Community Action Networks

In November 2025, City Council endorsed recommendations to transition away from the current Community Action Network (CAN) program. Council directed staff to work on a new way to support local groups and volunteers.

This plan includes:
• Pausing existing CAN rules and procedures
• Creating a new community affiliate program, with details coming in early 2027
•Setting up small grants for grassroots projects, with policy changes expected in mid?2026

To read the full report presented to Council on November 18, 2025, visit
https://pub-greatersudbury.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=58747

For over 15 years, CANs have brought together residents to build healthy communities that are strong and vibrant. They emerge from the collaborative efforts of citizens who care about where they live and want to make their neighbourhoods the best they can possibly be.

CANs receive support from the City through an annual community grant, staff assistance, and other resources. Their efforts focus on impactful projects and initiatives that enhance the overall quality of life in Greater Sudbury. There are currently 20 Community Action Networks.

For general information about Community Action Networks, please contact the City of Greater Sudbury at 311.

Community Action Networks have been formed in the following areas:

Azilda CAN

Co-Chairs: Lindsay Laur and Cathy Castanza
Email: azildacan4@gmail.com
Facebook: Azilda Community Action Network

Capreol CAN

Chair: Pooja Pabla
Email: capreolcommunityaction@gmail.com
Facebook: Capreol Community Action Network

Chelmsford CAN

Chair: Carmen Robillard
Email: chelmsfordcan@gmail.com

Flour Mill CAN

Chair: Claude Charbonneau
Phone: 705-674-0242
Email: 401charbonneau@gmail.com

Garson-Falconbridge CAN

Chair: Leo Leblanc
Email: gfcaninfo@gmail.com

Kingsmount-Bell Park CAN

Chair: Michael Penwarden
Email: info@ward10can.com
Website: Kingsmount/Bell Park Community Action Network

Levack CAN

Chair: Chantelle Gorham
Phone: 705-966-9666
Email: northwestfudgefactory@hotmail.com
Facebook: Levack Community Action Network

Minnow Lake Ward 11 CAN

Chair: Richard Charette
Phone: 705-822-7214
Email: community.minnowlake@gmail.com
Facebook: Minnow Lake Community Action Network

Onaping Falls CAN

Chair: Amanda Linton
Email: onapingfallscan@gmail.com
Facebook: Onaping Falls Community Action Network

South End CAN

Chair: Brenda Koziol
Email: southendcan@gmail.com
Facebook: South End Community Action Network

Uptown CAN

Chair: Cortney St. Jean
Email: info@uptownsudbury.ca
Website: Uptown Sudbury Community Action Network

Valley East CAN

Chair: Suzanne Leblanc
Phone: 705-507-0381
Email: srleblanc@hotmail.com
Facebook: Valley East Community Action Network

Walden CAN

Co-Chairs: Jenny Fortin and Katie Ambeau-Parent
Email: Waldencan2@gmail.com
Facebook: Walden Community Action Network

Ward 1 CAN

Chair: Jacob Attrill
Email: infoWARD1CAN@gmail.com
Facebook: Ward 1 Community Action Network

Ward 8 CAN (New Sudbury East of Barry Downe)

Chair: Rachelle Niemela
Phone: 705-822-1276
Email: info@ward8sudbury.ca
Website: ward8sudbury.ca
Facebook: New Sudbury East of Barry Downe Community Action Network

New Sudbury West CAN

Co-Chairs: Julie Labre and Spenser McCall
Email: ward12newsudbury@gmail.com
Website: New Sudbury West Community Action Network

Community Action Networks

Azilda CAN

Capreol CAN

Chelmsford CAN

Coniston CAN

Copper Cliff CAN

Donovan/Elm West CAN

Dowling CAN