Sudbury company wants to manufacture mining products downtown

A Sudbury company seeks a site-specific zoning exception to convert a former French school into light industrial manufacturing for mining products.

Minewise Technology Ltd., a Sudbury-based company, is seeking an official plan amendment that would allow it to use a downtown building for light manufacturing of its products.

The company operates out of a former school on Mackenzie Street, said a staff report on the plan.

“The applicant specializes in the designing, manufacturing and servicing of industrial control and audio frequency systems and inspection tools, and this added use would permit them to manufacture these systems on site,” the report said.

“The use would be located within the existing building, along with office space. The business is expected to include up to 10 office staff with regular business hours.”

The official plan is the main policy document that governs planning decisions for a municipality.

The work would all be done inside the building “with no noticeable noise, dust, odour or vibration,” the report said.

There would be daily deliveries using small vehicles, with larger shipments taking place every six months.

Official plan amendment

The building is currently zoned C4, which permits uses such as an assembly hall, bakery, school and a retail store. Minewise isn’t seeking a rezoning but a site-specific exception to allow it to conduct light industrial uses on the property.

It’s located near Sudbury Secondary School on one side and Marymount Academy on the other. It’s also near the library and a retirement home, as well as residential areas.

A letter informing nearby residents of their plans was sent out to landowners within 120 metres of the property and no objections have been received.

The business operates out of a brick building that has been designated a heritage property. It’s the site of the former St. Louis de Gonzague French-language school.

In recommending approval, the report said it would be an “adaptive reuse” of the building that would help preserve the brick exterior long-term while “promoting the rehabilitation of underutilized properties.”

The proposal will be heard at the April 13 planning committee meeting. Read the full report here.