CHALLENGE
Ville de Baie-Comeau is the Manicouagan-Uapishka World Biosphere Reserve (MUWBR)’s main city. To mirror the ambitious feat of obtaining such a designation after becoming a model region of sustainable development, the municipality initiated in 2011 an innovative civic participation project.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Since its earliest beginnings, the MUWBR (through MU Conseils) has supported the process commonly referred to as “Ma Ville Ma Voix” every step of the way.
As the “steward of the process”, the MUWBR coordinates all consultation and communication activities, supports project proponents, facilitates committees and their follow-up, including the board of administrators of the Baie-Comeau Alcoa Smelter Sustainable Community Fund, and focuses on empowering the process from a perspective of ongoing improvement and social innovation.
RESULTS
- Mobilization of over 10,000 citizens since 2011;
- Creation of a permanent sustainable development advisory committee;
- Development of the project under a 25-year, $10 million investment fund (the Fonds Aluminerie de Baie-Comeau pour les collectivités durables);
- Launch of over 70 “Ma Ville Ma Voix” projects since 2011;
- Investment of over $2.8 million in funds from the Fonds Aluminerie de Baie-Comeau pour les collectivités durables in sustainable community projects worth more than $16.5 million;
- Facilitation of 12 citizens’ forums.
Please visit www.mavillemavoix.com for more details.
