as both a regional hub and centre of investment for the North. With almost 50,000 francophones, accounting for one-third of the population, the city is the hub of French services and education for the north and the birthplace of the Franco-Ontarian culture. Greater Sudbury is a mythical destination of the Franco-Ontarian experience and one of the very few cities in Ontario where you can live, work, shop and study in French. The regional importance of Downtown Sudbury has been formally recognized by the Province in its Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, which identifies the Downtown as one of five “strategic core areas” in the North. This plan calls for revitalization strategies to be prepared for strategic core areas to facilitate growth and investment and capitalize on future government funding opportunities. In addition, the city’s geographic position establishes a place where additional strategic economic partnerships can occur between the economic and cultural activities of Southern and Eastern Ontario and those of the North.

A City of Communities Greater Sudbury was formed through amalgamation in 2001,

COCHRANE

creating Ontario’s largest municipality (when measured by land ALGOMA

Thunder Bay

Timmins

area). Within the extended boundaries of the City, Greater Sudbury is comprised of 14 communities including Sudbury, Capreol,

SUDBURY DISTRICT

North Bay

Sault Ste. Marie

NIPISSING

City of Greater Sudbury Barrie Kitchener London Windsor

FINAL DRAFT

Ottawa

Kingston Toronto Niagara Falls Hamilton

Dowling, Lively-Mikkola-Naughton, Coniston, Falconbridge, Onaping Falls, Azilda, Chelmsford, Garson, Valley East, Copper Cliff, Levack and Wahnapitae. Although many of these locations have their own ‘town centres’, Downtown Sudbury is the shared centre, common to all of Greater Sudbury’s 157,000 residents. Maintaining a healthy Downtown Sudbury reflects positively on all 14 of Greater Sudbury’s communities.

A City of Excellence

A City of Lakes

Over the years, Greater Sudbury has successfully diversified

Greater Sudbury is also a city of lakes. The city’s 330 lakes are a

its mining sector and is now considered to be a world-leader in

contrast to the city’s industrial image. The largest of these, Lake

mining innovation. In recognition of its re-greening efforts, the

Wanapitei is 13,257 hectares in area, making it the largest city-

city is now a recognized world leader in environmental restoration.

contained lake in the world. Ramsey Lake is the most central lake

Since 1979, the community has planted nearly 9 million trees to

and a showpiece for the Downtown.

re-green 3,350 hectares of land harmed by past mining practices. The City is also an emerging leader in the health care sector, with expert care provided in cancer treatment and research as well as seniors’ health care. Laurentian University is increasingly recognized as a premier centre for research and teaching.

A Regional Centre Greater Sudbury is a regional centre for financial and business services, tourism, media and publishing, health care and research, education and government for Northeastern Ontario – an area that stretches from the French River north to the James and Hudson’s Bay coastlines between Quebec and the east shore of Lake Superior. As a regional centre, Greater Sudbury has always been a destination for immigration, a trend that continues to enrich the city and diversify its communities. Capreol Skead Val Therese

Levack Onaping Falls

Hanmer

Blezard Valley Val Caron Falconbridge

Chelmsford Azilda

Garson

Vermilion Lake Sudbury

Coniston

Copper Cliff Wahnapitae Lively Naughton Wanup Whitefish

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

2.2

Growth Pattern of the Community of Sudbury Downtown’s history can be traced back more than 125 years to the plan to connect a newlyformed Canada with a transcontinental rail line. This chapter traces the growth pattern of the community of Sudbury over the last century, highlighting its evolution from a construction camp to an urban metropolis. Downtown Sudbury is central to this story and remains the urban centre for the region.

The Canadian Pacific Rail (CPR) created the first Plan for the

In the 1960’s, Sudbury responded to this challenge by planning

Village of Sudbury in 1887 as a response to the demand for new

for a better future for its Downtown. Through urban renewal, it

homes and businesses generated by the mining discoveries. This

would comprehensively redevelop 60 acres of its most blighted

Plan placed the railway at the heart of the village, imposing a fine

areas on the north end of Downtown, replacing them with a

grained network of urban streets, blocks and lots on the shield

new system of streets and blocks, parks and open spaces and

landscape. Sudbury grew quickly in its first 40 years. Growth was

residential uses. It would also build a new urban mall there,

fuelled by demand for nickel and continued investment in regional

and a civic centre on two city blocks in the southern end of the

rail and road transportation and communications infrastructure.

Downtown. These plans took shape in the 1970’s.

After World War II, growth spread beyond the city limits following

Today, the Downtown remains a major centre in Greater Sudbury,

major roads such as the Kingsway, LaSalle Boulevard and Paris

encompassing 92.5 hectares, including the Central Business

Street. By the end of the 1950’s, Sudbury’s urban structure was

District and areas east of Paris Street and west of the railway

changing radically. As many other cities at that time, the relatively

tracks. The traditional Downtown remains centrally located in the

lower land costs outside the city and increased automobile

heart of the city’s geography. The Downtown is ringed by a series

ownership saw growth spill out beyond Sudbury’s city limits into

of economically and socially important assets, including a wealth

the surrounding townships. In the mid-1950’s, the New Sudbury

of post secondary educational institutions, important health care

Shopping Centre was built at the corner of Barry Downe Road

hubs (including three hospital complexes), regional shopping,

and LaSalle Boulevard in the suburbs. Major retailers, attracted

entertainment and tourist destinations, and Greater Sudbury’s

by new buildings, availability of car parking and easy access,

signature lakes and landscapes.

migrated from the Downtown to the suburbs.

FINAL DRAFT

LORN E ST

FT DR

MR 67

MR 34

EL RD

BIG NICK

ST RIS

E ST

MR4

BETHEL

REGENT

46 ST MR

PARIS

ST MR 80

RAMSEY LAKE RD MR 39 ST MR 80

46 ST MR

RAMSEY LAKE RD MR 39

Y MR

86 MR WY EH IDG BR ON LC

SECOND AVE NORTH MR 72

BELLEV

UE AVE

MR 67

BANCRO

FT DR

MR 67

employment area RAMSEY downtown regional centre town centre BETHEL mixed use commercial institutional industrial general industrial BENNETT heavy industrial LAKE mining/mineral reserve agregate reserve

Lil

ROBINSON

BENNETT LAKE

NEPAHWIN

ROBINSON

KELLEY

NEPAHWIN

KELLEY DAISY REG

ST CHARLES

REG

PERCH

LAURENTIAN

ST CHARLES

STILL

HANNAH

MINNOW

PARIS

living area living area 1 living area 2 HOWEY DRIVE

RAMSEY

BRADY ST MR 55

MR49

BANCROFT DR MR 67

MR4

DOUGLAS ST MR 55

Cr 9

E ST

71 MR D LV EB LL SA LA

LLOYD

ELM ST MR 35

BANCRO

MR 34

MR 55

MR 67

EL RD

IDG

MR 80 NOTRE

WY EH IDG BR ON LC FA

SECOND AVE NORTH MR 72

KINGSWAY

BELLEV

REGENT ST MR 38

MR49

MR 67

HOWEY DRIVE

KING

KIN

LORN E ST

REGENT ST MR 38

UE AVE

GSWA

MINNOW

transportation entwork provincial highway road network private road proposed road railway Y MR

KING

BRADY ST MR 55

DAME

86 MR

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66 55

DOUGLAS ST MR 55

BIG NICK

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

AVE

MR 80 AVE DAME NOTRE

71 MR D LV EB LL SA LA

Y MR

GSWA

LLOYD

ONBR

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

KIN

ELM ST MR 35

FALC

boudaries municipal boundary community boundary lake

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

E DA

NOTR

FALC

E HW

E MR ME AV

E HW IDG ONBR

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

land use legend

ELM RE

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

Y MR

80 E MR ME AV E DA NOTR ELM

MALEY DRIVE MR 73 86

MALEY DRIVE MR 73

RD MR 80

MIDDLE RD MR 80

MIDDLE

LAKE

RICHARD

LONG

LAKE

RICHARD

PERCH

LAURENTIAN

open space agricultural reserve parks and open space urban expansion reserve

STILL

HANNAH

SILVER

OKE

CRO

year 1921 /sudbury population 8,621

CRO

year 1901 /sudbury population 2,027

MALEY DRIVE MR 73

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

E ST

FT DR

MR 67

MR 34

RIS

ST RIS

E ST

MR4

46 ST MR

ST MR 80

RAMSEY LAKE RD MR 39

PARIS

46 ST MR

RAMSEY LAKE RD MR 39

ST MR 80

BETHEL

REGENT

Lil

ROBINSON

NEPAHWIN

Lil

BENNETT LAKE

ROBINSON

KELLEY

NEPAHWIN

KELLEY DAISY REG

ST CHARLES

LAURENTIAN

PERCH

REG

ST CHARLES

STILL

HANNAH

MIDDLE RD MR 80

RICHARD

IDG

E HW

MINNOW

86 MR WY EH IDG BR ON

BELLEV

UE AVE

MR 67

BANCRO

FT DR

PERCH

open space agricultural reserve parks and open space urban expansion reserve

RICHARD

LONG

LAKE

RD MR 80

MIDDLE

STILL

HANNAH

SILVER

OKE

year 2006 /greater sudbury population 157,857 CRO

CRO

year 1961 /sudbury population 80,120

living area living area 1 living area 2 HOWEY DRIVE

EL RD

BIG NICK

RAMSEY

BRADY ST MR 55

MR49

BANCROFT DR MR 67

MR4

DOUGLAS ST MR 55

Cr 9

E ST

71 MR D LV EB LL SA LA

LLOYD

ELM ST MR 35

MR 67 BANCRO

MR 34

MR 55

MR 67

LORN

EL RD

AVE NOTRE

WY EH IDG BR ON LC FA

SECOND AVE NORTH MR 72

KINGSWAY

BELLEV

REGENT ST MR 38

HOWEY DRIVE

E ST

MR49

BRADY ST MR 55

KING

KIN

LORN

REGENT ST MR 38

GSWA

UE AVE

transportation entwork provincial highway road network private road proposed road railway

Y MR

KING

MINNOW

DAME

86 MR

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66 55

DOUGLAS ST MR 55

BIG NICK

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

MR 80

MR 80 AVE DAME NOTRE 71 MR D LV EB LL SA

Y MR

GSWA

LLOYD

ONBR

LASALLE BLVD MR 71

KIN

ELM ST MR 35

FALC

boudaries municipal boundary community boundary lake

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

E DA

NOTR

SECOND AVE NORTH MR 72

Y MR

80 E MR ME AV

IDG ONBR

land use legend ELM

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

ELM

FALC

NOTR

E DA

BARRY DOWNE RD MR 66

ME AV

E HW

E MR

Y MR

MALEY DRIVE MR 73

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

MR 67

2.3

The Structure of Downtown A viable long-term plan for any community must be based on the physical, market and policy environments that influence the area. The following provides an overview of the Downtown’s physical components that define both its existing character and its future opportunities.

2.3.1 Composition

Road Network

Development Areas

The building blocks of the downtown

The road network serving the Downtown

The road network defines a series of

can be defined as streets, buildings

is based on a traditional grid-system.

parcels for development. Where the

and open spaces. The graph below

Over the years, as the Downtown

traditional street grid remains, parcels

illustrates the split between these three

has evolved, large portions of the

tend to be smaller in size. Smaller

dominant components of Downtown

grid-system have been removed. This

parcels typically allow for more flexibility

Sudbury. Not surprisingly, development

has effectively created gaps in the

in development and allow the area to

areas demand the most significant

movement system. Where the grid

more easily meet changing urban trends

percentage of land area. This is followed

system remains, movement within the

(retail, office, residential). Where the

by the road and street network, which

network is good.

street grid has been removed, larger ‘super parcels’ have resulted. These

covers almost one-third of downtown’s land. The below calculations highlight

As the city has grown, so has the

super parcels have often been the result

the under-representation of parks and

demands on its road network. Today

of previous revitalization initiatives, such

open spaces in the core, representing

many of the streets that define the

as Metro Centre, Tom Davies Square or

only 3% of land coverage.

downtown act more as busy arterials

the Sudbury Arena. Larger parcels are

than downtown streets (Elm, Ste.

more difficult to redevelop and often

Anne, Paris). This creates challenging

require sub-division.

How is the city structured? conditions for businesses and people.

13%

4% 10%

32%

51%

18%

31% 47%

65%

32%

road network = of the Downtown Downtown Sudbury Land Distribution source: calculations based on ownership data

parks and open spaces = 3% of the Downtown development parcels road network

development =spaces 65% of the Downtown parksareas and open downtown area 470849.2 m2 / 116 acres

DOWNTOWN SUDBURY MASTER PLAN

15% What types of uses are in the downtown? source: Sudbury Business Mix Analysis 2010 residential retail services restaurants and entertainment public vacant parking

Bilingualism in the Downtown source: Statistics Canada census 2006 general government protection of persons transporation environmental health electrical services societal services planning and dev. recreation and cultural debt services reserve contributions

2.3.2 The Physical Elements Downtown Sudbury is comprised of a number of different, yet inter-related, layers that shape its physical form. This section presents each of these layers under the urban structure element they support:

Road Network Parks & Open Spaces Good downtowns are urban spaces built around bustling streets supporting a mix of uses in a variety of building types. Downtown tends to be the most dense part of the city. The relief and

> Street Hierarchy > Transit > Cycling and Walking > Utilities > Parking

amenity offered by parks is therefore one of the essential components of healthy downtowns. In Downtown

accessible or highly visible when in the downtown.

Open Spaces

> Natural Heritage > View and Gateways 100%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0 winnipeg

located, neither space is easily

edmonton

and Tom Davies Square are centrally

> Character Areas > Land Uses > City Lands > Built Form Heritage > Street Wall

regina

Furthermore, although Memorial Park

calgary

land area is comprised of park space.

Development Parcels

canada

park space. Only 3% of the downtown

saskatoon

Sudbury, there is a notable absence of

move GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRĂ&#x2030;QUENTERHow ETSaskatonians DĂ&#x2030;VELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

Road Network Street Hierarchy

Cycling and Walking

Transit

Compared to many downtown areas of

The Downtown is difficult to access by

The Downtown is generally well served

cities similar in size to Greater Sudbury,

foot or by bike. Several barriers hinder

by bus, operated by the Greater Sudbury

the transportation system in Downtown

the introduction of a more complete

Transit. The transit terminal is an

Sudbury works quite well. As presented

network, including oversized roads, rail

important asset for the City that delivers

below, the street hierarchy is relatively

corridors, pedestrian subways and the

15,000 people to the Downtown per day.

clear, with a downtown loop formed by

cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topography. Although the areas

The terminal is currently undergoing

the primary arterials of Paris Street/

surrounding the Downtown benefit from

improvements. Rail travel to Greater

Notre Dame Avenue and secondary

dedicated cycling routes and walking

Sudbury is challenging. The main VIA

arterials of Elm Street and Elgin Street.

trails, many of these terminate when

station is outside the downtown on

Within the downtown, one-way streets

they enter in proximity to downtown.

LaSalle Boulevard. A small station is

are present on Larch Street and Cedar

No routes traverse through the heart

located within the Downtown on Elgin

Street, and along the portion of Durham

of the Downtown and only one cycling

Street. This station provides infrequent

Street between Elgin and Elm streets.

and one walking trail edge the periphery

service on the Sudbury-White River line.

The one-way streets do not provide a

of the core. Opportunities exist to

Rail lines in the downtown are heavily

continuous connection through the

provide additional routes through the

used by CP for freight.

City and hence do not carry significant

downtown as well as to better connect

volumes. In general, the vehicular level

and integrate existing routes into a more

of service in and through Downtown

complete network.

Sudbury is good, with few locations that

T NO

N STE NE R ANN D ER D

STE

ANN

ST ST

ELM

ELM ST

ELM

Y AD

ST Y BR

PARIS ST

ST Y AD BR

90%

T IN S

ELG

100%

PARIS ST

Sudbury Transit

IN S ELG

IN ELG

PARIS ST

ANN

BRADY ST

LORNE ST

ELM

LORNE ST

ELGIN ST

ELM

ELM ST

T NO

PARIS ST

STE

MACKENZIE ST

COLLEGE ST

R OT

MACKENZIE ST

T NO

COLLEGE ST

MACKENZIE ST

have recurring congestion issues.

80% 70% 60% ST Y

ST Y

AD BR

VAN HORNE

HIN RT

40% 30%

ON GT

HIN

Sudbury VIA Station

50%

D RA

VAN HORNE

20% 10%

collector road

laneway

DOWNTOWN SUDBURY MASTER PLAN

cycling routes

bus route

winnipeg

regina

calgary

trails

edmonton

local road

canada

major road

saskatoon

bus stop

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

bus facility

CP rail line train station/ parking

Development Areas Water, Waste Water and Utilities

Parking

Character Areas

Generally, existing water and wastewater

Nearly 3,800 off-street and on-street

Downtown Sudbury is comprised of

facilities are operating under capacity

parking spaces serve the Downtown:

a series of sub-districts, each playing

and able to meet current peak flows.

approximately 305 on-street, 1,574

a different role and supporting a

With the exception of a few areas,

off-street municipal and 1,921 private

distinct character. The retail district

the existing infrastructure system has

parking spaces. In the Downtown,

is structured along Durham and Elm

capacity to meet forecasted growth

the majority of parking is provided

streets. These traditional main streets,

within the City. In addition to traditional

by surface parking lots scattered

coupled with the Rainbow Centre, act

municipal infrastructure, there are

throughout (with a high concentration to

as a shopping and dining destination.

also opportunities to expand on the

the south and west). The proliferation

The office district, home to purpose

success of the Sudbury District Energy

of surface parking lots in the downtown

built office buildings and thousands of

Cogeneration Plant (SDEC). The District

creates gaps in the urban fabric of the

jobs, is situated internally along Larch,

Energy Plant currently provides heat

core and contributes to some concerns

Cedar and Lisgar streets. The arts

to seven buildings in the core, but it is

around personal safety. The recently

and entertainment district anchored

understood that it has capacity to serve

completed Parking Study found the

by the Arena, the Theatre and lower

additional users. A separate facility,

overall parking systems appeared to

Elgin is located to the south. The civic

located at the Sudbury Arena, provides

have sufficient capacity to meet current

and institutional district has a strong

cooling for three buildings.

parking demands in Downtown Sudbury.

presence on Paris Street and extends across Minto Street to include Memorial Park and the community services on Durham and Larch. The residential zone is isolated in the north.

Sudbury District Energy Plant (SDEC)

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

sewer

buildings served by DE

public parking lot (1574 spaces)

water

DE plant

private parking lot (1921 spaces)

regina

living

shopping

winnipeg

on street metered parking (305 spaces)

edmonton

district energy

calgary

canada

storm

saskatoon

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

civic & institutional arts & entertainment

working

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRĂ&#x2030;QUENTER ET DĂ&#x2030;VELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Development Areas Uses

Publicly Owned Lands

Heritage

Downtown Sudbury contains a broad

A significant amount of land in

The Downtown is the oldest

mix of uses, including retail, office,

Downtown Sudbury is controlled by

neighbourhood in Greater Sudbury, with

arts & culture, civic, community and

public sector interests. All levels of

a large number of heritage buildings.

institutional. Although a thoroughly

government - municipal, provincial

However, over the years, as the city

mixed-use area, the focus of the

and federal - have land holdings.

has evolved and the role of downtown

Downtown is very much on employment,

This ownership offers significant

changed, many of Sudburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest

with more than 6,000 people working

opportunities for partnership.

and most historic buildings have been demolished, as shown below. At

in the core. In contrast, only 600 people live downtown. Creating a

On its own, the City of Greater Sudbury

present, only three buildings in the

more equitable balance between

controls an adequate amount of

Downtown are formally protected.

living and working in the Downtown

property to leverage additional

Preserving the additional heritage

can help deliver significant benefits

investment and make meaningful

buildings of genuine value should be a

to the city, including a more stable

change in the Downtown.

priority for the City.

downtown, greater localized spend, an expanded tax base and more people on the streets to help create a positive environment for the Downtown. In addition to the uses present day-today, the Downtown is also home to more than a dozen events and festivals throughout the year.

Main Library

Federal Government Building

Sudbury District Courthouse

Sudbury Transit

Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market

Provincial Government Building

100%

YMCA

90%

Tom Davies Square

80% 70% 60%

Sudbury Community Arena

Fire Station

50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

institutional

commercial /retail

civic

office

transit

arts and entertainment 20

DOWNTOWN SUDBURY MASTER PLAN

public lands

winnipeg

regina

calgary

edmonton

canada

residential

saskatoon

protected buildings

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities

heritage assets

(source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

demolished heritage assets original streetcar alignment

Open Spaces Views and Gateways

Building Frontages

Natural Heritage

Downtown Sudbury is structured along

Greater Sudbury’s well recognized

key streets, namely Elm, Durham,

rugged northern landscape reaches

Larch and Cedar. These streets

right into the core and touches the

support continuous commercial

edges of the Downtown. Rock outcrops

frontages that generate a positive

edge two sides of the Downtown,

pedestrian experience. These internal

creating a dramatic setting for the

streets present the best image of the

Downtown. The raised topography

Downtown.

surrounding the core creates a ‘bowl

When entering the Downtown from outside, the topography of the city provides several opportunities for creating captivating civic views and a memorable entry sequence. These views capture the best of the downtown and contribute to creating a positive urban experience.

effect’ for the Downtown, a sense of In contrast, when viewed from an

containment by the surrounding raised

external perspective (from Paris, Ste

landscape. The topography, however,

Anne, Elgin and Brady), visitors generally

also creates challenging accessibility

see the rear of buildings, characterized

and connectivity issues when entering

by blank walls, service areas and

the downtown from surrounding

surface parking. This results in both a

communities. In addition to the

poor impression of the Downtown as

physical landscape, the Junction Creek

well as a poor pedestrian experience on

and Nolin Creek waterways run under

the ground.

the Downtown and require on-going

However, other than the Bridge of Nations, gateways into the downtown offer a poor sense of arrival. Many are marked only by parking lots or vacant sites. At the pedestrian scale, many of the downtown entry points are challenging to navigate and often lead to underutilized sites, such as parking lots.

STE

lin

C re

ANN

Ste Anne and Notre Dame

ELM ST

ELM

LORNE ST

100%

PARIS ST

ST Y

90%

80% 70%

Brady Underpass

60%

Underpass

50%

Paris and Van Horne VAN HORNE

30%

ON GT

40%

R WO

PARIS ST

St Raphael St Stair

VAN HORNE

Elgin and Elm

IN S

on Creek

Junction Creek Trail

ELG

IN S

ELG

ti Junc

Elm Hill

ELM ST

ELM

ANN

T NO

STE

Marrymount Stair

MACKENZIE ST

COLLEGE ST

MACKENZIE ST

ecological repair.

20%

Nelson St Bridge

10%

vacant or underutilized land

original creek alignment

regina

winnipeg

creek network

edmonton

major topography

building back

calgary

building frontage

saskatoon

canada

primary gateways

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities

pedestrian gateways

(source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

primary entry views

downtown destination GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

2.4

Downtown: The Strengths 1

Durham Street is Greater Sudbury’s ‘Main Street’. It is a wonderful example of a charming, well-maintained shopping

Downtown Sudbury is getting better every year. Both the public sector and the private sector are investing in making

street offering a good mix of independent shops and services.

the Downtown look and feel better. The City with community

With some of Greater Sudbury’s best restaurants and cafés,

partners is rolling out a new streetscaping initiative and

Durham Street is a destination for the whole city. Parts of Larch

upgrading the Transit Centre. The Rainbow Centre continues

Street, Cedar Street and Elgin Street also help contribute to the

to renovate and attract new retailers. Vacant land is being

‘authentic’ feel of Downtown Sudbury.

converted to new business, like Shoppers Drug Mart, with more opportunities for re-development on the horizon.

Downtown Sudbury acts as the hub of the First Nations and Franco-Ontarian cultural experience. More than one in four residents of Greater Subdury have french as their mother

The City and its public partners are important landowners in the Downtown. Opportunities for the continued evolution

tongue and six per cent of residents are aboriginal. Both of

of Downtown will be led by the redevelopment of vacant

these groups have a strong presence in the Downtown and have

sites, some of which are in public ownership. This high level

helped establish the City of Greater Sudbury as a service and

of public ownership means that the City can be an active

cultural hub for these groups.

partner in reshaping and improving the Downtown.

The Downtown is home to a vibrant cultural scene that draws thousands of visitors to the core every year. Places such as

Greater Sudbury is famous for its rugged landscape. This landscape reaches right into the Downtown and touches

Artists on Elgin, la Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario, Sudbury Theatre

its edges, creating a beautiful backdrop that contains the

Centre, the Townhouse, Arts North, Le Carrefour francophone,

Downtown. Other natural assets, such as Junction Creek and

and the Art Gallery of Sudbury (amongst others) all contribute

Nolin Creek, also help to make the downtown a unique mix of

to this creative identity. The many festivals hosted in the

‘city-life’ and ‘the natural environment’.

downtown also work to keep Greater Sudbury’s creative spirit strong.

Downtown Sudbury knows how to throw a party! Home to almost a dozen festivals, the Downtown acts as one of

The Downtown is ringed by a series of stable, healthy

the city’s main stages for having fun. With some events

neighbourhoods. These communities located within easy

attracting more than 30,000 visitors, these world-class

walking distance of the core are important support systems

festivals keep Greater Sudbury fun and active. They generate

for the downtown. Residents who live in these thriving

the excitement that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.

neighbourhoods use the downtown as their local shopping, recreation and support service centre.

The Downtown is the heart of the city and a communal meeting place for its citizens. As such, the Downtown

Downtown Sudbury is one of the city’s most important

supports not just shops, restaurants, culture and jobs,

employment destinations in Greater Sudbury with

but also important community services. Amenities like the

approximately 6,000 people working in the greater downtown

YMCA, the Public Library, Centre de santé communautaire,

area. Already home to some of Greater Sudbury’s best quality

health services and the municipal and provincial buildings all

office buildings, the Downtown continues to successfully attract

provide critical services and help enrich the Downtown offer.

prestigious new employers, such as new engineering firms. As a regional capital, the Downtown is also an important centre for all levels of governmental employment.

There is a significant amount of land available across the Downtown able to accommodate future growth, including the 52 acre Rail Yards and many smaller in-fill sites. These sites are important for accommodating contemporary new uses that can help deliver the Vision for the Downtown.

FINAL DRAFT

MACKENZIE ST

COLLEGE ST

10 STE

8 ANN

6 BEECH ST

5 5

CEDAR ST

YOUNG ST

LISGAR ST

LORNE ST

DURHAM ST

ELM ST

D ST

LLOY

LARCH ST

3 EL

ST Y AD

PARIS ST

HI RT

BR A

VAN HORNE

T NG S

E CR

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

2.5

Downtown: The Challenges 1

Big roads like Paris, Elm, Brady and Ste. Anne move a lot of cars, but create tough environments for pedestrians and

Downtown Sudbury is geographically well defined. However, the busy roads and rail corridors that create this definable

cyclists. These big roads also work to dissect the Downtown

centre also act as physical barriers to the Downtown,

into three disjointed districts. What can be done to make

resulting in a centre that feels disconnected from its

these streets more friendly and help to stitch the Downtown

immediate surroundings and isolated from the rest of the city.

back together to improve its sustainability and resilience , when considering issues such as climate change?

Downtowns are typically the oldest part of a city. With a downtown that has been built over the past 125 years,

People living downtown bring life to its streets and shops,

Greater Sudbury is no exception. Unfortunately, many

creating activity and buzz. This level of activity makes people

of the reminders of this history – such as the buildings

feel that the Downtown is a safe place to be. However, with

and monuments – have been demolished over the

only 600 people living in Greater Sudbury’s Downtown, the

years. Historic buildings are an essential part of creating a

local residential population is under-represented and

downtown identity that helps distinguish the core from the

insufficient to generate an urban buzz. Downtown Sudbury

rest of the city. The history and heritage of the Downtown is

has the opportunity to become a new residential destination

what makes it unique and thus, should be protected.

through intensification.

8 3

Over the years, there have been several previous

Memorial Park is a wonderful green space in the very heart of

attempts to revitalize the downtown. These have often

the city. However, this park is also the only green space in the

manifested themselves in large-scale projects, such as the

downtown, emphasizing an under-provision of usable park

Rainbow Centre, the civic office complex, Memorial Park

space in the core. Green spaces are critical components of

and the YMCA. To accommodate these projects, land was

urban centres, providing the setting for relaxation and active

consolidated and streets closed. This resulted in large scale

play. Parks also deliver important environmental benefits to

‘mega-blocks’ that turn their backs to surrounding areas.

urban centres, creating cleaner air, shady places, habitats and cooling the air.

The identity of the Downtown is strong along streets like Durham, Larch and Cedar. However, around the edges of the

For a downtown to be well used by its residents, the downtown

Downtown, its identity is not as positive. Here, parking lots,

must feel safe. However, there are pockets of Downtown

vacant shops, busy rail lines and oversized streets present

Sudbury that may at certain times of day feel unsafe. This

themselves to arriving visitors. Unfortunately this is the first

results in the perception of crime and fear of crime negatively

impression that people have of the Downtown when arriving

influencing the image of the Downtown – even if actual crime

from outside.

rates are quite low! Fear of crime is a particular concern in locations that are not well overlooked or are disconnected from the rest of the downtown.

Bringing people into the downtown from across the City is important. However, the transit station is at capacity and overflowing with big busses. Furthermore, there are person

Greater Sudbury has a deeply rich cultural offer located in the

safety concerns around the station, especially at night

Downtown, however, many of these important groups, such

time. The transit station is an important city asset that needs

as the Franco-Ontarian communities and the First Nations

some help to overcome its operational challenges.

communities are situated on the periphery of the core. These groups would benefit from higher profile, more accessible

The expansive CP Rail corridor and related yards creates a

locations that are better integrated with the activities and

barrier when accessing the Downtown from the south or the

action of the Downtown.

west. The presence of the tracks contributes to a poor image of the core and restricts its immediate growth opportunity.

FINAL DRAFT

MACKENZIE ST

COLLEGE ST

NO STE

ANN

2 8

BEECH ST

D ST

LLOY

1 9

ST Y VAN HORNE

PARIS ST

N TO

LARCH ST

CEDAR ST

YOUNG ST

LISGAR ST

DURHAM ST

LORNE ST

ELM ST

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

FINAL DRAFT

section 3

The Vision

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

3.1

A Vision for Downtown Sudbury Welcome to the green City of Greater Sudbury, the acknowledged capital of Northern Ontario, a winter city but also a summer city, a city of rocks and water, a city built on innovation and reinvention, a city of art and ideas, a city of business and meetings, a city of leisure and recreation, a city that is environmentally responsive and responsible, a city that is socially responsible, a city that is cost efficient, a city of diversity and inclusivity. At the heart of this vast municipality is a renewed and re-energized Downtown that has become a confident advertisement to the world about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich offer. Downtown Sudbury is a meeting place for people of different cultures, a place to consume and share new ideas and a centre for business, culture, knowledge and entertainment. Residents and visitors come Downtown to appreciate and understand the history of where Greater Sudbury has come from, to witness where Greater Sudbury is going in the future and to celebrate what Greater Sudbury is today - a greener, more sustainable and healthier community. Welcome to the future of Downtown Sudburyâ&#x20AC;Ś.

