Successes
Together, we have created positive change in our community.
Creating positive change together
For over 15 years, we have collaborated on community-led advocacy campaigns and projects. Together with community members and community organizations, we create positive change.
CLS is born
Roughly 30 people and 14 community groups come together with a common vision.
Protecting greenspaces
One of our first campaigns was to advocate for a citizen panel to create an inventory of Greater Sudbury's green spaces and work towards their protection. The Green Space Advisory Panel came to be in 2008. During their two terms, they protected 154 green spaces (~2500ha).
Organizing for sustainable transportation
Starting as CLS working groups, Bike Sudbury (originally Sudbury Cyclists Union) and Friends of Sudbury Transit brought people together to improve biking and transit in our community.
Getting green issues on the agenda
In the 2010, 2014 , 2018 & 2022 municipal elections, we and our partners hosted a Mayoral Town Hall, as well as candidate surveys and pledges on environmental and social issues..
Banning Phosphorous
Ontario was the first Ontario city to ban the use of lawn fertilizers with phosphorus, thanks to advocacy by CLS, Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance, and other water stewards.
Anti-idling bylaw
Following a CLS campaign, Council enacted an anti-idling by-law
Watershed Studies
With continued advocacy, Council supported watershed studies in our city of lakes. Dedicated funding was allocated in 2015.
Project Impact
In 2014, we initiated Project Impact. Project Impact supports small community projects with a big impact. People pitch their ideas, people pitch in donations, the community votes, and the projects with the most votes get funded. We have funded 48 grassroots projects so far. Participants make great connections and feel the support of their community for their efforts to make a positive difference.
Rain barrels & rain gardens
Our rain barrels and rain gardens project empowered residents to protect the health of our lakes and waterways. Getting all students involved, we installed two rain gardens at Adamsdale P.S. to store and filter stormwater run-off. We delivered 3000 educational flyers in the Ramsey Lake watershed. We provided 115 affordable (and recycled) rain barrels to residents. We held workshops for residents and for landscape professionals, and shared information with gardeners. We helped build capacity in the community, where more rain gardens are being put in.
Funding cycling infrastructure
Council dedicated annual funding for cycling infrastructure. An Active Transportation Coordinator was hired the following year.
Walk Sudbury
We collaborated on Walk Sudbury, choosing and wayfinding 16 walking routes with community volunteers.
Climate Emergency Declaration
On May 28, 2019, with over 300 citizens of all ages in attendance, Council received a climate action petition with nearly 3000 signatures from throughout Greater Sudbury, declared a Climate Emergency, and committed to moving forward on climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a goal of net zero by 2050.
A plan to reach net zero
Council approved the Community Energy and Emissions Plan, our community's roadmap to achieve net zero.
Neighbourhoods Together
We hosted a series of simple, COVID-safe neighbourhood-based activities to connect people with their neighbours and do something positive together
Mashkikike
We collaborated on "Ma-sh-ki-ki-ke: A story of healing, pour nous et pour la terre." This holistic design was awarded an honourable mention in the Sudbury 2050 international design competition.
Place Hurtubise Courtyard Mural
We coordinated a community-led interactive courtyard ground mural in collaboration with Place Hurtubise Tenant Association, Live Love Louder, Myths and Mirrors Community Arts, Ward 8 CAN.
Place Hurtubise Regreened
We cooordinated a community-led regreening project in collaboration with Place Hurtubise Tenant Association, Ward 8 Community Action Network and Sudbury Shared Harvest.. 23 native trees, an edible forest and pollinator garden, tenant pollinator gardnens, sitting stones and picnic tables have brought more nature to Place Hurtubise Playground and housing. The playground has become a vibrant gathering place for the neighbourhood.
Climate Resilience
We successfully advocated for a senior climate resilience staff position to lead the City's climate mitigation and adaptation action. Council approved the position in June, while also adopting the Community Climate Adaptation Plan.
Climate Justice Corner
We launched a Climate Justice Corner at the main library, in partnership with Greater Sudbury Public Library. Community members can find books, information, and resources to take action, get involved, or broaden their understanding of climate action and climate justice.
#saveLUgreenspace
We successfully campaigned for Laurentian University to keep the LU greenspace and trails for the community. The LU greenspace had been in danger of being sold due to LU's insolvency.
Pollinator Gardens
We provided native pollinator plants for Wahnapitae First Nation, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, Westmount, Walden, and Birkdale community housing community gardens.