The City of Greater Sudbury has been named one of Canada’s Best Locations for 2026 by Site Selection magazine, placing it among 20 communities nationally recognized for economic competitiveness, investment attraction and business growth. The annual ranking is based on qualified corporate facility investment projects tracked through the Conway Projects Database, considering project activity, capital investment and job creation using cumulative and per-capita measures. Greater Sudbury is the sole representative from northern Ontario to earn the recognition. Permit values, private investment signal growth The city recorded $597 million in construction permit value across residential, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors in 2025, including permits for 625 new housing units and 71 permits for large projects valued at more than $1 million. Private-sector investments include Sandvik’s $85.1-million manufacturing facility, expected to create 60 jobs, along with Ontario Mine Rescue’s $125-million project and Landmark Home Inspections’ addition of 77 jobs. “We are thrilled with this recognition from Site Selection and proud to see Greater Sudbury recognized among Canada’s best locations for investment and growth,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre in a news release Tuesday. “This honour reflects the momentum we are seeing across our community and the success of ongoing efforts to attract investment, support business expansion and create opportunities for residents.” Critical minerals partnerships bolster regional position Greater Sudbury Economic Development has formed the Kingston–Greater Sudbury Critical Minerals Alliance with Kingston Economic Development to strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals and advanced materials value chain. The city hosted the fifth annual BEV In Depth Conference at Cambrian College in May 2026, bringing together more than 250 leaders across mining, automotive, defense, mineral processing, battery technology, clean energy, academia and government. “As demand grows for secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chains, the work happening here in Greater Sudbury is helping power Canada’s economic sovereignty and support our allies around the world,” Lefebvre said. National investment climate supports local momentum Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in April the first-ever Canada Investment Summit, scheduled for mid-September 2026 in Toronto. “We’re an energy superpower, with the most educated workforce in the world and rock-solid fiscal strength,” Carney said. In the 12 months leading to that announcement, Canada secured more than 20 new economic and defense partnerships and $97 billion in foreign investment commitment. The country has 16 free trade agreements across 51 countries. “Canada consistently ranks among the top destinations for FDI confidence, with a AAA credit rating, the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and the number one ranking among G7 countries for banking stability,” according to summit background materials. That stability contributed to NATO allies’ preference for Canada as the location of a new Defense, Security and Resilience Bank. Municipal officials credit cross-departmental work Kris Longston, Greater Sudbury’s general manager of planning and growth, said the recognition reflects collaborative municipal efforts. “This achievement reflects the hard work of our Economic Development team in attracting investment and creating opportunities for business growth, as well as the dedication of our Planning and Building teams in streamlining development approvals to help projects move forward more efficiently,” Longston said. “Together with our community partners, industry leaders and local businesses, these efforts are helping to build a strong and resilient economy and create the conditions for investment, innovation and long-term growth.” The complete 2026 Canada’s Best Locations report is available in the September issue of Site Selection magazine.