FINAL DRAFT

Downtown is a centre for celebration

Downtown is a centre for beauty

Downtown is the meeting place for the entire city. Pedestrian

Downtown reflects and celebrates the northern landscape from

Weekends and ‘Downtown Days’ bring the streets to life on a year-

which the city was born, reminding visitors and residents just what

round basis. Residents and visitors of all ages spill into the heart

makes living in a City of Lakes so special. The rugged northern

of the city for shopping, dining, playing and people watching. The

landscape surrounding the downtown now flows into the core

expanded Memorial Park is the beautiful and safe showpiece

and down its streets. Sudbury’s signature rock formations, pines

for the city. The radically reconfigured Tom Davies Square is a

and clear water are represented in the heart of the city. The

genuinely democratic space where all are welcome. Minto Street

dramatic new Elgin Greenway creates a defined green edge to the

has been reinvented as a ‘shared-use’ street that seamlessly

downtown, linking several popular destinations and providing a

connects these two important parks.

showcase for inspired art installations. Big, busy Paris and Brady

The redesigned Elm Street has been calmed and now supports an award winning public realm. The street has reclaimed its role as one of Greater Sudbury’s most important and active Main Streets.

Streets are lined with trees. Green open spaces, old and new, are linked by walkable pedestrian streets. It is a downtown that works on foot, even on a crisp winter’s day.

The Shaughnessy District has brought new energy to the southern

Beauty is also captured through the Downtown’s fun, edgy and

portion of Downtown with the rejuvenated arena complex, four-star

elegant new architecture. The design of new landmark buildings

hotel and new multi-use community and conference space. With

such as the Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery, Laurentian School

events held weekly, the centre is booked solid by a mix of business

of Architecture and new Public Library have set a new standard

groups, not-for-profits and community groups. Festivals, food,

for the city. Curiously, the point where people seem to be having

music, film and the arts keep downtown buzzing.

the most design fun is with the old buildings, where some truly innovative restorations and re-uses have taken place.

Downtown is a centre for creativity

Downtown is a centre for innovation

The arts scene is flourishing in Downtown Sudbury, fueled by

Downtown is the crossroads where business and creativity meet.

homegrown talent in the fields of publishing, literature, dance,

It is the centre for discovery and innovation in Greater Sudbury.

music, art, media, theatre and design. Working from studios in

The downtown embraces and promotes a diversity of learning

the Downtown, many of these artists have become recognized

opportunities. The award-winning Laurentian School of Architecture

and respected names across Canada and have helped to make

and its recently launched Industrial Design and Landscape Design

Greater Sudbury a destination for culture and creativity; the

programs attract the best and brightest from across the world. The

NordArtNorth week-long jam was perhaps the breakthrough

school’s focus on climate-conscious design and green building

event in confirming Greater Sudbury’s reputation as a place with

innovation has made the city a world leader in responsible and

a unique take on creativity - something a bit different from the

creative design – a stature amplified by the annual colloquium

south.

sponsored by Bruce Mau’s virtual ‘Centre for Massive Change’.

The fifth anniversary of the Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery was a huge success; annual attendance records have been broken and the Gallery is now firmly entrenched as one of the city’s top

This event has brought some of the most remarkable thinkers and doers to the city and has helped shed a global spotlight on Greater Sudbury as a centre for design innovation.

tourist attractions. Art is everywhere; installations that reflect the

This energy of innovation is magnified by the business community,

Spirit of Sudbury have found pride of place across the Downtown.

in new sectors like digital media and remote medicine, and also in

Buoyed by the opening of the Place des Arts and recently

game-changing creativity seen in mining technology, engineering

renovated and expanded Native Friendship Centre, the arts

and forestry sectors, spawning the many incubators, start-ups and

continue to offer the downtown a genuinely tri-cultural experience,

well-established businesses now making their home in the ‘Sudbury

making it distinct from any other city.

City Inno-Tech Park’ on Phase 1 of the remediated rail lands. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Downtown is a destination

Downtown is the centre for urban living

Downtown Sudbury is the urban playground for Northern Ontario.

One of the most impressive changes has been the rapid expansion

Flaunting the biggest conference facilities and best hotels in

of the residential market in the Downtown. After the success

northern Ontario, Downtown Sudbury plays host to dozens of

of the first few residential projects, financially supported by the

conferences and major events a year. Each year, these events

City, the residential market has taken off for young professionals,

bring thousands of visitors to Sudbury from across Canada, many

empty nesters, seniors and even a few families. New apartment

of whom stay in the downtown and enjoy its many attractions.

conversions of Sudbury’s most charming heritage buildings

The division-winning OHL Sudbury Wolves continue to sell out the

have also sprung up. Having all those people calling Downtown

refurbished arena and the newly formed Laurentian Hockey Team

‘home’ has been transformational to local business. This strong

has finally brought the excitement of varsity hockey to Greater

residential presence has made the Downtown one of Canada’s

Sudbury and helped the city express its true northern spirit.

cleanest and safest centres.

Downtown is also an unrivalled destination for food – from its

With enrolment growing year-on-year, the Laurentian School of

locally operated restaurants and cafés to its expanded farmers

Architecture, as well as an expanded college presence, have made

market (with a focus on ‘eat local’) to the new bakeries, delis

the downtown a buzzing student centre, bringing the downtown

and specialty food shops that populate quaint corners of the

to life “24-7”. Young people fill the restaurants, patios and park

downtown. The expanded Farmers’ Market with its new Porketta

spaces. New cutting edge boutiques have opened to cater to the

Days regularly attract visitors from Parry Sound and North Bay.

new downtown population. Many of the edgy new shops are owned

The downtown dining experience has gone from strong to stronger

and operated by the first generation of students educated in the

and offers variety and quality that is unrivaled in Northern Ontario.

downtown and who now choose to invest their future in Downtown Sudbury.

Downtown is the heart of Greater Sudbury

Downtown is a centre for Everyone

The City of Greater Sudbury is a city of many centres, but at

Everyone feels at home in the Downtown. Downtown Sudbury is

its heart has always been the Downtown. Today, the historical

a model of co-operation and mutual respect between its cultural

divisions between the city centre and the town centres has

groups including those of European descent, Aboriginal peoples,

been overcome. Smart, efficient and effective improvements

Franco-Ontarians and the city’s growing New Canadian population.

to the city’s road, cycle and transit networks have created

As an inclusive and easily accessible destination, the Downtown

integrated connections between the Downtown and surrounding

remains the primary centre for social support in Greater Sudbury

neighbourhoods, making it easy to access the downtown from all

for the many residents that benefit from these essential services.

sides. Ramsey Lake and Bell Park are a short stroll away, safely linked to the Downtown by new footpaths and cycle routes. These

Greater Sudbury is a model of community harmony and envied

routes help bring the lake right into the city.

by many other larger centres struggling to establish this cultural

Improvements to walking and cycling paths, particularly along the

Place des Arts offers a unique combination of performing arts,

Nolin and Junction creek systems, have improved access to the

visual arts and education. The recently renovated and expanded

Downtown and reinforced its ‘walkability’ from surrounding areas.

Native Friendship Centre offers even more programs and services

The modified road network breaks the barriers of the former ring road and now climbs the city’s dramatic topography, connecting directly into surrounding neighbourhoods. The downtown is now an easy, safe and accessible 10 minute walk from all surrounding neighbourhoods. 30

FINAL DRAFT

balance. From its highly visible location on Durham Street, the new

for Aboriginal peoples and welcomes all to partake in their rich cultural heritage. These two centres add distinct flavour to the city that you can’t experience anywhere else. The Downtown is a source of pride and identity for all residents and the place where the continuing story of Canada’s history and cultural growth is told.

3.2

From Vision to Master Plan The Vision Statement captures the opportunities for Downtown Sudbury. Over the next decade, all actions and initiatives undertaken in the Downtown should contribute to the realization of this Vision. The Master Plan is an indication of what the Vision will look like ‘on the ground’. It translates the Downtown Vision from its ambitions and intentions, expressed through words, into a series of actions and concrete projects, expressed visually in the plan. The Master Plan for Downtown Sudbury establishes a strategy to transform the core into an active, safe and diverse destination for people, businesses, not-for-profits, agencies and new investment in all forms. It creates a downtown that is mixed in its character and function, is well integrated with surrounding communities and supports an authentic and unique identity. The Master Plan is built around three complementary directives, each containing a bundle of initiatives that address different issues facing the Downtown today. These directives include:

Activity and Growth

Access and Connectivity

Beauty and Pride

Bundled under each directive is a series of large, medium and small initiatives. Initiatives may either stand alone as single improvement projects, or work together in bundles to deliver more transformative change across the Downtown. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Downtown Sudbury Master Plan: Bird’s Eye View

FINAL DRAFT

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / Sudbury FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER CENTRE-VILLE view of Downtown looking northLE- 10+ year plan33

Downtown Sudbury Master Plan: 10+ Year Plan Activity and Growth 01 02 03 04 05 06 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Prestige Office Sites Innovation - Technology Park Rainbow Centre Improvements Multi-Use Recreation & Conference Complex / Hotel Mixed-Use Infill Opportunity Site Place des Arts (location TBD) N’Swakamok Friendship Centre Upgrade / Expansion Downtown Art Gallery (location TBD) City of Sudbury Visitor Centre Farmers’ Market Laurentian School of Architecture Expansion of College Presence Contemporary Central Library (location TBD) Residential Incentive Program Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Sites Residential Opportunity Sites

Access and Connections 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Larch Street Extension Expansion of Cycle Network Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade Nelson Bridge Upgrade Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route Grey Street Pedestrian Connection Beech Street Mews Van Horne Street Realignment West District Parkade South District Parkade Central District Parkade Transit Terminal Relocation District Energy Expansion Laneway Upgrade Strategy

Beauty and Pride 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 34

Elm Street Rebuild Paris Street Beautification Durham Street Upgrade / Shared Street Brady Street Calming Elgin Greenway Memorial Park Expansion Tom Davies Square Upgrade Minto Civic Corridor / Shared Street Station Plaza Brady Green Stair Parc des Pins Downtown Greening Strategy Inno-Tech Common Gateway Treatment Carleton Street Park Larch Street Plaza Nelson Street Park Monck Community Park Public Art Strategy Heritage Strategy Historic Downtown Core Preservation Celebrate the Creek Water Features FINAL DRAFT

legend downtown-wide initiative (not mapped) study area office residential mixed use parking structure cultural and institutional hotel open spaces plazas special street treatment key pedestrian crossings railyard relocation opportunity celebrate the creek water feature potential public art location Note: Locations of new facilities are indicative only and will be subject to individual site determination. ‘Mixed Use’ may include a mix of commercial, cultural, residential, institutional, retail and community uses.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

FINAL DRAFT

section 4

The Strategy

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Edge Energy Excitement Engine Creativity Beauty Pride

Downtown 38

FINAL DRAFT

Activity Beauty

Access

Activity Beauty

The Strategy for Downtown Sudbury To create a strategy out of a long list of big, medium and small actions, the strategy clusters the various proposed initiatives around three central directives that will drive change across the Downtown over the next ten years:

Activity and Growth

Access and Connectivity

Beauty and Pride

How do we make a Downtown that has the activity, excitement and market potential so that it becomes a destination for the city and the region and the true Centre of the North?

How do we best connect the Downtown to its surrounding areas, the Greater Sudbury region, and to the rest of Ontario, so that it can become an accessible centre for all?

How do we best represent the unique character and landscape of the region in the Downtown to create an attractive, beautiful, engaging sense of place that is unique to Downtown Sudbury?

The following sections present the Strategy for Downtown Sudbury, detailing the mix of small, medium and large initiatives required to realize the potential of these three directives.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRĂ&#x2030;QUENTER ET DĂ&#x2030;VELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.1

Create a Downtown that is a Destination for the City and the Region The City of Greater Sudbury is already the largest and, arguably, the most influential city in Northern Ontario. As Sudbury’s economy continues to evolve and its cultural offer develops further, the Downtown will play an increasingly important role in providing the place for that continued economic and cultural growth. The success of the downtown will be fundamental in helping the community cement its role as the economic and cultural ‘Centre of the North’.

The Vision for Downtown Sudbury is for it to be the urban

To set this cycle of revitalization in motion, a number of major

playground for Northern Ontario. Sudbury should be the leading

employment, educational and cultural activity generators are

destination for business meetings, sports events and cultural and

necessary. The strategy for creating a Downtown that is a

community festivals in the North. However, at present the city

destination for the City and the Region is supported by the

lacks many of the facilities necessary to assert this leadership

following four objectives:

role and many other cities are eager for this business. If Greater Sudbury is to remain competitive and firmly establish itself as the Centre of the North, it cannot remain static. The City must continue to invest strategically in its downtown and foster growth that will deliver wider benefit to the city as a whole.

4.1.1 G row Employment in the Downtown

The Official Plan recognizes the important role of Downtown as an employment centre within the City. The new Northern Growth Provincial Plan requires that municipalities develop strategies to encourage a significant portion of future residential and

4.1.2 C reate Destination Attractions in the Downtown

employment development locate in strategic core areas and other opportunity areas, such as brownfields. Building on these policy directions, the Master Plan proposes a program of public and private investment in the downtown necessary for it to achieve

4.1.3 Make the Downtown a Centre for Learning

the self-sustaining critical mass and play its optimal role. One of the most important objectives of the Plan is to increase the activity level across the Downtown in order to spark a virtuous cycle of self-generated revitalization. The City should undertake further work to determine how to best direct growth as part of the

4.1.4 M ake the Downtown a Centre for Living

upcoming review of its Official Plan Review. To achieve this end, a number of large-scale initiatives are

The Activity Strategy is supported by a more targeted Retail

required. These initiatives – educational, cultural and business-

Retention and Growth Strategy, provided under separate cover.

oriented – will in turn create the market for retail, restaurant, recreation and other related activities. Importantly, they will set the required environment for residential investment, a critical strategy for downtown success. 40

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legend

study area

office

major topography

residential opportunity sites

development parcels

mixed use

use clusters

parking structure

railyard relocation opportunity

cultural and institutional opportunity sites

COLLEGE ST

MACKENZIE ST

hotel E

M DA

ANN

COLLEGE ST

ELGIN ST

STE

05 06 10

ELM

LISGAR ST

ELM ST

CEDAR ST

13 LARCH ST

15 IN

ELG

04 T

Prestige Office Sites

Inno-Tech Park

Rainbow Centre Improvements

Multi-use Conference Complex / Hotel

Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Site

Native Cultural Opportunity Site

Cultural / Institutional Infill Opportunity Site

City of Sudbury Visitor Centre

Farmers’ Market

Laurentian School of Architecture

Expansion of College Presence

Cultural / Institutional Infill Opportunity Site

Residential Incentive Program

Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Site

Residential Opportunity Site

ST Y

VAN HORNE

ON GT

H RT

PARIS ST

MINTO ST

Note: Locations of new facilities are indicative only and will be subject to individual site determination. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

View from Tom Davies Square looking north towards Larch Street

An upgraded and redesigned Tom Davies Square has been transformed into a more diverse, green, inviting and animated civic space. It is a renewed civic square that can be used all year round.

FINAL DRAFT

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.1.1 Grow Employment in the Downtown Sudbury’s downtown is home to the best quality office buildings in the region. All three levels of government are represented by the

01/ Protect Longer-Term Prestige Office Sites While the immediate office space demand is likely to be for the larger floor

Downtown’s public sector office investment, which is enriched by

plate low rise buildings indicated for the Inno-Tech Park, in the longer term

the presence of a strong and growing private sector office profile.

Greater Sudbury should plan for additional Class A office developments in the downtown. Sites along Paris Street close to Elm Street, such as the

It is important to maintain and expand the Downtown’s office

LCBO/bus terminal site and the former YMCA site (now vacant), would

employment function. Office jobs are essential in a downtown; in

eventually provide excellent new prestige office locations given their loca-

addition to fostering a strong business environment, they provide

tion, exposure and visibility.

important customers for local merchants and support for local institutions. The presence of well-paid downtown office workers is a powerful asset for downtown businesses, creating lunchtime and after-work trade that can stretch out the business day and

02/ Inno–Tech Park The transformation of the Sudbury Region economy towards knowledge

increase productivity significantly. They also greatly improve the

industries and advanced human capital will result in an increasing

economic potential for feasibly constructing structured parking

demand for good office space. Sudbury will experience a growing demand

garages to free up downtown land.

for space for such office workers, be they engineers, IT professionals, human resource personnel, lawyers, accountants and other higher-order

Three employment growth initiatives are proposed: In the short-

service personnel. Typically these activities require floor plates of between

term, protecting existing investment and nurturing the growth of

15,000 and 25,000 square feet, in low-rise buildings, with surface parking

downtown’s existing private sector office hub and retail/service

to reduce occupancy costs. Little such space exists in the Sudbury market,

sector employers. In the longer-term, the expansion of employment

which presents a unique opportunity for the downtown. The lands to the

opportunities will be accommodated in a new business district on

immediate west of the track corridor south of Elm Street represent a great

the former rail lands. In the longer-term, the plan identifies well-

location for the development of such space, which is characteristically

located sites for future new prestige office building development.

more randomly developed in the suburbs. Although much of this area is city-owned, some sites are in private ownership and would require a partnership arrangement to fully realize the initiative. The City should advance the concept of an Inno-Tech Park to cater to this demand.

office opportunity sites Elg

Elm

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Paris

Lo rn e

4.1.2 Create Downtown Attractions An active outreach to potential private sector development partners should

Sudbury needs to consider the scale of investment in new

be undertaken by the City to explore the terms under which appropriate

destination attractions that can confirm its position as the leading

investment could be attracted. It should also consider a planning initiative

event, cultural and entertainment destination in Northern Ontario.

directing all office development over a certain size to the downtown to

The benefits of such a strategy are multiple; the demand for

ensure the city centre captures this market and avoids it being dispersed

accommodation increases and along with the increased number

in suburban locations.

of overnight stays comes increased visitation to downtown restaurants and shopping. The creation of a complex of improved

Inno-Tech Park will be the first phase of the transformation of the railway

sports facilities, new flexible meeting and event space and a four-

lands. The roads and infrastructure necessary for this development

star hotel will transform the tourism and business meeting image

should be planned in a way that allows for their future extension into the

of the city, with significant spread effects to the rest of Downtown

rail yards to the south and west, once these uses have relocated in future.

and the city as a whole. In addition to the growth of the Downtown as a recreational and

03/ Protect Existing Investments: The Rainbow Centre

cultural event destination for the North, Downtown Sudbury will continue to be the premier specialist retail destination for

The Rainbow Centre is a great asset for the downtown and the current

the region. Building on its base of existing restaurants and

owners have already undertaken an impressive program of physical

bars, independent shops and speciality food stores, the quality

improvements. The Mall has also successfully attracted new retailers and

of the Downtown offer will continue to improve. New retailers

office users to the downtown. Repurposing a large portion of the mall from

not currently represented in the region will be targeted and

retail to office uses has attracted higher value employment to the down-

attracted to the Downtown, helping to diversify its retail offer and

town. The owners should be encouraged to continue this effort.

strengthening its appeal as a shopping destination.

Opportunities remain for further improvements to the Mall by enhancing its

The proposed initiatives will help fuel the City’s economic

street presence along Elm and Durham streets by redesigning the loading

development engines of creating a thriving and diverse arts and

and driveway access from Elm Street and creating a new landscaped plaza

culture community as well as enhancing the city’s attractions to

fronting the Rainbow Centre accessible from the Mall’s interior. In the

make Greater Sudbury one of the best places to visit in Ontario.

longer term, an additional level of car parking could be added to the Mall’s existing parking structure.

cultural and institutional opportunity sites mixed-use opportunity sites

Activity and Growth 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Elg

06 05

Access and Connectio 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Lo rn e

Elm

100%

90% 80%

60%

10%

winnipeg

regina

edmonton

canada

calgary

saskatoon

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

Paris

20%

Elm Street Rebuild Paris Street Beautification Durham Street Upgrade Brady Street Calming Elgin Greenway Memorial Park Expansion Tom Davies Square Upgrade Minto Civic Corridor Station Plaza Brady Green Stair Parc des Pins Downtown Greening Strategy Inno-Tech Common Gateway Treatment Carleton Street Park Larch Street Plaza Nelson Street Park Monck Community Park Public Art Strategy Heritage Strategy Historic Downtown Core Prese Celebrate the Creek Water Feat

50%

30%

Larch Street Extension Expansion of Cycle Network Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Up Nelson Bridge Upgrade Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge St Anne Extension and Cycle R Eglin Street realignment Grey Street Pedestrian Connec Beech Street Mews Van Horne Street Realignment West District Parkade South District Parkade Central District Parkade Transit Terminal Relocation District Energy Expansion Laneway Upgrade Strategy

Beauty and Pride 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

70%

40%

Prestige Office Sites Innovation - Technology Park Rainbow Centre Improvements Multi-use Conference Complex Retail Opportunity Site Francophone / Native Cultural Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery City of Sudbury Visitor Centre Laurentian Architecture Lauren Expansion of College Presence Central Library Residential Incentive Programm Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Si Residential Opportunity Site

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

04/ A Meeting Destination

05/ A Shopping & Dining Destination

One of the key strategies for Sudburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future is to establish itself as the

The retail vision for the Downtown is about improving the quality of the

leading city in Northern Ontario for business meetings, sports events and

offer across three specific areas: hospitality; neighbourhood convenience

cultural and community festivals. Sudbury at present lacks a four-star

(goods & services); and specialty shopping. From a retail offer, the future

hotel and major conference and meeting facilities. The Arena does not

of downtown Sudbury should be about enhancing the quality of the

compare well with the kinds of large sports and concert event spaces that

existing offer, as opposed to significantly growing retail square footage.

many other Ontario cities provide.

Improving the quality of the existing offer will increase sales productivity and generate further demand for quality products. To achieve this goal,

The strategy proposes the renovation of the Arena, in combination with

the following actions are recommended:

the construction of a new four-star hotel to the north along Brady Street and a new multi-use recreation facility to the east of Minto Street. These

1. Advocate for an increased residential population in downtown;

facilities would be linked by walkways in order to operate separately or

2. Build on downtown events to retain visitors;

together to cater to events of different sizes and requirements. The multi-

3. Help retailers to achieve higher sales productivity, as opposed to more

use recreation centre should be developed with a minimum floorplate of

space;

55,000 square feet. The existing Arena would be renovated to more easily

4. Market Downtown Sudbury more broadly;

accommodate larger-scale concerts and conventions; the ice pads would

5. Increase repeat visitation from local catchment by providing new

be designed to have capacity for a range of smaller such events. The hotel

recreation and hospitality services;

would operate as the service and hospitality base for the complex. The

6. Grow specialty based retailers appropriate for Sudburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s context, such

location south of Brady works well. The complex will connect closely to

as local food and drink, northern apparel, sporting goods, student

the Tom Davies Square complex and to the shopping and restaurants on

lifestyle, arts, health services, etc.;

Elgin and Durham. It will be a prominent feature at a key entrance to the

7. Advocate for an expansion of student life in the downtown; and

Downtown and a southern edge to Memorial Square.

8. Create a program for retail recruitment and retention.

The City should examine the funding partnerships that have been put

Additional details of the above strategy are provided in the Downtown

in place for other such complexes in Ontario cities involving public

Sudbury Retail Retention and Growth Strategy, provided under separate

investments and private sector partners. In the interim, a detailed

cover.

examination of the land requirements for the complex should be undertaken.

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06/ A Cultural Destination The retail strategy identifies certain locations in the downtown that are best suited for specific retail uses. Positioning includes the following: • The Rainbow Centre – chain stores and franchises, junior fashion, discount retailer, food court and offices. • Elm – larger format stores, banks, convenience, larger restaurants,

Sudbury’s distinctiveness is made up in large part by the contributions of its francophone and first nation peoples. Both the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre and many Franco-Ontarian cultural groups play an important role in reinforcing the Downtown as a cultural hub for Sudbury.

Place des Arts

home furnishings, electronics, larger eclectic stores and national

While the francophone presence is tangible in the shops and restaurants of

retailers.

the centre, and in the attractive complex around Paroisse Sainte Anne-des-

• Elgin (south end) – arts district, small independent stores, difficulty

Pins, the opportunity exists to establish a higher profile and more distinctive

due to one-side retail. Should be positioned as an extension of

multi-purpose meeting place that would be a unique amplification of

Durham Street’s retail offering.

Sudbury’s character - something that could become a national destination.

• Durham – eclectic village, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, home furnishings, leisure retail, mix of independent stores and national boutique retailers, specialty food, food services, patio restaurants, bars, cafe • Cedar (west) extension of Durham – men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, food services, mix of office serving and regional visitation • Cedar (east) – transit and worker oriented retail and services, office • Larch – personal services, cafes, office serving goods and services, beauty related goods and services, health/medical • Shaughnessy and Minto – destination entertainment, cultural and food services

The Place des Arts project is now being planned in conceptual form and a feasibility study is planned for 2012. Although there are several potential locations, what is most important for the Master Plan is that the centre has a visible street presence and would contribute to the pedestrian interest and activity of the downtown. The potential for re-use of existing buildings as part of the new centre might work well with their intended program.

N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre on Elm plays a central role in the life of First Nations peoples in Downtown Sudbury and further afield. The Centre would like to continue its role as a service hub, while expanding its role as a cultural centre and showcase for native heritage. While there are no known plans to relocate the centre, the Downtown would benefit from its

• Paris – highway commercial retail, office, destination arts & culture

greater visibility and presence on that part of Elm Street immediately west

(vehicular dependent). Any development on the east side of Paris

of the track corridor. The centre can become one of the important bridging

must have reinforced connections with Downtown

elements, drawing activity to the west and the empty, under-used storefronts along Elm.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

07/ A Downtown Art Gallery

08/ City of Sudbury Visitor Centre

The Art Gallery of Sudbury is intending to move from its current cramped

A dedicated City of Sudbury Tourism Office should be present in the

and poorly located premises to a new location in the city. As many other

Downtown. In the longer term it would ideally be located in Tom Davies

cities have shown, the presence of an exciting and attractive gallery can be

Square. In the shorter term, it could be located in a vacant store front on

a major addition to the overall offering of the downtown, complementing

Elm or Durham streets.

its other destination attractions, lengthening the visitor stay and generally adding to the level of activity in downtown restaurants and shops. Major galleries can also, in their programming and architectural design, send a

09/ Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market

compelling statement about a city - one that Sudbury, as it transforms from

With the purchase of the Market Square site by Laurentian University for

resource city to knowledge city, can cleverly exploit.

the new School of Architecture, the City has committed to finding a new downtown home for the market. Several sites have been identified to date

The intended size and scale of the proposed new gallery allows flexibility in

and a formal site selection, design and planning process is underway.

its downtown location. Sites could be considered in the downtown core, on

The new site should be well supplied by parking, readily accessible from

vacant sites or wholly or partly in existing buildings (refer to sites marked

roads and transit and offer good visibility. It should also have the ability to

as Cultural Opportunity Sites and Mixed Use Sites on the Master Plan). An

support both outdoor and indoor vendors.

interesting opportunity exists to potentially partner with existing cultural or institutional providers in the city, allowing for potential savings in meeting

One possible site that has received a lot of attention is the former CP rail

and presentation space, cafĂŠs and other building elements. The Art

station on Elgin Street. This move, which is illustrated in the plan, would

Gallery of Sudbury has commenced a site selection and concept design

help to enliven the south end of the downtown, draw activity into this

process and is establishing its fund-raising strategy, and the City should

district and be highly compatible with the existing and proposed future

act as a facilitator for these initiatives.

uses. The final site will be selected by the City and the community.

FINAL DRAFT

4.1.3 The Downtown as a Centre for Learning Greater Sudbury is establishing itself as a significant educational destination in Ontario and further afield with the successes of

10/ Laurentian School of Architecture A detailed proposal has been developed for locating the Laurentian

Laurentian University and Cambrian College. However most, if

University School of Architecture downtown. Funding has been secured

not all, of university and college activity takes place outside the

from all levels of government and a detailed program and building design

Downtown. A stronger university and college presence would

planning is underway.

complement and reinforce existing Downtown educational facilities, including Sudbury Secondary School, which is in the

A Downtown Sudbury architecture school represents one of those inspired

process of renewing itself.

initiatives that will have remarkable consequences. Such is the experience of other cities in Ontario and elsewhere; the vibrancy of academic and

While the Downtown undoubtedly benefits from the city’s

student life brings a very positive energy to the city centre from which

increased overall student activity – the café and music scene

all downtown activities benefit. A school of architecture, particularly one

are evidence of that – a more substantial physical presence of

reflecting the unique linguistic, resource, environmental and landscape

university and college facilities themselves would be of great

character of the North, will also contribute to the larger ambition of raising

benefit. In the past decade in Ontario a number of educational

Sudbury’s stature as the cultural and knowledge capital of the North. The

institutions have located functions in their cities’ downtowns and

School will have a more immediate benefit in generating daily activity for

the regeneration impacts have been impressive, suggesting a

local businesses, particularly cafés and restaurants, creating that special,

powerful case for similar action in Sudbury.

and essential, ambiance of downtown people activity. Laurentian University is purchasing the Market Square site from the City

To help Downtown become a Centre for Learning and student life, the following initiatives are proposed:

of Greater Sudbury. This is an ideal location to accommodate this major new investment in the Downtown. The site is clearly nested in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance to all its activities and where it can provide a needed boost to the growing café, restaurant and shopping activity immediately adjacent. The new building should complete the frontage of Elm Street and contribute directly to activity on Durham and Elgin Streets. The site is large and prominent enough that a significant architectural statement can be made while still contributing to the fabric of the surrounding city. This also provides an opportunity for Market Square to find renewed life, potentially as a different type of market space, in a new

cultural and institutional opportunity sites

downtown location.

Elg

Elm

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Paris

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.1.4 The Downtown as a Centre for Living 11/ Expansion of College Presence

The most successful downtowns are ones in which people live.

