Sudbury Ranks 134th on Canada’s Most Livable Cities List
Greater Sudbury has made significant strides in livability, earning the 134th spot on The Globe and Mail’s recent ranking of Canadian cities. This represents a remarkable leap from its previous position of 264th in 2023. Mayor Paul Lefebvre expressed optimism about this progress, attributing it to the city’s ongoing development and improvements.
Key Facts About Greater Sudbury’s Livability Ranking
- Current Ranking: 134th out of 454 Canadian cities.
- Previous Ranking: 264th in 2023.
- Population Growth: Increased from 169,927 to 183,315.
- Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 6% from 7.3% in 2023.
- Housing Affordability: 17% of households spend over 30% of income on housing.
- Average Monthly Rent: Increased from $1,263 to $1,577.
- Sense of Community: 72% report a strong sense of belonging.
- Health Care Access: 90% have a regular health-care provider.
Comparison with Other Cities
Greater Sudbury’s ranking is notable within Northern Ontario, where it surpasses Thunder Bay (177th), Timmins (193rd), North Bay (247th), and Sault Ste. Marie (299th). In comparison, Toronto ranks 44th but has an average monthly rent of $2,051, more than the Sudbury average.
While only 17% of residents in Greater Sudbury exceed the affordability threshold for housing, this figure is significantly lower than Toronto’s 32%. However, walkability remains a challenge. Greater Sudbury’s walkability score is 52% below the Canadian average.
The Future of Greater Sudbury
Mayor Lefebvre is hopeful for continued growth. He anticipates the completion of several multimillion-dollar projects, including a new downtown event center and revitalization efforts at local cultural sites. These developments aim to enhance livability and attract more residents.
With nine active mines currently operating and the potential expansion to 15 by 2030, the city is poised for job creation. These factors could further improve Greater Sudbury’s standing in future rankings.
The mayor acknowledges ongoing challenges, especially concerning housing affordability. He emphasizes the need for continued advocacy for government funding to support affordable housing initiatives.
As the city continues to grow and adapt, Greater Sudbury stands as a prime example of a community focused on enhancing livability while addressing its challenges head-on.
In conclusion, moving from 264th to 134th in livability rankings illustrates Greater Sudbury’s commitment to improvement, making it a city worthy of attention and investment.
