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GSDC Continues Work to Stimulate Economic Growth 

In 2022, the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) supported key projects that continue to put Greater Sudbury on the map through building entrepreneurship, strengthening relationships and supporting initiatives to stimulate a dynamic and healthy city. The GSDC’s 2022 Annual Report was presented at the City Council meeting on October 10.

“As a member of the GSDC board, it has been my pleasure to work with these dedicated community volunteers who continue to attract and retain businesses across our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “The GSDC’s 2022 Annual Report highlights some incredible projects and demonstrates the commitment of the board as they continue to invest in our city’s future and contribute to its success.”

A not-for-profit agency of the City of Greater Sudbury, the GSDC works in collaboration with City Council to promote community economic development by encouraging investment attraction, retention and job creation in Greater Sudbury.

The GSDC provides oversight for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, in alignment with Immigration Canada requirements, and has provided funding since the pilot’s inception in 2019. The RNIP program attracts diverse talent to the community and provides support for newcomers when they arrive. In 2022, 265 recommendations were granted, amounting to 492 newcomers to the Greater Sudbury community, including family members. That number continues to increase this year.

In 2022, the GSDC supported the groundbreaking BEV In Depth: Mines to Mobility Conference, bridging the gaps between the automotive and mining industries, creating new relationships for long-term projects and promoting advanced mining technology. The event was a huge success with more than 280 participants from across Ontario and beyond.

“The GSDC is determined to hold space for new ideas and opportunities that are pushing the boundaries across sectors, encouraging prospective businesses, and forging new relationships,” said Jeff Portelance, GSDC Board Chair. “The partnerships we foster unlock the incredible leveraging power of the funding dollars and advocacy work the Board undertakes. I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks for the tireless commitment of GSDC Board members, with the support of City Council, to ensure our efforts will have an impact for our community for years to come.”

Through recommendations of the GSDC Board, City Council approved three economic funding programs:

• The Community Economic Development Fund (CED) targets not-for-profits and projects that provide an economic benefit to the community. In 2022, the GSDC Board approved $399,979 through CED for six local projects, leveraging nearly $1.7 million in additional funding from public and private sources. Examples include support for the City’s Employment Land Strategy, the Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology, Community Builders and March of Dimes programming to create job opportunities for diverse audiences.
• The Arts and Culture Grant program stimulates economic growth of the community’s creative agencies while investing in our quality of life. In 2022, the GSDC approved $559,288 to support 33 organizations through this program including Kivi Park, Place des Arts, the Laurentian Conservation Area paddle program, and Northern Lights Festival Boreal’s 50^th anniversary.
• To date, $672,125 in funding has been allocated through the Tourism Development Fund, which has helped leverage a total of $1.7 million on additional funds.

View the 2022 GSDC Annual Report at investsudbury.ca.

About the GSDC:
The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor. It is supported by City staff. Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.

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