In anticipation of the OAA’s 2023 Conference, Designing for Dignity,
we reached out to local folks from across the Sudbury region to share
what they think makes it a great place to live, work, and play. In our
‘Faces of Sudbury’ series, we share their responses, in their own words.
These personal reflections shed light
on the richness of the region, and celebrate the many facets that will
be showcased at the bespoke Conference event in June. For the first
time, the OAA is holding its annual conference at the gateway to
Northern Ontario—a place of resource extraction and regeneration, of
remoteness and richness, of communities and design challenges. The
setting prompts us to have new conversations as well as to learn from
and collaborate with local communities about the role the profession
must play in supporting dignity for all.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Hannah Poole and the owner of Good Luck General Store, a small plant and gift shop located at 170 Elgin St in Sudbury.
2. What excites you about living in the Sudbury area?
The most exciting part of living in Sudbury is its proximity to vast untouched nature. Even within the city are kilometers and kilometers of trail systems. There are hundreds of lakes for swimming in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter and we get some of the craziest sunsets all year round.
3. What makes Sudbury “home” for you?
Sudbury is home because my family is here. I was born and raised in Sudbury, left for 7 years to live in Toronto and came back because I missed the lakes and being close to my family.
4. What’s your favourite building or structure in the city? Why?
I love the Bell Mansion that currently houses the Sudbury Art Gallery. I remember going as a kid for field trips, art classes and with my mom to see the exhibits and loving how dark and ominous it felt. The giant wooden doors you have to walk through, the black stone exterior, and then there is a small sunroom that's so bright and white and a very cool attic space. Plus it has a history of being haunted, I've always loved it.
5. What is Sudbury’s best kept secret?
First thing that came to mind was the Laurentian Conservation Area 10K loop hike. It's a 2.5-3hr long commitment, lots of ascents and descents, beautiful views and you feel so satisfied when you complete it! I only ever pass at most a few people on it so it's a great place to find spaciousness within the city.