Lively/Walden Business History Archive page 5
Lively/Walden Business History Archive
Page 5 – S – Z
Sandvik’s history in Lively, Ontario, is a cornerstone of the Greater Sudbury mining cluster. For over 40 years, the facility at 100 Magill Street in the Walden Industrial Park has served as a vital hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, supporting underground mining operations across Canada.
Foundations and Growth The Lively operation was established in the early 1980s. Originally focused on local service and parts support, it evolved into a regional powerhouse as Sandvik expanded its global footprint through acquisitions like Tamrock in the late 1990s. The site became the primary Canadian center for rebuilding heavy machinery, specifically underground drills, loaders, and trucks.
The Shift to Electrification In the last decade, the Lively facility became the epicenter for Sandvik’s transition to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Following the acquisition of Artisan Vehicle Systems, the Lively shop was transformed into a global center of excellence for electric mining equipment. It spearheaded the testing and maintenance of the Z50 haul trucks and A10 loaders, solidifying Sudbury’s reputation as a leader in green mining technology.
A New Chapter The facility’s success eventually outpaced its physical capacity. To accommodate the massive scale of modern equipment and the growing demand for BEV technology, Sandvik broke ground on a new $80+ million, 135,000-square-foot flagship facility on Maley Drive in Sudbury in late 2024.
While operations are slated to transition to this new site by 2026/2027, the Lively location remains a historic site where Sandvik proved that old-school mechanical expertise could evolve into world-leading, high-tech innovation. Its legacy in the Walden Industrial Park defines the evolution of modern underground mining.
SER
Sign Effects (officially Signeffects Signs & Designs Inc.) has been a fixture of the Greater Sudbury and Lively business community since 1992. Over the past three decades, the company has evolved from a local startup into a premier regional provider of high-tech signage and branding solutions.
Technological Pioneers
A defining chapter in the company’s history was its early adoption of computerized equipment in the early 1990s. At a time when much of the sign industry still relied on traditional hand-painted methods, Sign Effects invested in digital technology. This “tech-first” approach became the cornerstone of their business, allowing them to offer:
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Precision Manufacturing: Rapid production of 2D and 3D routed signs.
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Durability: High-quality vinyl graphics capable of withstanding the harsh Northern Ontario climate.
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Quick Turnaround: Meeting the aggressive deadlines required by the industrial and mining sectors.
Industrial and Community Impact
Located in the heart of the regional mining corridor on Kelly Lake Road, Sign Effects has built a reputation as a trusted partner for the area’s largest employers. Their client roster includes global mining giants like Vale and Epiroc, as well as major institutions such as Laurentian University and Cambrian College.
The Modern Era
Today, the company remains a family-oriented business known for its “big or small, we do it all” philosophy. Their services have expanded into modern specialties, including:
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Full-vehicle wraps and fleet branding.
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Custom LED and backlit channel lettering.
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Architectural signage and large-scale billboards.
By blending decades of industry experience with a continuous investment in the latest digital imaging and fabrication technology, Sign Effects has successfully navigated the transition from the analog era to the modern digital age, remaining a key player in Sudbury’s visual landscape.
Skyline Helecopters
Specialty Alloys
Sportcheck
SS Tech
Steelworkers
STG
Strong Co
Sudbury’s Credit Union, Lively Branch 
Sudbury Credit Union (SCU) has been a fixture of the Greater Sudbury financial landscape for over 70 years, operating under the founding philosophy of “people helping people.”
Origins and Growth (1951–1990s)
The institution’s history began on September 13, 1951, when 24 neighbors came together to form the Copper Cliff Community Credit Union. Their goal was to create a member-owned alternative to traditional banks. For decades, the organization grew through a series of strategic mergers with other local cooperatives, including the St. Andrews United Church Credit Union (1973) and the Polish Combatants Credit Union (1981).
Establishment in Lively
The Lively Branch, located in the Walden Plaza, became a vital part of this expansion. As the credit union evolved—eventually rebranding to Sudbury Regional Credit Union and later Sudbury Credit Union—the Lively location was established to serve the specific needs of the Walden industrial and residential community. It provided a local banking anchor for the families and businesses tied to the region’s mining and transportation sectors.
Community Impact and Modern Era
Today, the Lively branch is one of six physical locations serving over 15,000 members. True to its cooperative roots, SCU is known for:
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Local Reinvestment: The credit union aims to return 5% of pre-tax profits to the community annually, supporting initiatives like the Maison McCulloch Hospice and local food banks.
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Member Ownership: Unlike big banks, every member is a shareholder, ensuring that decisions prioritize community well-being over external profit.
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Diversified Services: The branch has transitioned from traditional savings and loans to offering modern digital banking, small business support, and specialized agricultural and mining-related financial services.
