Lac-Sainte-Marie devises a custom development plan
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Multi-sector (Plans)
Project value$144,000
Project Type
Plan
Sub Sector
Sustainable Communities
Grant amount$66,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Municipalité de Lac Sainte-Marie, QC
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
677
Project timeline
2012 - 2013
Project number
10424
Description
Located in the northern part of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Lac Sainte-Marie (LSM) is a small rural community of 647 permanent residents where, in summer, the population swells to over 2,500 people. To deal with the challenges of rapid residential and recreational/tourism development, the municipality wanted to create a sustainable development action plan to balance the social, economic and environmental aspects of its development, complement its tourism development plan and control the major boom in resorts, recreation and tourism expected in the coming years.
The municipal economic development corporation’s new integrated sustainability vision included an in-depth review of bylaws and introduction of new policies and environmental management and services control mechanisms to develop the area’s potential and resources without altering the land or the community. The goals, objectives, targets and indicators were determined by the community based on issues and priorities. In light of the sustainability plan, the municipality and its institutional and private partners were able to assess their actions on the basis of social equity, as well as economic and environmental viability factors. The plan also covered reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, management of shorelines, wetlands, surface water and groundwater, and urban lighting. The plan considered taxpayers’ needs, old and new, young and old, for active transportation (bicycle paths, walking trails) and public transit throughout the municipality. It also incorporated the strategic economic development plan finalized in 2010 and defined a family policy for local services, housing, training, transportation, home care and day care.
(Project description from original funding application)
Applicant
Municipalité de Lac Sainte-Marie, QC