A Dynamic Balance illuminates the importance of understanding the social dimension of sustainability as it examines the links between social capital and sustainable development within the overall context of local community development. Looking at case studies in both Australia and Canada, it draws upon lessons that can be learned to reconnect large urban centres and smaller communities. Given the number of small communities in both countries struggling to diversify from single-resource economies in a context of increasing globalization, the analysis touches on several critical public policy issues. This is a timely and provocative call for reconciliation and reconnection within and between communities.