Cambrian College has a suburban location. The potential for creating a

Downtown residents not only generate immediate business for a

downtown presence, independently or collectively, should be explored.

wide range of retail outlets, they provide informal surveillance and

Community colleges in other cities have been strong agents of

become important advocates for continued improvement. As an

downtown revitalization, benefitting not only the city but the visibility and

ideal goal, a city might look for ten per cent of its population living

attractiveness of the colleges themselves. The potential of a downtown

within a fifteen minute walk of its centre.

facility as an educational transition centre has been suggested and the downtown would be a very appropriate location for such an academic

En route to that ideal downtown population target, the strategy

function.

proposes a more achievable goal for a Greater Downtown population of between 3,000 and 5,000 additional residents by

A downtown community college centre would be an excellent candidate for

2021. With more than 900 units already approved for the Greater

the re-use of some of the existing vacant or under-used buildings in the

Downtown Area (equating to approximately 2,100 residents),

Elm/Durham/Larch/Cedar area and provide the necessary impetus for the

additional growth is expected to be driven by new residents

retention of this historic building stock.

coming to Sudbury to access employment in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expanding knowledge economy, including health care, education, research, and the arts, amongst others. Experience in other areas suggests

12/ A Contemporary Central Library

that realizing these existing projects and attracting new ones will

The existing Central Library building is at the end of its life cycle and

require improvements to the sense of place in the Downtown in

will require replacement in the future. A Central Library represents an

order to persuade larger numbers of people that it is a safe place

important building block in any city, and in Sudbury a more central location

for them to live and make a significant housing investment.

would help add to the critical mass of educational, institutional and cultural destinations in the Downtown. A new library could partner with

To help Downtown attract the targeted residential population,

other similar uses, such as a gallery or college, and share some facilities to

three initiatives are proposed:

reduce overall costs. No specific strategy for relocation exists at present, but the need could well arise in the lifetime of the plan and consideration as to the most appropriate location and partnering opportunities should be made shortly. If the existing library is relocated, the current site would be an ideal location for a residential development. The sale of this surplus

residential edge: opportunity sites

site could be used to partially fund construction of the new library.

residential infill: mixed-use opportunity sites 15

Elg

Lo rn e

Elm

100%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

winnipeg

regina

edmonton

canada

calgary

saskatoon

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

FINAL DRAFT

Paris

10%

4.1.5 Project Summary 13/ Residential Incentive Programme

The following is a summary of the projects which will support

The city now has a small downtown population of just over 600 residents,

the creation of the Downtown as a Destination for the City and

made up largely of the elderly and those with lower incomes. Significant

the Region. This list also identifies the short, mid and long term

increases in the numbers of those who have housing choices throughout

initiatives as well as on-going projects. For additional details and

the city-region will not be easy. A more interventionist financial program,

descriptions refer to the Action Strategy in Section 6 and the

at least for the early years, will be required to help jump-start a residential

Priority Capital Projects in Appendix A.

condominium market which now barely exists in the centre. Several other Canadian cities have experimented with residential action plans for their downtowns. The basic dimensions of those programs involve waivers

short & mid-term initiatives (<10 years)

of fees and permit costs and in some cases direct subsidies to bridge

04 Multi-use Conference / Recreation / Hotel Complex (planning, feasibility and design) 05 Retail Opportunity Site / Retail Strategy 06 Native Cultural Opportunity Site 07 Cultural Opportunity Sites, including: Place des Arts Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery Central Public Library 09 Farmers’ Market 10 Laurentian School of Architecture 12 Cultural Opportunity Site 13 Residential Incentive Program

the kind of gap between construction costs and market values evident in Sudbury and in similar markets. Such subventions should be limited in value and in duration – generally available for a set number of units per year – and carefully monitored to allow their retirement once a market is clearly established. While it may appear unusual to subsidise market units, the greater goal is the stimulation of initial purchaser interest which is essential if a significant downtown residential population, with all its social and economic benefits, is to be established. Once an independently functioning market has emerged, subsidies should be discontinued. Refer to Appendix B for additional details on Residential Incentives.

14/ Mixed Use Buildings - Urban Infill Sites have been identified across the downtown that are appropriate for mixed-use residential developments. Mixed-use developments could support a mix of residential and commercial uses, including office, retail, community, civic, cultural and live/work. Mixed-use developments typically use a more compact form of development and create opportunities to

long-term initiatives (>10 years) 02 Inno-Tech Park / Railway Lands 04 Multi-use Conference / Recreation / Hotel Complex (construction) 08 City of Sudbury Visitor Centre*

grow both the commercial and residential offer of downtown. Mixed use buildings should generally be street-oriented with active uses at grade and may be either new build infill or adaptively re-used and retrofitted heritage buildings. Conversion of ‘C’ class office buildings to residential uses should also be considered.

15/ A Residential Edge The Master Plan also identifies several locations for new residential

on-going initiatives (anytime) 01 03 11 14 15

Prestige Office Sites Rainbow Centre Improvements Expansion of College Presence Mixed-use Infill Residential Development

* tied to re-development opportunities

developments on the periphery of downtown. These sites are situated immediately outside the ring road and are intended to act as a ‘residential bridge’ between the downtown area and the established neighbourhoods to the north and east. The selected ‘edge sites’ are also in close proximity to other residential proposals, including MacKenzie Village and the Centennial development. It is anticipated that these residential sites would accommodate new build projects in the form of condominiums, stacked town homes or town homes. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.2

A Downtown that is the Heart of Greater Sudbury Downtown must be strongly connected to the rest of the city and accessible to all. It should be easy to get to and easy to get around in. The connections to the rest of the urban area required are both local, in terms of the vehicular, pedestrian and cycle links to surrounding neighbourhoods, and regional, in terms of road, rail and transit connections to surrounding communities and economic centres.

The vision for transportation and infrastructure in Downtown Sudbury reflects a shift in thinking in urban areas across North America. There will be a greater emphasis on expanding mobility choice, developing complete streets, and creating safe and vibrant streetscapes. Moreover, the strategy will focus on developing, maintaining, and enhancing connections between Downtown Sudbury and the surrounding communities to reinforce

4.2.1 C onnect Downtown into local neighbourhood and the Greater Sudbury network

Downtown’s role as the heart of Greater Sudbury. The Downtown is at the centre of the city, but a series of physical and natural barriers cut it off from adjacent neighbourhoods and important places in the region. More and easier connections by

4.2.2 C reate a more flexible, yet fully connected Downtown street network

foot, bicycle, transit and car will help Downtown business, increase the sense of security and surveillance and foster a sense of ownership of downtown. Currently the extent of rail tracks and the width and speed of downtown roads create a number of real and perceived barriers to the integration of the Downtown with the rest

4.2.3 I nvest in the infrastructure necessary to support the growth of Downtown

of the city. Nor is there a great sense of arrival in the downtown, with many buildings facing away from major streets. Within the centre, much of the original finer-grained street network has been lost and replaced with large ’mega blocks’ that inhibit easy understanding and movement. Much of the vision for Downtown Sudbury is concerned with making it a distinct and attractive place – including its roadways,

The Access & Connectivity Strategy is supported by a more

pathways and gateways. These features are how much of

detailed Downtown Mobility Strategy, provided under separate

the Downtown is experienced and are critical components of

cover.

placemaking. The strategy for creating a more connected and integrated Downtown for Sudbury is supported by the following objectives:

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study area

local road

cycling (on-street)

major topography

laneway

cycling/pedestrian path

creek network

special treatment street

pedestrian bridges/tunnels

major road

mews

parking structure

collector road

trail

railyard relocation opportunity

COLLEGE ST

MACKENZIE ST

legend

T NO

STE

COLLEGE ST

ELGIN ST

ANN

ELM

LISGAR ST

ELM ST

LARCH ST

ELG

Nelson Bridge Upgrade

Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge

Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route

Grey Street Pedestrian Connection

Beech Street Mews

Van Horne Street Realignment

West District Parkade

South District Parkade

Central District Parkade

Transit Terminal Relocation

District Energy Expansion

Laneway Upgrade Strategy

VAN HORNE

PARIS ST

Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade

ON GT

Expansion of Cycle Network

H RT

Larch Street Extension

MINTO ST

CEDAR ST

Note: Locations of new facilities are indicative only and will be subject to individual site determination. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

A view of Paris Street looking south towards Cedar Street today.

A reimagined Paris Street has been transformed into a grand green boulevard, creating an impressive and positive first impression of Downtown Sudbury for residents and visitors alike.

FINAL DRAFT

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.2.1 Connect Downtown into Local Neighbourhoods and Greater Sudbury A series of changes are proposed that will seamlessly embed the Downtown within the City of Greater Sudbury at both a local level

16/ Larch Street Extension Larch Street could be one of the important east-west streets of the

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with adjacent neighbourhoods - and a wider city-wide level. A

downtown but is truncated at both ends. Extending Larch Street eastwards

series of new and improved pedestrian and cycle connections

from Lorne Street and across the rail lands will create a new entry point

are proposed to better link the downtown with neighbouring

into the downtown and provide an additional vehicular connection that

communities and amenities (including Ramsey Lake and Bell Park).

links into the wider Greater Sudbury network. This extension will also

These include a new pedestrian bridge over the rail corridor to the

allow for an alternative east-west route across the tracks and through the

west at Cedar Street, a new connection along Worthington Street

core, helping to relieve traffic issues on Elm Street. Critically, this initiative

between the pedestrian tunnel and Ramsey Lake, a new connection

would add a much needed second rail crossing and help to unlock the

from the Grotto to the downtown, a series of new cycling routes to

future redevelopment opportunity of the rail lands for the proposed Inno-

complete the existing cycling system through the downtown and

Tech Park. This extension should be designed in a way that is similar to

upgrades to the Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel and the Ste. Anne

the existing street condition and continues the existing character and

Stairs.

urban quality of Larch Street to the east. As part of the Larch Street extension to the west, a new second rail crossing is required at Larch

Beyond the local, regional connections will be reinforced through

Street. The difficulty of gaining acceptance from the railroad companies

the extension of Larch Street to connect into the regional network,

for a new track crossing will be significant. However, the advantages of

upgrades to the transit terminal (to both services and facility) and

gaining access to landlocked land for the Inno-Tech Park, providing easy

the potential for upgrade in rail services between Sudbury and other

downtown parking provision and making easy and effective connections

regional and national centres.

to the western part of the city, should not be underestimated. It is a challenge that the City will have to face at some point in the future. In the longer term - and in response to emerging development opportunities - this new cross-town route could be extended east of Brady Street and up the bluff, offering an impressive new eastern gateway into the Downtown. This eastwards extension should be designed as a pedestrian friendly street with limited vehicular capacity, which extends the

gateways

existing character and urban quality of Larch Street.

pedestrian connections street connections

Further project details are provided at Appendix A.

cycling facilities Elg

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FINAL DRAFT

17/ Expansion of Cycle Network

Crescent and Elgin Street. To address concerns over personal safety and

Approximately 90,000 Greater Sudburians live within 10km of Downtown.

improve the pedestrian experience in the tunnel, the tunnel should be

The City should encourage this population to travel to the Downtown’s many

updated with new lighting, security stations with panic button, mirrors and

amenities - including Bell Park, Laurentian University, the Sudbury Arena

paving. In the longer term, the City should examine the feasibility of having

and the transit terminal - on bike or by foot. With improved connections

the tunnel terminate on the south side of Elgin Street (adjacent to the

cycling could become a viable mode of travel between these activities for

proposed Elgin Greenway or Station Plaza), reducing the length of the tunnel

a greater portion of the population. It is recommended that new cycle

and allowing for natural light to permeate deeper into the tunnel. On the

routes be introduced to deliver cyclists into the downtown core. Sharrows

south side of the rail corridor, there may be opportunities to create linkages

should be introduced along Louis Street to create a shared-lane system that

to Junction Creek Trail along Brady Street.

connects the Rainbow Routes to Ste. Anne Street. Dedicated cycling lanes should be accommodated along Ste Anne that would lead cyclists to the new off-road cycling lane which is part of the Elgin Greenway design.

19/ Nelson Bridge Upgrade Strengthening the connection between Ramsey Lake is essential for those

Most streets within the downtown have low vehicular volumes and speeds

arriving into downtown on foot or by bicycle. In the short term, the Nelson

and are ideal environments for mixed-traffic cycling. However, there are

Street Bridge would benefit from repainting/resurfacing. To address

several streets where high traffic volumes and speeds lead to unsafe

personal safety concerns in this area, additional security features should

conditions for cyclists. Road safety should be improved along Brady, Paris

be installed, including lighting and a security station as well as improved

and Elm and Ste. Anne Streets. Cycling downtown can only become viable

crosswalks to the bridge at both the north and south ends. The overgrown

if amenities are provided at trip destinations. The most important of these

landscaping on the vacant parcel on the south side of the bridge should

amenities is short- and long-term bicycle parking, which is in short supply

be cut back to open up sight lines. In the longer term, the City should

throughout Downtown Sudbury. The City should continue its program with

consider designing the bridge structure as a green park or a ‘living bridge’

the DVDC and BIA to install bicycle racks and other cycling infrastructure

with extensive planting. This would convert the bridge into a dramatic green

throughout the Downtown.

gateway statement.

18/ Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade

20/ Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge

The Riverside tunnel is one of two pedestrian access point into the

To access the proposed parking structure in the Inno-Tech Park, a pedestrian

downtown from the neighourhoods to the south. This access is via the

bridge should be introduced over the CP rail tracks to Elgin Street at Cedar

pedestrian tunnel that runs under the rail corridor between Worthington

Street.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.2.2 Create a more flexible and connected Downtown street network Streets create the settings for investment. Having a flexible street pattern that is able to evolve and respond to changing development

21/ Ste. Anne Extension & Cycle Route The extension of Ste. Anne Road to connect it directly into Frood Road/

trends is important for keeping a downtown healthy. To this end,

College Street will complete the City’s Downtown Ring Road System,

a series of changes are proposed to the existing network. Already

providing an alternative east west route through the core that is expected

mentioned, Larch Street will be extended to the west across the

to reduce some of the traffic on Elm Street.

rail corridor, releasing development opportunities in the Inno-Tech Park and creating an important second cross-city connection to

The current plans for the extension see it being constructed on city-owned

relieve Elm Street. A third cross-city connection is planned with

lands north of the former Inco Club building, connecting with Frood Road

the extension of Ste. Anne Road through to Frood Road, effectively

at the College Street underpass and with Mackenzie Street immediately

completing the currently incomplete ring road system.

north the Sudbury Star Building. The extension could be built when the

Some existing streets will be reconfigured to create stronger connections and new development opportunities. In the southern part of downtown, the awkward intersection of Elgin and Minto streets should be simplified through the realignment of Van Horne, freeing up land for significant redevelopment opportunities. The key for a safe, active, and vibrant downtown is to make pedestrians a priority. This strategy will achieve this through improved sidewalks, designing a more pleasant public realms, creating safer pedestrian crossings and accomodating active store fronts and uses at grade to help create a more pleasant walking experience. The strategy also recognizes the importance of creating stronger internal connections between the various destinations in the Downtown. Three new pedestrian and cycle routes are proposed, creating greater choice to access and cross the core.

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College Street Underpass is improved. This plan contemplates a redesign of the extension, creating a regular “T intersection” at Mackenzie Street. This move would create new development parcels to the north and an improved address for the former Inco Club Building. The realignment of the extension may require the acquisition of additional land or reconfiguration of existing buildings. The width of the street allows for the introduction of a dedicated cycling lane(s), connecting into the City’s cycling network at Junction Creek. This new connection will provide a missing link in the cycle network and allow for a connection to the Elgin Street Greenway. Further project details are provided at Appendix A.

4.2.3 Invest in Infrastructure to Support Growth 22/ Grey Street Pedestrian Lane

Maintaining and investing in infrastructure is essential to a

To accommodate improved pedestrian and cycle mobility through the

downtown’s ongoing stability and vitality. In order for Downtown

downtown, introduce more active uses at Memorial Park and create a

Sudbury to continue to develop and grow, it requires the proper

definable western edge for this important park, a new pedestrian path is

infrastructure to be in place (roads, parking, sidewalks, sewer,

proposed that extends north from Brady connecting through to Larch Street.

water, electricity, gas, etc.). The City has made recent investments

This connection should be designed in a way that formalizes the western park

in bridges and culverts as well as upgrades to major routes, namely

edge and mediates the grade change in a more natural way than the existing

Paris Street.

retaining walls. This pathway will be multi-use, including limiting vehicular

At present, the Downtown is fortunate to have adequate capacity

access necessary to provide access to the YMCA’s covered parking area. No

in its water, sewer and power systems to support its anticipated

pedestrian crossing is proposed at Grey Street and Brady, and deterrents will

growth. Although demand for traditional utilities is being met, the

need to be put in place, such as low median plantings, to ensure pedestrians

Master Plan highlights an opportunity to pursue a more sustainable

continue to use nearby intersections as crossing points.

energy alternative through the expansion of the District Energy Plant Cogeneration Plant. A tremendous opportunity lies in the streets of Downtown Sudbury

23/ Beech Street Mews It is recommended that Durham Street be reconfigured at its northern end as a one-way mews connecting all the way through to Ste. Anne Road (along Ignatius Street alignment). The southern portion of the extension (at Elm Street) will be narrowed and converted from a two way street to a one way street northbound, to be used primarily for servicing and emergency vehicles. The mews street will provide a new north south connection through this large block. The length of the street would be subject to a special treatment that reflects the role of Durham Street as a shared street.

to make incremental changes in the configuration and layout of its streets to facilitate and promote other modes of transportation other than the car. The Strategy focuses on finding incremental improvements to accommodate growth. These improvements could include ‘right-sizing’ road space to accommodate other modes of transportation and filling in gaps in the network to improve connections. An immediate concern addressed through this Plan is the need for a downtown parking strategy to resolve immediate and future parking issues and allow for the continued growth of the core. As part of the City’s overall parking strategy for the Downtown, the Master Plan has

24/ Van Horne Street Realignment Realigning Van Horne Street allows for the simplification of what is currently an awkward intersection at one of the downtown’s most important pedestrian gateways, freeing up land for future redevelopment opportunities.

indicated three opportunities for the introduction of new structured car parks. The three structures will be phased as development comes forward. laneways parking structures Elg

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90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

10%

winnipeg

regina

edmonton

canada

calgary

saskatoon

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

Paris

20%

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

25/ West District Parkade

27/ South District Parkade

To meet more immediate demands for downtown parking, a large portion

South of Brady Street, parking lost to the redevelopment must be replaced

of the rail lands could be converted to a parking area. In the short term,

and a new parking structure integrated into the district. The new structure

this could be surface parking. A pedestrian bridge may be required across

should be located on Elgin Street, housing between 200 and 250 spaces

the tracks. In the short-to-mid term (pending demand and redevelopment

over three storeys. The structure could be integrated with a new recreation

opportunities of the rail lands), the surface parking could be replaced

facility, a new regional bus terminal or a relocated Sudbury Transit facility.

with a structured car park with an integrated pedestrian bridge across the tracks. The placement and design of the parking structure should not

28/ Transit Terminal Relocation

impede on future opportunities for the extension of Larch Street to the

The existing transit terminal is currently operating at capacity. If the

west. A parking structure in this location could house between 200 and

terminal is to continue to provide essential transit services to a growing

250 spaces over three storeys.

Sudbury population, it will require additional room for its operations. Relocating the bus terminal will provide an opportunity for the expansion

Prior to investing in such a capital-intensive initiative, the City should

of services. The Master Plan recommends relocating the station to the

be sure to expand its on-street parking, maximize shared parking

south end of town close to Paris Street and Elgin Street. This location

opportunities and introduce strategies to reduce commuter parking

is highly accessible by both vehicles and pedestrians, in close proximity

demand through Travel Demand Management (TDM).

to the VIA Rail Station and well positioned to support future large scale entertainment and recreation uses for this area. It is recommended that a

Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

26/ Central District Parkade

transit terminal in this location be integrated with the development of the proposed structure car park.

Depending on how quickly the downtown is built out and its underutilized

If the existing transit terminal is relocated, the current site would be an

sites repurposed, there may be an opportunity to introduce a third parking

ideal location for prestige office development (Class A Office). The sale

structure to serve the core. This structure would be more central in

of this surplus site could be used to partially fund construction of the

location than the South and West structures. The Master Plan identifies a

terminal and/or integrated parkade.

potential site on Larch Street. To integrate the parking structure with the downtown built form, it is recommended that the structure be fronted with commercial uses at grade. If possible, access to the deck should be from a service lane.

FINAL DRAFT

4.2.5 Project Summary 29/ District Energy Expansion

The following is a summary of the projects which will support the

District energy can provide a highly efficient, lower cost energy alternative

creation of the Downtown that is the Heart of Greater Sudbury.

to users. Through a network of pipes across the Downtown, the Sudbury

This list also identifies the short, mid and long term initiatives as

District Energy Plant provides hot water for heating and the option of

well as on-going projects. For additional details and descriptions refer to the Action Strategy in Section 6 and the Priority Capital

chilled water for cooling to seven buildings in the core.

Projects in Appendix A. The electricity produced by the plant is enough to power 2,000 homes. The plant can also be expanded, based on demand. This unique asset should be actively supported. The City should continue to use all reasonable efforts to provide active support to an expanded district energy system.

30/ Laneway Upgrade Strategy The network of laneways in the downtown provide an important function for waste removal and servicing access for businesses. Although the system works efficiently for servicing needs, there are improvements that should be undertaken to enhance the aesthetics of the lanes and address

short & mid-term initiatives (<10 years) 16 18 19 20 21 22 25 27

Larch Street Extension West* /CP Rail Crossing* Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade Nelson Bridge Retrofit / Security Upgrade Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge* Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route Grey Street Pedestrian Connection West District Parkade South District Parkade

concerns around personal safety. Improvements such as pedestrian scale lighting, laneway waste bins, traffic calming, signage, and artwork should be considered. Priority lanes should include Medina Lane and portions of Old City Hall lane adjacent to Durham Street. Laneway closures should not be permitted. There may be longer term opportunities for Sudbury’s laneways to be programmed for temporary events and community activities.

long-term initiatives (>10 years) 16 19 23 24 26 28

Larch Street Extension East* Nelson Bridge Replacement / Upgrade Beech Street Mews Van Horne Street Realignment* Central District Parkade Transit Terminal Relocation*

on-going initiatives (anytime) 17 Expansion of Cycle Network 29 District Energy Expansion* 30 Laneway Upgrade Strategy

* tied to re-development opportunities

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.3

Create a Beautiful Downtown that Celebrates the Spirit of Sudbury Downtown can become a place of pride for all of Greater Sudbury, a place of beauty and excitement that raises the heart and spirit of the entire community. Many wonderful elements are already in place that hint at the rich history of the Downtown. These elements need to be brought forward in a bolder statement of beauty and northern identity. Much can be done with design and materials, in landscape and streetscape, in placemaking and in preservation.

Downtown Sudbury must show the best of itself to the world and

the best quality of life. The Downtown and its associated events,

present the compelling story of Sudbury. The rugged northern

activities, shopping and style will represent in microcosm the best

landscape surrounding the Downtown can be an inspiration for

a community has to offer. Beautification is an economic as well as

how the Downtown develops, and a feature that helps define what

an aesthetic strategy.

it means to be a northern city. Downtown should remind visitors and residents just what makes living in a City of Lakes so special.

The strategy for creating a beautiful Downtown that celebrates Greater Sudbury is supported by the following four objectives:

An honest appraisal of the existing condition of the Downtown suggests that at the moment it is not living up to its potential. However, the Downtown does have good ‘urban bones’: there are many good buildings; it sits in a powerful bowl of rock and green; it is a good walk from a picturesque lake located in a city with even more lakes and an enviable northern landscape. The strategy proposes an accompanying series of public investments in the quality and space of the downtown. Significant improvements are warranted to the City’s existing public open spaces, and new smaller parks and landscaping are proposed along with well as the greening of key streets. Behind such improvement programs is an important economic goal. It’s good to have an attractive downtown for its own sake, but in the era of the knowledge economy, the attraction of human capital is all-important. Sudbury needs well-educated new residents to fuel new economic activity, to teach at its colleges and university, to serve in its hospitals and to sustain our momentum of cutting edge research. Such knowledge workers nowadays have many choices about which city to live and work in. They will make a considered judgment about which city offers

FINAL DRAFT

4.3.1 Rediscover Main Streets as Settings for Investment 4.3.2 Create Green Downtown Destinations 4.3.3 Create Smaller Moments of Beauty and Surprise 4.3.4 Reflect the Sudbury Story

legend

study area

natural open spaces

sensitive height zone

major topography

downtown open spaces

views within the downtown

creek representation

plaza spaces

views into downtown

protected heritage buildings

special treatment street

gateways

possible heritage buildings

potential public art locations

railyard relocation opportunity

COLLEGE ST

MACKENZIE ST

priority street regreenings

M DA

COLLEGE ST

ELGIN ST

STE

ANN

ELM

LISGAR ST

ELM ST

CEDAR ST

LARCH ST

Station Plaza

Brady Green Stair

Parc des Pins

Downtown Greening Strategy

Inno-Tech Common

Gateway Treatment

Carleton Street Park

Larch Street Plaza

Nelson Street Park

Monck Community Park

Public Art Strategy

Heritage Strategy

Historic Downtown Core Preservation

Celebrate the Creek Water Features

Minto Civic Corridor

Tom Davies Square Upgrade

VAN HORNE

PARIS ST

Memorial Park Expansion

MINTO ST

Elgin Greenway

Brady Street Calming

ON GT

Durham Street Upgrade

H RT

Paris Street Beautification

Elm Street Rebuild

ELG

30 47

Note: Locations of new facilities are indicative only and will be subject to individual site determination. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

A view of Elgin Street looking south toward Larch Street today.

New life is brought to Elgin Street through well-designed infill developments, streetscaping and an elegant new greenway. The lushly planted greenway and multi-use path creates a beautiful new edge for the Downtown and connects through to adjacent communities and amenities, including Bell Park and Ramsey Lake.

FINAL DRAFT

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.3.1 Rediscover Your ‘Main Streets’ as Settings for Investment A city’s main streets define the image of a Downtown and send an important message about quality of place. These streets are

31/ Elm Street Rebuild Elm Street is Sudbury’s historic ‘Main Street’ and remains one of the most

where some of the most significant investments are made in the

important east-west connections through the downtown. Yet today Elm

form of office developments, commercial uses, institutional and

Street is a confused, inconsistent thoroughfare that does little to support

community facilities, transit upgrades and the public realm. An

the businesses that front onto it. Bringing renewed life to Sudbury’s most

active, attractive and fully tenanted main street becomes a setting

important Main Street would begin with the comprehensive rebuild of

for new public and private sector investment by demonstrating

Elm Street between Paris Street and Lorne Street. Traffic-calming would

good civic management and optimism for the future.

reduce the dominance of cars and make it more pedestrian friendly

Downtown Sudbury has several principal streets, each playing a different function. To establish a clear message of prosperity

through a combination of on-street parking, landscaping, local sidewalk expansion and appropriate road surface materials.

and foster investor confidence, the Master Plan recommends

Elm Street would benefit from the introduction of on-street parking. This

upgrading four important streets: Durham, Elm, Brady and Paris.

would help slow traffic, creating a more positive pedestrian environment

For Sudbury’s most historic ‘Main Street’, Elm Street, a complete rebuild is proposed to make it more pedestrian friendly. Durham Street will be reinforced as Sudbury’s most important shopping and dining street. Big, busy Brady and Paris streets will become greened boulevards reinforcing the message that Sudbury is a ‘green city’ and a ‘city of nature’.

as well as providing parking for shops and businesses. By reducing the number of travel lanes, parking could be accommodated on both the north and south sides of the street. An early pilot project could introduce on-street parking along southern side of Elm between Elgin and Lisgar Streets. On the section of Elm between the Rainbow Mall and the track corridor, every effort should be made to re-animate the street level retail presence. Several of the large and medium-sized educational or cultural users identified earlier would be good candidates to occupy currently vacant or under-used buildings on this stretch of the street. As the future home of the School of Architecture, the redevelopment of the Market Square site will make a major contribution to the Elm Street’s re-awakening, and help in the task of extending the street’s energy across the tracks further west. Refer to Appendix A for further project details.

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32/ Paris Street Beautification

33/ Durham Street Upgrade

Paris Street is the most important corridor leading into Downtown Sudbury,

Durham Street is Downtown Sudbury’s most important shopping and

but this broad road functions more as an arterial than as a welcome mat.

dining street and should be a special place in the city. Durham Street

This major gateway to the city should create a positive first impression and

is proposed as a ‘shared street’ with a special paving treatment to

relay the distinctiveness of Sudbury.

differentiate it from other downtown streets, where on certain days parking spaces could transition into spill out spaces and terraces to support

The recent Paris Street rebuild would benefit from the addition of an

the restaurant and cafés. This treatment requires a flexible parking

elegant landscaping scheme (street trees, shrubbery and plants) between

strategy where removable bollards are used to temporarily close some

the Bridge of Nations and Ste. Anne Road, in the medians as well as along

or all parking spaces to provide for additional pedestrian space. Refer to

the perimeter of the road (where space permits). Planting would reinforce

Appendix A for further project details.

the message that Sudbury is a ‘green city’ and a ‘city of nature’. New park space could be introduced on the residual lands to the east of Paris between Cedar and Larch. Part of the beautification of Paris Street could include a public art component that celebrates Sudbury’s heritage, with art installations along the medians or at the junction of Notre Dame and Elm Street.

lane widths from approximately 3.65m to less than 3.5m. This would allow all lanes to be retained, but in a more modest and traffic calming right of way width, allowing for an expanded sidewalk and planting zones as well as a series of planted medians. Recognizing the generous dimensions of Paris Street, these medians could also act as pedestrian refuge islands at

Refer to Appendix A for further project details.

Brady Street is a very broad, busy street that cuts off the southern portion

IBI GROUP REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT

of the downtown from the rest of the core. The proposed redevelopment of the southern district, as well as the indicated improvements to Minto

The longer term ambition for Paris Street would be a narrowing of existing

key intersections.

34/ Brady Street Calming

Street, Tom Davies Square and Memorial Park, mean that reducing the barrier of Brady Street is a necessary and important goal. Brady should be calmed between Paris and Broadway streets, with improved streetscaping, planting on both sides of street and where possible on landscaped medians, and improved pedestrian crossings introduced at Minto, Paris, Larch and Cedar streets, and other measures as appropriate. A ‘go slow’ zone should be created. Special paving treatments and additional signage should be introduced to emphasize the already reduced speed limit between Broadway Street and Minto Street. In the longer term, when the Brady Street rail bridge is rebuilt, a pedestrian connection should be explored and accommodated on the west side of Brady.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.3.2 Create Green Downtown Destinations Although surrounded by the rugged landscape so familiar to

introduced in the form of the Brady Green Stair, allowing events

Northern Ontario, little of this natural beauty permeates into the

and people to flow between Durham Street, Elgin Street and

Downtown. To help foster an image that is more representative of

Memorial Park.

the Greater Sudbury context, the Master Plan proposes a series of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiatives to draw the surrounding landscapes into the

Closely integrated with Memorial Park will be a renewed and

core. These green initiatives will also provide much needed open

repurposed Tom Davies Square. The improvement strategy

space amenity for residents, workers and visitors to downtown. A

involves seeing these two spaces as one, with Minto Street as

variety of parkland distributed within the Downtown ensures that a

the pedestrian-friendly seam. The redesign of Tom Davies will

range of recreational needs is met within close proximity to homes

include regreening, the reintroduction of a water feature evocative

and workplaces. This greening strategy will create opportunities

of Junction Creek and new programming. Combined, these two

to draw on the landscape character of the city region and on

spaces will become the outdoor festival and event space for the

immediate, if undeveloped assets, such as Junction Creek and

Downtown.

the impressive rock faces that edge downtown. Augmenting the amenity of Memorial Park and Tom Davies A new green edge is proposed for the south-west side of

Square, two new community parks are proposed: Parc des Pins

downtown. A dramatic Elgin Greenway - a landscaped berm

will transform the northern terminus of Durham Street and create

hugging the rail corridor - will create a new face for the

an appropriate setting for the iconic churches of Christ the King

downtown, link several of its most popular destinations and

and Paroisse Sainte-Anne-des-Pins; and on the rail lands, the Inno-

connect through to Ramsey Lake and Bell Park.

