Integrated urban revitalization strategy

The Integrated Urban Revitalization Strategy, a result of consensus reached at the June 2002 Montréal Summit, aims to improve the quality of life in areas to be revitalized. To do so, action is required on several elements of the physical and built environment, such as housing, community facilities and urban design as well as social and economic factors. An integrated multi-sectoral approach will make long-term improvement in the physical and socio-economic conditions of the targeted areas.

Drawing inspiration from similar programs implemented in Europe and the United States , the Strategy's interventions target the full range of factors that contribute to the quality of life in areas to be revitalized. The strategy is characterized primarily by:

• The adoption of a global, concerted vision of the situation in the areas concerned;
• The will to take integrated action across a large number of domains (housing, physical environment, health, employment, culture, education, recreation and environment);
• The concentration, coordination and adaptation of public, private and community actions;
• The implication of the affected population in the planning, implementation and follow-through of actions;
• The intention to act on those factors that cause poverty, in a framework of sustainable change.

The Integrated Urban Revitalization Strategy was tested in pilot projects which began in June of 2003. The subsequent evaluation of these projects will allow for any necessary adjustments before their implementation in revitalization areas based on plans developed by the boroughs. These plans will be elaborated for a ten-year timeframe and then revised periodically. Many details have yet to be determined, including the method for establishing selection criteria, the characteristics of the project launch, the types of mechanisms to put in place, the specific objectives to be sought and the evaluation of outcomes.

Finally, the implementation of the strategy will require solid financial backing and partnership, especially with the Government of Québec. In this respect, the renewal of the Renouveau Urbain program will likely be a valuable tool for implementing this strategy.

Montréal, a Healthy City

The Healthy City concept comes from a worldwide movement whose goal is to improve the quality of life for those living in urban regions. Put forward by the World Health Organization, the concept calls upon citizens, administrators, elected officials, community groups and government agencies to collaborate on the creation of local strategies aimed at improving individual and public health by attacking problems directly.

The concept integrates ongoing efforts and draws on new ideas to make a direct connection between health and quality of life. Its objectives translate into a series of actions dealing with education, employment, urban spaces and community and social programs, such as those which combat food insecurity: community gardens, co-ops, purchasing groups, community kitchens, meals-on-wheels services and school lunches.

The Ville de Montréal subscribes to the Healthy City concept and favours the implementation of concrete measures which positively influence health, such as the improvement of housing conditions, increased access to affordable housing and the development of facilities and parks that will encourage physical activity and support wellness in all of its forms.