Changes to CAN Model

Tuesday, November 18, City staff will be presenting a report and recommendation to City council for the evolution of Community Action Networks and volunteerism in Greater Sudbury.

Below is a summary of those recommendations, and the full report and attachments is now published online: Community Action Network Program Review  attachments here. 

The report to council recommends a gradual transition away from the CAN model and proposes a new framework to support community organizations and volunteerism. Key components of the new approach include:

• Suspension of CAN operating procedures and terms of engagement (effective immediately). This will eliminate the requirement for CAN elections, meetings, visioning sessions, executive titles, etc. Interested/active CANs are still encouraged to come together to plan and deliver neighbourhood and community level events, initiatives and projects during the transition period.
• Development of a Community Registry/Affiliate Program to formally support non-profit, volunteer-based groups with access to City resources, staff liaisons, training, and benefits such as insurance, access to meeting space, simplified funding opportunities etc.  Similar Registry/Affiliate programs exist in several municipalities in Ontario such as the City of Mississauga, City of Richmond Hill, Town of Oakville etc. Existing CANs wishing to continue with initiatives in their communities would have the opportunity to join the registry/affiliate program and or further collaborate and join other groups in the community. 
• Creation of a micro-grant stream through the Healthy Community Initiatives (HCI) Fund to support grassroots activities, replacing the current CAN operating grants.
• Enhanced support for Neighbourhood Associations, including volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition.  Existing CANs can merge and collaborate with Neighbourhood Associations to more fulsomely support neighbourhood level initiatives such as outdoor rink operations, special events and projects if desired.  
• Launch of volunteer training and capacity-building initiativesbeginning in 2027 focused on a year-round volunteer training. This program will offer skill-building opportunities for both individual volunteers and registered organizations, including role-specific training for City-supported activities (e.g., outdoor rinks, community gardens) and general learning such as first aid, organizational development, and promotional strategies. 

The transition period is recommended to span from November 2025 to Q1 2027, ensuring continued support for existing CANs while new programs are developed.

If accepted, the Executive of the Kingsmount-Bell Park CAN will meet to discuss the transformation and provide options to its membership at the February 2026 General Meeting. 

If you have questions or recommendations, please contact us at info@ward10can.com.