Purpose and Mandate

AOCC MODEL

In the 1970s, a number of local communities were looking for more control over their community services. They negotiated a new approach with local city governments to create resident-led hubs to meet neighbourhood needs. Today, there are ten of these organizations that are managed, operated and maintained by volunteer Boards of Management, collectively known as the “Association of Community Centres” (AOCCs).

Each AOCC operates under a hybrid model of governance wherein the core administrative activities of the community centres are funded by the City of Toronto, while the program component is funded entirely through user fees, donations, and grants.

This model provides local control, stability and the flexibility to focus on what communities need, from a bottom-up approach. As a result, each AOCC has a unique identity and set of services tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. The AOCC movements are now an inspired model of what can happen when the city, its residents, and other community members work together for a common goal.

Leading Community Innovations

Each AOCC is unique. As neighbourhood focused centres, programming and initiatives reflect the assets and needs of each neighbourhood. The diversity of the AOCC’s community innovations spans from creating conditions for the full participation of communities, to advancing local social enterprise and advocating on diversity, equity and inclusion issues critical to our communities and neighbourhoods.

Collectively, AOCCs create an important bridge between the City of Toronto and the community sector as we are active members of community-based networks and committees throughout the city.