Community Voices Committee

Empowering Our Local Community

Who we are

The Community Voices Committee (CVC) is a not‑for‑profit, civic‑minded group made up of neighbours who care about the well‑being, history, and future of our community. We initially came together in response to a specific concern, with a shared belief that when people participate, speak up, and work together, local decisions become stronger and more representative of the people who live here.

We chose to incorporate as a not‑for‑profit because of our deeply-rooted desire to be a reliable, constructive resource for the entire municipality. We are able to support more residents, engage more effectively with leadership, and broaden the scope of what we can contribute now that we are a forma organization.

We’re guided by a simple truth: “in every community, there is work to be done.” We take pride in our civic responsibility—to one another, to our neighbours, and to our local leadership. Our core values are practical and intentional: be of support, be of assistance, be of consequence. These principles guide how we show up and the work we commit ourselves to.

The CVC focuses on bringing people together for open, respectful conversations about the issues that matter locally. Through community engagement, research, advocacy, and partnership‑building, we aim to protect what makes our region unique while encouraging thoughtful, balanced, community‑driven solutions. We’re especially committed to making sure voices that are often overlooked have the chance to be heard.

How to get involved

Donate directly to our cause

Get in contact with us today

Check out our GoFundMe campaign

Events

Pancake Breakfast

CVC in the news

CBC on bridge ownership

"Historical records related to this structure are incomplete, and at this point there is no definitive documentation establishing when, or even whether, the bridge was formally transferred to a former municipality, aside from the fact that the municipality has maintained it for many years,"

The Dean Lake bridge decision - The Pointer

"Since the bridge closure in April, residents have endured dangerous detours, delayed emergency response times, and escalating costs. Chevis Road – the only alternate route – is substandard by the municipality’s own engineering assessments. It is too narrow, winding, intolerably steep in some sections, and vulnerable to flooding in others."

Prevent demolition of the Dean Lake Bridge - MyEspanolaNow

"A newly incorporated citizen’s committee is taking legal action to prevent the demolishment of the Dean Lake Bridge east of Iron Bridge.

Dean Lake Residents Turn to the Courts - Shore Report

“We believe this decision may not align with applicable legal and procedural standards,” stated Johnson in her presentation, “and was made without adequate and reasonable consideration of the impact on those most reliant on the bridge for safe and dependable access. It is with profound sadness and disappointment that the CDC takes this legal action.”

Local group fighting municipality's decision to close a bridge - SooToday

"Council’s decision favours an alternate road route requiring extensive upgrades — upgrades deemed “feasible” but which may prove impractical given existing constraints — while refusing to restore interim access to the bridge as council works through these uncertainties."

Council to demolish Dean Lake Bridge - The Sault Star

"The decision to proceed with the Chevis Road work was deemed the only access route into the Dean Lake community."

"Members of the council voting for the decommission of the bridge see the road as a permanent asset that will continue to remain usable for decades and is worth the financial investment."

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