Greater Sudbury Museums Strategic Planning

Greater Sudbury Museums Services (GSM) has begun developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan.

This forward-looking plan will serve as a roadmap to strengthen GSM’s long-term sustainability, improve operational efficiency and increase public engagement. It will outline clear priorities and actionable strategies to preserve the city’s cultural heritage while fostering innovation, inclusivity and long-term growth.

The expected outcomes of the new Greater Sudbury Museums Strategic Plan are:

• Preserved and celebrated cultural heritage
• A sustainable financial and resource strategy
• Maintained governance and operational excellence
• Successfully engaged stakeholders and collaborators
• A collaborative vision and united leadership
• Defined strategic priorities and actionable goals
• Enhanced digital engagement and reach

Anderson Farm Museum, Lively

To support this work, GSM has formed a dedicated Steering Committee. The committee includes members of the Museum and Municipal Heritage Advisory Panel, as well as community representatives. Working closely with City staff, the committee will provide insight, oversight and support to ensure the final plan reflects the diverse voices of the community.

GSM has also partnered with LMD Solutions to help develop the five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2030). LMD will assist in refining the consultation process and gathering community input.

The first step in the consultation phase is a community-wide survey, part of a broader engagement effort. Feedback from this survey will inform the next stages of the process, including stakeholder interviews, strategic planning sessions and validation events—leading to the final Strategic Plan

Together, we will build a plan that supports a vibrant future for Greater Sudbury Museums.

Greater Sudbury Museum Strategic Plan Engagement Campaign

Between June and October 2025, we asked stakeholders and the community to tell us what you imagined for Greater Sudbury Museums.

When you IMAGINED Greater Sudbury Museums, here’s what you told us

• “Sudbury’s story isn’t just in the past — it’s still being written. The museums should help people see that they’re part of it.” (Community participant – focus group)
• “We want spaces where people see themselves — Indigenous, Francophone, newcomers, everyone — reflected in the exhibits.” (Partner organization – interview)
• “There’s a lot of pride in our heritage — but people need to know these places exist. Visibility is the first step.” (Community survey response)
• “Partnerships with schools, colleges, and cultural groups could make history come alive for young people.” (Educator – interview)
• “People want to feel proud of where they live — the museums can be the spark that helps them reconnect with that pride.” (Community member – focus group)
• “Sometimes the museums feel like hidden gems… but they shouldn’t be hidden.” (Resident – survey response)
• “If the museums can show how past struggles and successes shaped our resilience today, people will connect on a deeper level.” (Community leader – roundtable discussion)

Your Ideas for Greater Sudbury Museums

Your feedback included many common themes. In collaboration with LMD Solutions, our strategic planning team is using these themes to guide the future direction of Greater Sudbury Museums.

See your ideas come to life – Winter 2026

LMD Solutions and the Strategic Plan Team is using these themes to develop a new vision and strategic direction for Greater Sudbury Museum Services.

You will have an opportunity to provide feedback on a draft plan soon!