In a move that feels like the final whistle in a long, drawn-out match, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre announced that the city has officially issued a demolition permit for the former St. Joseph’s Hospital — a long-standing but worn-out landmark that’s been lingering on the sidelines since 2010.
“I am very pleased to announce that the city of Greater Sudbury, this morning, has officially issued a demolition permit for the former Sudbury General Hospital,” said Lefebvre in Friday’s press conference. City officials called the decision a major play in reshaping Sudbury’s skyline.
Clock Is Ticking for the Developers
Sudbury isn’t just tossing the ball to the Niagara-based developer Panoramic Properties — they’ve set a shot clock. The demolition permit expires in 12 months, meaning this is no time for the slow game.
“The CIP financing for the downtown Scotiabank building is tied to the demolition,” Lefebvre added. “That will expire next summer as well.”
From Big Win to Long Timeout
The hospital’s story has been a mix of highlight moments and frustrating delays. Purchased by Panoramic Properties in 2012 with plans for condominiums, progress stalled until 2019, when the building was transformed into the world’s largest mural during the UpHere Festival. Organizers had expected demolition the following year — instead, the vibrant art faded like a worn-out team jersey, leaving the community impatient.
“When we agreed to transform the old St. Joseph’s Hospital into Canada’s largest mural in 2019, we were under the impression the building would be demolished the following year,” festival organizers said.
Fans and Former Players Weigh In
While some residents feel sentimental about the building, most agree it’s time to blow the final horn.
Lucille Quesnelle: “There are a lot of memories with the old hospital. But I am glad to see it finally coming down. It’s overdue.”
Jasmine MacNeil: “It needs to go. Broken windows, people breaking in — it’s just dangerous and a hazard to the society.”
New Game Plan: Three Towers, 500+ Units
The revised playbook from Panoramic Properties calls for three residential towers totaling over 500 units. Ward 10 Councillor Fern Cormier says the redesign aligns with a bigger vision.
“They’ve redeveloped the plans into what will be three residential towers here on this site,” Cormier confirmed.
Safety and Policy Defense
The vacant hospital hasn’t just been an eyesore — it’s been a defensive liability for the city. A man’s body was found inside in May, followed by a suspicious fire days later.
“That (building) poses safety issues, but also it’s a blight on our community,” said Lefebvre, adding that new policies are being explored to prevent properties from sitting idle for so long.
Race Against the Housing Crisis
With Sudbury’s one-bedroom vacancy rate at just 1%, this project is part of the city’s push to reach a healthier 4–5% rate, giving renters more breathing room and balancing the market.
Lefebvre is confident: “With upcoming projects like this one, we’ll exceed provincial housing targets.”
For Sudbury, this isn’t just tearing down an old building — it’s a chance to reset the scoreboard, rebuild for the future, and give the community a stronger home advantage.