Full podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/260920-sudbury-ward-10-derek-young What will it take to make downtown Greater Sudbury a place where families feel safe, businesses thrive, and residents are proud to spend their time? In this episode of Love the North, Ward 10 candidate Derek Young discusses his vision for revitalizing downtown Sudbury and addressing the challenges that have affected its businesses, residents, and visitors. Young believes downtown can become a vibrant destination again, but that requires addressing public safety, homelessness, cleanliness, and economic development together. Through his proposed Plan 180, Young wants to introduce dedicated downtown cleaning crews, strengthen community partnerships, and create opportunities for vulnerable individuals to rebuild their lives. One of his proposals is the Changing Hearts program, inspired by initiatives in other Canadian cities. The concept would provide employment, job training, and life skills to individuals experiencing homelessness or relying on panhandling. Rather than simply moving problems from one neighbourhood to another, Young argues that lasting improvements require compassion, accountability, and practical solutions that help people move toward stability and independence. He also recognizes that downtown businesses need support, particularly during major construction projects that disrupt customer access and reduce revenue. A cleaner, safer, more welcoming downtown could help attract customers, encourage investment, support local entrepreneurs, and bring more activity back to the city's core. But revitalization raises important questions. How should the city balance enforcement with support services? What improvements should come first? And how will residents know whether the changes are working? #LoveTheNorth #GreaterSudbury #DerekYoung #Ward10 #DowntownSudbury #SudburyElection2026 #CommunitySafety #DowntownRevitalization #SupportLocal