Communities collaborating together in community development processes can increase their capacity to improve quality of life, better manage change and sustain long-term well-being. The Community Collaboration Project (CCP) Empowering Communities & Building Capacity project (hereafter referred to as the CCP model project) provides opportunities for new forms of collaboration and governance. With access to the appropriate tools, resources and information, individuals living in rural and northern communities can engage in self sustaining, informed, local decision-making and meaningful dialogue between and among communities, organizations and governments.