Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to be employed in a pilot project in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada—an established mining hub—aimed at demonstrating the principles of Designing Sustainable Prosperity (DSP). As an inaugural attempt to apply DSP to transform a broad ecosystem encompassing environmental, industrial, and social dimensions, this project serves as a model for sustainable development in resource-rich regions. Rooted in Hiam-Galvez’s 2024 publication on DSP, this framework prioritizes economic diversification, social well-being, and environmental responsibility through systems design, encouraging a multi-disciplinary, collaborative effort toward resilient regional development. The model aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and supports the creation of financially viable, environmentally sound, and socially beneficial enterprises.

In Sudbury, stakeholders from various sectors will collaborate to identify and build diverse, lasting economies that remain viable beyond the lifecycle of mining operations. By developing infrastructure, educational opportunities, and localized industry growth, the pilot project will leverage existing resources to support long-term prosperity. The establishment of a broad ecosystem of partners and sponsors is essential, incorporating a shared funding program to enable the co-creation process. Success depends heavily on shared vision and commitment to a transformative goal, catalyzed by adaptive changes, particularly in education, to bridge skills gaps and attract new talent that meets future industry needs.

While the implementation I still ahead, we are actively preparing for the nine-month pilot phase. This paper shares key insights from the preparation, highlighting breakthroughs and early lessons. Through a multi-sectoral approach encompassing energy, water, and waste management, the DSP framework is laying the groundwork for lasting regional prosperity. As a roadmap for other communities, DSP provides a replicable model that reduces dependency on single industries, fosters sectoral collaboration, and promotes "knowledge-based economies" within mining regions. Ultimately, this Canadian-branded approach offers a path to co-create sustainable prosperity, positioning resource-based communities for resilience and growth in the global economy.