Panoramic Properties begins $19.8M conversion of Sudbury’s Scotia Tower into 83 apartments, as part of a wider effort to address the city’s housing shortage.
Major Investment Transforms Downtown Office Tower
Panoramic Properties has officially launched a $19.8 million redevelopment project to convert the Scotia Tower in downtown Sudbury into an 83-unit apartment complex. The company broke ground this week on the former commercial building, aiming to ease the city’s severe housing crunch and inject new life into the downtown core.
Project Backed by City Support
The development is bolstered by a $1.7 million incentive from the City of Greater Sudbury, approved last year by Mayor Paul Lefebvre. The financial support was tied to Panoramic’s commitment to begin demolition of the former general hospital on Paris Street—another property under its ownership.
Future Plans Include Senior Housing and Condos
Panoramic’s long-term vision spans beyond the Scotia Tower. On the Paris Street hospital site, the company plans to build three new towers, including a 109-unit senior living residence complete with nursing stations and shared spaces. The remaining towers are set to feature 421 market-rate condos and apartments, expanding housing options across multiple demographics.
Experts Welcome Much-Needed Supply
Geoff McCausland, former city councillor and current project manager at Mallette-Goring Real Estate, said the developments are a “welcome addition” for a city facing a vacancy rate of under one percent. Though not directly involved in the Scotia Tower project, McCausland noted its structure appears ideal for conversion.
“If you have the right shape of the building to allow a double-loaded corridor, it’s a slam dunk,” he said, pointing out that the Scotia Tower likely fits this design criteria.
Revitalizing the Downtown Core
The downtown revitalization comes at a critical time for Sudbury, where addiction, homelessness, and storefront closures have challenged local growth. The new apartment units—expected to rent at approximately $1,800 for one-bedroom and up to $2,500 for two-bedroom suites—are geared toward the market-rate segment, potentially attracting working professionals and new residents to the city’s core.
Timeline and Impact
While Panoramic has not released a firm completion date, construction activity is already underway. The combination of downtown redevelopment and new residential infrastructure signals a renewed push for livability and economic resilience in northern Ontario’s largest urban centre.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
