News

Council Approves Strategic Plan to Promote Local Economic Recovery

Greater Sudbury Council has approved a strategic plan that supports the recovery of local business, industry and organizations from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The Economic Recovery Strategic Plan will guide decisions of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) Board of Directors to better understand the needs of the business community, identify actions that will streamline business and economic recovery and prioritize key areas of focus.

“We are fortunate to have a local business community that has already proven to be responsive and adaptive to the current economic climate,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “This plan provides clear and immediate actions for short, medium and long-term economic recovery as we move through future stages of reopening and the pandemic itself. We are prepared to seize whatever new opportunities lie ahead.”

Development of the Economic Recovery Strategic Plan is a partnership between the City of Greater Sudbury through its Economic Development division and community volunteers serving on the GSDC Board of Directors. It follows extensive consultation with key economic sectors, independent businesses, the arts and professional associations.

“The GSDC represents a broad network of partners across sectors, organizations and industries in support of economic development that aligns with the City’s strategic priorities,” said GSDC Board Chair Andrée Lacroix. “The strength of partnerships between the GSDC board, the City of Greater Sudbury and our diverse industries has created a climate of resilience during these difficult times. A continued focus on economic recovery is necessary to further mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in our community.”

The Economic Recovery Strategic Plan identifies four primary themes supported by areas of focus and associated action items:

• Development of Greater Sudbury’s workforce with focus on labour shortages and talent attraction.
• Support for local business with focus on community engagement, marketing and the arts and culture sector.
• Support for Downtown Sudbury with focus on economic vitality and vulnerable populations.
• Growth and development with focus on improved business processes, access to broadband, e-commerce, the mining, supplies and services industry, and film and television production.

Key tactics of the GSDC Board of Directors will support action items in the Economic Recovery Plan:

• Creation of a decision-making framework to prioritize $2.6 million in funding for Community Economic Development, Arts and Culture Grants and Tourism Development.
• Advocacy for change in municipal policies, access to federal and provincial resources and advancement of identified City projects.

• Use of board member contacts, platforms and networks to promote and share information, good news stories, investment attraction and tourism marketing efforts.

• Communication of needs to other partners and stakeholders in order to initiate change.

The complete Economic Recovery Strategic Plan is available for review at investsudbury.ca, by calling the Economic Development business hotline at 705-690-9937 or by email at [email protected]

About the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation:

The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) is a not-for-profit corporation led by an 18-member board of directors and supported by City of Greater Sudbury staff. The GSDC collaborates with the City to promote community economic development by encouraging, facilitating and supporting community strategic planning and increasing local self-reliance, investment and job creation.

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