Tech Common will act as the setting for new investment in the business park.

Memorial Park remains the downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important open space. The park will be expanded to the west to create new

All parks should be designed with safety and security as a

frontage for the YMCA and the historic churches along its northern

foremost consideration.

edge. A new access point from Durham Street along Brady will be

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FINAL DRAFT

37 42 Paris

35/ The Elgin Greenway

36/ Memorial Park Expansion & Edge Treatment

A new linear park and multi-use pathway is proposed to edge the south-

Memorial Park is the most important open space in the Downtown and

western side of Downtown Sudbury. Running the length of Elgin Street, the

a place of which the people of Sudbury should feel proud. A redesign

Elgin Greenway will provide a beautiful new face to the downtown, buffer the

of some of the park’s components would strengthen this role and help

Downtown from the rail lands, rejuvenate the portion of the Trans Canada

the park project a positive image of a successful Downtown Sudbury.

Trail that runs through the downtown and create an expansive shared-use

To achieve this objective, the park should be upgraded to improve

trail connecting the downtown to Ramsey Lake, the hospital and Laurentian

perceptions of safety and create better conditions around its edges. At

University beyond. The Elgin Greenway will complete the missing active

present, Memorial Park has two strong edges on Brady and Minto Streets.

transportation link between the institutional hubs in the north with the

By expanding the park to the west, and introducing a new pedestrian and

attractions in the south.

cycle connection through the park on its western side, a third edge could

Within the downtown core, the Elgin Greenway will act as a linear park between Frood Road and Howey Drive and connect several of the downtown’s most popular attractions (including the Arena, Market Square, the restaurants on Durham Street and the galleries on Elgin Street). The Greenway will also connect a series of proposed and existing open space moments in the Downtown, including the Larch Street Plaza, Nelson Street Parkette, Monck Park, Inno-Park Common, Carleton Street Park, Station Plaza, and Brady Street Green Stairs. Along its route, the Greenway will also provide better access to neighbourhood connections, such as the Nelson Street Bridge and a new pedestrian bridge at Riverside Drive. The land between Elgin Street and the rail lands will be fully landscaped

be created. This edge will create “front-” rather than “back-doors” on the park edge for the YMCA and the new development site to its north. The park expansion will also help to showcase the heritage buildings (Church of the Epiphany and Knox Church) along the parks northern edge by giving them new park frontage. The expansion and edge treatment of Memorial Park should be coordinated with St. Andrew’s Place, currently planning a redesign of the ground floor exterior courtyard space to better integrate with Memorial Park. Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

and designed to camouflage the rail corridor. The landscape design for the Greenway should reflect Sudbury’s northern landscape and include trees, rock and water features. It is recommended that public art installations celebrating Sudbury’s heritage be integrated into the design of the Greenway to punctuate key intersections and vistas. Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

37/ Tom Davies Square Redesign

be reconfigured to two lanes to allow for the introduction of wider sidewalks

Tom Davies Square is the City of Greater Sudbury’s front door and also

and street trees. A parking lane along Minto Street south of Brady would be

home to provincial offices and the City’s police station. Its large outdoor

retained. Upgrades are required at the pedestrian crossing at Minto Street

space, however, is not functioning as well as it could and feels cut off from

and Brady Street.

the surrounding city. The improvement strategy for Tom Davies Square is tied in with the

Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

upgrade of Memorial Park. These two important open spaces need

39/ Station Plaza

to complement one another and support a more integrated design.

A new hard surfaced plaza space is proposed immediately in front of the

Essentially these two parks should operate as one, with the new Minto

historic rail station, south of Elgin Street. This will provide a new terminus

Civic Boulevard acting as the seam between the two. A greening of

for the Minto Civic Corridor and work to complement the landscaped area

Tom Davies Square, improvement of the Larch Street frontage and the

in front of the Sudbury Arena. Station Plaza would be an ideal location for

introduction of a water feature evocative of Junction Creek will mitigate its

the relocated Farmers Market. This high profile site is easily accessible,

current hard surface and invite access. An international design completion

supports generous parking and offers space for both indoor and outdoor

should be undertaken for the upgrade of Tom Davies Square.

vendors.

Tom Davies Square should support more programming and make more

40/ Brady Green Stairs

active use of adjacent indoor spaces.

Although central in its location, Memorial Park is tucked away and hidden

Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

38/ Minto Civic Corridor As one of the main addresses for City Hall and the primary frontage for the Downtown’s two most important parks – Memorial Park and Tom Davies Square – Minto Street also supports the designation of ‘Veteran’s Way’. Minto Street is also one of the Downtown’s few north-south connections. As a low traffic street, Minto Street from Brady to Larch Streets can be designated as a ‘shared street’ and support a special surface treatment that defines the space as pedestrian and cycle friendly. The street should

FINAL DRAFT

from view from most destinations in the Downtown. To help raise the park’s profile in the downtown, a new access point is proposed that will draw Memorial Park along Brady Street and connect into Durham Street. The Brady Green Stairs will run along the northern edge of Brady Street connecting Durham Street to Memorial Park. To navigate the grade change, the planted stairs will look like a park, but act like a stairway. The Green Stairs will create a new green space on Durham Street (replacing the under-utilized parkette) and facilitate the opportunity for events and people to flow between Durham Street, Elgin Street and Memorial Park. The Green stair will also provide an improved frontage for the YMCA along Brady Street.

41/ Parc des Pins

42/ Downtown Planting Program

Parc des Pins is a transformational park initiative to provide an appropriate

As part of Sudbury’s world-class regreening initiative, it is recommended

setting for the iconic churches of Christ the King and Sainte-Anne-des-Pins.

that existing planting in the Downtown be further augmented with

Integrating these historically and culturally important assets more closely

additional street trees (native species) and shrubbery. All streets in

with the heart of the Downtown will help create a more positive identity

the core would benefit from a program of street tree planting. Several

and remind visitors and residents of Downtown’s cultural significance. Parc

comprehensive streetscape initiatives are planned for key streets in the

des Pins will be a wonderful visual terminus for Durham Street and an

Downtown. These will undergo their own greening programs and are

interesting interpretation zone for this historic district.

excluded from this larger tree planting effort. These projects include Elm, Durham, Paris, and Elgin. This initiative will require the introduction of

A strong pedestrian connection would flow through the Parc des Pins,

new tree pits and/or planters which should be designed to promote tree

connecting Elm Street and Durham Street through to Beech Street and

growth. This would include elements such as high soil quality, adequate

beyond to Ste. Anne Road. The development of Parc des Pins should

soil volumes, and a watering and maintenance program.

be tied into the reconfiguration/redevelopment of the Rainbow Centre’s western façade. A new west entrance for the Rainbow Centre that relates

43/ Inno-Tech Common

to Durham Street and adjacent plaza space would greatly enhance the

The redevelopment of the rail lands not only offers the opportunity for new

experience of the Rainbow Centre.

buildings, but also for new park spaces. Inno-Tech Common is proposed as a large green park in the heart of the rail lands. It will provide an

Refer to Appendix A for additional project details.

attractive setting for the new Inno-Tech investment. Creating beautiful green spaces is an essential component of reinventing the rail lands.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

4.3.3 Create Smaller Moments of Beauty Downtowns are busy urban centres that do not always have the space available to accommodate large community parks and

44/ Celebrate Your Arrival into the Downtown The topography surrounding Downtown Sudbury creates a dramatic setting

green open spaces; as such, they must also rely on smaller

and an impressive entry experience when arriving by foot or by car. Views

elements to provide amenity, urban relief and moments of

eastwards down Cedar, Larch and Brady Streets that terminate at rock

tranquility and beauty.

outcrops are particularly impressive. The Master Plan works with the grain of Sudbury’s topography to reinforce that sense of place with ten gateway

The Master Plan proposes a series of beautiful new small park

moments that mark the enterance to the Downtown.

spaces - including plazas, forecourts, linear parks, squares and parkettes - to create the setting for spontaneity and to connect

Key pedestrian gateways include Ray Hnatyshyn Park (completed), Nelson

and expand the Downtown’s existing open space network.

Street Bridge, Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel, and the Ste. Anne Stairs. Key vehicular gateways include the Bridge of Nations (completed), the Bridge

Many of these new moments of beauty are strategically located at

of Nations underpass on Elgin Street, the Brady Underpass, Elm Gateway

gateway intersections into the Downtown. Ten gateway “moments”

Park (at the intersection of Brady and Elm), Lorne Street at Larch Street,

utilize the Downtown’s impressive topography to create a special

(once extended), and Monck Park (also a longer term initiative). Gateways

sense of arrival. Each gateway celebrates arrival into the core

do not need to be grand designs, but each should support defining

and reflects the city’s northern landscape, reminding pedestrians,

features (signage, public art features, landscaping) that identifies their

cyclists and drivers that they are entering the Downtown of the

importance and celebrates the arrival into the downtown.

‘Centre of the North’.

45/ Carleton Street Park A new community park is proposed fronting onto Paris between Cedar and Larch streets. With the curve of Paris Street, the location of this new community park provides a view terminus for visitors arriving into the downtown from the south along Paris Street. This pie-shaped park will function as the only green space serving the Carleton Street neighbourhood east of Paris Street.

gateways opportunities for public art open spaces Elg 48 in

Elm

44 46

Paris

Lo rn e

44 47

FINAL DRAFT

4.3.4 Reflect the Sudbury Story 46/ Larch Street Plaza

A community’s identity is tied to its heritage, and Sudbury

As part of the School of Architecture and the Elgin Greenway projects, a

supports a rich recorded history that dates back more than

new public plaza can be introduced on the west side of Elgin Street in front

125 years. The legacy of this heritage is found in the rugged

of the heritage building currently housing the Fromagerie Elgin. The hard

landscapes, watercourses, historic buildings and diverse cultures

surfaced plaza would create a more appropriate setting for this heritage

that comprise the city. As Greater Sudbury continues to evolve,

building and allow restaurant and gallery activities to spill onto the plaza

these defining elements should be celebrated as a source of

space. The plaza could also be used by the School of Architecture as

community pride. Across the Downtown, a stronger sense of

event space, outdoor gallery space (temporary) or a student gathering

place should be created using the public realm, art, landscape

area.

design and architecture to reflect the people and the stories that have made Sudbury what it is today.

47/ Nelson Street Parkette

The Master Plan accommodates opportunities for incorporating

The overgrown landscaping on the vacant parcel on the south side of the

reminders of Sudbury’s past by symbolically recognizing the water

bridge should be reclaimed as a community parkette. This new green

courses that crossed downtown, protecting downtown’s heritage

space should become the south-eastern gateway to the Downtown for

buildings and providing locations for art that is reflective of the

those following the Bell Park Walkway. The site should be re-landscaped

city’s heritage and hopeful for its future.

with a design that buffers the rail, but is more open to the street and the

Outside the Downtown, the city is benefiting from innovative new

bridge.

building design, such as the Vale Living With Lakes Centre and Science North. Within the Downtown, all new public buildings

48/ Monck Community Park

should be remarkable and distinctive additions to the Sudbury’s

To improve a large paved area in the northwest corner of Downtown, the

cultural identity. Landmark buildings such as the Franklin

Master Plan recommends the creation of a new community park: Monck

Carmichael Art Gallery, School of Architecture, Place des Arts and

Park. This park would serve the Donovan neighbourhood and act as a

the new Central Public Library should set a new standard and

green gateway into the Downtown for those approaching from Frood Road.

consider a design that is rich in the materials and traditions of the

A park in this location would complement the existing adjacent residential

North.

and institutional uses. The design of the park should incorporate symbols

creek representation

of the Nolin Creek system that runs under the site.

opportunities for public art historic downtown core Elg

Elm

51 Lo rn e

100% 90%

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

winnipeg

regina

edmonton

canada

calgary

saskatoon

How Saskatonians move around compared to other cities (source: Statistics Canada Census 2006)

Paris

10%

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

49/ Public Art Strategy Public art helps to define a city’s image to the outside world. Public art can take the form of sculptures, murals, fountains, lighting, landscape design, street furniture or architectural elements. Master Plan initiatives that require a public art component include the Elgin Greenway, Paris Street regreening, Durham Street and Elm Street rebuild, Station Plaza, Tom Davies Square and Memorial Park upgrade. To bring more art into the Downtown, the Master Plan recommends the development and implementation of a comprehensive municipal Public Art Policy. In the more immediate term, the City should work with the BIA, DVDC, the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, the Sudbury Arts Council, Le ROCS, local galleries, independent artists and other partners to

Presented in full under separate cover, the Heritage Strategy includes the following additional recommendations: • Portions of the Downtown should be designated ‘Areas of Special Interest’ with all cultural heritage resources protected. • Create a framework of protection using planning and design guidelines for heritage buildings (and contextually valuable buildings) that establish the scale, height, massing, set-backs, view shed protection, shadowing etc. for new heritage-compatible infill. • Update the heritage inventory by reviewing each property and assigning a ‘1, 2, 3’ grading category to each. • Develop and display stories about the Downtown to raise heritage awareness (for both existing and lost heritage assets). • To help tell the Sudbury Story, properties that have been demolished

develop a Public Art locational plan.

that have contributed to the history of the downtown should be

50/ Heritage Strategy

Orphanage, King Edward Hotel, and parks such as Memorial Park.

The City of Greater Sudbury has a very unique history expressed physically through downtown’s heritage buildings. Too many of these reminders of the past have been lost to demolition or redevelopment. No further heritage buildings - as identified in the City’s inventory - should be demolished. This is particularly important for the historic areas of Elm, Durham, Elgin, Larch and Cedar streets where the heritage character of these important shopping, dining and working streets should be retained as much as possible. The City should actively work with property owners to ensure that heritage structures do not fall into disrepair. An up-to-date review of their condition could be undertaken to assess the health of each building and establish a rehabilitation program for each.

FINAL DRAFT

identified publicly with signage, e.g. the Nickel Range Hotel, D’Youville • Identify and package incentives for building owners to invest in the restoration and adaptive reuse of their properties, potentially including: a reduction in property taxes based on degree and quality of preservation; elimination of parking requirements; façade restoration grants and loans; having renovated heritage buildings as the first choice for municipal overflow office space.

51/ Delineate the Downtown with Built Form Downtown Sudbury supports three defined pockets of taller buildings. Between these pockets, the downtown is generally characterized by low-rise, two to four storey structures. This height regime works well for protecting views to the surrounding landscape as well as to key buildings

4.3.5 Project Summary (such as Tom Davies Square and the spires of Christ the King and Paroisse

The following is a summary of the projects which will support

Sainte-Anne-des-Pins). Continuing this pattern, it is recommended that new

the creation of a Beautiful Downtown that Celebrates the Spirit

taller buildings be positioned around the edges of the downtown and away

of Sudbury. This list also identifies the short, mid and long

from the historic core to help retain its character and limit shadow and wind

term initiatives as on-going projects. For additional details and

impacts in the downtown’s primary pedestrian zone. Siting taller buildings at

descriptions refer to the Action Strategy in Section 6 and the

the edges of the core will also accentuate the downtown’s natural bowl-like

Priority Capital Projects at Appendix A.

terrain, creating great views into the downtown and helping to delineate its edges. Taller buildings should be permitted along Ste. Anne Road, Paris Street and east of Minto Street along Cedar and Larch. If market demand exists, taller buildings could also be accommodated south of Brady Street and in the rail lands. Along these routes, tall buildings should be held to high architectural standards as they will become visibly prominent features of the Downtown.

52/ Extend the Experience of the Creek System Junction Creek is a historical waterway that runs through the heart of the city under Downtown’s streets, squares and buildings. Nolin Creek is a tributary of Junction Creek that runs through the northern portion of Downtown. The creek system is now covered and hidden from view and although their depth means that day-lighting is generally not an option, the two creeks could be

short & mid-term initiatives (<10 years) 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 44

‘unearthed’ in creative ways through landscape design, public art, historical interpretation signage or water features. The Master Plan identifies five opportunities for Junction Creek to be celebrated as it winds its way through the Downtown, including features at C arleton Street Park, Tom Davies Square, Memorial Park, Brady Street Stairs and Station Plaza.

45 46 47 50

Elm Street Greening and Elm Street Parking Paris Street Beautification Durham Shared Street Upgrade Brady Street Calming Elgin Greenway Memorial Park Expansion Tom Davies Square Upgrade Minto Civic Corridor (phase 1) Station Plaza Brady Green Stair Gateway Treatment: Bridge of Nations & Brady Street Underpasses Carleton Street Park Larch Street Plaza Nelson Street Park Heritage Strategy

Opportunities to celebrate Nolin Creek are at the new Monck Park and Parc des Pins.

long-term initiatives (>10 years) 31 38 41 43 48

Elm Street Rebuild Minto Civic Corridor (phase 2) Parc des Pins Inno-Tech Common* Monck Community Park

on-going initiatives (anytime) 42 49 51 52

Downtown Greening Strategy - Planting Public Art Strategy Historic Downtown Core Preservation - Policy Development Celebrate the Creek Water Features*

* tied to re-development opportunities

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

FINAL DRAFT

section 5

Downtown Districts

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

5.0

Downtown Districts Although Downtown Sudbury is uniform by name, it is highly diverse in its functions and characters. This diversity is reflected in the plan presented below that highlights seven distinct districts across the Downtown. Based on their mix of uses and location, each district plays a unique role in the function of the Downtown as a whole. This section provides more detailed information on each of the

The intent of the design considerations is to provide a design-

five downtown districts. It identifies their current condition and

led approach to city building that will result in a high quality built

function, highlights key challenges to address and opportunities

environment and public realm. It should be noted that many of

to build on, and proposes a role for the future of each. In addition

the design considerations are transferable to other locations in

to the discussion on the future function, a series of place specific

the Downtown and the Town Centres that share similar urban

design considerations are presented that address the following

conditions.

areas: use and massing, siting and orientation, and connections and special moments.

6 y

Larch

1 Paris

Elm

1 South District 2 East District 3 Central District 4 North District 5 North-West District 6 West District 7 Railyard Relocation Opportunity 78

FINAL DRAFT

Elg

5.1 South District The District Today

The District Tomorrow

Today, the area south of Brady Street has two primary functions:

The role of this District as a regional destination for fun, arts,

first, to provide a significant amount of parking for downtown

events and recreation will be amplified. Augmenting the Sudbury

offices that utilize the land for long-term parking, and second, to

Arena and Theatre Centre will be an improved and expanded

host regional sporting events, theatre and festivals at the Sudbury

recreation complex, potentially offering additional rinks and

Arena and the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Dispersed between

flexible multi-purpose space able to accommodate conference

parking areas are several popular local establishments including

facilities and community meetings/events. Bringing a superior

restaurants, a coffee shop and a bakery, a fire station, some low

level of hospitality service to the city, a new four star hotel will

rise apartment buildings, a cluster of shops and galleries on Elgin

overlook Memorial Park and front onto a calmed and landscaped

Street and a selection of social services, including the Samaritan

Brady Street. Capitalizing on a synergy with the Theatre Centre

Centre. Broad, busy Brady and Paris streets cut the district off

and proposed conference facilities, several publicly owned sites

from the rest of downtown and makes it feel isolated and separate

have been identified as suitable for new cultural uses.

from the rest of the ‘downtown experience’. Due to the expanse of parking, limited amount of building fabric and isolation of the area, the identity of this District is weak.

To retain established destinations and keep the ‘best of downtown’, the redevelopment of this area must respect existing businesses. A priority will be placed on retaining existing uses. In the longer term, should existing businesses wish, they can be integrated into the design of new developments (as illustrated in the view and plan below).

view of the south district looking north-east GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

The spine of the District will be Minto Street, reinvented as a civic street with new landscaping, surface treatment, art and street furniture. Minto Street will provide a pleasant pedestrian experience that draws visitors from these important regional attractions into the heart of the Downtown. A relocated Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market could anchor Minto Street as part of Station Plaza and utilize the restored historic rail station. To better integrate this District with the rest of the Downtown, improvements will be undertaken to Paris Street (landscaping),

projects

legend

04 Multi-Use Recreation

heritage buildings

& Conference Complex

development parcels

07 Cultural opportunity site

parking / servicing areas

18 Riverside Pedestrian

servicing access

Tunnel Upgrade

open spaces

24 Van Horne Street

plazas

Realignment

office

pedestrian crossings improved along Brady Street (at Minto), a lighting

26 South District Parkade

residential opportunity sites

treatment and sidewalk expansion completed at the Elgin Street

28 Transit Terminal Relocation

mixed use

underpass (under the Bridge of Nations) and upgrades undertaken

34 Brady Street Calming

parking structure

to the Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel. Work on the Tunnel will include

35 Elgin Greenway

cultural and institutional

the provision of additional security features and, in the longer term,

38 Minto Civic Corridor

opportunity sites

shortening the tunnel so it connects directly with the Elgin Greenway.

39 Station Plaza

hotel

Across the District, parking will be consolidated into a new structured car park that will serve city-wide â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;destinationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as well as the office and retail uses further to the north. In the longer-term, the Sudbury Transit Terminal could be relocated to this district and integrated into the design of the parking structure. This would allow the terminal to expand operations; including Greyhound services; in close proximity to the Rail Station, creating a genuine multi-modal transit hub for the Downtown. The ground and possibly lower floors of larger format new facilities must be designed in manner that creates a pedestrian-friendly scale, offers visual interest and works to animate the pedestrian environment.

FINAL DRAFT

special treatment street key pedestrian crossings mews streets trails building frontage active frontage gateways

Design Considerations

A continuous active frontage is encouraged along primary streets.

uses andelements massing Taller building should be located at corners, at keythe largest redevelopment potential. The multi-use • This districtespecially represents gateway sites.

Recreation/Conference/Hotel Complex consists of various program elements.

Loading and servicing access should Vertical integration of uses be restricted to secondary streets or is key and a second level pedestrian bridge laneways to minimize the impact on the over Minto Street is proposed. The South District Parkade will integrate the pedestrian realm.

relocated Bus Terminal into the parking structure, retaining the potential to expand to the east (fire station site) over the long-term.

• To balance these large uses, a pedestrian-scaled environment should extend to this District. This canumbe achieved through the introduction of buildings

bus

access to bus station and parking structure should be located along secondary streets and consolidated wherever possible

gro

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Dimensions of a building footprint or podium should generally be no greater than 80m in either direction.

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• Located along the rail corridor and major arterials, this District is suitable for taller buildings.

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p et • To help cultivate a finer grained character, existing uses eshould be respected

use of above 3m and/or integrated into the design of newThe buildings, where possible. grade connections should be limited.

Larger scale uses should have siting and orientation an articulated building facades using consistent • Buildings should address Minto, Brady and Paris Streets and create architectural treatments such consistent, as awnings and canopies toanimated street-walls. A generous setback along the west side create visual interest at the of Paris Street (adjacent to Sudbury Theater Centre) offers an opportunity to ground floor.

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Where possible, parking structures should be wrapped with other uses to create active frontages and conceal the structure.

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Parking structures can accommodate other types of uses and be designed to integrate with urban areas.

create a distinct landscaping feature/park space. • In the long-term Shaughnessy and Van Horne streets should become secondary streets providing access to building servicing and parking areas. • Parking and servicing should be internal to large format uses. • Servicing of Recreation/Conference/Hotel Complex should be shared. To avoid overwhelming the public largermoments buildings connections and realm, special should support more generous building setbacks.

• Open spaces will help balance the larger uses in this area. Linked by the

Buildings should be sited create a smaller open spaces such as Station Plaza in front of the Minto CivictoCorridor, critical mass, through the use of Stationfeatures and the retrofit of the Sudbury Arena Plaza will create spill-out height and/orRail architectural to create visual interest and a spaces for venues. presence at key intersections.

A continuous active frontage is encouraged along primary streets. Taller building elements should be located at corners, especially at key gateway sites. Loading and servicing access should be restricted to secondary streets or laneways to minimize the impact on the pedestrian realm. street frontage. Buildings should maximize Surface parking lots should be screened by landscaping or ideally located behind buildings.

• Both the Brady Street and Paris Street underpass are important gateways m

into the Downtown. Creative landscaping and lighting features should be

m mu

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introduced to mark the entrances. • The Riverside Tunnel retrofit should tie into the regional trail/creek system. ry

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experience, a new pedestriant and cycle connection is proposed from Lourdes Street up to the Grotto. This will form a natural continuation of Nelson Street and be linked directly into the proposed Elgin Greenway. New signage is required at the Nelson Street Bridge to signpost the Grotto. • Hugging the curve of the rail yards, Worthington Street is one of the few 3m ground floor heights should a minimum streets that connects through to Ramsey Lake andbeBell Park without having of 4m floor to floor where retail or

to navigate Paris Street or the Bridgeuses of Nations. A cycle route could be commercial are encouraged introduced along this street. At key corners, building setbacks should treatments that once the rail • Design the road network toaccommodate allow for itslandscape extensions to the south

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Larger scale uses should have an articulated building facades using consistent architectural treatments such as awnings and canopies to create visual interest at the ground floor.

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Design large multi-use well articulated, well connected buildings.

smaller,

will help anchor new development and

yards have been relocated create (longer term). a sense of place.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

5.2 East District The District Today

The District Tomorrow

Today this district forms the hub of Downtown Sudbury’s private

This District will be the City of Greater Sudbury’s address for

and public sector office population. Over the past 30 years, a

prestige office and high value employment. The existing office

significant investment has been made into securing and growing

offer will be diversified with an increased representation of

this office component and this investment should be protected.

private sector employment. New sites at the Paris Street/Elm

Home to the Downtown’s only large outdoor parks, Tom Davies

Street gateway are ideally located to support new ‘Class A’ office

Square and Memorial Park, the district is also a destination for

developments that will complement the existing investments

outdoor celebration. In recent years, new investment has come in

made to the Hatch/CIBC office tower. Sites are available to be

the form of a proposed condominium development on Larch – a

brought forward in both the short and longer term.

first for Downtown Sudbury – as well as retail on the LCBO/Tim Horton’s site. This retail offer is augmented by Cedar and Larch

A fully planted Paris Street will be transformed into a green

streets where a mix of shopping, dining and professional services

boulevard that welcomes visitors, residents and workers to

are located. Along the district’s eastern edge, busy Paris Street

the Downtown. As a new address for investment, four new

dissects this commercial district from the smaller-scale, mixed-use

development sites are identified along this route, including

Carleton Street community. With many underutilized sites and

several that are suitable for cultural and/or institutional uses,

buildings that turn their backs to Paris Street, this Downtown edge

such as a new Central Library, Place des Arts, the Art Gallery or

does not make a positive first impression when arriving from the

an expanded City of Greater Sudbury Annex complex (providing

south or east.

additional office space for the Municipality).

view of the east district looking north-east 82

FINAL DRAFT

The existing park spaces of Tom Davies Square and Memorial Park will be upgraded to create a setting worthy of the City’s most important public spaces. Memorial Park will be expanded to the west while Tom Davies Square will be transformed into a user-friendly space that is more reflective of the Sudbury experience. Tom Davies will once again be the main attraction in the Downtown for community events and celebrations. A specially treated Minto Street will unify the two park spaces, effectively creating one large event space supporting two distinct characters.

projects

legend

02 Prestige Office Sites

heritage buildings

08 Visitor Centre

development parcels

06 Cultural Facility /

parking / servicing areas

Expanded Annex

servicing access

16 Larch Street Extension East

open spaces

32 Paris Street Beautification

plazas

31 Elm Street Rebuild

office

36 Memorial Park Expansion

residential opportunity sites

37 Tom Davies Square Upgrade

mixed use

38 Minto Civic Corridor

parking structure

45 Carleton Street Park

cultural and institutional opportunity sites special treatment street key pedestrian crossings mews streets trails building frontage active frontage gateways

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

as awnings and canopies to create visual interest at the ground floor.

A continuous active frontage is encouraged along primary streets. Taller building elements should be located at corners, especially at key gateway sites.

Design Considerations To avoid overwhelming the public realm, larger buildings usesmore andgenerous massing should support building setbacks.

• The prestige office sites at the east and west corners of Paris and Elm

Buildings should be sited to create a critical mass, throughopportunities the use of provide for taller buildings (above 6 storeys). height and/or architectural features to create • visual interest and a Mixed-use buildings along Elm and Larch will help support their main presence at key intersections.

Loading and servicing access should be restricted to secondary streets or laneways minimizestreet the impact on the Buildings shouldtomaximize frontage. pedestrian realm. Surface parking lots should be screened by landscaping or ideally located behind buildings.

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• Buildings should address Elm Street, Brady Street, Paris Street and Larch Street with active frontages and main building entrances. The active frontage of the infill development site on Tom Davies Square 3m should line the redesigned Square and animate the space.

ground floor heights should be a minimum

• New development should utilize andtoextend the existing of 4m floor floor where retail or laneway uses are encouraged structure. A rationalizationcommercial of the laneway system on the east side of

Larger scale uses should have an articulated building facades using consistent architectural treatments such as awnings and canopies to create visual interest at the ground floor.

At key corners, building should Paris is recommended to support potential newsetbacks development. accommodate landscape treatments that

will the help main anchorentrances new development and • At the Elm/Paris intersection, of buildings should be create a sense of place.

oriented towards the intersection and setback from the street, fronted

sec

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tr y s The use of above

grade connections should be limited.

Building entrances should be located on primary streets. 3m setbacks should accommodate landscaping or public realm design appropriate for the residential, retail and office uses at grade.

Create well defined streets and blocks by siting buildings at the edge of the street and maximizing frontages.

by plaza space. • If the LCBO site is redeveloped comprehensively, servicing and parking should be shared by new office uses at this location.

connections and special moments

building depths of mixed-use buildings features should be•as Landscaping generous as possible and should be introduced to mark the entrances to designed to accommodate various uses. these new buildings in order to support the network of open spaces gen and highlight the Junction run diagonally through the Downtown a continuouswhich active frontage is ero us encouraged along main streets.

Creek historical waterway.

dep

ground floor heights should be aTom Davies Square should have a presence which • The redesigned minimum of 4m floor to floor where retail or commercial uses extends to are both Paris and Brady Streets. Opportunities to retrofit City encouraged.

