Petition to Save the Bell Mansion

 Background:

• The Bell Mansion Site, located at 251 John Street, Sudbury, was gifted to Laurentian University with the intent that it serve the public good as a cultural centre.
• The building has since been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, recognizing its architectural, cultural, and historical significance.
• This site is not only a cornerstone of our local heritage but also a potential space for educational, cultural, and community programming.
• It is now reported that Laurentian University intends to sell the property, risking private redevelopment, restricted access, or even potential loss of heritage value.

We Believe:

• The Bell Mansion Site should remain accessible to the public and used in a way that reflects the original intent of the gift.
• The heritage designation must be respected and enforced, and the community must have a say in the building’s future.
• This property represents more than bricks and mortar — it embodies the collective memory and identity of the Greater Sudbury area.

We Call For:

• Laurentian University, in keeping with the spirit of the original gift, to honour the heritage designation with conditions of sale, in particular keeping the grounds for public use.
• The City of Greater Sudbury to use whatever means it possesses to ensure its preservation and place in the public realm for future generations.
• A collaborative process of public consultation to establish the Bell Mansion as a community-owned heritage and cultural centre.

We, the undersigned strongly urge all relevant parties to protect the Bell Mansion site as a public asset for the benefit of the community.

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to preserving the Bell Mansion site as a vital public and heritage resource.

You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Greater Sudbury to sign this petition. Please sign one time only. The personal information you submit may be provided to the City of Greater Sudbury as part of an official petition submission. Once submitted to Council, this petition becomes part of the public record.