Despite the rise of online banking, the Lively branch remains a high-traffic hub, symbolizing SCU’s commitment to maintaining a physical presence where “neighbors help neighbors.”
Talos Steel
Tank Truck
Televei
The Ferris Me 
The Ferris Me is a modern medical aesthetics clinic that represents both a personal dream and a professional evolution for its founder, Joanna Ferris. Located in Walden Plaza in Lively, Ontario, the clinic has quickly become a key fixture in the local wellness community since its official opening in March 2025.
The Path to Aesthetics
The history of the business is rooted in Joanna’s decade-long career as a Registered Nurse. Trained at the University of Ottawa, she gained extensive experience in high-pressure fields like cardiology and ophthalmology. However, her professional journey took a “serendipitous shift” in 2018 when she took her first medical aesthetics course. Discovering a passion for combining clinical precision with creative, uplifting care, she spent the next several years obtaining advanced certifications and honing her skills in neuromodulators, fillers, and laser technology.
Founding and Cultural Roots
The clinic’s name is a playful nod to the family behind the brand. While Joanna is the primary provider, her mother—the “other Ferris”—works alongside her. The business also honors Joanna’s Indigenous heritage (on her father’s side); she credits the Waubetek Business Development Corporation and other regional business centers for helping her navigate the entrepreneurial path.
Modern Impact
Opening its doors on March 27, 2025, The Ferris Me focuses on “restorative aesthetic care.” By utilizing cutting-edge technology like the Fotona SP Dynamis laser and Bela MD facial systems, the clinic offers high-end medical treatments in a warm, welcoming environment. Today, it stands as a testament to the growth of specialized healthcare services in the Lively area, blending professional nursing expertise with a personalized, community-focused approach.
The Shop
The Tim Hortons on Notre Dame Avenue is more than just a coffee shop; it is a landmark linked to the deep local roots of its founder and the rapid growth of the franchise in Northern Ontario.
The Sudbury Connection
While the very first Tim Hortons opened in Hamilton in 1964, the brand’s history is closely tied to Sudbury. Founder and NHL legend Tim Horton moved to Sudbury with his family in 1945. He played his formative years of junior hockey in the city before being signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, a connection that local fans still take great pride in today.
Evolution on Notre Dame
For decades, the primary Tim Hortons on this corridor was located at 1181 Notre Dame Avenue, at the high-traffic intersection of Lasalle Boulevard and Notre Dame. This location served as a central hub for commuters and students for years.
In June 2019, the business entered a new chapter. To modernize and improve traffic flow, the original site was closed and replaced by a brand-new, standalone facility at 887 Notre Dame Avenue. The move was overseen by longtime franchisee Elaine Niemi, whose family has a multi-generational history with the Tim Hortons brand in the Sudbury region. The new location retained the original staff of 35 and featured updated drive-thru technology and modern interior seating.
Local Legacy
Today, the Notre Dame locations (including the satellite site at 885 Notre Dame) continue the tradition of community involvement common to the brand, such as:
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Smile Cookie Campaigns: Raising thousands for local charities like the Maison McCulloch Hospice.
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Timbits Hockey: Supporting the local youth leagues where Tim Horton himself once started.
Toromont
Toronto Dominion Bank
Trio Tech
TSI
Tulloch
Vale
Wajax
Walden Auto
Walden Group
Walden Home Hardware
Walden Universal Dental is a modern dental clinic located in the heart of Lively, Ontario, at 2 Black Lake Road. Its history is a testament to the growth of local professional services in the Walden area, filling a vital need for comprehensive family dental care.
Founding and Leadership
The clinic was established in April 2018 by Dr. Binh Nguyen (Dinh). Dr. Binh, who has been practicing dentistry since 2011, envisioned a practice that combined high-tech medical capabilities with the personalized, friendly atmosphere characteristic of the Lively community. The name “Walden Universal” reflects the clinic’s dual commitment to its specific geographical roots—using the historic “Walden” name—and its goal of providing “universal” or comprehensive care for all ages.
Modern Growth and Technology
Since its opening, the clinic has focused on integrating advanced dental technology into a “patient-first” environment. This includes:
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Technological Infrastructure: Utilizing modern instruments and digital imaging to streamline diagnosis and treatment.
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Service Expansion: Growing from a general dentistry office to a full-service facility offering specialized treatments such as Invisalign, dental implants, and sleep apnea therapy.
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Community Integration: By offering direct insurance billing and extended hours, the clinic became a convenient alternative to the larger dental centers in downtown Sudbury, allowing Lively residents to access high-end care without leaving their community.
Current Impact
Today, Walden Universal Dental is recognized as one of the premier dental providers in the Greater Sudbury area. It remains a key part of the local business landscape, operating with the motto “Brings Sunshine To Your Smile!” and continuing Dr. Binh’s founding mission of enhancing the health and well-being of the Walden community.
Walden Welding
Walmart southend