To avoid overwhelming the public realm, larger buildings should support more generous building setbacks. Buildings should be sited to create a critical mass, through the use of height and/or architectural features to create visual interest and a Opportunities showcase presence at keytointersections. heritage buildings through the introduction of public realm improvements are encouraged. Parks and plazas should be lined with continuous active frontages where possible to increase “eyes on the street” prim

consistentTom Hall’s Paris Street facade so that it can provide views through

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setback

Davies Square and into the new square should be explored. A publicly accessible green roof should also be considered.

a prim

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• In the fullness of time, there is an opportunity to extend Minto Street

Opportunities to create shared surface parking lots are encouraged.

ar y

ond

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as far as Cedar Street through the introduction of a new pedestrian connection across the existing parking areas. Realized over two phases, sec

ond

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the existing parking lots could be retained but upgraded with a new stre

surface treatment and pedestrian route (with lighting, signage and et consistent planting). setback

Infill development should help to create 1 to 10 a consistent street wall, and generally align with adjacent building setbacks. Height and massing of infill

FINALdevelopment DRAFT should be guided by the height of adjacent buildings.

prim

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ground floor heights should be a minimum of 4m floor to floor where retail or commercial uses are encouraged eet et

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a At key corners, building setbacks ond should sec accommodate landscape treatments that will help anchor new development and create a sense of place.

A pedestrian connection should be accommodated between buildings and open spaces to create an accessible edge to for anchor Create a critical mass both the open space and the building.

the downtown.

scale of buildings adjacent to heritage structures should be in keeping with the local context.

gateway moments in

5.3 Central District The District Today

The District Tomorrow

This district is the Downtown’s main shopping and dining

Durham Street will be celebrated as the most important retail and

destination. Durham Street is the most active and successful

restaurant street in the city. Emphasizing its role as a shopping

street in the Downtown and firmly entrenched as the ‘go to’

and dining street where people come to meet, mingle and play,

destination for the best restaurants, boutiques and cafés in

Durham will be reinvented as a shared street where parking

Greater Sudbury. With most of its heritage buildings intact,

spaces can transition into event space for shops and restaurants.

broader sidewalks and a pedestrian-scaled street, this charming retail area sets the standard for the rest of Downtown’s streets. In

Across the District, seven development sites have been identified

addition to its restaurant and retail offer, the District is also home

to accommodate future growth. Sites are located on Durham

to the YMCA, the Centre for Life, as well as to Market Square which

Street (retail opportunity), Larch Street (retail or cultural) and Elm

has repurposed a historic rail yards building to host a seasonal

Street (retail or institutional). Laurentian University is acquiring

Farmers’ Market. The CP rail corridor and expansive rail lands

the Market Square site as the location for the new School

create a tough western edge for the district and the Downtown

of Architecture. This new building will be the catalyst for the

as a whole. This poor urban condition has been aggravated by

comprehensive redevelopment of the Market Square site and

the demolition of a large number of buildings resulting in gaps

this portion of Elm Street. The dramatic design of the School

along the Elgin Street frontage and the exposure of servicing and

will create a strong gateway statement for the Downtown at the

parking areas behind. The large number of surface parking lots

intersection of Elm and Elgin streets. Activity from the school, as

across the district suggests that future redevelopment potential

well as from the surrounding cafes and galleries, can spill out onto

could be significant.

the new hard-landscaped multi-use plaza space.

view of the central district looking north-east GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Life has been brought back to the western portion of Elm Street through the renovation of some of the Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most historic buildings and their conversion into student residences with busy shops, cafes and restaurants lining the street. The introduction of landscaping along the Elgin Greenway creates a lush new western face for the Downtown. This linear park will create a new green edge to the Downtown that both beautifies and adds much needed park space. The Greenway will link many of the Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular attractions, connecting all the way through to Bell Park and Ramsey Lake.

projects

legend

10 Laurentian School of

heritage buildings

Architecture 11 Expansion of College

development parcels

Presence

parking / servicing areas servicing access

12 Cultural Opportunity Site

open spaces

20 Cedar Street

plazas

Pedestrian Bridge 22 Grey Street Pedestrian Connection

office residential opportunity sites mixed use

27 Central District Parkade

parking structure

30 Laneway Upgrade Strategy

cultural and institutional

31 Elm Street Rebuild

opportunity sites

33 Durham Street Upgrade

special treatment street

34 Brady Street Calming

key pedestrian crossings

35 Elgin Greenway

mews streets

36 Memorial Park Expansion

trails

40 Brady Green Stair

building frontage

46 Larch Street Plaza

active frontage gateways

FINAL DRAFT

To avoid overwhelming the public realm, larger buildings should support more generous building setbacks. building depths of mixed-use buildings should be as generous as possible and designed to accommodate various uses.

Design Considerations gen

a continuous active is uses andfrontage massing encouraged along main streets.

ero

dep • Development in this district takes the form of medium th and small sized infill

ground floorparcels heights should be ahelp repair and complement the street. This district is the that will minimum of 4m floor to floor where historicuses downtown core and should be subject to a height restriction for retail or commercial are encouraged.

Buildings should be sited to create a critical mass, to through the use of Opportunities showcase height and/or architectural heritage buildings throughfeatures the to create visual interestrealm and a introduction of public presence at keyare intersections. improvements encouraged.

Opportunities to create shared surface parking lots are encouraged.

Parks and plazas should be lined with continuous active frontages where possible to increase “eyes on the street”

new infill buildings of three to four storeys (depending on context). Taking consistent setback

into account 4m ground floor heights and the potential for a range of uses, buildings in this zone should generally be no

et greater thantre16m s ry a prim

in height.

ond

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• Large parcels have been identified as cultural and institutional uses, and

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the remaining parcels as opportunities for mixed-use development with a mix of retail, office and residential uses. sec

ond • Retrofitting of ar y stre t inethis area.

heritage buildings offers significant redevelopment potential

3m prim

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consistent • Dsetback ue to the limited size of the development parcels, new development

would generally rely on the new parkades and on-street parking to support development should on-site help to create 1 to 10 its parkingInfill needs. Integrated parking should be required. a consistent street wall, and generally align with adjacent building setbacks.

Height and massing of infill siting and orientation development should be guided by the height of adjacent buildings. • Buildings should address Elm Street, Brady Street, Paris Street and

Larch Street with active frontages and main building entrances. New development should frame the improved Memorial Park and the Larch

eet ground floor heights should be a minimum str of 4m floor to floor where retailndorary o sec commercial uses are encouraged

stre

At key corners, building setbacks should A pedestrian connection should be accommodate landscape treatments that accommodated between buildings and open will help anchor new development and spaces to create an accessible edge for create a sense of place. both the open space and the building. scale of buildings adjacent to heritage structures should be in keeping with the local context.

Showcase heritage structures & create compatible infill.

Street Plaza to help activate these spaces. • New development should utilize and extend the existing laneway structure. The introduction of the Grey Street Mews through Memorial Park (connecting into Medina Lane) will provide a new access point to the YMCA parking facilities. When located in proximity to existing residential neighbourhoods, new development should transition the connections and special moments scale of the buildings to respond to existing context.

• The Brady Green Stairs which will activate the south side of the YMCA

building depths of mixed-use buildings should be as generous as possible and designed to accommodate various uses. Single loaded parcels should be aavoided. continuous active frontage is Opportunities to create encouraged along where main streets. complete blocks development can occur on both sides offloor the block areshould encouraged. ground heights be a minimum of 4m floor to floor where retail or commercial uses are encouraged.

In proximity to existing residential fabric,geground floor uses should ner ous by residential uses. be dominated dep

The laneway system should be protected and expanded where possible. consistent setback

should be designed as an extension of Memorial Park. To achieve the Green Stairs, the following actions are required: sec

ond

- Refine the geometry and minimize Brady off-ramp to maximize lands to the north off the ramp.

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- Shift the YMCA parking access to the east so it is in line with the new Grey Street Pedestrian Lane. All parking access would need to be from the rear of the YMCA.

tre

s ar y

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- Relocate some of the parking on the south face of the YMCA. - Celebrate the Junction Creek alignment through public art/signage. prim

• ar Ry econfigured Durham ‘shared street’ will accommodate sidewalks, patio s tree

Side setbacks along secondary spaces, parking spaces and travel lanes. There are opportunities to streets can be smaller than 3m, 3m and line-up existing context. extend these treatments to other areas such with as the Durham Street ‘pit’ t

and Medina Lane which Buildings connects to Memorial Park. should maximize street frontage and locate building entrances on primary streets.

• The design of the Elgin Greenway and the Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge should be coordinated to create an attractive, easily accessible, and elegant structure.

sec

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consistent setbacksecon

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Infill development should help to create 1 to 10 3m a consistent street wall, and generally align with adjacent building setbacks. Height and massing of infill Avoid awkward street geometries. development should be guided Aby3m setback can be provided to Opportunities to establishtheefficient block height of adjacent buildings.accommodate front yards or patterns that will maximize development shared open spaces. potential should be explored.

Introduce infill development to repair gaps in the downtown’s streetwall.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

5.4 North District The District Today

The District Tomorrow

The area north of Elm Street tends to be a forgotten corner of

The Rainbow Centre will remain as a strong attractor for the

the Downtown. Dominated by the expansive Rainbow Centre

Downtown. Fueled by the renewed success of the Downtown,

this district acts as a ‘super block’ forming a solid edge to the

the Mall will continue its successful program of diversification,

core. Over the past decade, the Rainbow Centre has successfully

attracting new employment, retail and community users. Coupled

diversified its offer and attracted an impressive array of new office

with this will be a program of capital improvements that will keep

and retail tenants. Although upgrades have also been made to

the Mall fresh and more responsive to its Downtown context.

the structure of the Mall, there remains further opportunity for

Most impressive will be the new public realm that wraps the mall

improvement, including enhancing the Mall’s interaction with Elm

on its Elm Street and Durham Street sides, creating an expanded

Street, reconfiguring its servicing and creating more prominent

and upgraded pedestrian zone along Elm Street and a new plaza

entrances.

space in front of the Mall’s Durham Street entrance.

With only one convoluted connection between Elm Street and

As the Downtown’s original Main Street, the former richness

Ste. Anne Road, the other buildings in the district have minimal

of Elm Street will be revived. The Elm Street Corridor will be

exposure and tend to be overpowered by the Rainbow Centre.

calmed, greened and rebuilt as a more balanced street able to

This is particularly the case for the cluster of buildings that form a

accommodate a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, cars, trucks and

hub for the Franco-Ontarian presence in the Downtown. Although

buses. This will include planting, expanding the sidewalk area,

historically and culturally important, these buildings are hidden

narrowing the traffic lanes and providing on-street parking.

from view and remain unincorporated with the Downtown’s

Improving Elm Street will help retain existing businesses and

modern day story.

attract new retailers.

view of the north district looking north-east

FINAL DRAFT

projects

legend

01 Rainbow Centre

heritage buildings

Improvements Downtown’s important cultural heritage buildings - the roots of Sudbury’s modern existence, including Christ the King and Paroisse Sainte-Anne-des-Pins, will have pride of place in this District and will be used to anchor the new Parc des Pins. This park will result from the realignment and downgrade of Durham Street, north of Elm Street. Parc des Pins will create a beautiful setting to showcase these significant buildings and provide a spectacular terminus to Durham Street. It will also create an improved edge for both the Rainbow Centre and the Radisson Hotel and Conference facility.

21 Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route

development parcels parking / servicing areas laneways / servicing access

23 Beech Street Mews

open spaces

31 Elm Street Rebuild

plazas

41 Parc des Pins

office residential mixed use parking structure cultural and institutional special treatment street key pedestrian crossings mews streets trails building frontage active frontage gateways

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

a consistent street wall, and generally align with adjacent building setbacks.

accommodated between buildings and open spaces to create an accessible edge for both the open space and the building.

Height and massing of infill development should be guided by the height of adjacent buildings.

scale of buildings adjacent to heritage structures should be in keeping with the local context.

building depths of mixed-use buildings should be as generous as possible and designed to accommodate various uses.

Design Considerations uses and massing • There is limited new development potential in this district. The site north of the Paroisse Sainte-Anne-des-Pins fronting Ste. Anne Road potential site forresidential residential or mixed-use development. The When locatedisinaproximity to existing neighbourhoods, new development should thesetback from the street to allow for development on this site transition should be scale of the buildings to respond to existing context.

gen

a continuous active frontage is encouraged along main streets. Single loaded parcels should be avoided. Opportunities to create ground floor heights should be a complete blocks where minimum of 4m floor to floor where development can occur on both retail or commercial uses are sides of the block are encouraged. encouraged.

ero

In proximity tos existing residential dep th uses should fabric, ground floor be dominated by residential uses. The laneway system should be protected and expanded where consistent possible. setback

a landscaped zone.

• Improvements to the Rainbow Centre, particularly its entrances

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and relationship to Elm Street, should be explored. Adding vertical

sec

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articulation and creating special moments, such as two storey entrances, will animate the lengthy mall facade and provide a more

sec

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appropriate transition terminus to Durham Street.

ar y

• Parking in this zone will be provided by the Mall’s parking structure and t ee str

sec

• The Rainbow Centre should provide a maximize continuous active frontage Buildings should street frontage and on locate entrances onParc primary Elm street and also along thebuilding edge of the new desstreets. Pins. This will

require refurbishment. • New development should utilize and extend the existing laneway

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align with adjacent building setbacks.

to accommodate the additional parking needs in the area.

siting and orientation

ar ond

ondInfill development should help to create 1 to 10 ar y stre a consistent street wall, and generally et

an additional level of parking could be added to the Mall’s existing

sec

Side setbacks along secondary streets can be smaller than 3m, and line-up with existing context.

stre

be buffered from the street by buildings or with landscaping. If viable, arstructure ys tree t

ar y

consistent setback

ry several surface lots. Wherever possible, surface nda parking lots should

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Height and massing of infill 3m development should be guided by the height of adjacent buildings. Avoid awkward street geometries. A 3m setback can be provided to Opportunities to establish efficient block accommodate front yards or patterns that will maximize development shared open spaces. potential should be explored.

Block patterns should maximize development potential.

structure. The introduction of the Beech Street Mews, which connects Elm Street to Ste. Anne Road, will provide a new access to the Maki building and the Rainbow Centre while creating a frontage for the new Parc des Pins.

When located in proximity to existing residential neighbourhoods, new development should transition the scale of the buildings to respond to existing context.

connections and special moments • The design of Parc des Pins should respond to the pedestrian movement in the area. Its edges should be formalized to provide

At the terminus of a street, buildings should use height and/or architectural features to mark intersections and create visual interest.

Large uses should introduce architectural several access points intofeatures, the new park space. such as main entrances, or use public art to create visual interest along building facades. • The Introduction of a furnished linear plaza along the frontage of the Larger scale Rainbow uses shouldCentre have anwill animate the north side of Elm Street, from Paris articulated building facades usingBeech Mews. Street to the new consistent architectural treatments such as awnings to is the only connection between the Downtown and • The and Ste.canopies Anne Stair create visual interest at the ground the neighbourhood at the top of the bluff. In addition to creating a more floor.

Parks and plazas should be lined with continuous active frontages whererepossible to et t y son the street’ increase ‘eyes dar on

sec

prominent pedestrian crossing at the base of the stairs, the stairway would also benefit from some minor te improvements to create a safer and more enjoyable experience. and e

stre

Side setbacks along secondary streets can be smaller than 3m, and line-up with existing context.

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FINAL DRAFT

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ground floor heights should be a minimum of 4m floor to floor where retail or commercial uses are encouraged. Access to parking structures and

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Buildings should maximize street frontage and me locate wsbuilding entrances on primary streets. stre

Transition the scale of new buildings to respect the existing context. Mews streets should provide both pedestrian and vehicular access and should be design to complement

5.5 North-West District The District Today

The District Tomorrow

This district functions as a transition zone between the traditional

Sudbury Secondary School has been renewed and continues to

Downtown area and the more residential area to the north. As

provide high quality education to students from across the Region.

a transitional zone, the area supports a mix of uses, including

Building on the Village on MacKenzie proposal, the residential

residential, retail, commercial, institutional and light industrial.

opportunity of this district will be more fully realized and

The western edge of the area is defined by the CP rail corridor

extended as far south as Evergreen Street. Evergreen Street

which creates a challenging environment and, consequently,

could be modified to function as the extension of Ste. Anne Road,

there are many vacant and underutilized sites along Frood Road

effectively completing the city’s ring road system and providing

overlooking the rail corridor. Many of these sites are now used for

relief for Elm Street. The extension of Ste. Anne Road will create

surface parking. Internally, there are also many underutilized sites

three new parcels suitable for residential development.

along Beech Street, Evergreen Street and Fir Lane. One defining structure in the district is the former Inco Club building.

To strengthen and reinforce the neighbourhood character of the

Although lacking a well-defined identity, the District does support

exist for taller gateway buildings at the intersection of Ste. Anne

two important streets, Frood Road and Elm Street, both of which

Road and MacKenzie Street. The current plans for the extension

are regional connectors. With such high profile street frontages

see it being constructed on city-owned lands north of the former

and strong regional access, the potential of this district is not

Inco Club building, connecting with Frood Road at the College

yet fully realized. However, recent retail investment made at the

Street underpass and with Mackenzie Street immediately north

Frood/Elm intersection suggests that this may be changing.

the Sudbury Star Building. The extension could be built when the

area, new buildings should be lower-rise, while opportunities

College Street Underpass is improved.

view of the north-east district looking north-east GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

South of Ste. Anne will be more commercial in character, extending the Downtown function north of Elm Street. At the intersection of Ste. Anne and Frood, Monck Park will be introduced to provide important amenity for the local community and also act as a new green gateway into the downtown. Monck Park is named in the Sudbury tradition of calling streets after Canada’s Governor Generals. Sir Charles Stanley Monck was Canada’s first Governor General. Monck Park will recognize the Nelson Creek alignment

projects

legend

06 Cultural Destinations

heritage buildings

14 Residential edges

development parcels

20 Ste. Anne Extension and

parking / servicing areas

Cycle Route

laneways / servicing access

31 Elm Street Rebuild

open spaces

35 Elgin Greenway

plazas

48 Monck Community Park 52 Celebrate the Creek Water Features

office residential opportunity sites mixed use

through its public art.

parking structure

To the west of the rail corridor, an expanded and refurbished

special treatment street

N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre will reach out to Elm Street. The Centre is a destination for native education, support and training and has become a best practice model for other Friendship Centres in Ontario. The reconfiguration of Pine Street has allowed the centre to expand its parking provision.

FINAL DRAFT

cultural and institutional key pedestrian crossings mews streets trails building frontage active frontage gateways

When located in proximity to existing residential neighbourhoods, new development should transition the scale of the buildings to respond to existing context.

Design Considerations uses and massing

At the terminus of a street, buildings should use height and/or architectural features to mark intersections and create visual interest.

Large uses architectural features, • should Thereintroduce are a number of infill development opportunities in this area. A such as main entrances, or use public art to create of the street network in the north-west portion will allow visual interestrationalization along building facades.

for the creation of development-ready parcels.

Larger scale uses should have an articulated facades using • building A cluster of new development along the Ste. Anne extension will consistent architectural treatments complete the existing row of residential units along Davidson Street. such as awnings and canopies to create visual interest at the ground • Other infill sites along Elm Street and Frood Road will help repair the floor.

street wall and support the main street role of Elm Street. • Parking in this zone will generally atebe provided through on-street and

Parks and plazas should be lined with continuous active eet str frontages nwhere ar y possible to d o increase sec ‘eyes on the street’

prim

ar y

stre

Side setbacks along secondary streets can be smaller than 3m, and line-up with existing context.

m ani

nd surface lots. Wherever possible, surface parking lots should be ea lat u c i buffered from the street by buildings or with landscaping. art

Buildings should maximize street frontage and locate building entrances on primary streets.

• At the edge of the downtown core, opportunity to introduce taller t

e trethe arrival into the Downtown buildings in this zone that will delineate ys

core and offer great views.

prim

ground floor heights should be a

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• In particular the generous sites at the cornerofof Anne extension minimum 4mthe floorSte. to floor retail or commercial and the realigned MacKenzie Streetwhere are good locations foruses mid- and

high-rise development.

siting and orientation

are encouraged.

Access to parking structures and servicing should not be located along primary streets.

• The residential development will help define the new segment of Ste. Anne Road. These buildings should be setback from this collector street

Mews streets should provide both pedestrian and vehicular access and should be design to complement the open space and/or adjacent buildings.

Position new development to create an easily navigable, safe urban experience.

to allow for front yard zones. • New development should utilize and extend the existing laneway structure in area.

connections and special moments • Monck Park will function as a gateway park into the Downtown and should have a distinct Frood Road frontage. The park should also be easily accessible from College Street.

Large uses should introduce architectural features, such as main entrances, or use public art to create visual interest along building facades. Larger scale uses should have an articulated building facades using consistent architectural treatments such as awnings and canopies to create visual interest at the ground floor.

• Nelson Creek should be represented in the landscape design of Monck

ate

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Park. • The desire to connect to the College Street and Frood Road intersection,

lat

icu

art

a and

will guide the configuration of the Ste. Anne Road extension. The geometry creates an opportunity to showcase the historic Inco Club building with a plaza space at the north-west corner of the building. • Existing historic buildings in the District, including the United Steelworkers Hall and the Layert building should be retained and celebrated through landscaping and strong urban design.

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ground floor heights should be a minimum of 4m floor to floor where retail or commercial uses are encouraged. Access to parking structures and servicing should not be located along primary streets.

Facades of large scale uses should contribute to the pedestrian environment. GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

5.6 West District The District Today The District west of Elgin Street and across the CP Rail corridor

The District Tomorrow

is an expansive, underutilized industrial area that is a remnant

This District is the only location in the Downtown capable of

of days gone by. Although the tracks in the area operated as

supporting the critical mass of development needed to create an

active rail yards for years, the site adjacent has in recent years

entirely new environment to transform the image of the core.

been largely inactive. Today this large site is used primarily for parking cars. The northern edge of the site fronting Elm Street still contains the original rail sheds that now contain a mix of commercial and community uses. The Beer Store and the Days Inn are the only other commercial buildings on the site. One of downtown’s most valuable but underutilized assets, the Sudbury District Energy Cogeneration Plant, is located in the southeast corner of the district. Relatively inaccessible and hidden from view, this site will remain undeveloped unless the necessary infrastructure (and necessary remediation) is put in place to release land and attract investment.

The rail lands will be reinvented as a destination for creative businesses and industries within Greater Sudbury. An early investment in infrastructure – namely the Larch Street extension and CP Rail Crossing – will open up the site up for further private and public sector investment, resulting in the incremental redevelopment of the rail lands. Home now to Sudbury City Inno-Park, the site will contain larger format office buildings in a campus like setting. Part of the Inno-Park could accommodate an Education Campus, allowing an expanded college presence in the Downtown. Each development in the Inno-Park will benefit from access to the District Energy Plant, providing tenants a more sustainable alternative to heating and cooling. The success of the Inno-Park

view of the west district looking north-east 94

FINAL DRAFT

is due in large part to its unique product offer – this type of office accommodation is not available anywhere else in Greater Sudbury or in fact any other city in northern Ontario. In the longer term with the relocation of the rail yards, the Inno-Tech Park could be

projects

legend

03 Inno-Tech Park

heritage buildings

16 Larch Street Extension

development parcels

and CP Rail Crossing 20 Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge

parking / servicing areas laneways / servicing access open spaces

expanded to the south.

25 West District Parkade

plazas

29 District Energy Expansion

office

At the centre of the Inno-Tech Park is the Common, a new open

31 Elm Street Rebuild

residential

35 Elgin Greenway

mixed use

43 Inno-Tech Common

parking structure

space that will provide additional park amenity and a green setting for the office development. The Common is positioned carefully to protect views down the extended Larch Street and through to the Downtown’s showpiece building, School of Architecture. In the more immediate term, Inno-Tech Common will act as a green link that connects Lorne Street across to the proposed Pedestrian

cultural and institutional special treatment street key pedestrian crossings mews streets

Bridge over the rail tracks at Cedar Street.

trails

To meet immediate demands for downtown parking, as well as

active frontage

building frontage

long term parking needs of the Inno-Tech Park development, a

gateways

new 250 car structured parking lot with integrated pedestrian bridge to navigate the rail tracks will be built in the eastern portion of the district.

ELM ST

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

located along local streets and consolidated wherever possible

Opportunities to create shared surface parking lots are encouraged.

Design Considerations uses and massing • This district represents significant redevelopment potential. A new

At the terminus of a street, buildings should cluster of office usestocentered on the Larch Street extension, and mixeduse height and/or architectural features mark intersections and visual interest. usecreate buildings along Elm and Lorne Streets will create a new critical

mass on the west side of the tracks. Parks and plazas should be

• Buildings should support lined with continuous activefloor plates of between 20,000 and 25,000 frontages where possible to square feet.

When developing large underutilized or vacant parcels, introduce a fine-grained street grid where possible to ensure new development is permeable and cohesive. Parks and plazas should be lined with continuous active frontages where possible to increase ‘eyes on the street’.

increase ‘eyes on the street’

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• To balance these large uses, it is important that the pedestrian-scaled

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environment extend to this zone. This can be achieved through the introduction of a newrepublic realm (such as the Inno-Tech Common) et ry

da and ensuring that con buildings along Elm and Larch Streets support active se

frontages.

• Parking in this zone will generally be provided through on-street and

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structures ext.

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surface lots. Wherever possible, surface parking lots should be

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buffered from the street by buildings or with landscaping. In the longer

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term, a new structured car park is recommended in this location. The creation of a central open space will act as a focal point for development and will help create a sense of place.

• Located at the edge of the downtown core, there is an opportunity to introduce taller buildings in this zone that will delineate and celebrate

estrian and to complement the arrival into the core and offer views over the Downtown. gs.

siting and orientation

Introduce a street grid that sets the stage for new development and open spaces.

proximity to existing residential • In The Inno-Tech Common will act a central feature. New development

fabric, ground floor uses should should frontbythis new open be dominated residential uses.space with entrances oriented towards the

park space.

The laneway system should be and expanded where • protected Buildings should address Larch Street, Elm Street and Lorne Street. possible.

Building setbacks should accommodate landscape treatments that will help create a sense of place at key corners.

Where possible, the configuration of new development parcels should preserve the opportunity to extend the existing street network.

Buildings should be setback from the street to accommodate landscaping zones.

rail

• A service route could be considered adjacent to the rail corridor to allow

trac

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sec building on servicing to be undertaken at the rear of new developments.

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t • Surface parking should be screened from the street or located to the

rail

rear of buildings.

connections and special moments et

e • The new CedarryStreet Pedestrian Bridge connecting this area to the str nda

eco

downtowns should be designed in conjunction with the parking structure.

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• The right of way for the extension of Larch Street westwards should

a prim

be protected from any short term development initiatives that could

eet

str

jeopardize this future link. A 3m setback can be provided to • The open space configuration should allow for the western extension of accommodate front yards or shared spaces. Cedaropen Street, should it ever be desired.

• Design the road network to allow for its extensions to the south if the rail yards were to be relocated (longer term).

FINAL DRAFT

New streets in should link to and align with existing streets from surrounding areas. Site access and access to parking structures should be located along local streets and consolidated wherever possible

Create a cohesive and integrated network by connecting new streets to the existing streets.

5.7 Railway Yards The District Today Edging the southern and western portions of Downtown is the

Should the rail relocation study conclude that the relative net

52-acre CP Rail Yard (including tracks and rail yards). These yards,

benefit of partial/full relocation outweighs other options and

which are located at the junction of CP’s national main line and the

that there is a financially viable business case for partial/full

Copper Cliff spur, provided the initial impetus for the community

relocation, the community could then begin to plan for how to

and are still actively used. However, these tracks occupy significant

best guide the integration of any surplus rail lands into the fabric

real estate that could be re-purposed in the longer term for more

of the city. This process would examine a number of strategic

contemporary uses that are more compatible with an active and

opportunities, including:

vibrant downtown location.

• how to best integrate this area into the fabric of the Downtown and the fabric of the residential neighbourhoods to the south

The District Tomorrow

and west;

During this Downtown Master Plan process, the community spoke to its desire to eventually see most, if not all, of the rail function relocated from Downtown and the existing rail yards woven into the urban fabric through a new system of streets and parks animated with a rich mix of urban uses. The community also spoke to the need to establish high speed rail infrastructure to connect Greater

• the best types, mix and form of uses; • intensification and affordable housing; • the creation of a public realm network of squares, plazas, parks and open spaces; • the creation of new types of connections to Ramsey Lake, including water-based connections; and,

Sudbury to other major urban centres and markets.

• the creation of new cycling infrastructure. This Master Plan acknowledges these desires and begins to set the stage with a bold vision to establish Inno-Tech Park at the

Whatever the questions, the process should provide direction on:

southeast quadrant of Lorne and Elm Streets. The relocation

• the future pattern of streets and blocks;

and redevelopment of the rail lands is a significant undertaking, which will take considerable time, research, analysis, planning and investment to occur.

• the future system of parks and open spaces; • the future type, mix, density and form of future land uses; • future infrastructure services;

This question could be explored through a rail relocation study, undertaken in consultation with the rail company and all other relevant parties, that would examine the need and feasibility of relocating the existing yards from Downtown to another site. This

• future community services and facilities; • environmental remediation; • phasing of development; and, • estimated capital costs and operational costs/revenues.

study would explore the relative costs and benefits associated with a number of options including the status quo, retaining some rail service Downtown, and full relocation.

