Tom Davies Square courtyard redesign gets public input

Transforming the courtyard at Sudbury's city hall is expected to be one of the city's more challenging projects, and last night, residents got to weigh in on the future of Tom Davies Square.

Framed by city hall, the police station, and the provincial services building, the courtyard of Tom Davies square is one of the major outdoor spaces in the downtown core.

Currently, many Sudburians don't have very nice things to say about it.

"It's kinda cold. You know? It's not a place I really want to hang out," said Larry Schaffer, who attended the public session.

"I dont think we need to go fancy-shmancy or high tech. I think we really gotta keep it simple."

Architecture student Henry Dyck agreed. "It's kind of like those dystopian sci-fi movies. Very bleak. I think anything they would do would be an improvement As long as they don't make a parking lot."

Dyck said he would like to see a more organic space.

"I've spent about 15 seconds walking through [the courtyard]. It's not a space that draws you in."

Jan. 29 due date for public opinion

The city pulled out giant maps, markers and sticky notes in the foyer of city hall. Staff asked citizens how they think the outdoor space should be redesigned.

Many told the city they wanted more greenery and seating.

Other ideas also came up, including skating rinks that convert into splash pads, outdoor kitchens and fire pits even streetcar displays.

The project's landscapearchitect Mark Elliott said the sky is the limit for what can be done, but noted Sudbury hasn't successfully carried out a downtown project thatbig in a long time.

"We've not yet been able to execute in a long while, a major project which reflects the downtown as being the heart of the city and committing the money to it," he said.

"There have been relatively simple projects, like the Bell Park parking lot, that we still don't have a resolution on how to move forward. This is a lot more complex than that."

The biggest challenge?"Simply being able to sell the vision to the community itself," he told CBC News.

Citizens have until Jan. 29 to submit their ideas.

Courtyard repair work is scheduled to begin in the spring. The courtyard is located directly above an underground parking garage, and weight restrictions are in placein terms of what can be done.

Ideas gathered will help create three design concepts for the courtyard, which will be presented to the public for comment in February.