With the mayor fully behind the development, the Kingsway Entertainment District project is set to advance.
Kingsway Entertainment District development has been given wind in its sails by Brian Bigger, the mayor of Greater Sudbury, who offered an optimistic update on the project. According to Bigger, the launch of the project is set to move forward, with the new entertainment district ready to welcome its first guests in 2024.
Initially, the council pushed for a downtown location, although the legislators later agreed to shift the construction to the Kingsway area instead. The entire project has been on hold since the pandemic outbreak, which raised numerous questions about its future.
Complications Resolved
Brian Bigger stated last week that there shouldn’t be any further complications with the event centre. He explained that staff members are collaborating closely with partners in the Kingsway Entertainment District to ensure the smooth execution of plans. Bigger note that the public and the council should be aware of the full commitment shown by the project partners on all matters.
In his last report, Ian Wood, the Greater Sudbury’s executive director of strategic initiatives, communications, and citizen services, reassured that the project would be finished by 2024. However, according to a report, several critical tasks must be completed first for the construction to begin officially. These include deciding on a venue operator, presenting design drawings, acquiring build RFP, and constructing a road and an intersection.
Rob Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs at Gateway Casinos, which plans to launch a casino operation in the proposed centre, stated that his company is looking forward to obtaining additional information on how the project would advance. Mitchell said that he is excited to see all the recommendations from the city’s officials on the timeframe and the next steps.
Mayor Bigger noted that there had not been an indication that the current location site might be reconsidered by the councillors since no motion to oppose the vote from 2017 has ever been brought forward. However, he added that the councillors are free to introduce such a motion, although the project is set to move forward as most council members have opted for the Kingsway site.
