Sudbury councillors recently shared their opinion on the Kingsway Entertainment District project and the next steps to be taken.
The Kingsway Entertainment District (KED) remains topical amongst Sudbury’s city councillors. Last week, the councillors were asked to share their thoughts on the project and the expected next steps of the development. The grand opening of the new venue is planned for 2024.
The city council had opted for the KED site in 2017, but ever since then, the project has faced various legal challenges and delays. Additionally, despite the mayoral approval, some locals have voiced their preference to see the existing downtown arena renovated instead of building a less accessible one on the outskirts of the city.
What’s Next for KED?
Ward one councillor, Mark Signoretti, expressed his worries regarding the KED location as the new arena would be in the proximity of the Sudbury landfill. Signoretti claimed that proceeding with the planned location would be the worst mistake that the city has ever made.
Signoretti also noted that the next expected step would be for the City of Sudbury to share additional information on the project with the council and the public. He explained that he did not approve the latest report by PricewaterhouseCoopers as it didn’t address all the councillors’ questions. As a result, they don’t have sufficient information at present to make an informed decision on the subject.
Ward two councillor, Michael Vagnini, warned that the KED plan should be placed on hold until the COVID pandemic ends. Vagnini noted that the city should prioritise smaller projects, with the economic situation remaining highly volatile. Ward three councillor, Gerry Montpellier, wished to see the KED project deferred to the next council meeting once all the facts are made evident.
The councillor from ward four, Geoff McCausland, asked for the KED site to be reconsidered, believing that the current location is a great mistake. The councillor representing ward five, Robert Kirwan, and councillors from wards seven, eight, eleven, and twelve stated that the current project should proceed. The rest of the councillors refused to comment.
