On Wednesday evening, City Council approved a motion by Mayor David Courtemanche that will create a Community Solutions Team. This citizen-lead team will conduct an extensive public consultation process that will recommend solutions addressing issues raised by residents and businesses in outlying areas.

Mayor Courtemanche affirmed that the City is committed to building a stronger and more inclusive community.  'It is no secret that, since amalgamation, residents and businesses of outlying areas have had some concerns.  By working together we can take a productive and planned approach to address these issues.”  The Mayor further emphasized that all Greater Sudburians stand to benefit from a stronger and more unified Greater Sudbury.  'The Community Solutions Team is yet another initiative, similar to the establishment of the Community Action Networks, intended to engage citizens from every neighbourhood and community across our vast city”, stated Mayor Courtemanche.

Led by former Nickel Belt MPP, Ontario Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Floyd Laughren, the Community Solutions Team will implement a public consultation over the next several months and present their findings, including recommendations, to City Council in January, 2007. 'As a resident of the Walden area, and a long-time Sudburian, I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Community Solutions Team,” said Mr. Laughren. He noted that the Team's work will be open and transparent and focused on getting results. 'This initiative is an important milestone in the evolution of the City of Greater Sudbury.  All citizens will have a voice in the development of concrete and practical solutions to improve how the City provides services to our communities in the outlying areas,” added Mr. Laughren.

The Community Solutions Team is a unique opportunity for Greater Sudbury residents to get involved and influence decision making on issues and policies that will unite Greater Sudbury's diverse communities and allow the City to continue to thrive and prosper.  The Team will promote a better understanding between the City's rural, urban and suburban citizens, and identify specific ways in which the City can improve its service delivery to its outlying neighborhoods.

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Media contact:
Paul Demers, Mayor's Office
City of Greater Sudbury
671-2489, ext. 2012

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Floyd Laughren Biography

Floyd Laughren was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1971.  Prior to his election, he taught Economics at Cambrian College.  Mr. Laughren served as the MPP for Nickel Belt from 1971 to 1998.  From 1990 to 1995, he served as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance of Ontario under Premier Bob Rae. 

Following his retirement from active politics, Mr. Laughren was appointed Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, a position he held from 1998 to 2003.  He currently sits on the Laurentian University Board and the Science North Foundation.  In 2005, he served as Chair for the Greater Sudbury United Way Campaign.