How to Spot Service Gaps in Your Neighbourhood with the CHSSN Map App

The CHSSN Map App does more than help organizations find each other. It also helps you see what is missing.

Whether you are planning a new program, writing a funding application, or reviewing your organization’s regional strategy, the map gives you tools to explore where services are clustered and where they are hard to find. When layered with demographic data, that picture becomes even more powerful.

This short walkthrough will show you how to use the app to explore service gaps in specific neighbourhoods. We will look at Verdun and Dorval as examples.

Step 1: Zoom in on your neighbourhood

Start by logging into the app and navigating to the Map view. Use the search bar or zoom manually to your borough or city.

In our example, we are starting with Verdun. Once you are in the right area, you can toggle on the Borough overlay for clearer boundaries.

Tip: You can also use the CLSC, RTSS, or City overlays depending on how your organization’s region is structured.

Step 2: Apply filters to see specific services

Now select the Filter tab and choose the type of service you want to explore. For example, if you want to see who provides caregiver support, check the box under Service Type.

This will update the map to show only the organizations that list caregiver services.

In the case of Verdun, you might find that no pins appear at all.

That is important. It does not mean no services exist. It means no organizations have listed caregiver support in Verdun as a service area in the app.

This is your first signal that you may be looking at a service gap.

Step 3: Add a demographic overlay

Next, open the Layers tab and add relevant demographic data. For caregiver services, you might want to look at:

• Population aged 65 and older
• Single-person households
• Households with unpaid care responsibilities (if available)
• Income level or access to transportation

These overlays help you understand who lives in the area and what their needs might be.

If Verdun shows a high concentration of seniors or single-person households, but no caregiver services on the map, you now have a clearer case for planning or advocating for support in this region.

Step 4: Compare with another neighbourhood

Let’s switch to Dorval, just west of Montreal. Using the same process, filter by caregiver support and apply the same demographic overlays.

You may see only one provider appear on the map.

Now you can compare both neighbourhoods. Verdun has no listed services, while Dorval has one. Both may have significant senior populations. Both may have residents providing or needing informal care.

This kind of insight can support:

• Program expansion decisions
• Funding applications focused on unmet needs
• Partnership outreach with orgs already active in the area
• Internal reporting or strategic planning

Step 5: Follow up

You can click on any organization’s map pin to view their profile, including services, languages, delivery methods, and contact information. This is useful if you want to:

• Refer clients
• Build a partnership
• Coordinate outreach
• Avoid duplicating services nearby

You can also download map images or data tables to support your reports or proposals.

Why this matters

The gaps on the map are not just blank spaces. They are opportunities.

Seeing where services are missing helps you act with purpose. It lets your team move from assumption to evidence. It helps you strengthen your case when you ask for funding, adjust programming, or start new conversations with local partners.

Most importantly, it keeps the focus on community needs. Not just the ones we already serve, but the ones we might be missing.

Want help exploring your region?

The Map App support team can walk through these steps with you or help you apply them to your own region. Reach out through the in-app chatbot or contact your CHSSN lead.

We can also provide a downloadable version of this walkthrough if you would like to use it in staff training or strategic planning.