Purpose and Mandate

In the 1970s, local communities across Toronto began seeking greater control over the services in their neighbourhoods. Through negotiations with city government, they established a new model: resident-led hubs designed to address local needs from the ground up. These hubs became the Association of Community Centres (AOCCs).

Community Centre 55 is a member of the Association of Community Centres network, which consists of City-owned or City-managed facilities that are managed, operated and maintained by volunteer Boards of Management. Today, the network spans ten centres across the city, each serving as a multi-purpose facility offering public space, programs, and services that address the social and recreational needs of their local communities.

Each AOCC operates under a hybrid governance model: core administrative functions are funded by the City of Toronto, while programming is supported entirely through user fees, donations, and grants. This structure provides local control, financial stability, and the flexibility to respond to what communities actually need — all driven by a bottom-up approach. The result is that each AOCC has developed its own distinct identity and tailored set of services, reflective of the unique community it serves.

Collectively, AOCCs are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, promoting civic engagement, and enhancing quality of life. Together, they stand as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a city, its residents, and community members unite around a common purpose.

For more information on the AOCC network, visit toronto.ca/AOCC.