FAQs
- Q3/Q4 2025 – Supplemental geotechnical work and preliminary site preparation
- Fall 2025 – Perimeter fencing installed and staging areas prepared
- Q1/Q2 2026 – Construction begins with foundation work, followed by structural framing
- 2027/2028 – Construction continues
- Fall 2028 – Event Centre opens
- 25 per cent of public parking spaces are used during normal business hours
- 17 per cent are used on Friday evenings
- 14 per cent are used on Saturday afternoons
- 41 per cent are used on special event days
Why are we building a new Event Centre?
In April 2024, City Council voted unanimously to proceed with building a new Event Centre in Greater Sudbury’s downtown South District rather than renovating the Sudbury Community Arena.
Based on comprehensive analysis, it was determined that a new, purpose-built facility offers the best opportunity to achieve Council’s service objectives with minimal disruption to existing tenants and programming. It also creates significant potential for complementary private sector investment, further supporting economic growth and community development. The Event Centre aligns with Council’s vision for downtown South District revitalization, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable urban core.
What is the project schedule?
Where will people park?
The Event Centre will use the same dispersed parking model as the Sudbury Community Arena, with parking spread across multiple lots and street spaces. No parking structures are being planned at this time.
This approach enhances walkability, reduces congestion and increases support for local businesses.
Will there be enough parking?
Yes. There are 14 surface parking areas and one underground lot downtown. On-street parking is also available on Elgin, Durham, Elm, Lisgar, Larch, Cedar, Grey and Shaughnessy streets. In total, there are 2,182 public parking spaces downtown. Including private parking, the total rises to 3,648 spaces.
Comparison with other cities:
Event Centre | Number of Event Centre Seats | Number of Downtown Parking Spaces |
GFL Memorial Gardens, Sault Ste Marie | Approx. 4,900 | 1,736 (Source) |
Slush Puppie Place, Kingston | Approx. 6,700 | Nearly 2,800 (Source) |
Avenir Centre, Moncton | Approx 8,800 | 4,000 within 15-minute walk (Source) |
London Canada Life Place, London | Approx. 9,090 | Nearly 2,300 (Source) |
Greater Sudbury Event Centre | 5,800 proposed | 3,648 |
A 2024 study on downtown parking in Greater Sudbury found that:
These figures show that downtown parking usage does not reach the ideal 85 to 90 per cent threshold, indicating the system can accommodate current and future demand.
Will foundation work add $18 million to the budget?
No. The project team has accounted for the suboptimal soil conditions in the downtown South District. Foundation costs are already included in the budgets for both the Event Centre and the Cultural Hub.
Are contingency costs expected to add $20 million?
No. These costs are already included in the approved $200-million budget. Contingencies and allowances for design and construction are revised as the design evolves and typically decrease as more is known about the systems and site conditions.
The project team will provide quarterly updates to council. Any major changes to the schedule, budget or scope will be brought forward for council’s decision.