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section 6

Action Strategy

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6.1

The Action Strategy The Downtown Sudbury Master Plan presents both a vision and an action strategy to enhance the role of Downtown as the centre of Northern Ontario through urban design, economic development and city planning. The Vision presented in the Master Plan anticipates incremental, long term change across much of the Downtown. Some changes can occur almost immediately, while other changes will take longer. This section presents the Action Strategy that will move the Master Plan from conceptual plan to reality. The strategy will be used to guide the City and its partners in focusing support, setting priorities and allocating budgets. 6.1.1 Phasing: A Ten Year Vision The Downtown Master Plan sets out a multi-year agenda for improving the Downtown. The Ten Year Master Plan presented below highlights the more immediate opportunities for revitalizing Downtown Sudbury and maps out the major initiatives that could be realized by the City Council and the community over the next decade. These selected projects are considered to be catalytic interventions that have the capacity of bringing significant spin-off benefits across the Downtown. Realizing these interventions sets the foundation for the achievement of the longerterm Vision, as presented in Section 3. To ensure that the Action Program is able to adapt to changing political and economic conditions, time frames must be flexible. Although the exact order of implementation will be dependent on availability of funding, private sector partners, technical requirements and community priorities, it is anticipated that improvements could be implemented in the following sequence:

Short Term (1 to 5 years)

Medium Term (6 to 10 years)

• Elgin Greenway

• Durham Shared Street

• Tom Davies Square Retrofit

• Larch Street Extension (West) and Rail Crossing

• Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery

• South District Parkade

• Paris Street planting

• Ste. Anne extension with cycle route

• Elm Street calming (landscape and on-street parking)

• Memorial Park expansion

• Laurentian School of Architecture

• Brady Green Stair

• N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre Retrofit

• Grey Street Pedestrian Connection

• Place des Arts

• Larch Street Plaza (at Elgin)

• CP at-grade rail crossing (discussions)

• Nelson Street Park (south of bridge)

• Larch Street Plaza

• Central Library

• West District Parkade & Cedar Street pedestrian bridge

• Multi-Use Meeting/Conference Facility

• Nelson Street Bridge retrofit/security upgrade • Security upgrade/lighting Bridge of Nations Underpass

On-going (anytime)

• Farmers’ Market Relocation / Station Plaza

• Prestige Office Growth

• Strategy development – public art, heritage, retail

• Downtown planting program

• Residential incentive program

• Expansion of college presence

• Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade

• Laneway Upgrade

• Carleton Street Park

• Rainbow Centre retrofit (Elm Street frontage)

• Minto Civic Corridor (phase 1)

• On-going residential infill • Expansion of cycle network • Gateway features installations

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6.1.2 Funding In the current fiscal climate, it would be unrealistic to think that every item in the Master Plan will be funded immediately and by one organization. The Master Plan and its projects must be funded by the community over time as opportunities present themselves. Many projects will require creative community funding partnerships to be realized. The Laurentian School of Architecture Laurentienne initiative stands as an important recent example of the types of collaborative funding arrangements that will be required going forward. Further consideration should also be given to the shared use of buildings between agencies and institutions. The City, Federal Government, Provincial Government, other public organizations, community partners and the private sector have and will continue to invest in Downtown Sudbury. The following examples provide a brief list of some of the types of programs that could be accessed to help fund the projects and initiatives contained in the Master Plan, including: • FedNor • Federal Government Program funding (e.g. Municipal Sustainability Initiative) • Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation • Provincial Government Program funding (including Northern Ontario Growth Plan) • Greater Sudbury Development Corporation • Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area Association • Downtown Village Development Corporation • TD Green Streets Program • Evergreen Programs • Private sector sponsorship • Public/Private partnership The Action Strategy Matrix presented in Section 6.1.4 identifies in general terms the proposed source of funding for each initiative. Existing City programs such as the Tax Increment Equivalent Grants could be used to fund particular components of the Master Plan.

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Downtown Sudbury Master Plan: 10 Year Plan Activity and Growth 01 03 04 05 06 06 07 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Prestige Office Sites Rainbow Centre Improvements Sudbury Arena Improvements Mixed-Use Infill Opportunity Site Place des Arts (location TBD) N’Swakamok Friendship Centre Downtown Art Gallery (location TBD) Farmers’ Market Laurentian School of Architecture Expansion of College Presence Contemporary Central Library (location TBD) Residential Incentive Programme Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Sites Residential Opportunity Sites

Access and Connections 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30

Larch Street Extension (West) Expansion of Cycle Network Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade Nelson Street Bridge Upgrade Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route Grey Street Pedestrian Connection Beech Street Mews Van Horne Street Realignment West District Parkade South District Parkade Transit Terminal Relocation District Energy Expansion Laneway Upgrade Strategy

Beauty and Pride 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 42 44 45 46 47 49 50 51 52

Elm Street Rebuild (planting and on-street parking) Paris Street Beautification Durham Street Upgrade Brady Street Calming Elgin Greenway Memorial Park Expansion Tom Davies Square Upgrade Minto Civic Corridor (Larch to Brady) Brady Green Stair Downtown Greening Strategy Carleton Street Park Gateway Treatment Larch Street Plaza Nelson Street Park Public Art Strategy Heritage Strategy Historic Downtown Core Preservation Celebrate the Creek Water Features

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‘Mixed Use’ may include a mix of commercial, cultural, residential, institutional, retail and community uses.

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6.1.3 Building Momentum: Year 1 Actions The following twenty actions should be undertaken by the City and its partners within the first 12 months of Master Plan implementation. These actions will ensure that momentum is carried forward and a solid foundation for future change is established.

1. Council to endorse Master Plan and Action Strategy in principle. 2. Refer Action Strategy to 10 Year Capital Budget planning. 3. Refine costs, where applicable and implement Year 1 Action Items as outlined in this section. 4. Create a Downtown Master Plan Implementation Team, comprised of City staff, project stakeholders and community partners. This team would be tasked with maintaining and building momentum around downtown revitalization (the Master Plan) and bringing forward identified priority initiatives. 5. Continue to assist the Implementation Team and other project partners build capacity to deliver projects and actions, as identified in Section 6.1.4.

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6. Continue to work with Laurentian University to finalize the design and construction of the Laurentian School of Architecture. 7. Continue to work with the Market Square Renewal Advisory Panel and the community to find a new location for and to create a strong and fiscally sustainable downtown market. 8. Continue to work with the Art Gallery of Sudbury and proponents of the Place des Arts project to realize these new cultural facilities in Downtown Sudbury. 9. Enter into discussions with Cambrian College about how the City can best assist the college to grow their downtown presence. 10. Consider Going Downtown, Growing Downtown - a Plan for the Future in the Water Wastewater Master Plan for the City of Greater Sudbury to ensure that there is adequate capacity to serve future growth.

11. Work with the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area and Downtown Village Development Corporation to implement the Elm Street Parking Pilot, investigate the possibility of making one municipal parking facility available for overnight parking to support downtown residential growth. 12. Work with the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area and Downtown Village Development Corporation to develop a capital plan to upgrade all downtown streetlights. 13. Begin the calming of Brady Street, with pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Brady and Minto Street including the installation of zebra stripes and pedestrian countdown timers. 14. Prepare the necessary information to administer a design competition for Tom Davies Square and Memorial Park. 15. Work with the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area Association and Downtown Village Development Corporation to begin to implement the recommended retail strategy.

16. Consider all relevant policy recommendations in the five year review of the Official Plan, as well as all relevant zoning recommendations. 17. Enter into discussions with CP Rail around a rail crossing at Larch Street, the Elgin Street Greenway Project and the Station Plaza Project. 18. Work with the Heritage Advisory Panel to update and rationalize the Heritage Inventory for the downtown. 19. Examine opportunities to create a residential incentive package for the downtown. Liaise with other municipalities who have successfully implemented these types of programs, including Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Regina. 20. Prepare a report to implement the recommended ten year action strategy to Council by June 2012.

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6.1.4 Action Strategy Summary The Action Strategy Matrix below serves as a guide to implementing the Downtown Master Plan. Across each of the Master Plan themes, the matrix provides a summary of how initiatives should be phased, how projects are related, who should lead each initiative, what partners could assist, where funding could come from and what next steps are recommended to realize each initiative.

Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

1 to 5

N/A

GSDC

Activity & Growth 05

Retail Strategy & Growth

City, BIA, DVDC 06

Friendship Centre Retrofit

1 to 5

N/A

NNFC Federal Government

Place des Arts

1 to 5

Site dependant

ROCS City, Province and Federal

Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery

1 to 5

Site dependant

FCAG City, Province, Federal, Other

Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market

1 to 5

Site dependant

City Federal, Province

Laurentian School of

1 to 5

Architecture

Elm Street Rebuild, Larch Street Plaza,

expansion of College Presence, Elgin

City, Province and Federal

Greenway 13

Residential Incentive

1 to 5

Programme

Prestige Office Growth

Expansion of College Presence

Mixed-use Infill Opportunity Site, Residential

City, GSDC, BIA, DVDC

Opportunity Site

Ongoing

Elm Street Rebuild, Paris Street

CGS

Beautification, Transit Terminal Relocation

GSDC, Private

Site dependant

Cambrian Province

Central Library

6 to 10

Site dependant

CGS Library Board, Community

Innovation - Technology Park (Inno - Tech)

10+

Larch Street Crossing, Larch Street

City

Extension, West District Parkade, Inno-Tech

Developer (through RFP)

Common

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Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

GSDC,

Create Recruitment Council and implement retail recruitment strategy as outlined in

Federal,

the Retail Strategy.

Province Federal

Upgrades currently underway. Finalize future expansion plans, secure funding and implement expansion.

City, Federal,

Province

Continue to liaise with ROCS as concept develops. Finalize functional program and site plans, confirm site, secure funding, finalize and secure approval for building plans, construct building, operate facility.

City, Federal,

Province,

Confirm site, design facility, secure funding, finalize and secure approval for building plans, construct building / retrofit building, operate facility.

Other City, Federal,

Work with Market Square Renewal Advisory Panel to finalize recommended relocation

Province,

plan, relocate market and implement recommended governance and operational

Other

strategy.

City, Federal,

Province City

Design facility, finalize and secure approval for building plans, construct building, select director, recruit staff and students.

Yes

Amend Metro Centre Community Improvement Plan to reflect recommendations of Downtown Master Plan and Action Strategy. Allocate funding to new residential grant program and implement program for limited period (e.g. $20,000 per unit, with a target of 10 units per year for 3 years). Refer to Appendix B for additional program details.

City, GSDC,

Yes

Private

Work with Transit and private landowners at intersection of Paris and Elm to create long term, phased development plans for the intersection and implement first phase of development. Consider developing Official Plan policies to direct significant new office development to Downtown Sudbury as part of Official Plan Review.

Cambrian,

Discuss possibility with Cambrian to confirm interest, feasibility and next steps.

Complete Board Strategic Plan, refresh functional program, investigate partnership

Province City, Other

opportunities, confirm site, secure funding, develop and secure approval for building plans, construct building and operate facility. City, Federal,

Yes

Develop tertiary plan and design guidelines, amend Zoning By-law (if necessary),

Province,

formulate a two stage call for proposals, implement call, select preferred lead

Private

developer, develop and secure approval for detailed development plans, and construct park as demand warrants.

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Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

Multi-Use Recreation &

10+

Minto Civic Corridor, Van Horne Street

Developer (through RFP)

Realignment, South Parkade, Brady Street

City, Province

Conference Complex / Hotel

calming 03

Rainbow Centre Improvements

Sudbury Community Arena

Ongoing

Parc des Pins, Beech Street Mews, Elm

Private

Street Rebuild

City

Minto Civic Corridor, Station Plaza

City Private

Upgrade 14

Mixed-use Infill

Ongoing

Site dependant

Private City, BIA, DVDC

Residential Edge Development

Ongoing

Ste. Anne Extension, Monck Community

Private

Park, Central Library, Residential Incentive

City, DVDC

Program 08

City of Sudbury Visitor Centre

10+

Tom Davies Square Upgrade

City Province, Federal

Railyard Relocation

10+

Inno-Tech Park, South District

CP Rail City, Imagine Sudbury, Private

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Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

City,

Develop more detailed business case and detailed tertiary plan and design guidelines,

Provincial,

formulate a two stage call for proposals, implement call, select preferred lead

Federal,

developer, develop and secure approval for detailed development plans, and build and

private

operate facility.

Private

Continue to improve façade and exterior area, consistent with recommendations of Downtown Master Plan and Action Strategy, including partnering with CGS on improvements, when Elm Street is approved.

City, Private

Complete Arena Renewal Strategy and upgrade accordingly. Liaise with current and possible future tenants to discuss new opportunities.

Private

Refer to #12 above.

City, Private

Refer to #12 above.

City, Province,

Complete 2011 Visitor Information Survey to confirm need. If needed, develop

Federal

functional program, explore opportunities for co-location and/or adaptive re-use, confirm preferred approach, secure funding and develop new facility. Design and develop Downtown Tourism Strategy and related marketing materials.

CP, Federal,

Yes

Confirm feasibility, prepare and implement long term relocation plan.

Province, Private.

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Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

Nelson Street Park, Elgin Greenway

City

Access & Connections 19

Nelson Bridge Retrofit /

1 to 5

CP Rail, Sust. Mobility Advisory

Security Upgrade

Panel, Rainbow Routes 18

Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel

1 to 5

Elgin Greenway, Station Plaza

City CP Rail, Sustainable Mobility

Upgrade

Advisory Panel, BIA, Rainbow Routes, Connect the Creek, 20

Cedar Street Pedestrian Bridge

1 to 10

Laurentian School of Architecture, Cedar

City

(With

Street Pedestrian Bridge, Inno-Tech Park

Private, Laurentian University

Laurentian School of Architecture, Cedar

City

Street Pedestrian Bridge, Inno-Tech Park.

Private

Elm Street Rebuild, Monck Community Park,

City

Residential Opportunity Sites

Sust. Mobility Advisory Panel,

parkade (see #25)) 25

West District Parkade (approx.

1 to 10

200 to 250 spaces)

St Anne Extension and Cycle

6 to 10

Route

Rainbow Routes, Connect the Creek 22

Grey Street Pedestrian

6 to 10

Connection

Memorial Park Expansion, Brady Green

City

Stair, Brady Street calming

YMCA / Older Adults Centre and Various Military Organizations

South District Parkade (approx.

6 to 10

200 to 250 spaces)

Laneway Upgrades

Ongoing

Van Horne Street Realignment, Transit

City

Terminal Relocation

Private

N/A

City Greater Sudbury Police Services

CP At-Grade Rail Crossing

6 to 10 or

Larch Street Extension West, Elgin

City (Roads)

10+

Greenway, Inno-Tech Park

CP Rail

6 to 10 or

Larch Street Rail Crossing, Inno-Tech Park,

City

10+

West District Parkade

Private

Nelson Street Park, Elgin Greenway

City

Tied to devâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;p. 16

Larch Street Extension - West

Tied to devâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;p. 19

Nelson Street Bridge Upgrade / Replacement

10+

CP Rail, Sustainable Mobility Advisory Panel, Rainbow Routes

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Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

City, Private,

Conduct safety audit of bridge and area, develop detailed landscape and bridge

Other City, CP Rail,

improvement plan, secure funding and implement improvements. No

Federal,

Conduct safety audit of underpass and area, develop detailed engineering and landscape plans, secure funding and implement improvements.

Province Private, City

Pedestrian Bridge tied to construction of parking structure and is a component of the West District Parkade. Design bridge in consultation with CP and LU. Secure approval for bridge from CP and construct, as part of West District Parkade.

Private, City

Maybe

Approve and implement the Downtown Parking Strategy. Establish acceptable parameter to finance, build and operate facility and, if necessary, issue proposal call to attract private sector partner. Consider amending the Metro Centre CIP to stimulate private investment with Tax Increment Equivalent Grants.

City

Prepare more detailed plans, secure funding and implement improvements.

City

Develop detailed design plan, secure funding and implement improvements.

Private; City

City

Conduct a Safety Audit of laneways in downtown. Introduce new lighting and security features as necessary.

City, CP,

Amend Official Plan to show proposed crossing and Larch Street Extension – West.

Federal,

Engage CP with intent of negotiating and entering into an Agreement for the crossing.

Province

File the Agreement to the Canadian Transportation Agency. Fund and construct the crossing

City, Private

Yes

Amend the Official Plan to identify the extension of Larch west from Elgin to Lorne. Design, fund and implement extension in conjunction with Inno-Tech Park Development.

City, CP Rail,

Replace bridge, as needed.

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Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

Beech Street Mews

10+

Parc des Pins, Rainbow Centre

City

Improvements, Elm Street Rebuild

Rainbow Centre, Ste. Anne des Pins

Central District Parkade

10+

N/A

Private

(approx. 120 to 160 spaces) 28

Transit Terminal Relocation

Van Horne Street Realignment

Larch Street Extension - East

City

10+

Van Horne Street Realignment, South

City

Parkade, Minto Civic Corridor

Federal, Province, Private

10+,

Multi-Use Recreation & Conference Centre

City (Roads)

tied to

Complex/Hotel, South District Parkade,

Private

devp.

Transit Terminal Relocation

10+,

Residential development

City Private

Tied to devp. 17

Expansion of Cycle Network

As part

Ste. Anne Road Extension, Elgin Street

City

of other

Greenway

Sustainable Mobility Advisory Panel, Rainbow Routes.

projects. 28

Transit Terminal Upgrade

10+,

N/A

City

District Energy Expansion

On-going,

Various

SDEC

as part of other projects

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City

Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

City, Private

See #41 below.

Private, City

Approve and implement the Downtown Parking Strategy. Build lessons learned from construction of other parkades into parametres to finance, build and operate facility, including method of procurement.

City, Federal,

Upon completion of new transit garage, begin to plan for long term relocation of transit

Province,

terminal, funded in part, from proceeds raised from the sale and development of the

Private

site for prestige office purposes (see Project # 2 above).

Private, City

Refer to #4 above.

Private, City

Yes

Explore possibility of implementing extension as part of the Centennial Enterprise proposal. Implement, if feasible

Varies by

See relevant project descriptions.

Upgrade terminal, as required.

Continue to use all reasonable efforts to provide active support to an expanded district

project City, Federal, Province SDEC

energy system.

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Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

1 to 5

St Anne Extension, Rainbow Centre

City

Improvements, Retail Opportunity Sites,

BIA, DVDC, Private

Beauty & Pride 31

Elm Street Greening and On-Street Parking Pilot

Mixed-use Infill, Heritage Strategy, Celebrate the Creek 32

Paris Street Beautification -

1 to 5

Carleton Street Park, Celebrate the Creek

Planting 37

Tom Davies Square Upgrade

City BIA, Connect the Creek

1 to 5

Memorial Park Expansion, Minto Civic

City

Corridor, Visitor Centre, Celebrate the Creek Water Features 39

Station Plaza

1 to 5

Elgin Greenway, Minto Civic Corridor, Bridge

City

of Nations Upgrades, Nelson Street Bridge

CP Rail

Upgrades, Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market 44

Bridge of Nations security

1 to 5

upgrade and lighting

Elgin Greenway, Nelson Street Bridge

City

Upgrade

Police Service, BIA, Lions,

improvement 45

Carleton Street Park

Larch Street Plaza

Heritage Strategy

Private 1 to 5

1 to 5

Paris Street Beautification, Downtown

City

Planting Program, Celebrate the Creek Water

Horticulture Society, Connect

Features

the Creek

Laurentian School of Architecture, Elgin

City

Greenway

Laurentian University

Residential Infill, Mixed Use Infill, Retail

City

Strategy

Municipal Heritage Advisory Panel, Private

Elgin Greenway

1 to 5

Laurentian School of Architecture, Station

City

Plaza, Riverside Pedestrian Tunnel Upgrade,

Laurentian University, Sust.

Nelson Street Bridge Upgrades

Mobility Advisory Panel, Rainbow Routes, Others

Elm Street Rebuild

10+

St Anne Extension, Rainbow Centre

City

Improvements, Retail Opportunity Sites,

BIA, DVDC, Private

Mixed-use Infill, Heritage Strategy, Celebrate the Creek Water Features 33

Durham Shared Street Upgrade

6 to 10

Mixed-use Infill, Retail Opportunity Sites,

City

Laneway Upgrade Strategy, Heritage

BIA, DVDC, Private

Strategy, Brady Green Stair 36

Memorial Park Expansion

6 to 10

Brady Green Stair, Grey Street Pedestrian

City

Connection, Minto Civic Corridor, Tom Davies

Various Military Organizations,

Square Upgrade, Celebrate the Creek Water

Private, Other

Features

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Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

City, BIA,

Consider Elm Street On-Street Parking Pilot at Operations Committee and, if approved,

DVDC; Private

implement pilot project in 2012. Prepare detailed Public Realm Plan for upgrade of Elm Street.

City, BIA,

Private, Other City, Other

Refine planting plan and associated cost estimate. Secure funding and implement green improvements, where possible, within existing cross section.

Refine concept plan, programming recommendations and budget. Secure funding. Initiate international design competition for improvements and implement winning improvement scheme.

City; CP Rail

Acquire site from CP. If acquired, develop detailed landscape plan, secure funding and implement improvements. Station Plaza design should be integrated with Elgin Street Greenway design.

City

Update safety audit of underpass and immediately surrounding area. Introduce new lighting and other security features, consistent with the recommendations of the Master Plan and Action Strategy, as necessary.

City, Private,

Upgrade park as part of Paris Street Beautification.

Plaza could be incorporated into site plan for Laurentian School of Architecture.

City

Yes

Implement heritage strategy as recommended in the Master Plan and Action Strategy

Other

and Heritage Position Paper, as appropriate. City;

Yes

Refine plans, secure funding and implement improvements.

Laurentian University, Private, Other City, BIA, DVDC, Private, Other City; BIA; DVDC; Private City, Private, Other

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Project

Phase (years)

Related Projects

Suggested Project Lead & Partners

Brady Street Calming

6 to 10

Brady Green Stair, Grey Street Pedestrian

City

Connection, Minto Civic Corridor, Multi-Use

BIA, DVDC, Private

Recreation / Conference & Hotel Complex 40

Brady Green Stair

6 to 10

Memorial Park Expansion, Grey Street

City

Pedestrian Connection, Brady Street

YMCA; Parkside Older Adults

Calming, Durham Shared Street, Celebrate

Centre

the Creek Feature 44

Bridge of Nations and Brady

6 to 10

Street underpasses 47

Nelson Street Park

6 to 10

Elgin Greenway, Brady Street Calming and

City

Green Stair, Nelson Street Bridge

CP Rail

Elgin Greenway, Nelson Bridge Upgrade

City CP Rail, Sustainable Mobility Advisory Panel; Rainbow Routes; Horticulture Society

Minto Civic Corridor

1 to 5:

Memorial Park Expansion, Tom Davies

Larch to

Square Upgrade, Brady Street calming

Larch to Brady: City Brady to Elgin: Private

Brady 10+: Brady to Elgin 41

Parc des Pins

Monck Community Park

10+

Beech Street Mews, Rainbow Centre

City

Improvements, Celebrate the Creek Water

Adjoining Property Owners,

Features, Elm Street Rebuild

Connect the Creek

Ste. Anne Extension, Celebrate the Creek

City

Water Features, Residential Opportunity

Property Owner, CANS

Sites 43

Inno-Tech Common

10+, tied

CP Crossing, Larch Street Extension West,

Private

to devp.

Inno-Tech Park, Cedar Street Pedestrian

City

Bridge 42

Downtown Planting and

Ongoing

Various

City BIA, DVDC

Streetscape Improvement Program

Public Art Strategy

As part

Monck Community Park, Parc des Pins,

City

of other

Carleton Street Park, Station Plaza, Tom

Arts & Community Groups

projects.

Davies Square Redesign, Laurentian School of Architecture

Celebrate the Creek Water

As part

Monck Park, Parc des Pins, Elm Street

Features

of other

Rebuild, Paris Street Beautification, Carleton

projects

Street Park, Tom Davies Square Redesign, Memorial Park Expansion, Brady Green Stair

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Varies by project

Potential Funding

Policy Update

Next Steps

City, BIA,

Improve quality of Brady and Minto Street intersection and upgrade existing landscape

DVDC, Private

areas in immediate term. Refine plan and cost estimate for longer term improvements. Secure funding and implement improvements.

City; YMCA;

Discuss project with YMCA/OAC. If consensus, refine plan and cost estimate. Green

Parkside Older

Stair could be included in design competition for Memorial Park and Tom Davies

Adults Centre

Square.

City, CP,

Prepare a Gateway Plan showing necessary improvements to gateways identified

Federal,

in Plan, using existing Streetscape Plan as starting point. The gateway plan should

Province

include a lighting strategy.

City, CP Rail,

See Project # 18 above.

Consider improvements to Larch to Brady as part of Tom Davies Square redesign and

Private, Other

City, Private

Memorial Park Upgrade.

City, Private,

Yes

Other City, Private,

Work with landowners to create landscape and property acquisition strategy. Secure funding and implement improvements.

Maybe

Other

Work with owner to explore opportunity and acquisition strategy. Secure site, develop plan, fund and implement.

Private

Maybe

Develop park as part of Inno-Tech Park Development.

City, BIA,

Complete streetscape improvements along Cedar Street and implement improvements

DVDC, Private

along Larch Street, Lisgar Street and Young Street in that order of priority, consistent with streetscape study. Improve one street per year. The balance of the streets downtown, would be improved consistent with this Master Plan. As a separate item, develop a five year capital plan to replace all streetlights downtown with the new standard called for in the streetscape study and bring capital plan to Council for separate approval.

City, Federal,

Yes

Develop new public art installations in locations recommended in Master Plan and

Province,

Action Strategy as part of proposed capital projects. Create a public art policy in

Private

Official Plan as part of Official Plan Review and consider levying a 1 percent fee for public art for public developments in Downtown Sudbury.

Varies by project

Work with partners to ensure that Nolin and Junction Creeks are appropriately acknowledged through landscaping in appropriate parks and streets, as noted above.

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6.2

Policy Directions To allow the growth that will help bring forward the vision, some of the City’s regulatory policies and zoning controls need to be amended. 6.2.1 City of Greater Sudbury Official Plan The Official Plan is the most important land use planning tool in

• Section 13.2 should be reviewed and updated in light of the

the City. It was developed over a four-year time period involving

Heritage Strategy presented in the Master Plan. This includes

extensive consultation with the community and other stakeholders

making reference to specific heritage incentives available to

(including more than 45 public meetings and 30 stakeholder

the downtown as part of the Heritage Structures, Districts And

consultations) before being adopted by City Council in 2006 and

Cultural Landscapes programs.

ultimately approved in 2008. The City will be reviewing its plan later this year.

• Economic Development objectives presented in Section 17.1 should be augmented with a specific policy objective relating

Although the Master Plan Vision and many of its specific initiatives

to directing office employment to the downtown (Class A and

can be supported by existing Official Plan policies, amendments

business park formats).

to some policy areas will help strengthen the role of the Downtown and the intentions of the Master Plan. Recommended amendments to be addressed through the five-year review of the

• Economic Development programs listed under section 17.6 should be augmented with the following:

Official Plan include:

– Policy 17.6(f) – make a direct reference to a downtown Business Park / Innovation Park.

• Section 4.2.1 should be reviewed and revised in light of

– Policy 17.6(h) – should emphasize more strongly the importance of creating a downtown that is the centre of activity for Northern Ontario.

the recommendations within the Master Plan and Action Strategy. In particular, the Section 4.2.1.2 should specify priority capital projects to be realized over the next ten years as part of the Master Plan and Action Strategy. • Parks and Open Space programs listed under section 7.2.1 should identify the upgrade of Tom Davies Square as a priority as well as connecting Tom Davies Square to Memorial Park. • Road Network Implementation Priorities presented in section

– A new program policy, 17.6(i), should be introduced that focuses on The City of Greater Sudbury as a centre for education and training in the north. Specific reference should be made to growing and diversifying the City's educational offer through an expansion of educational services in the downtown. • Housing objectives presented in section 18.1 should actively

11.2.2.1 should be updated to reflect proposed roadway

promote the development and growth of a housing market

upgrade and extension in Master Plan area.

downtown and outline those relevant strategies recommended by the Master Plan and Action Strategy.

• To facilitate the growth of transit across the city, Section 11.3 should include reference to the longer term opportunity to relocate and expand the transit centre within the Downtown

• Section 18.1 should reference the housing targets for the Greater Downtown as presented in Section 3.3. of the Master Plan

boundaries. • Schedule 1a Land Use should be amended to reflect new park • Active Transportation: Pedestrian And Bicycle Network programs listed under section 11.7 should reference the

spaces proposed in Master Plan (Elgin Greenway, Parc des Pins, Monck Park and smaller community parks).

development of Elgin Greenway system and Ste. Anne Road cycle route.

• Schedule 1a Land Use should be expand the formal boundary of the Downtown towards the north, as illustrated in the Master Plan.

118

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6.2.2 Zoning Bylaw 2010-100Z • Schedule 5 Trails should be amended to show new cycle routes along Ste. Anne Street and Elgin Greenway.

The Zoning Bylaw for the City of Greater Sudbury has recently benefited from a comprehensive update, which replaced and consolidated eight Zoning By-laws into one zoning control

• Schedule 6 Transportation Network should be amended to add

document for the City of Greater Sudbury. No appeals to the

proposed new roads, including Larch Street West and Ste Anne

Ontario Municipal Board were filed and the by law came into force

extension.

in September 2010.

• Schedule 7 Road Right of Way Widths should be reviewed with

To promote growth and investment in the downtown, the existing

ROW widths for Paris, Brady and Elm street reconsidered once

zoning permissions for the Downtown are generous. However,

detailed design of road upgrades agreed.

some minor amendments are recommended to bring the bylaw in line with the Master Plan proposal. Amendments suggested

• Recommend that Class A office growth be directed towards the

include:

Downtown. Restrict premium office growth in other locations. • Consider introducing a more restrictive height strategy to During the Official Plan Review process, City Staff may identify

protect views to surrounding landscapes and maintain existing

additional suitable updates to implement the Master Plan and

heritage character of the central portion of Downtown. Height

Action Strategy.

limits should be placed along Durham Street and portions of Cedar, Larch, Elm, Elgin streets (refer to Section 4.3.4). • Require provision of dedicated bicycle parking areas on any

Official Plan Review

new surface parking lots in the Downtown.

The purpose of the Official Plan is to provide a plan of how to achieve the community that people collectively

• Require all major new-build development in the Downtown to

desire. All municipalities are required under provincial

provide on-site parking, as per the existing bylaw standards.

law to undertake an Official Plan Review at least every five years, and the process must include extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The City of Greater

• Do not allow residential units at-grade along retail streets (Durham, Elgin, Larch and Cedar)

Sudbury is about to embark on its Official Plan Review process, where they will be required to collect public

City Staff may identify additional suitable updates to implement

comment on how the Official Plan should be updated to

the Master Plan and Action Strategy.

reflect new and emerging community priorities. Through the Official Plan Review Process, agencies, stakeholders and downtown communities should work to ensure that the Vision and opportunities presented in the Master Plan are fully represented in the updated Official Plan.

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119

6.2.3 Metro Centre Community Improvement Plan The Metro Centre Community Improvement Plan was first approved by the Council for the former City of Sudbury in the late 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and amended over time to respond to new issues and opportunities.

5. Create a per-unit grant program to kick start the residential construction market, as recommended in the

This CIP is the legislative vehicle through which the city created and

Master Plan and Action Strategy.

administered its successful Tax Increment Finance Program and Financial Incentives for Downtown Renewal (e.g facade improvement grants) Pilot Program. This latter program was recently wound down,

6. Realign the existing Facade Improvement Grant Program and Building/Planning Fee Grant Program in line above

with a program evaluation report to Council earlier this year. The City

programs.

is also in the process of developing a new Community Improvement Plan for its Town Centres and there is some thought to harmonize the financial incentives offered in the Downtown and Town Centres. Community Improvement Plans are very unique and useful tools and the City of Greater Sudbury should clearly continue use this tool to stimulate change, consistent with the recommendations of the Master Plan and Action Strategy. To this end, the Metro Centre Community Improvement Plan should be updated to:

Expand the formal boundary of the Downtown to the north, as illustrated in the Master Plan, and bring it in line with the Official Plan.

