Building An Extraordinary Community (BEC) was an extensive grass-roots strategic planning initiative that asked "What would you like to see happen in Sault Ste. Marie in the next five years?" The results from the community's response to this question were divided into nine sectors. Volunteer "Solution Councils" were then established based on their interest in these nine sectors.

Each of the Solution Councils worked through a strategic planning process (fashioned by the Institute of Cultural Affairs) to answer the above-noted question. As a group, the participants in each Solution Council expressed their vision, identified the obstacles to the vision, determined how to overcome the obstacles and finally established a strategic plan to move the community forward. With a plan in hand, each of the Solution Councils began to work on the tasks which would lead to achievement of their objectives.

CQI was born of the BEC process, charged with continuing the work of engaging our community in a continuous and inclusive process of improvement.

Below you'll find a number of documents highlighting this incredible community undertaking. "Our Strategic Plan" details the journey and provides the strategies developed. Also included is a "Report Card" that presents the results of the Solution Councils' efforts to achieve the various objectives.

BEC received fantastic support from the community, the numerous volunteers involved, and our funding partners. The BEC program was generously supported by FedNor/Industry Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Human Resource Development Canada, the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie and Area and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Success comes with great partnerships!


More information on BEC History is available in the documents below.