Attracting Tourism, Talent, and TV to Greater Sudbury
by Sara Currier | April 15, 2025
Attracting Tourism, Talent, and TV to Greater Sudbury
In the latest episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Meredith Armstrong, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greater Sudbury. Meredith highlights how tourism is integral to Sudbury's economy, from attracting talent to attracting TV and film productions. The conversation covers the impact of the Municipal Accommodation Tax, the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program, and Sudbury's resilience and growth amid geopolitical challenges.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
The Municipal Accommodation Tax: Funding Tourism Infrastructure
The establishment of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is a key cog in Sudbury’s developmental engine, generating funds to support community projects and infrastructure. The MAT, via the city’s Tourism Development Fund, has funded the development of an event center, attractions like Go Deeper at Dynamic Earth, and film productions, among other tourism projects.
Immigration: A Catalyst for Growth
After years of stagnant population growth, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot has been instrumental in attracting newcomers to Sudbury. The program has brought 2,700 people to the city since 2019, expanding diversity and the workforce in key industries like mining supply and services, healthcare, and hospitality. Newcomers are attracted by the easy access to nature, affordable living, stellar work-life balance, and a personal touch from the city to help them and their families settle into the community.
Sudbury will also launch a Francophone Community Immigration pilot program this spring or summer. It will focus on placing Francophone individuals with Francophone employers.
Film and TV
Film and television production in Sudbury is having a moment thanks in part to the Tourism Development Fund’s film sponsorship stream. The industry is worth supporting because it fills hotel rooms, creates jobs, and generates awareness of the community. Shoresy is especially beneficial because it has an international audience (hello Australians!) and Sudbury plays itself.
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Next time on the podcast, Karen speaks with Justin Lafontaine, co-founder of the Tourism Innovation Lab, about how they’ve helped Northern Ontario tourism businesses get seed funding and mentorship. Follow us on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when the episode drops.