All other elements of the Plan, including the Building Improvement Loan Program, should be removed. Similar programs could be considered for use in the Town Centres through the Town Centre Community Improvement Plan.

1. Re-brand the Community Improvement Plan as an implementation vehicle of this Master Plan; 2. Harmonize the boundaries of the Tax Increment Finance component of the plan as well as the Development Charge By-law with the Financial Incentives for Downtown Renewal component, to reflect the boundaries recommended by the Master Plan and Action Strategy. 3. Adjust the existing Tax Increment Finance (now more commonly known as Tax Increment Equivalent Grants - TIEG) to provide the incentive to developers earlier in the process by reducing the grant period from its existing ten year period to a shorter time frame (e.g. five years) with a corresponding adjustment to the grant sliding scale. 4. Refocus the TIEG Program to match some of the key planning objectives of the Master Plan and Action Strategy, namely the creation of new residential, office and retail space, as well as new structured car parks. 120

FINAL DRAFT

6.2.4 Growth Plan for Northern Ontario The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario is a strategic framework that will guide decision-making and investment planning in Northern Ontario over the next 25 years. The goal of the plan is to build stronger, prosperous northern communities by better managing growth, making more efficient use of infrastructure and directing investment to create a globally competitive regional economy. The regional importance of Downtown Sudbury has been formally recognized by the Province in its Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, which identifies the Downtown as one of five â&#x20AC;&#x153;strategic core areasâ&#x20AC;? in the North where a significant portion of future residential and employment development is to be directed. The Plan calls for revitalization strategies to be prepared for strategic core areas to facilitate growth and investment and capitalize on future government funding opportunities.

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121

122

FINAL DRAFT

Appendix A

Priority Capital Projects

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123

Elgin Greenway (project 35) A new ‘green edge’ is proposed for the south-western side of Downtown Sudbury. Running the length of Elgin Street, the Elgin Greenway will provide a beautiful new face to the downtown, buffer the downtown from the rail land and create an expansive shared-use trail that connects the downtown to the lake, the hospital and the university beyond. In the fullness of time, it is envisioned that the Elgin Greenway will complete the missing active transportation link between the institutions in the north such as College Boreal and the university and other attractions in the south. 2.0m 1.5m The Greenway will act as a linear park, linking several of the downtown’s ped zone

0.5

min

most popular destinations and also providing better access to key

street furnishings,

neighbourhood connections, such as the Nelson Bridge and a new shelters, planting pedestrian bridge at Riverside Drive. The landscape design for the

+/- 3.0m +/- 3.0m travel lane/ travel lane parking lane

0.5

1.5m 2.0m +/- 3.0m min travel lane/ ped parking zone street lane furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 3.0m travel lane

zone

Greenway should echo Sudbury’s northern landscape and include trees, 4.0m rock and water features. It is recommended that public art installations boulevard

that celebrates Sudbury’s heritage be integrated into the design of the

12.0m

4.0m

roadway

boulevard

20.0m

Greenway, punctuating key intersection and vistas.

Elm Street

A potential cross-section for the greenway is presented below. Given

typical condition the varying characteristics of the right-of-way, the cross-section will from Paris St to Lorne St - two travel lanes (one in each direction)

need to be somewhat flexible. For example, on-street parking could be

and on-street parking on both sides of street

existing provided in some locations, but restricted in others to allow forcondition turning - 4 lanes of traffic (12.5m roadway), no parking, existing ROW ranges between 20.0m and 28.4m

lanes. From a cycling perspective, it is recommended that the ideal cross-section for the multi-use path be 3 metres, not including space for pedestrians. If the path is shared with pedestrians, the width should be 4 metres.

varies railway lands

varies

3.7m

planting zone

2.0m

3.0m

ped zone

cycling path

2.0m

0.5

street furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 3.75m travel lane

+/- 2.8m parking lane

0.5

2.0m

street ped furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

note: typical condition will vary in different locations along the length of Elgin Street

11.2m

10.3m

4.5m

boulevard

roadway

boulevard

26.0m 124

FINAL DRAFT

Elgin Street

Elm Street Rebuild (project 31) Elm Street is Sudbury’s historic Main Street and remains one of the most important east-west connections in the downtown. Today, Elm Street is designed to favour the vehicle. This street could be redesigned to better balance the needs of vehicles and pedestrians and create a better balance for main street retail and residential. The goal of this initiative is to rebuild and reinvent Elm Street as a highly visible symbol of a prosperous future for the City of Sudbury. A comprehensive makeover of this Main Street would be a central component of a new message about the quality of life, not only in the Downtown, but for the wider City of Greater Sudbury. Bringing renewed life to one of Sudbury’s most important Main Streets will begin with the restoration of Elm Street between Paris Street and Lorne Street, and will require the following actions: • Introduce traffic-calming measures, including onstreet parking, landscaping, enhanced pedestrian crossings to make Elm Street more pedestrian friendly. • T hrough lane reductions, on-street parking could be accomodated on one or both sides of the street as a pilot project. This would become permanent when the Ste. Anne Road/College Street connection is completed. Initially the parking could be free to avoid the need for new meters. • C ontinue improvements to façades of the Rainbow Centre, including potentially redesigning the loading and driveway access from Elm Street (in cooperation with the mall owners). • Streetscape treatments the length of Elm Street including a planting scheme and street furniture. • Consider celebrating the Nolin Creek alignment through art/signage in the public realm. • Remove the medians along Elm Street between Durham Street and Paris Street in order to create more generous pedestrian zones.

2.0m ped zone

1.5m min

0.5

street furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 3.0m +/- 3.0m travel lane/ travel lane parking lane

+/- 3.0m travel lane

0.5

1.5m 2.0m +/- 3.0m min travel lane/ ped parking zone street lane furnishings, shelters, planting zone

• A new hard landscaped linear plaza fronting the Rainbow Centre and opening onto Elm Street.

4.0m

12.0m

4.0m

boulevard

roadway

boulevard

20.0m GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Elm Street

125

typical condition from Paris St to Lorne St - two travel lanes (one in each direction)

Paris Street Beautification (project 32) Paris Street forms part of an important north-south corridor that connects the South End to the Valley and beyond. It is the most important corridor leading into Downtown Sudbury. As the welcome mat to the city, this street should create a strong and positive impression and relay the story of what it means to be from Greater Sudbury. Paris Street should be beautified to better meet these goals. Advancing the City’s regreening agenda, Paris Street would benefit from an aggressive landscaping scheme (street trees, shrubbery 0.5 and plants) between the Bridge of Nations Anne’s 2.0mSte. +/2.5m Road. +/- 3.0m 2.0m and

street ped shared space zone furnishings, parking/ shelters, spill-out zone planting zone

travel lane

Planting would help beautify the street, better define and contain

+/- 3.0m travel lane

its expansive edges and reinforce the message that Sudbury is a ‘green city’ and ‘city of nature’. In the short term, planting would

0.5

2.0m 2.0m +/- 2.5m street shared space ped parking/ furnishings, zone spill-out zone shelters, planting zone

be undertaken in the medians (where space permits) as well as the boulevards along the east and west sides4.5m of the road. A new park 11.0m

4.5m

boulevard space could be introduced on the residual lands to the east of Parisroadway

boulevard

between Cedar and Larch. Part of the beautification of Paris Street 20.0m would include a public art component that celebrates Sudbury’s heritage. Art installations could be installed along the medians or at

Durham Street

the junction of Notre Dame and Elm Street. typical condition from Paris St to Lorne St / with two travel lanes (one in each direction) and on-street parking on both sides of street

There may not be sufficient room at Elm/Notre Dame to install new (12.3m roadway), parking on both sides of existing condition - 2 lanes of traffic street, existing ROW ranges between 19m and 20.4m public art in short term. The Downtown Streetscape Study Phase

2 recommended that public art be installed in the median at Notre Dame and Ste. Anne Road, as well as Paris Street and Van Horne. This could be accomplished in the short term.

varies private setback

1.0

2.0m

2.5m

0.5

pedestrian street zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 3.5m travel lane

+/- 7.0m planted median

+/- 3.5m travel lane

0.5

2.5m

2.0m

6.0m

28.0m

6.0m

roadway

boulevard

FINAL DRAFT

Paris Street

1.0

street pedestrian furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

boulevard

40.0m 126

+/- 3.5m travel lane

varies private setback

Durham Street Upgrade (project 33) Durham Street is Downtown Sudbury’s most important shopping and dining street. This busy street is the primary spine of the Downtown, connecting the traditional Main Street of Elm to the emerging Arts & Culture Quarter along Elgin Street. To showcase this busy street and to help enhance the downtown experience as a whole, Durham Street would benefit from an upgrade of its public realm condition. Key improvements to Durham’s public realm would include: • Introducing a special paving treatment along the length of Durham to create a condition unique to this shopping and dining spine. The paving treatment would be used to differentiate Durham Street from other downtown streets. • The paving treatment would delineate a ‘shareduse zone’, where on certain days parking spaces could transition into spill out spaces and terraces to support the restaurants and cafes. The occasional transformation of Durham Street into a pedestrian only zone should also be continued for major downtown events. • Treatments for Durham Street could also include raising the entire street in front of the YMCA or between Cedar and Larch Street to provide event space in conjunction with temporary closures. • Renewed landscaping the length of Durham Street. • Renewed and coordinated street furniture and lighting the length of Durham (as per City’s existing standards). • Laneway improvements could be considered (lighting, painting, signage) for those laneways connecting through to Durham Street. • Create an improved pedestrian link directly to Memorial Park from Durham Street.

1.5m min

street nishings, elters, anting zone

2.0m ped zone

4.0m

boulevard

in each direction)

Kitchener King Street and City Centre Distr

IBI Group was retained by the City of Kitchener in 2007 to redesig streets in the downtown district, which involved developing a Stre Master Plan for King Street and the City Centre District. The plan w on the principle that an investment in high quality public realm will catalyst for private sector investment, intensification and renewal o Centre District in the downtown Kitchener core.

The project is successful in working with the Downtown BIA as we 2.0m several +/- 2.5m +/- 2.5m +/- 3.0m +/- 3.0m 2.0m with ordinating of the major events that2.0m take2.0m place in the d street street ped shared space travel lane travel lane shared space ped furnishings, furnishings, zone parking/ parking/ zone Oktoberfest core including; Cruising on King Street,spill-out Bluesfest and shelters, spill-out zone zone shelters, 0.5

0.5

planting

zone The projectzone showcases several innovative design features includin removable bollards to allow for flexible sidewalk/parking and road infiltration grates to direct stormwater runoff to planter 4.5m 11.0m 4.5m beds and s boulevard boulevard Other key el mountable curbs to improveroadway pedestrian accessibility. include the doubling of the urban 20.0m street tree canopy, generously w sidewalks, two revitalized public plazas, various seating types, bik GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE 127 and public art that all promote a vibrant pedestrian-friendly streets

Durham Street

typical condition from Paris St to Lorne St / with two travel lanes (one in each

existing condition - 4 lanes of traffic (12.5m roadway), no parking, existing ROW ranges between 20.0m and 28.4m

Minto Civic Corridor (project 38) Minto Street is a small street with a big role. It is a historically

The following design parameters should be considered as part of

important street that now holds an official designation as

this initiative:

Veteran’s Ways. In addition to its symbolic importance, Minto

•

Street is also functionally important as one of the few north-

parking allows for expanded sidewalks and planting zones.

south connections through the downtown. Minto Street also

•

ties together the Downtown’s two main public park spaces, Tom Davies Square and Memorial Park. varies

3.7m

planting zone

2.0m

3.0m

ped zone

cycling path

2.0m

0.5

street furnishings, shelters, planting zone

Design should work within existing right-of-way. Removal of

+/- 3.75m travel lane

Introducing a special paving treatment along the length of Minto Street to create a condition unique to this civic

+/- 3.75m travel lane

As a low traffic street, it is recommended that Minto Street

•

between Brady and Larch Streets be designated as a ‘shared

spine. 0.5This special treatment would help to visually1.0integrate 2.0m

+/- 2.8m parking lane

space as pedestrian and cycle friendly. It is recommended that 10.3m 11.2m the street be reconfigured to twoboulevard lanes to allow for the introduction roadway of wider sidewalks and street trees. As part of the redevelopment 26.0m of the block between Elgin Street and Brady Street, Minto Street

•

zone

shelters,

varies

private setback

2.0m

2.5m

0.5

pedestrian street zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+ t

Extensive tree planting is required along length of Minto planting zone

Street.

street’ and support a special surface treatment that defines the

2.0m

street ped Tom Davies Square. Memorial Park with furnishings,

On-street parking to be provided south of Brady Street, but 4.5mof Brady to expand the pedestrian zone. 6.0m removed north

boulevard

• Upgrade pedestrian crossing with traffic box, wide zebra-

stripe road marking or different paving materials to create more visible pedestrian crossings.

should be re-designed as a pedestrian oriented street. This would

Elgin Street include narrower traffic lanes, raised intersections and built-in

•

South of Brady, a minimum of 3m building setback from

lane would be retained. Upgrades are required at the pedestrian

•

Co-ordinated signage/banners/street furniture should be

typical condition from Elm St to Drinkwater St - two travel lanes (one in each direction) andan on-street parking on one side of street property line is recommended. curb extensions, for example. South of Brady, on-street parking existing condition - 2/3 lanes of traffic (12.5m roadway), parking on one/both

of street, existing ROW 20.0m crossing at Minto Street and Brady Street.sides The reinvention of

Minto Street as a pedestrian-friendly shared street will create a

introduced that mirrors treatment on other Downtown streets.

•

This project can be phases, with Phase 1 occurring as part of

downtown ‘pedestrian loop’, including Durham, Elm, Minto and

the redesign of Tom Davies Square/Memorial Park upgrade,

Elgin streets.

and Phase 2 occurring with the redevelopment of land south of Brady.

on-street parking to be provided only south of Brady Street

varies private setback

0.9

2.0m

0.5

street ped zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 3.75m travel lane

+/- 2.8m parking lane

0.5

2.0m

4.9m

10.3m

4.9m

boulevard

roadway

boulevard

20.1m 128

FINAL DRAFT

2.0m

street ped furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

Minto Street

typical condition from Larch Street to Elgin Street

0.9

+/- 3.0m private setback

varies private setback

2.0m

pedest zone

on-street parking to be provided only south of Brady Street

Larch Street Extension and CP Rail Crossing (project 16) Extending Larch Street eastwards from Lorne Avenue and across

•

The new Larch Street CP rail crossing should be at grade

the rail lands will create a new entry point into the Downtown

•

The City should work with CP to co-ordinate train signals at

0.5 the 0.9 that links into and provide an additional vehicular connection 2.0m

varies

2.0m

private ped wider Greater Sudbury network. This setback extension will alsostreet allow for zone furnishings,

0.5 0.9 intersections. both Elm/Elgin and Larch/Elgin 2.0m 2.0m +/- 3.0m +/- 2.8m

+/- 3.75m travel lane

•

shelters, an alternative east-west route across the tracks and through planting the

street

parking

core, helping to relieve traffic issues on Elm Street. This initiative

•

would add a much needed second rail crossing and help to unlock

private setback

West of Elgin Street, the design of the Larch streetscape

can transition as it moves through the Inno-Tech Park / rail 10.3m 4.9m lands area. In this zone, four lanes of traffic without on-street

the future redevelopment opportunity of the rail lands. 4.9mThe rail boulevard crossing is essential to access landlocked parcels for the Inno-

roadway

Tech Park, to provide easier access to downtown parking provision

boulevard

direction. 20.1m

parking is appropriate, with dedicated bike lanes in either

and for making easy and effective connections to the western part of the city, should not be underestimated.

varies

private

shelters, planting zone

Larch Street.

zone

ped

Street trees be planted on setback both sides of the extended furnishings, lane should zone

•

Along the Larch Street West extension, the city should

preserve the opportunity for an intersection to be introduced Minto Street

typical condition from LarchtoStreet Street allowto forElgin future redevelopment of rail lands. with two travel lanes and on-street parking on east side - with the exception of In the fullness of time and in response to emerging development no on street parking between Larch Street to Brady • As part of the LarchStreet Street West extension, District Energy

opportunities, this new cross-town route could be extended to the east past Brady Street. Navigating the grade change and

existing condition - 20.1m ROWshould be considered when designing the road. infrastructure

•

connecting into St Raphael Street and Howey Drive beyond, this

Lorne and College intersection should be recognized as a primary Gateway to the downtown, with Larch and Elgin as a

route will create an impressive new eastern gateway into the

secondary/pedestrian Gateway.

Downtown. This eastwards extension should be designed as a

•

pedestrian friendly street with limited vehicular capacity, which

New signalized intersections are required at College & Lorne as well as at Elgin & Larch intersections.

extends the existing character and urban quality of Larch Street.

•

The Elgin / Larch intersection should be sensitively designed to accommodate the Elgin Greenway.

The following design parameters should be considered as part of this initiative:

2.0m

0.5

ped street zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

+/- 2.8m parking lane

+/- 3.5m travel lane

+/- 2.8m parking lane

0.5

2.0m

varies

2.0m

private setback

ped street furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

4.5m

12.6m

4.5m

boulevard

roadway

boulevard

21.6m GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

Larch Street Extension

typical condition from Paris St to Lorne St - two travel lanes (one in each direction)

129

Ste. Anne Extension and Cycle Route (project 21) The extension of Ste. Anne’s Road to connect it directly to Frood

the Ste. Anne cycling route through to the existing trail along

Road / College Street will provide an alternative east-west route

Junction Creek.

through the downtown and remove some of the traffic from Elm

•

Street. The extension will also create several new development

if new development sites are to be realized.

parcel fronting Ste. Anne. The extension and realignment will

•

0.5 require the 1.0 removal or reconfiguration of the Sudbury Star

varies

2.0m

2.5m

+/- 3.5m travel lane

+/- 7.0m planted median

building. In the longer term, improvements will be required to private setback

pedestrian street zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

MacKenzie / Ste. Anne intersection will require a full-redesign

the Lorne Street underpass. The width of the street allows for

•

the introduction of a dedicated cycling lane(s) to connect into

The proposed geometry of the College / Ste Anne intersection 0.5

1.0

+/-tested +/- 3.5m 3.5m to be 3.5m further 2.0mturningvaries will+/-need to ensure2.5m adequate travel lane

travel lane

radius for trucks can be realized.

street pedestrian furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

In fullness of time, the College Street underpass could be upgraded (as per existing plans).

the City’s wider cycling network at Junction Creek. This new • 28.0m

connection will provide 6.0m a missing link in the cycle network and boulevard allow for a connection to be made into the new Elgin greenway

roadway

multi-use path.

40.0m

In light of Nelson Creek alignment, topography and on-going 6.0m flood risk, Ste. Anne’s may be an appropriate location for the boulevard City to consider introducing bio-swales and other storm water management techniques.

The following design parameters should be considered as part of

Paris Street

this initiative: •

typical condition from St Anne St to First Nation’s Bridge - six travel lanes (three in each direction) and no on-street parking

As a transition zone to a residential area, the Ste. Anne

extension between the proposed Beech Street Mews and existing condition - 3.8m or larger travel lanes could be reduced over time Frood Road should support a more modest 26m right-of-way, supporting 4 lanes of traffic, with dedicated bike lanes in either direction. •

Dedicated cycle lanes should be considered on both sides of Ste. Anne that tie into the regional system and connect to the Elgin Greenway.

•

Harrows should be introduced along Louis Street and connect

varies private setback

2.0m

0.5

pedestrian street zone furnishings, shelters, planting zone

1.5m bike lane

+/- 3.5m through lane

FINAL DRAFT

1.5m bike lane

0.5

2.0m

street pedestrian furnishings, zone shelters, planting zone

4.5m

17.0m

4.5m

boulevard

roadway

boulevard

26.0m 130

private setback

St Anne Road

typical condition from Paris Street to Frood Road

varies private setback

Memorial Park Expansion and Grey Street Mews (projects 36, 22) Memorial Park is the most important open space in the downtown

The following design parameters should be considered as part of

and the main green gathering and play space in the core.

this initiative:

Proposed changes to the Park are mainly minor. A redesign of some of the Park’s components would strengthen this role while also helping to improve perceptions of safety within the park. At present, Memorial Park has two strong edges on Brady and Minto

Minor Improvements: •

Formalize western edge of park with new mews street, lighting and planting.

Streets. By expanding the park to the west, and introducing a new

•

Expand park to north west.

pedestrian and cycle connection on side, a third edge could be

•

Co-ordinate work with St. Andrew’s Place, who are currently

created. This would create a better address for the YMCA services

planning a redesign of their ground floor exterior courtyard

that front onto the western edge of the Park as well as help to

space to better integrate with Memorial Park.

showcase the heritage buildings (Church of the Epiphany and

•

Knox Church) on the park by giving them additional frontage. To

Frame park with sidewalks on all sides (including northern edge).

create this new edge condition and expand the park, parking and

•

Improve lighting, especially along northern edge/laneway.

blank walls fronting the park along the west would have to be

•

On-going planting.

•

Continue to formally program space with community events.

removed. To reinforce this new edge and improve pedestrian and cycle mobility through the Downtown a new pedestrian path is proposed that extends north from Grey Street connecting through to Larch Street (in the longer term).. This generous pathway will be multiuse, including limiting vehicular access necessary to provide

Longer Term Improvements: •

main entrance to park. •

the pathway to extend directly through to Larch Street

Reconfigure YMCA parking access to allow redesign of southern edge of park, accommodate proposed Brady Green

access to the YMCA’s covered parking area. In the long term, the removal or reconfiguration of 81-83 Larch Street would allow for

Extend mews street through to Larch Street to create new

Stairs and improve Day Care Outdoor play space. •

New development parcel overlooking park (cultural facility? Expansion of YMCA?)

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

131

Tom Davies Square Redesign (project 37) Tom Davies Square is the Municipality’s most high profile civic

•

The grade change between Memorial Park and Tom Davies

space as well as the primary address for the Province of Ontario

Square needs to be fully reconsidered. Transition should be

and the City’s police services. When first introduced in the 1970s,

designed in a way to blend/flow into Memorial Park.

the Square and its related office towers were cutting-edge design.

•

Introduce a water element evocative of Junction Creek.

Today, however, the space is not functioning as optimally as it

•

Continue to provide green roofs and rooftop planting.

•

Pursue discussions with Bell to invigorate the west and south

could. The improvement strategy for Tom Davies Square is tied in with the upgrade of Memorial Park. These two important open spaces need to complement one another and support a more integrated design. Essentially these two parks should operate as

facades of the Bell building. •

within the Square should be fully explored. An initial

one with the proposed Minto Civic Boulevard acting as the seam

assessment suggests there could be infill opportunity for a

between the two. It is recommended that an international design completion be undertaken for the upgrade of Tom Davies Square.

complementary office, institutional or cultural building. •

treatments, signage, planting, pedestrian access points, etc.

opportunities: Creating more inviting and permeable edges to the Square that creates improved sightlines to and through the space. •

Retain the flexible, multi-use function of the space with hard landscaping, but introduce additional green spaces to provide relief from hardscape and re-define the character of the space.

132

FINAL DRAFT

Reconsider the design of the Paris Street loading area. This high profile frontage would benefit from new architectural

A redesign of the square should consider addressing the following •

Opportunities for introduction of additional buildings

•

Encourage more programming of the square through community events and festivities.

Parc des Pins and Beech Street Mews (projects 41, 23) Parc des Pins is a bold move that will transform the northern

Durham Street through to Beech Street and beyond to St

terminus of Durham Street, introduce a new park space to the

Anne. It is recommended that the north-south portion of

northern portion of Downtown and create an appropriate setting

Beech Street be downgraded to a mews and extended along

for the iconic churches of Christ the King and Paroisse Sainte-

the edge of the Rainbow Centre creating a mews street from

Anne-des-Pins. Integrating these historically and culturally

St Anne to Elm Street. This mews street should include

important assets more closely with the heart of the downtown

special paving to define it as a shared street.

will help create a more positive identity and remind visitor and

•

residents of downtown’s cultural significance. Parc des Pins will be an appropriate interpretation zone for this historic district.

be downgraded to servicing. •

western façade. A new west entrance for the Rainbow Centre

this initiative:

that relates to Elm Street and adjacent plaza space would

The closure of Durham Street north of Elm and the reallocation of this area from street to park land.

•

The development of Parc des Pins should be tied into the reconfiguration / redevelopment of the Rainbow Centre’s

The following design parameters should be considered as part of •

Beech Street west of Elgin Street (to Durham Street) should

Comprehensive re-landscaping of the area, including

greatly enhance the experience of the Rainbow Centre. •

Public art component should celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the area.

planting, lighting, paving •

The route of the Nolin Creek system should be represented in the landscape design of the park

•

It is important to retain a strong pedestrian connection through the Parc des Pins that connects Elm Street and

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

133

Regreening Downtown: Tree Planting Program (project 42) Greater Sudbury is striving to become a sustainable community. Efforts to recreate healthy ecosystems on the landscape of Greater Sudbury have been underway for almost 35 years with 9 million trees planted and 3,500 ha of land repaired. Now that trees are growing on the formerly barren hills that edge the city, it time for Sudbury to turn its attention to some of its more urban settings, starting with the Downtown. As part of this urban beautification initiative, it is recommended that existing planting in the Downtown be further augmented with additional street trees (native species) and shrubbery. All streets in the core would benefit from a programme of street tree planting. Growing the downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tree canopy will leave a positive environmental legacy by improving water quality, conserving energy, lowering city temperatures, reducing air pollution, enhancing property values, providing wildlife habitat, and making beautiful public spaces. Several comprehensive streetscape initiatives are planned for keys streets in the downtown. These will undergo their own greening program and are excluded from this larger tree planting program. These projects include Elm, Durham, Paris, and Elgin. This initiative will require the introduction of new tree pits and/or planters which should be designed to promote tree growth. This would include critical elements such as high soil quality, adequate soil volumes, and a watering and maintenance program.

134

FINAL DRAFT

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Municip pality: Saskatoon, SK K Program T Title: Downto own Housing Incentives Prrogram; Vaca nt Lot and Ad daptive Reusee Incentive Program Agency: Down ntown Housin ng Reserve (u unsure where the capital comes from) Funding A Program SStart Date: 20 002; policy re evised in the sspring of 201 1, updated figures not kno own. *all of the e following figgures are as o of 2009 of projects ap pproved: 9 (first projects aapproved in 22005) Number o New constructtion ‐ restricte ed residency: 1 New constructtion ‐ unrestriicted residency: 3 Renovation: 0 Residential con nversion: 5 New unitss created: 447 (2009) Increase iin Downtown n Population:: 582 (based o on assumed 11.3 ppu) Value of IIncentives: $5 5,131,748 primarily in tax abatements Value of N New Investm ment: $80,122 2,000 Typical In ncentive Amo ount: varies Program G Goals: Over 2 25 years, a do owntown pop pulation incre ase from 3,0000 to 10,000,, and up to 5,500 new houssing units in th he downtown n. This amoun nts to approx imately 220 n new housing units per yeaar. Program Elements: policy: There aare 4 types off incentives su upported by tthe original p program, each h for a specifiic Original p nature of project: 1)) New Construction ‐ Unre estricted Resid dency Progra m 2)) New Construction ‐ Restrricted Residency Program 3)) Renovation Program 4)) Residential Conversion P Program Revised policy: 1)) Vacant Lot aand Adaptive Reuse Incenttive 2)) Downtown Housing Reno ovation Incen ntive 3)) Downtown Housing Convversion Incentive

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Policy Description: The e original 4‐pronged incen ntive program m was replaceed in spring off 2011 by a citty‐ wide policcy for infill, prrioritizing vaccant lots and buildings in ddesignated "EEstablished Neeighbourhood ds", including the "Downto own". The new w policy retains line items for the "Dow wntown Housing Renovatio on Incentive"" and the "Do owntown Hou using Converssion Incentivee." The New C Construction incentives ap ppear to have be een wrapped d in to the "Vaacant Lot and Adaptive Re use Incentivee". Primary M Mechanism(s): Original p policy: 1)) New Construction ‐ Unre estricted Resid dency Progra m: For new construction of rresidential un nits open to teenants of anyy kind. Incentive amounts to an abatement o of the full amount of the in ncrease in prooperty taxes rresulting from m the developmen nt for 5 years. 2)) New Construction ‐ Restrricted Residency Program:: nits targeted tto a particular group (seniors, studentss, For new construction of rresidential un which allows the tax increase etc). The incentive takes tthe form of a property taxx abatement w d‐in over 5 ye ears. to be phased 3)) Renovation Program: m of a tax abatement of 2 25% of For renovation of existingg housing unitts. Incentive ttakes the form property taxess, up to a maxximum of $100,000/year fo or 5 years. the annual p 4)) Residential Conversion P Program For developm ment convertting former co ommercial/inndustrial build dings to multii‐unit residen ntial. Incentive takkes the form of an abatem ment of the fu ll amount of the increase in property taaxes resulting from the develo opment for 5 yyears. Also, aa possible reb bate of existin ng property taaxes during consttruction (up to o 2 years) and d possible rebbates of 75% of any offsitee or direct developmen nt charges. Revised (ccurrent) policcy: 1))Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive: For new construction on a vacant site//redevelopmeent or renovaation of a vaccant building. Incentive comes as a choiice between: a) a tax abat ement equal to the earned incentive amount; or b b) a cash gran nt, equal to th he earned inccentive amount. 2)) Downtown Housing Reno ovation Incen ntive: ovation of exissting housingg in the Down town. Incentive takes the form of a taxx For the reno abatement o of 25% of the annual value e of property taxes to a maax of $10,000 0 per year, forr 5 years. Prioritty is given to projects that provide sign ificant improvement in the quality/amenity of existing housing OR pro ovide increassed accessibil ity to populattions currently not being served. 3)) Downtown Housing Convversion Incentive: For projects which involve the converssion of formeer commercial/industrial building spacee to multi‐unit re es. Incentives may include the followingg additional b benefits (in ad ddition to thee Adaptive Reuse Incentive e): a) A rebate e of up to 75% % of any offsitte developmeent levies; b) a rebate of up to 75% of an ny Direct Servvicing Chargess; AND c) a reebate of existing property taxes paid during cconstruction, for a duratio on of up to 2 yyrs.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Evaluation Criteria: Evvaluation crite eria listed are e from the currrent revised policy. pments must b be proposed on vacant lannd or a vacant building, orr in an occupieed To be eliggible, develop building in n need of ren novation or co onversion, in the designateed Downtown n area. Propo osals are evalu uated and rated d on a points ssystem. Each eligible development is giiven a base off 50 points. Additionaal points are aawarded in th he following categories, wi th a varying n number of po oints availablee for different ssolutions in e each categoryy. (see append dix C): 1) housingg type; 2) Mixed‐use developm ment; 3) Parkingg facilities; 4) Adaptivve Reuse of b building; 5) Contrib butes to publiic realm; 6) Environ nmental Remediation; 7) Transit Oriented Devvelopment; 8) Sustain nable Develop pment; and 9) Heritagge Positives:: The Downto own Housing IIncentives pro ogram (in its original incarrnation) has ccreated approximately 75 new units per yeaar since 2002. The related increase in p population has taken a tren nd of stable dow wntown popu ulation and nudged it into an apparent positive population growtth trend. Negativess: While curre ent growth is not close to tthe target of an average o of 220 new ho ousing units p per year, it is a good start tto a very longg‐term prograam. While som me years saw w only a few n new residential 06 alone saw roughly 380 n new units com mpleted in th e downtown. units, 200 As of 2009 9 there were no applicatio ons for reside ential renovattion incentivees. This is perh haps becausee the low demaand for reside ential units in the downtow wn at this poi nt in time sup pports only new units (conversio on or new construction) an nd/or larger d developers (m more personaal speculation n than any pro oof). The city anticipates thaat as demand d for downtow wn housing inncreases, the renovation in ncentive will become m more popular. Lessons Learned: For rreasons not listed, the program took 3 yyears to be u used at all, and 4 years to b be h any noticeab ble impact. W While it has be een slow to sttart up, the program is exp pected to create used with its own m momentum, a phenomenon n which is alre eady being seeen. For the yyear 2009, a ssingle developm ment was expe ected to creatte "a minimum of 200 unitts" in the dow wntown. As m more projectss are completed successfullyy, demand for future proje ects should grrow. Anotherr important element is thee distinct in ncentive programs for distiinct types of d developmentt. As the mostt aggressive p package of incentivess, the converssion option has so far been n the most ussed part of th he program ‐ as the downttown populatio on grows, the mix of downttown housingg options mayy be fine‐tuneed by makingg the differentt incentive options more e or less attraactive to deve elopers and pprivate individ duals.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Indeed, th he original po olicy was seen n to be very successful in aattracting buyyers (particulaarly for conveersion purposes)) but not as su uccessful in aattracting devvelopers for nnew constructtion projects. The goal is th hat the revise ed policy will be better suitted to attractting new deveelopment on vacant lots. Related D Documents: Downtow wn Housing Incentives Annual Report, M March 2009; City of Sasskatoon Coun ncil Policy No. C09‐035: Vaacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentivee Program, March 7, 2011

