Callaghan concerned citizens’ groups too powerful

BY TRACEY DUGUAY

Ward 8 Councillor Ted Callaghan thinks the terms of reference developed by the Community Action Network (CAN), along with a request for funding, is too far an extension of their powers and may be too costly.

“You could probably run Inco on these terms of reference,” he said.  “It’s too much power for unelected representatives.”

His tirade didn’t stop there.

“If council can’t do the work outlined in the CAN terms of reference, we shouldn’t be here, we should be doing something else.”

His harsh hyperbole came after a presentation to council at the priorities meeting Wednesday by Chris Gore, manager of community partnerships, and Marc Tasse, a member of the Valley East CAN.

The Constellation Report recommended the creation of more community action networks as a means to foster “community engagement and empowerment.”

Several CAN representatives and city staff have spent the last few months developing the terms of reference to be used.

“The terms of reference presented in this document are intended to provide clarification for the relationship between the CAN and City of Greater Sudbury staff and council to help ensure the success of these community voices,” states the staff report prepared for the meeting.

The terms of reference include CANs empowering residents to participate in “community, economic and social development projects;” responding to communities needs, including the “full utilization of available municipal community spaces, facilities and assets;” promote new initiatives in response to community priorities and consider the relationship between the initiatives, CAN focus and council priorities; nurture civic pride and engagement, incorporate healthy community charter when possible into community-based projects and include “education learning opportunities and community growth as sustainable development initiatives wherever possible.”

There are 13 CANs with the possibility of developing four more in  Greater Sudbury.

Whenever there is “evidence of unique communities” additional CANs could be created, along with the support mechanisms needed to assist in their daily operations.

Aside from requesting council approve the terms of reference, the presenters also asked that budget options be prepared to include funds to “address the administrative costs of all active Community Action Networks” ($70,000) and “approve the recruitment and hiring of two additional community development co-ordinators” ($173,543).

Ward 5 Councillor Ron Dupuis said, while he understood Callaghan’s position, he thought CANs are a great idea and did a lot to address the disenfranchisement felt by outlying communities.

“Where do we draw the line? I don’t know,” he said, in response to the potential for the number of CANs to keep growing and the additional funding that would be required as well.

Priorities chair Janet Gasparini let the back-and-forth conversation continue for a while before suggesting the issue needed wider debate.

“It sounds like a lot of discussion needs to happen.”

With the support of council, Gasparini suggested they put it on the agenda at council’s annual strategic retreat, which takes place in the new year.