PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
The consultation and engagement strategy being proposed relates specifically to the scale of the subjected development occurring in the downtown core. Larger engagement sessions that intend to draw on Sudbury residents from across the greater area will inform design decisions related to the proposed districts. The rationale for this strategy revolves around the concept of context-based engagement - therefore the more significant and impactful the redevelopment, the greater focus is placed on engaging residents from a broader area of the city. The public engagement strategy should align with methodology from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and ensure project team members carry this designation so that a variety of voices are heard and that events are completed in an effective and professional manner.
The highest level of engagement would be focused on determining the initiatives, development guidelines, and character of the four proposed districts in Downtown Sudbury. This will create an opportunity for Sudbury residents to provide their feedback on how they see their city developing over time and preparing for the future while considering the principles proposed. The methodology for this level of engagement would include large-scale events to encourage public participation from across the city, as well as pilot projects so residents can envision what is being proposed.
The remaining levels of engagement would relate specifically to the public and private development projects that would be occurring within each of the districts. Within this level, engagement strategies would vary depending on the scale of the project and which district it is located in. Each new development will have to adhere to specific engagement requirements to ensure they consider the various perspectives from the community including current residents of the area, visitors, cultural groups, and stakeholders. This way, the development not only aligns with the proposed guiding principles, but also considers its effect on the surrounding community and context. Such a context-based strategy would help ensure that the principles and guidelines set forth for each district are being demonstrated, while ensuring an appropriate level of engagement is provided depending on the project's impact to the community - without hindering catalyst projects that can contribute to the future-proofing of Sudbury's core.
The Districts
Given the range of historic and potential development, infrastructure, and land use patterning within Downtown Sudbury, the proposal outlines a series of districts to help frame updates to the Downtown Master Plan and guide planning and development for the next 30 years and beyond. The Historic, Civic, Cultural and Railyards Districts were determined based on common geographic areas, existing urban conditions, and shared development trajectories within Downtown Sudbury. Each district has a series of bespoke visioning principles that capitalize on their strengths and seek to prepare Sudbury for the various factors that are influencing cities, such as climate change, accessibility, and even global pandemics. Adopting a district approach to planning and development in the core ensures that new public and private development contributes meaningfully to a context-based and targeted vision for the unique areas that make up Downtown Sudbury. Through time, upholding the high-level principles outlined for each district will strengthen and shape each area's sense of place, creating a series of distinct and characterful urban areas within Downtown Sudbury.
Cultural District
Sudbury's Cultural District is located in the southern portion of downtown, bounded by Paris and Brady Streets, as well as the edge of the rail yards. Anchored by the Sudbury Theatre Centre and The Junction, this district is intended to concentrate and co-locate visual and performance arts and other cultural institutions in Greater Sudbury, as well as provide space to host festivals and events downtown. The Cultural District provides a showcase of the diverse cultural groups and artists who call Sudbury home and celebrates their contributions to the cultural offer of the city.
Civic District
Sudbury's Civic District occupies much of the existing downtown area, bounded north to south by Ste Anne Rd and Brady St and east to west by Paris and Durham Streets. The Civic District is imagined as Northern Ontario's premiere live, work, and leisure neighbourhood and a destination for commercial and institutional sectors choosing to locate in downtown Sudbury. Targeting the Civic District for medium and higher density residential developments takes advantage of numerous work and study opportunities downtown, as well as active and public transit connectivity to the rest of the city and beyond.
Historic District
The Historic District is located on the western edge of Downtown Sudbury and focused along Durham and Elgin Streets, where the downtown's gridiron plan intersects the railway right-of-way. Incorporating many of downtown's historically significant buildings, the district is envisioned to convey Sudbury's formative years as an important transnational railway junction and its rapid evolution into a vibrant resource economy shortly after. The Historic District recalls the proud origins of Sudbury and highlights the infrastructure and enterprises that helped to build the city.
Railyards District
The Railyards District occupies much of the rail yards south and west of Downtown Sudbury. The proposal envisions a reduction but not complete elimination of railway activity through these areas in order to foster a coexistence with higher and more appropriate land use for Downtown while acknowledging the necessity of the existing rail connections. Much of the former rail yards are dedicated to public use in the form of a central park space, creating an amenity and active transit corridor that connects many parts of the city while respecting the history and presence of rail networks through Greater Sudbury.
(Competitor's text)
14 scanned / 14 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
