The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program recommended 265 people to relocate to Greater Sudbury last year, joining their families in contributing to a population boost of 492.
This was one of a handful of key highlights outlined in the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation’s annual report to city council on Oct. 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,” Mayor Paul Lefebvre said in a media release issued after the meeting.
“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.”
The GSDC is a not-for-profit agency of the City of Greater Sudbury mandated with promoting “community economic development by encouraging investment attraction, retention and job creation in Greater Sudbury.”
Through recommendations of the GSDC board, city council approved three economic funding programs in 2022.
- The Community Economic Development Fund targets not-for-profits and projects that provide an economic benefit to the community. In 2022, $399,979 was approved 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,” according to the media release. 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 50th anniversary.
- To date, $672,125 has been allocated through the Tourism Development Fund, which has helped leverage a total of $1.7 million in additional funds.
“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,” GSDC board chair Jeff Portelance said in a media release.
“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.”
Earlier this year, the federal government boosted the RNIP program intakes to fill 515 spots in Northern Ontario this year, up from the program’s original 325. Including their families, this will result in even more newcomers to Canada calling the region home.
— Sudbury.com
