More downtown buildings in Sudbury have been demolished to make way for the new recreational-cultural development that will become known as Sudbury's event centre.
Among the latest buildings to come down were the Brûlerie Old Rock Roastery coffee venue on Minto Street and the nearby Doghouse Sports Bar and Eatery on Romanet Lane.
Both facilities will live on in a way thanks to having affiliated venues in other parts of the city.
The Dog House Facebook page advertised there is an Azilda location at 25 Algege St.
Brûlerie Old Rock Roastery, which is under new ownership, also posted a Facebook notice, inviting friends and supporters to drop by their new location, which the company said would be located at 4644 Long Lake Rd., attached to the well-known Long Lake General store.
Other buildings have come down in the past year as part of the effort by the City of Greater Sudbury to make room for the event centre and advancing downtown redevelopment. These have included the Golden Grain Bakery and the Ledo Hotel. The city has expressed the desire to have the downtown demolitions completed before the end of 2024.
Properties acquired to date cost approximately $12.5 million, funded through the previously borrowed Event Centre capital funds, said a city hall document. This cost does not include whatever cost is decided for the expropriation of Wacky Wings at 187 Shaughnessy St.
With respect to the issue of expropriation, the question was addressed on the city's website.
"During the November 28, 2023 council meeting, council voted to pursue the expropriation process with respect to 187 Shaughnessy St., in the event that the city and property owner are unable to negotiate a purchase price for the property."
The Expropriations Act sets out the expropriation process, including the rights of both the city and the property owner
The city's website said it was essential for the municipality to acquire the properties.
"This is an important step as city council considers a new or refurbished arena in the downtown. This historic investment:
-Signals Council’s intention to make downtown renewal happen.
-Sends a strong message to the community and the private sector that they (council) intend to lead with a focus on our city's future.
-Aligns with our core value to demonstrate foresight by acting today in the interests of tomorrow."
