Next Steps Emerging from Small Communities Solutions Conference
Community-led solutions gain traction as local leaders chart the path forward. Post-event report and video now available.
The Small Communities Solutions Conference, hosted at Harmony Centre on March 29, aimed to serve as more than a gathering of ideas. It was intended as a launchpad for action. As the dust settles, organizers and attendees are turning their attention to what comes next.
A comprehensive report released on April 23 distills the key findings and follow-up goals from the event.
At its heart, the report reflects a strong desire for ongoing collaboration, practical implementation of proven strategies, and the need for systems-level change rooted in local strengths.
Key Findings
According to their report, the Small Communities Solutions Conference revealed a strong, shared commitment among participants to move beyond barriers and toward locally-driven solutions.
A central theme emerging from both presentations and post-event reflections was the power of collaboration. Whether addressing housing, health care, or economic development, speakers underscored that no single organization can work in isolation.
Initiatives like Grey County’s Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program and the Shorefast Institute’s community-based economic model on Fogo Island offered compelling examples of what becomes possible through cross-sector partnerships.
A deliberate focus on asset-based thinking shaped the tone of the day. Organizers asked presenters to share what’s working (not what’s missing) and attendees responded enthusiastically. The conference report maps out existing community strengths, from grassroots housing responses to paramedic-led outreach, highlighting opportunities to replicate and scale these successes across the region.
Local leadership played a key role in framing the conversation. Presenters including former Grey County CAO Kim Wingrove and Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose called for a shift in mindset, acknowledging that lasting change is unlikely to come from provincial or federal intervention. Instead, they urged communities to innovate from within, working with what they already have.
The pragmatic tone struck a chord. Rather than polished, theoretical models, attendees were presented with evolving, on-the-ground programs that are imperfect but impactful. From youth homelessness prevention to harm reduction pilots, speakers emphasized responsiveness over perfection, encouraging others to act with the tools available.
Finally, a sense of hope emerged as a unifying force. Participants left feeling informed, connected, and energized. As one attendee put it: “There is collaboration. There is hope.” Survey data reinforced this sentiment, pointing to a growing confidence among local leaders that shared, community-driven solutions can and do make a difference.
Next Steps Identified in the Report
The report accompanying the Small Communities Solutions Conference outlines a number of clear outcomes and areas of interest from both organizers and attendees. While it does not prescribe a formal action plan, several recurring themes suggest directions that participants are eager to explore further.
Sustaining Cross-Sector Collaboration
One of the strongest outcomes of the conference was the fostering of new relationships among local government, social service agencies, grassroots organizations, and community leaders. While no formal working group has been proposed at this stage, the report highlights the event’s success in strengthening connections and identifying opportunities for future collaboration across sectors.
Advancing Civic Engagement
Several participants indicated they intended to bring ideas and models presented at the conference to their municipal councils. The report notes that attendees left with a clear understanding of how community-based solutions could inform local policy, with some expressing plans to appear as delegations to advocate for change.
Improving Public Awareness of Community Services
A recurring theme in participant feedback was the disconnect between existing services and public awareness. The report identifies this as a key area for improvement, with attendees noting the need to communicate more effectively with the broader community about available programs and supports.
Ongoing Access to Conference Materials
The report includes links to the full conference video and speaker presentations, with an emphasis on continuing public engagement and knowledge sharing. While no new platform or online hub has been formally announced, the intention to make resources widely accessible is evident.
Future Gatherings Under Consideration
Although the report does not commit to a follow-up event, the high level of participation and overwhelmingly positive feedback suggest strong interest in making the conference a recurring forum. Organizers have not confirmed any plans at this time, but the groundwork has been laid for continued dialogue in the months ahead.
Access the Report and Conference Video
Read the Full Report: Download Here
Watch the Full Conference Video
(Use the time markers in the video description on YouTube to jump to different parts of the event.)
The work ahead is substantial, but the message coming out of Harmony Centre is clear: community challenges require community solutions — and small communities, when connected, can achieve big change.