Seven months have passed since the municipal elections. Mayors of different regions, many of us, at the instigation of our citizens, want a better model for the development of our towns and villages. We adhere to the principles of the 2042 vision presented Monday as part of the National Policy for Architecture and Regional Planning, and we are impatiently awaiting the means. The pressing challenges facing our living environments call for ambitious and rigorous implementation, and this quickly.
Scatter increases the cost of living
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about urban sprawl and the pressure created on nature, agricultural land and resources such as water. If it may seem the prerogative of large centers, the reality of scattering exists in all regions. For lack so far of a coherent vision and the application of sustainable planning principles, it comes with costs that are difficult to sustain.
With regard to municipal authorities, the scattering of activities increases the amount of public infrastructure needed and increases the cost of municipal services, faster than population growth. Scattering is also painful for citizens’ wallets, particularly for households that travel great distances daily for lack of alternatives.
Sprawled development as practiced for decades limits the number of homes available near services, while the increase in the supply of housing in existing neighborhoods (the famous densification!) contributes to rebalancing the market in favor of buyers.
The State must encourage good practices and lead by example
There is no miracle solution to the housing shortage. However, the necessary conditions must be put in place for the construction of many housing units and a more diversified supply, to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of income, age or type of household. Just think of the aging of the population, which requires us to review our ways of doing things.
To achieve this, consolidating and improving the quality of already built environments must become our priority. Quebec must adopt better common rules, appropriate tools and financial incentives. The promised reforms in terms of expropriation and pre-emption bode well.
Incentives for sustainable development are too few and the ability to achieve this is structurally lacking. To consolidate our towns and villages, the implementation plan must provide for investments of at least $100 million per year as of 2023 to support sustainable development and urban planning projects, in addition to a government strategy to the vitality of town centers and village cores.
The Quebec government must become a standard-bearer for good development and urban planning practices. It must communicate to citizens the vision and the desired solutions based on data that allow a better understanding of the spin-offs. It must encourage more active participation by our fellow citizens while making them aware of the challenges we face.
Also, the Quebec State must set an example in the location of public buildings to promote their proximity and accessibility. Today, less than one in three children walk or cycle to school, compared to the majority just a few decades ago.
Sustainable development of our regions
With the National Policy, let’s give ourselves a coherent vision of the future from Gaspésie to Abitibi, passing through the major centres. Let’s base this collective project on the strengths and beauties of our regions. Let’s say no to the homogeneity and trivialization of landscapes, yes to innovation, to promoting everything that makes our communities unique.
The requalification of heritage sites and the decontamination of land are golden opportunities for revitalization. Economic innovation zones, currently being rolled out, should become models of sustainable development. Let’s work to cultivate the charm and resilience of our communities, so that we cherish our territory all year round, not just during construction holidays!
Better planning and building differently will certainly require different reflexes: protecting and enhancing our agricultural, natural and landscape heritage. Restore and enhance the built environment with long-term and predictable funding. Better protect biodiversity in southern Quebec, support the renaturalization of land and provide better access to green spaces. Develop active and public transportation infrastructures. Consolidate our core communities as a priority to ensure their vitality and preserve local businesses and services.
Our municipalities, their elected officials, professionals and citizens are ready for concerted action to better develop the territory. The government elected this fall will have to quickly implement the Policy, with ambitious measures and substantial resources, in order to give us, mayors, the means to act and to be a model of consistency.
*Also signed this letter: Alexandra Labbé (mayor of Chambly), Guy Caron (mayor of Rimouski), Geneviève Dubois (mayor of Nicolet), Mathieu Maisonneuve (mayor of Saint-Lin-Laurentides), Philôme La France (mayor of Petit -Saguenay), Stéphanie Lacoste (mayor of Drummondville), Isabelle Perreault (mayor of Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez), Sébastien Marcil (mayor Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan) and Philippe Guilbert (mayor of Trois-Pistoles).