The vision to transform Elm Place into a downtown health hub began in 2020–2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as an idea has since evolved into a multi-tenant centre bringing a wide range of medical and wellness services together under one roof.
“It took some time to secure the first anchor tenant,” said Samer Ghazi, vice-president of asset management at Vista Hospitality. “But today we have Neomo Medical Centre with nine physicians, Dr. Shukla’s cardiology practice, and the Well Health Diagnostic Centre for imaging. A lab is coming soon, physiotherapy is under discussion, and we’re in talks with providers of MRI, CT, dental, dermatology, orthopedic services and more.”
Neomo Medical Centre opened last year with nine doctors and hosts an after-hours clinic 4 days a week for their patients. Well Health Diagnostic Centre relocated to Elm Place last fall, offering advanced imaging and ultrasound services among a few things they perform. The property also houses the Public Health Sudbury & District, Ontario Health at Home, the Arthritis Society Canada and several counselling offices, making Elm Place a growing medical hub for comprehensive health care in the city’s core. The latest addition, Dr. Dinkar Shukla’s cardiology clinic, further strengthens Elm Place’s position as a key destination for health care in Northern Ontario.
Ghazi noted that the project’s strategy focuses on ease of accessibility, safety and amenities, all designed to make Elm Place attractive for both providers and patients.
“The safety and security at our property are second to none,” he said. Elm Place boosts a full 24/7 security team and full-time surveillance with over 170 cameras, making it one of the safest facilities in the city. Having the main transit hub directly across the street, makes it an easy commute, whether you are driving, Ubering, taking a taxi or taking the bus.
“We have more than 950 parking stalls, of which 300 are covered to protect you from the elements. On top of that, tenants and their patients benefit from everything else here — the food court offers a variety of choices, from subs, burger and fries, Persian, European, Poutines and more. The World gym will work off those extra pounds, offering discounts to Elm Place tenants.
He pointed to the success of the Sudbury Market, which relocated to Elm Place, as proof that families are returning downtown in larger numbers. We have entertainment here as well, catch a movie at Sudbury’s favourite theatre, Imagine Cinema, with reclining lounge seats, you will experience movies like never before. Or grab a coffee and walk through the mall and visit our diverse selection of retailers of unique clothing and products like no other.”
“People were hesitant initially,” Ghazi said. “But when the market opened, families came back and realized how safe and easy it is to park here. It’s becoming a pleasant experience again, and that helps us attract medical tenants too.”
Feedback from existing tenants has been encouraging.
“Tenants feel very welcome, very safe and well looked after. Their patients are happy, and we’ve only heard good comments since they moved in,” Ghazi said.
After several years of planning, he described the momentum as rewarding.
“It’s gratifying because we’ve been working hard for three or four years on this concept,” he said. “Now it’s starting to flourish and we are seeing the fruits of our labour. Downtown is gradually being revitalized, and we know more doctors want to be here.”
Looking ahead, Ghazi expects larger medical tenants to arrive between 2026 and 2027, alongside smaller clinics, walk-in practices and dental offices. A new blood-services laboratory — the first of its kind in Northern Ontario — is also set to open soon.
Once known primarily only as a shopping centre, Elm Place is repositioning itself as a mixed-use complex with health care at its core. Ghazi said this mix of professional services, retail, fitness, entertainment and community amenities will define the next phase of downtown Sudbury’s evolution.
Ghazi said. “Elm Place will be home to many more medical tenants, and it will be recognized as a success not just for us, but for the Sudbury community.”
Testimonials:
I am delighted to share my positive experience with the management of 40 Elm Place, where SHUKLA CARDIAC CENTER has been located for the past year. From our very first day, the management team has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to ensuring a smooth operation for our medical office.
Their commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment has greatly benefited both our staff and patients. The newly appointed digital directories and parking lot signage have helped our patients navigate our new location. Any concerns or requests have been addressed promptly and efficiently, which has helped us deliver high-quality care without interruption.
We truly appreciate the outstanding support and attention to detail provided by the management at 40 Elm Place. I would highly recommend this location to any professional seeking a well-managed and supportive environment for their practice.
-Vicky Hartleib on behalf of the SHUKLA CARDIAC CENTER
My name is Dr. James Callaghan from Neomo Medical. I’m a proud Sudbury native and have been practicing medicine for over eight years.
As someone who grew up visiting the downtown mall with my family, I’ve seen this space evolve over time. The transformation—especially on the second level—is remarkable. It’s both nostalgic and exciting to now work in a place that holds so many memories, yet has embraced such positive change. The wide variety of food and shopping options make it a dynamic and convenient environment for both staff and patients.
When we opened our clinic just over a year ago, there was some understandable hesitation from patients about the setting. However, we’ve been able to confidently reassure them that the mall has prioritized safety, cleanliness, and ongoing support for its tenants. Knowing that the structural and operational needs are so well managed allows me to focus fully on providing care as a physician. The mall staff are responsive, professional, and consistently helpful.
We would be happy to welcome new neighbours to join us on the second floor!
Warm regards,
-Dr. James Callaghan, Neomo Medical
Since our move into Elm Place Mall in November 2024, our experience has been very positive. Mall management, maintenance, and security have all been extremely accommodating, and we truly appreciate the support provided.
The maintenance team is always quick to respond to any issues or concerns, and security has been equally reliable—on several occasions they have assisted us with transporting patients back to their vehicles, always with professionalism and kindness. The strong security presence also helps our staff and patients feel safe, which is invaluable in a healthcare setting.
We love our temporary space and look forward to our new home office on the main floor. The mall itself provides a welcoming environment for our patients, who can enjoy shopping or the wide variety of food court options while they wait.
Overall, we have greatly enjoyed our time here so far and look forward to continuing our relationship with Elm Place Mall in the future.
-Hollie Laplante , Well Health Centre