OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190107
Sustainable Transformative Economy in the Subnational Context: The Case of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Roberto Zepeda [1], Jorge Virchez [2]*
[1] Full-time researcher of the North American Research Center (CISAN), National Autonomous University (UNAM), Mexico.
2 Emeritus Professor at the Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada.
*2 Corresponding authour: jvirchez@laurentian.ca
Volume 19, Issue 01, 111-118, 2026.
Abstract: This article examines the city of Sudbury, Ontario, as a case study of a sustainable transformative economy in a subnational context of Canada. Historically defined by intensive mining and severe ecological degradation, Sudbury has undergone a remarkable process of environmental restoration and socio-economic transformation. Through the combined efforts of local government, industry, universities and educational institutions, as well as nonprofit organizations, and grassroots initiatives, the city has reversed decades of environmental damage while fostering community resilience and sustainability. Drawing on examples such as the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, Earth Care Sudbury, the Good Food Box, and the Sudbury Community Garden Network, the article illustrates how civic participation and inter-institutional collaboration have reoriented local development toward ecological stewardship, food security, and social equity. The Sudbury experience is an example demonstrating that transformative economies, grounded in solidarity, cooperation, and environmental responsibility, can be effectively implemented at the municipal level, offering a model for other regions seeking to balance ecological recovery with community well-being.
Keywords: transformative economy, Sudbury, Canada, environmental restoration, sustainable development, local development.
[1] Full-time researcher of the North American Research Center (CISAN) at the National Autonomous University (UNAM). rzepeda@unam.mx
[2] Emeritous Professor at the Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada. Contact: jvirchez@laurentian.ca
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