$25M in federal funding announced to help with the cost of Sudbury's new cultural hub

Sudbury's future "cultural hub" is getting an investment of $25 millionin federal funding.

The money will help cover about 40 per cent of the total cost of the project which aims to retrofit the Tom Davies Square building downtown to host the city's library and art organizations.Municipal funding is expected to make up the rest of the $65 millionneeded to bring the project across the finish line.

"The cultural hub project at Tom Davies Square is a transformative opportunity for our community, allowing us to create a unique cultural destination that reflects our vibrant spirit." said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre.

He called the federal support "pivotal in our mission to enrich the lives of our residents while upholding our dedication to environmental stewardship."

Federal funds come from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB) and the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP).

"$25 million is the maximum any organization municipality in Canada could receive." said Nickel Belt Liberal MP, Marc Serr. "From a federal perspective, we're making sure we get our fair share."

The cultural hub will be home to the Art Gallery of Sudbury, the new central library, and the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association.

The city says the facility will be a unique and exciting community space that provides residents with a variety of cultural and educational services in one convenient centralized location.It also promises a commitment to accessibility, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, Indigeneity, social inclusion, and culture.

The cultural hub will be equipped with rest area seating, tactile guidance systems, charging stations for mobility devices, and voice announcements for floor identification. Sustainable upgrades include energy-efficient LED lighting and improved insulation to minimize heating and cooling loss.

Sudbury's MP, Viviane Lapointe called the federal money "an investment in our downtown and in our arts and culture. It's also a decisive investment in our future economy and the revitalization of our downtown area."

The building is expected to be ready in 2026.