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Municip pality: Win nnipeg, MB B Program T Title: Downto own Residenttial Developm ment Grant Prrogram Funding A Agency: CentrreVenture De evelopment C Corporation, vvia the Urban n Developmen nt Bank Under The e Communityy Revitalizatio on Tax Increm ment Financingg Act, the Cityy and Provincce each committe ed $10 million n in incremental taxes for aa total of $200 million in avvailable grantss.) Program SStart Date: 20 010; It is a 3‐yyear, limited program. Number o of projects ap pproved: 16 cconditionally approved New unitss created: Current approvval: 606 cond dos, 135 rentaal units; otal new unitts: 800 (670 condos, 130 re ental units) To Increase iin Downtown n Population:: Estimated 1,,000 to 1,5000 additional population in tthe downtow wn. Value of IIncentives: $2 20 mil in gran nts (in the form of tax refu nds) Value of N New Investm ment: N/A Typical In ncentive Amo ount: $25,000 0 average per unit Program G Goals: The prrogram aims tto create as m many units ass possible, in aa range of sizzes and costs,, within the e three years and with $20 0 million in grrant money a llotted for thee program. The progrram is targeting an overall minimum 10 0% of affordabble units, and d 10% barrier‐free units (th his will not be e per‐buildingg, but program‐wide). Program Elements: The progrram provides grants for the development of: 1)) New residen ntial or mixed d‐use buildinggs; 2)) Redevelopm ment of existin ng vacant ressidential or m mixed‐use buildings; 3)) Conversionss of non‐resid dential buildin ngs to residenntial or mixed d‐use buildinggs. Policy Description: The e program provides cash ggrants for new w developments based on the "incremeental taxes" cre eated by rede evelopment. C Condominium m developmennts receive th his grant amo ount annually for 10 years; rental units rreceive these grants for up p to 15 years. Mechanism(s): There is a ccomplex matrrix which outllines the maxximum grants allowable for Primary M each deve elopment, witth the highest maximum ggrant provide d for low rent/low assesseed value unitss, and the lowesst maximum ggrant provided for the high hest rent/highh assessed vaalue units. Maaximum grantt

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

amounts range from $20,000 to $40 0,000 annually. Condominnium develop pments receivve this grant amount annually for 10 0 years; rentaal units receivve these grannts for up to 115 years. Proggram applican nts may also choose to recceive a lump‐sum grant for the net pressent value of the full amou unt of the graant. To be eliggible, the prop perty must be e within the D Downtown booundary, and be owned byy the applican nt (or the appliccant must havve been issue ed a condition nal approval oon the properrty). Additionaally, projects m must provide one of the fo ollowing: 1)) New multiple family resid dential or mixxed‐use (withh a minimum of 4 residenttial units). Forr this policy, “multtiple family reesidential buillding” is definned as: a buildding that con ntains four or more dwelling units and includees a mixed‐ usse building annd the residenntial portion of which is classified forr assessment purposes as R Residential 2 or Residentiaal 3; 2)) The redevelopment of an n existing multi‐family resiidential or miixed‐use build ding that is vaacant (min 4 reside ential units) 3)) The addition n of residential unit(s) to aan existing buuilding (minim mum 1 unit) 4)) The converssion of a build ding without aan existing reesidential com mponent to either a multip ple family reside ential or mixe ed‐use buildin ng (minimum 4 residential units) Evaluation Criteria: Eliigible projects are judged aand awardedd incentives based on the ccontribution tthey opment of do owntown, including providding a balancee of housing o options. New w will make to the develo housing in n the past few w years has faavoured high‐‐value condom minium deveelopment, and d this program m seeks to w work in tande em with otherr downtown h housing initiaatives to provide the physical housing sttock needed fo or the housingg demand. Another ssignificant item for eligibility is that the developmennt must put no o physical infrastructure burden on n the city. The e project musst be frontingg a street withh existing watter and sewer, or must have made arraangements w with the Deparrtment of Waater and Seweer to pay for aany upgradess necessary. Positives:: The city had previously had a tax abatement prograam for resideential units do owntown, butt it did not crreate as much h new development as had d been anticippated. While the downtow wn vacancy raate has long rremained around 1%, deve elopers felt th he $20,000 prroperty tax break was not significant enough to o cover the co ost of buildingg or renovatin ng in the dow wntown. The new Downtown Residential Developm ment Grant prrogram appeaars to be mucch more attra ctive, as it waas conditionaally fully enrollled within the e first year aftter its announ ncement. The e program is aanticipated to o be extended soon. An additio onal benefit ffor the prograam (as planne ed, not verifieed yet) is thatt it effectivelyy pays for itseelf. As the first d developmentss mature, the new propertty tax collecteed with more than cover the expense o of the early yearrs of the grant program. It will of course e be a long‐teerm return, b but should mo ore than pay ffor itself in th he long run w with the growtth spurred byy new developpment. Negativess: A common criticism of the program is that it has nno official maandate for affordable houssing options. TThere is conce ern around th he communityy that new reesidential devvelopment in recent years has skewed to oward high‐end condomin niums, leavingg unmet dem and in the low w‐income com mmunity, and d a

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

lack of balance in the ccommunity. TThe differential grants provvided by the program are hoped to recctify this issue and provide at least 10% low‐income aand 10% barr ier‐free accesss housing, th hough the final mix has been left to the market. Lessons Learned: The downtown de evelopment ggrant program m is not inten nded to be a sstand‐alone program. Rather it is part of a holisttic, cross‐dep partment effoort to reinvestt in the down ntown. Environmental and eco onomic sustainability are kkey componeents of the city's current fisscal plan, and d the centre venture development corp. has been worrking for a nuumber of yearrs to attract aa more diverse set of businessses and institutions to do owntown Win nnipeg. This p rogram is seeen as a more aggressive m move to attract a larger resid dential populaation in the d downtown. Prrevious tax ab batement pro ograms saw moderate e success, butt saw little new developme ent. This proggram is intend ded to support and be supported d by myriad o other program ms and incenttives across thhe city. In thee spring of 2011, the City’ss Downtow wn Housing Strategy and th he Downtown n Parking Straategy were pu ut into place iin support of further do owntown growth. Related D Documents: The City o of Winnipeg D Downtown Re esidential Devvelopment Grrant Program By‐Law No. 7 77/2010, Consolid dation update, April 27, 20 011; CentreVenture Backgro ound Informaation table

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Municip pality: Reggina, SK Program T Title: Downto own Residenttial Incentivess Program (DR RIP) Funding A Agency: Orchestrated thro ough the planning division and City Cou uncil, funded b by the City off Regina 997; the proggram has been reviewed a longside city‐‐wide housingg policy Program SStart Date: 19 periodically since its in nception. of projects ap pproved: Currrently unavailable. I believve it is approxximately 8‐10 0. While city‐w wide Number o housing p programs have e been review wed periodicaally, this proggram does nott seem to havve been well‐‐ tracked ‐ no review do ocuments with h cumulative numbers aree readily available. ood Plan indi cates that as of 2009, app proximately 40 00 New unitss created: The Downtown Neighbourho units had been added to the downttown since 19 990, "mostly ddue to the DR RIP". Increase iin Downtown n Population:: Unknown. Value of IIncentives: Unknown. Value of N New Investm ment: Unknow wn Typical In ncentive Amo ount: Typicallyy under $20,0 000 per unit; exact amoun nt is unknown n. Program G Goals: At pro ogram inception, no distincct goals were laid out. As o of 2000, the sstated goal remained "attract any housing to th he Downtown n". Goals havee been createed in the 2009 Downtown Neighbou urhood Plan, o of 5,000 more e persons in tthe next 15 yeears. Program Elements: on for the devvelopment off: The progrram provides tax exemptio 1)) New residen ntial or mixed d use buildinggs (but only foor the residen ntial portion) 2)) Conversion of any existin ng building to o residential uunits Policy Description: The e program is a refinement of an older ccity‐wide housing policy from 1990 whiich provided tax exemptio ons at a varietty of rates forr residential ddevelopment anywhere in the city boundarie es. While prevvious legislation provided different ratees of exemption for differeent building ttypes and locatiions, this proggram has gon ne one step fu urther and fu lly exempts aany residentiaal housing unit in the downtown, constructed after 1996. Mechanism(s): The program provides fo or 100% tax eexemption for any new ressidential Primary M construction or converrsion of buildings to reside ential use withhin the designated Downttown Zone, ovver a uction. period of 5 years after the completiion of constru

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Evaluation Criteria: To o be eligible, tthe project m must contain rresidential un nits and have started construction after Jan 1, 1996. All applications are subject to approval by ccity planning and by City Council. A A variety of Co ommissions regarding the Downtown nneighbourhoo od and Downttown housingg have been n created sincce program in nception ‐ the e particular reesponsibilities of each are still being discovered. Positives:: Regina had aa downtown population off approximat ely 650 in thee 2006 censuss. Unlike Winnipegg, there was little or no dem mand for hou using of any kkind in the dow wntown. Thiss program, ass used in conjuncction with a n number of oth her incentive programs, haas managed tto stimulate ssome developm ment in the do owntown despite the low d demand and reluctance off lenders to commit to downtown developme ent. wn have been n realized thro ough converssion Negativess: The majoritty of new units created in the downtow of existingg non‐residen ntial buildingss. The high co ost of new devvelopment an nd low rent‐rates in the Downtow wn have up to this point cre eated a logicaal barrier to nnew constructtion within th he downtown n. Developm ment has not b been balance ed, rather skewed toward lower‐value ccondo and rental units. Th he new Downtown Neighbourhood Plaan seeks to uttilize the varieety of incentiives availablee to create a m more ood, includingg low‐income housing and higher value rental and co ondo units. Th he balanced neighbourho City has also begun to work with ed ducational insstitutions locaated in the do owntown to ttarget student housing in nitiatives. Additionaally, the policyy does not cover the non‐rresidential poortions of mixxed‐use buildiings, thereforre possibly d deincentivising mixed‐use conversions. When develoopment occurrs in a recogn nized heritagee building, tthe Heritage Conversion TTax Incentive d does cover thhe non‐resideential portion, but this seems to be a rare case. be on the tracck toward succceeding with h this program m by identifying Lessons Learned: Regina seems to b that innerr‐city develop pment is a priority, and agggressively pu rsuing it through a varietyy of incentivess, at all three levels of gove ernment. The municipality has taken ca re to review tthe policy and d programs e city‐wide ho ousing policiees) and has beeen making p policy more an nd periodically (in conjuncction with the more specific as the co ontext allows. While the DRIP policy ha s not itself ch hanged since its adoption iin 1997, its b broad nature allows the pllanning conte ext to change around it. Th he Downtown n Plan and conseque ently the Dow wntown Neigh hbourhood Plaan have creatted greater co ontrol over th he type and location o of development while still providing an open financiaal incentive fo or any residential project which con nforms to the e plan. Additionaal policies worrking in tande em with the D DRIP include: Inner City Ho ousing Stimulation Strateggy (ICHSS) fu unded by the City of Reginaa, targeting n neighbourhooods directly bo ordering Dow wntown; Mun nicipal Incentive Policy for the e Preservation n of Heritage Properties (CCity of Reginaa) targeting designated buildings for cconversion to o multi‐unit re esidential; Oldd Warehousee District Inceentive Program m heritage b (City of Re egina) targetss the Old Warrehouse Distrrict abutting tthe downtow wn; the Conversion Residen ntial

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Rehabilitaation Assistan nce Program ((CMHC) for co onversion of non‐residenttial to affordaable rental housing; aand a long listt of other pro ovincial and fe ederal incent ives for afforrdable housing. The City o of Regina's we ebsite include es an interacttive mapping feature for lo ocating the ho ousing incenttives available from all gove ernmental levvels in any given area, to heelp property owners and d developers identify th heir options. Associate ed Documents: The Futurre of Housing in Regina ‐ Laaying the Gro oundwork, preepared by Th he Mayor's Ad dvisory Comm mittee on Houssing Regina Do owntown Neighbourhood Plan, prepare ed by the Offiice for Urbanism

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Municip pality: Ham milton, ON N Program T Title: Downto own and Com mmunity Rene ewal Division (parent divisiion). 3 separate e incentive prrograms for rresidential development (oout of 6 total programs available in thee downtown): owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program; 1)) Hamilton Do 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram; and 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou using Loan an nd Grant Proggram Funding A Agency: Funds are provide ed by the City of Hamilton and administtered by the D Downtown an nd Communiity Renewal D Division. Program SStart Date: The DCRD wass founded in 2 2001 to foste r well‐roundeed growth in Downtown Hamilton,, as well as th he surroundin ng communityy Downtownss. The program ms have had minor adjustments (and one re‐naming) in n the past 10 years, but arre all intact ass originally plaanned. Number o of projects ap pproved: As o of 2010: 1)) Hamilton Do owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program: 155 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram: 13 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou using Loan an nd Grant Proggram: Not listted. Any num mber would include developmen nt in commerccial corridors outside of thhe downtown as well. Total: min nimum 28 New unitss created: As of 2010: 1)) Hamilton Do owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program: no ot listed 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram: 747 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou using Loan an nd Grant Proggram: Not listted. Any number would incclude developmen nt in commerccial corridors outside of thhe downtown as well. Total: 861 1, avg 86/yea ar Increase iin Downtown n Population:: +1,200 in the Downtown Hamilton Secondary Plan area (smalleer than the D Downtown Co ommunity Im mprovement P Plan Area, butt more closelyy aligned with h 2001 censu us tracts) Value of IIncentives: Ass of 2010: 1)) Hamilton Do owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program: $33,110,200 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram: $2,671,369 (intereest + default) using Loan an nd Grant Proggram: Not listted. 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou Value of N New Investm ment: As of 20 010:

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

1)) Hamilton Do owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program: $668,139,100 (ccost to value rratio: 1:15) 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram: $84,799,813 (cost to vaalue ratio: 1:3 32) 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou using Loan an nd Grant Proggram: Not listted. Typical In ncentive Amo ount: No "typiical" award amount listed.. Averages ass of 2010: 1)) Hamilton Do owntown Pro operty Improvvement Grantt Program: $2207,000 per p project 2)) Hamilton Do owntown Mu ulti‐Residentiaal Property Innvestment Pro ogram: $3,575 (interest + default costs) per unit; or $18,200 per unit 3)) Commerciall Corridor Hou using Loan an nd Grant Proggram: loan am mount is $10,000 per unit, up to o $200,000 pe er property. Program G Goals: The prrogram is a taargeted effortt to create divversified grow wth in the downtown and the communitty downtown ns in Hamilton n. The program combines a variety of in ncentives to b best support the type of grrowth desired d in the downtown. By offe ering more thhan one optio on, the city ho opes to captu ure as much growth as possib ble in the dow wntown. ntives supportt Corporate Strategic Plan Desired End Result 4.10 ‐ decrease offfice vacancy rates The incen by 25%; and Corporate e Strategic Plaan Desired En nd Result 7.1 ‐ increase ressidential unitss in the Downtow wn Core by 150 units per ye ear. Program Elements: The program prrovides loans and grants foor projects th hat include: dings within the 1)) New or expaanded/renovated residenttial AND/OR ccommercial laand and build downtown.. The Hamilto on Downtown n Property Im provement G Grant Program m had a vacan ncy requiremen nt in previouss years which is no longer rrequired, in aa bid to increaase uptake. 2)) New or reno ovated multi‐‐unit residenttial or mixed uuse within the downtown (Hamilton Downtown Multi‐Reside ential Property Investmentt Program); and 3)) Conversion of existing bu uilt commerciial space to reesidential uniits, renovatio ons of existingg units, and cconstruction o of new reside ential units (inncluding build ding additionss) in the downtown((s) and along designated commercial coorridors (city‐‐wide) (Comm mercial Corrid dor Housing Loaan and Grant Program) Policy Description: Of the 6 municip pally sponsorred financial i ncentives avaailable for thee downtown, 3 are targeted ttoward reside ential develop pment. The Hamiilton Downtow wn Property IImprovementt Grant Prograam provides ggrants based on incremen ntal real taxess, phased, ove er 5 years. The Hamiilton Downtow wn Multi‐Resiidential Propeerty Investmeent Program p provides a second mortgage loan to th he property ow wner to cover a portion off constructionn costs, payab ble over 5 yeaars.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

The Comm mercial Corrid dor Housing Loan and Gran nt Program p rovides a sim milar second m mortgage loan n to the prope erty owner, in n addition to aa small grant to cover proffessional feess associated w with design and construction. Mechanism(s): Primary M Hamilton Downtown P Property Imprrovement Gra ant Program: TTax incremen nt equivalent grant for residentiaal/commerciaal development downtown n. A 5 year graant. Amount: Ye ear 1: 100% m municipal tax increase equ uivalence Ye ear 2: 80% Ye ear 3: 60%, Ye ear 4: 40%, and Ye ear 5: 20% Multi‐Residential Property Investment PProgram: An interest free lloan for Hamilton Downtown M developm ments with mu ultiple dwellin ng units. The loans are calcculated on th he basis of 25% of the costt to construction budget (in ncluding acce essory uses). Interest free for 5 years, m maximum term is 5 years, 6 months. R Repayment pe eriod begins 1 year following the final aadvance of fu unds. Funds advvanced in 3 sttages: upon ccompletion off 60%, 80%, a nd substantiaal completion n of the projeect. Commerccial Corridor H Housing Loan and Grant Prrogram: Inter est free loan for constructtion/renovation of residentiaal units in dessignated areas. Maximum m loan amoun nt is $10,000 p per unit, up to o $200,000 pper project. In nterest free fo or 5 years, maximum m term is 5 years, 6 monthss. Repaymentt period beginns 1 year follo owing the final advance off funds. mmercial Corrridor Housing Loan and Graant Program are required to submit a p pre‐ Applicants for the Com on form and m meet with staff to determine specific am mounts and eeligibility befo ore official applicatio applicatio on for the pro ogram. Evaluation Criteria: No o specific evaluation criterria have been made publicc. Approval is at the discrettion of the Dow wntown and Community R Renewal Divission and City Council, as th hey see the p project supports current pllanning and d design initiativves for targetted areas, andd as it supporrts the needs of the downttown as identifiied in the perriodic econom mic and emplo oyment studi es conducted d for the Divission. Approvaal is also subje ect to funds available. Positives:: The program m has supportted modest b but steady groowth in the do owntown. Grrowth still hassn't quite reacched the tipping point of aa critical masss that would ddrive demand d, but has seeen an increasee in

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

both jobs and residentts (and associated tax reve enues) every yyear since thee beginning o of the program m. As an examp ple, the annuaal report reco ognized an addition of app roximately $990,000 in taxees in the downtown CIPA due to o new constru uction for the e year 2010 a lone. Additionally, they haave recognizeed large retu urn ratios on tthe investmen nts made in the downtow n based on asssessed valuee. This is certaain to pay off evven more in th he future as m more new con nstruction beegins to pay 1100% of the assessed municipal tax rates. m inception, th he first catego ory of incentiive (the Hamiilton Downtown Property Negativess: At program Improvem ment Grant) h had a requirem ment that eliggible propertiies must havee 50% vacanccy rates for att least 2 years prrior to applicaation date. In the opinion o of staff, this rrequirement w was preventing uptake of the incentive,, and it was su uspended forr the 2010 pro ogram year. TThe hope is th hat properties that are nott vacant, bu ut are in need d of renovatio on or repair, w will be redeveeloped. This w will improve n not only the quantity o of residential and commerrcial units in the downtow n, but also th he quality. Avaailability of higher‐qu uality buildingg stock may help increase ggeneral demaand for downtown units. Lessons Learned: The ssuccess of thiis project is attributed in tthe annual reports to its exxistence in conjunctio on with a variety of other downtown programs, partticularly as a project withiin the Downto own and Comm munity Renew wal Division. TThe Division is committed to building b both commerccial and residential growth in the downtow wn and is nott focused sole ely on residenntial issues. Raather than haaving competting ons or divisio ons for residen ntial and com mmercial issuees, the divisio on works as a whole to seee commissio these two o kinds of growth intertwin ne. The Hamilton example e also has the advantage of being in Onttario. There is a designateed Downtown n Hamilton Community IImprovementt Project Areaa with a grow wth target of 2250 jobs and people/ha byy 2031 (Urb ban Hamilton Official Plan)), and the ince entives are addministered u under the autthority of thee Planning A Act, the Downtown and Co ommunity Re enewal Comm munity Improvvement Plan and companion Communiity Improvem ment Project A Area By‐law. A A smaller areaa, the Downto own Hamilton Secondary Plan Area, is allso in place. Related D Documents: Hamilton Downtown R Renewal Annu ual Report 2010; m summary sh heets; Hamilton Communi ty Foundation Downtown Revitalization Hamilton DCR Program ew of Currentt Downtown Revitalizationn Literature and Practices & & the Hamilton Initiativve: An Overvie Contextt (Feb 2008). This final con ntext document provides ggreat rationale for investm ment in the downto own, as well aas a good disccussion of what all of the aagencies and programs aree doing.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

Municip pality: Dettroit, MI Program T Title: LiveDow wntown Funding A Agency: The LLiveDowntow wn program is funded by fivve private corrporations (B Blue Cross Blu ue Shield of M Michigan, Compuware, DTTE Energy, Qu uicken Loans, and Strategicc Staffing Solutions), and is exclusively for the emp ployees of the ese participatting corporat ions. uly, 2011, for a duration off 5 years. Program SStart Date: Ju Number o of projects ap pproved: N/A A New unitss created: N//A Increase iin Downtown n Population:: N/A (approxximately 16,0000 employeees are eligible)) Value of IIncentives: Approximatelyy $4 million in n total Value of N New Investm ment: N/A Typical In ncentive Amo ount: $20,000 0 for new prop perty purchasse; $3,500 for new renterss; $1,000 for existing re enters; $5,000 for existingg homeownerrs. Program G Goals: These 5 companiess have made ssignificant invvestment in the Downtown, and are bo oth morally and fiscally mo otivated to atttract a greate er residential population tto the downto own. Leadersship in these corporations is ccommitted to creating an e environment in which emp ployees choose to live neaar their places of work. Program Elements: 1)) New homeo owners forgivvable loan 2)) New renterss allowance, ffor the first tw wo years of teenancy 3)) Existing rentters allowancce, for one ye ear 4)) Existing hom meowner hom me improvem ment funds graant Policy Description: The e program co omprises finan ncial support for employeees who choosse to move to o the 6 designated neighbou urhoods withiin the downto own, as well aas for those w who are alreaady choosing to live downtown Primary M Mechanism(s): $2 20,000 forgivvable loan tow ward the purcchase of theirr primary residence for new w homeowneers. Th he loan will b be forgiven aftter 5 years off occupancy. $2 2,500 allowan nce of funding toward the cost of their apartment in n the first yeaar followed byy ad dditional fund ding of $1,000 for the seco ond year for nnew renters.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

$1,000 allowan nce of funding for renewin ng a lease in 22011 for existting renters. Matching fund M ds of up to $5,000 for exterior improvem ments for pro ojects of $10,000 or more for exxisting homeo owners. Evaluation Criteria: Ap pplicants musst be full‐ or p part‐time empployees of thee parent corp porations, and d designated ne eighbourhoodds within the downtown area. Applican nts eligible prroperty must be within 6 d must resid de in the prop perty to main ntain eligibility. Positives:: An easy, attrractive way to o boost the p population of downtown quickly, with rresidents who o already ho old jobs in the area. Negativess: Not open to o the public aat large; perhaps will be oppen to otherss in the futuree. Lessons Learned: A sim milar program m is already in n place for a ssmaller neighb bourhood in (near?) the oit, Inc., and h has seen some downtown, called Live Midtown, which is administered by M idtown Detro success. TThe Downtow wn Detroit Parrtnership (pub blic/private ppartnership) iss the program m administrattor for Live Downtown.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

ADDEN NDUM Winnipegg Downtown Residential G Grant Program m Thoughts from CentreV Venture’s Loretta Martin ntity of the City of Winnipeeg, but is governed by a prrivate board o of CentreVenture is an arrms‐length en directors and is incorporated, so it h has financial capabilities a nd the abilityy to assume liiability beyon nd ublic entity alo one would haave. what a pu Loretta M Martin has bee en administraating the Dow wntown Resid ential Grant PProgram, and d has adminisstered the previo ous incarnatio on of downto own incentive es with CentreeVenture for the last 8 yeaars. Within the last few mo onths the Dow wntown Resid dential Grant Program hass been doubleed, due to higgher than expe ected take‐up p of the grant program. The e Province haas passed legiislation which h contributes matching funds to the program, by agreeing to fforfeit the proovincial educaational tax. The City and th he Province n now are responsible for $2 20 million dollars each, forr a total of $440 million in ggrants. Curren ntly, the program is enrolled at $32 million. No speciaal area plan is necessary fo or this particular grant proggram becausee it is a develo oper TIF, rath her than an area TIF, thouggh an area TIF is in the wo orks for an enttertainment d district in thee downtown, which will need an area plan, business plan, etc. There is a Doowntown Ressidential Strattegy in place which allo ows the City aand the Province to enact special progrrams. Overall,, Manitoba leegislation is veery broad, allowing differe ent programs to be tailored d to differentt contexts. ed plan still co ontains provisions for incrremental tax rrefunds of 100‐15 years (fo or condo vs. reental The revise developm ments) OR a one‐time post‐‐assessment cash grant fo r the lump su um equivalent of the 10‐15 5 year tax in ncrement refund. To finan nce the one‐tiime post‐asseessment cash h grant, CentreVenture borrrows the cash aamount from a traditional lender on be ehalf of the Ciity and the Prrovince. While the City and d the Province aare precluded d from borrow wing funds, C CentreVenturee as a corporaation is able tto. An additio onal part of th he program aallows for devvelopers to taake the pre‐asssessed incremental tax (b based on reference tax year aand the consttruction planss) and receivee the one‐tim me lump sum cash grant ass bridge financing. CentrreVenture actts as a second d lender, fina ncing the pro oject directly with a sum equal to the pro ojected assesssed lump‐sum m grant. Upon n completion and assessm ment of the prroject, the graant cheque is awarded to C CentreVenturre. Developerrs find this opption particulaarly attractivee, as financing is particularrly difficult in most parts of the downto own. Presales are difficult tto secure, and d without preesales there is hesitancy on th he part of len nders to finan nce projects. W With CentreV Venture actingg as a second d lender, eq quity in the project increasses making it much more aattractive to ttraditional len nders. Ms. Martin identifies this option as a make‐or‐b break elemen nt for small loocal developeers that do no ot have the eaasy elopers have, with approxi mately 90% o of current enrrollment opting access to financing thaat larger deve for the bridge financing option.

Housing Incentiive Precedents ffor Downtown Sudbury August 33, 2011

In terms o of affordable housing, the current conte ext has enouggh affordablee housing to m meet current demand. CentreVenture is hoping tto wrap a certtain amount oof affordable housing into o the mix in orrder ut the goal forr this project is really attaiinable housin ng, for young to maintaain an adequaate supply, bu profession nals and othe ers who may n not need pub blic housing, bbut for whom m the current new development (high‐end by larger devvelopers) is o out of reach. TThe goal is to bring the you ung middle cllass to stabilizze the downtown. with the Down ntown Residential Grant Prrogram (befo ore and after tthe overhaul)), Ms. In her yeaars working w Martin haas a few valuaable insights into running tthe program. First and foreemost, CentreVenture wo orks very close ely with city staff, on backgground reporrts, analysis, aand policy, as well as in thee day‐to‐day workings of project approvals. All policy must be e approved byy city council (and the Province), so political buy‐in is aalso very important. She saaid they met with some heesitation wheen they wanteed to expand the program sso soon after the 2010 ove erhaul, but be ecause they hhad done all o of their homeework, they w were able to sitt down one‐o on‐one with officials to ansswer their queestions and w win them over. The otherr major piece of advice given by Ms. Maartin is that bbecause so mu uch of the takke‐up has beeen in the form o of bridge finaancing, they’vve had a lot off issue with thhe assessmen nts. The difference betweeen pre‐assessed incremen nt value and aactual, post‐construction aassessment value creates aa lot of uncertainty for everyone, particularrly CentreVen nture as it actts as the lender in the brid dge financing agreemen nts. Ms. Martin believes th hat, at least fo or the bridge financing opttion, a fixed‐aamount grantt would be much more e effective. The e current system is very coomplicated to o explain to deevelopers, an nd costs and circumstance es change oftten. While the e current systtem seems to o be successfu ul in supporting the goal o of creating atttainable houssing, the reliance on differ ential values based on asssessment is a major adm ministrative h headache.

GOING DOWNTOWN GROWING DOWNTOWN / FRÉQUENTER ET DÉVELOPPER LE CENTRE-VILLE

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