City Staff to Present Vision for New Approach to Support Community Groups and Volunteerism

As part of the City’s efforts to strengthen community vibrancy and create a healthier community, a report will be presented to City Council on November 18, 2025, recommending a new approach to supporting community groups and volunteerism. The recommendations stem from a review of the Community Action Network (CAN) program.

A new initiative – the Community Registry/Affiliate program – is being proposed which would support non-profit, volunteer-based groups by offering access to municipal resources such as meeting space, basic insurance, funding opportunities and training. Groups would register through an online portal and be assigned a staff liaison.

The report also recommends redirecting existing funding to a new stream within the Healthy Community Initiatives (HCI) fund to support grassroots, community-led initiatives.

These, and other report recommendations, aim to enhance volunteer involvement, improve inclusivity, streamline processes, strengthen communication and ensure equitable access to services.

Community Action Network Program Review

The CAN program was established in 2002 to connect residents with City staff and Council on local community initiatives. The role of CANs has since evolved, as have City processes for supporting community initiatives.

The City of Greater Sudbury’s Strategic Plan 2019-2027 called for a review of the CAN program, including CAN's organizational structure, mandate, current status and alignment with the City’s strategic priorities. 

In 2024, the City retained Stuckless Consulting Inc. to assess the CAN program and produce recommendations for improvements to the current program or for a new community development model. 

The review recognized CAN’s volunteer base and its role in organizing over 100 local events annually. However, it also identified challenges, including complex governance, limited diversity and inclusivity, lack of evaluation and overlap with other organizations. The review recommended the City transition away from the current CAN program and strengthen support for community-led initiatives through existing City programs. 

Next Steps

In line with the findings from Stuckless Consulting Inc. and based on further consultation with Community Action Networks members and research on best practices, a gradual transition from the current CAN model is being recommended.

During this transition period, expected to take place from November 2025 through early 2027, the City would ensure the activities and programs of CANs remain supported, while new approaches to supporting community groups and volunteerism are developed.

Subsequent reports will be presented to Council detailing the new grassroots funding stream and the community registry/affiliate program. 

To view the full CAN program review, visit https://pub-greatersudbury.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=58747

Quotes

“This is about meeting our community where it is today and where it is going. We have heard from residents, volunteers, and grassroots groups about what is working and what needs to change. These recommendations reflect that feedback and aim to make it easier for more people to get involved, feel included, and access the support they need. By strengthening communication, removing barriers, and investing in community-led ideas, we are building a more connected, equitable, and vibrant Greater Sudbury.”
– Mayor Paul Lefebvre

"This review reflects the passion and hard work of volunteers across Greater Sudbury. While change is never easy, we're encouraged by the City's commitment to building a more inclusive, accessible and effective framework for community involvement. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods, and this new direction would be a positive step in helping us to keep making a difference.” 
– Brenda Koziol, Chair of South End CAN