The federal government has announced an investment of $25 million in support of the City of Sudbury’s downtown Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square.

The funding is coming from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB) and the Northern Ontario Development Program.

The project involves retrofitting buildings at 200 Brady St. and 199 Larch St. to include a new central library, the Art Gallery of Sudbury, and the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association.

The facility will provide residents with a variety of cultural and educational services in one convenient centralized location, and supports the City’s commitment to accessibility, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, Indigeneity, social inclusion, and culture.

Sustainable upgrades include energy-efficient LED lighting and improved insulation to minimize heating and cooling loss. These enhancements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 29% and greenhouse gas emissions by 315 tonnes annually.

“The Cultural Hub Project at Tom Davies Square is a transformative opportunity for our community, allowing us to create a unique cultural destination that reflects our vibrant spirit,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “With this funding announcement, we are not only revitalizing this space but also advancing our commitment to sustainability by developing a world-class, energy-efficient facility."

In April, the city selected Teeple Architects as the consultant for the design of the project, working in partnership with Two Row Architect and Yallowega Architecture. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025.

The total project cost for the Cultural Hub is $65 million, with almost $37 million in municipal funding provided by the City of Greater Sudbury. The federal government is investing $24,908,530 in the project through the GICB and $275,000 through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program.

The GICB program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades. Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.