Rethinking Citizen Participation in Urban Planning: Workstream on Consultation and Referendum Approval

Source: Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (Government of Quebec) 

Municipalities face major challenges in terms of land use planning, whether it's combating urban sprawl, adapting to climate change, protecting natural environments or meeting housing needs. These issues, and the decisions made in response to them, have a direct impact on citizens. 

As local governments, municipalities must listen to their concerns and seek solutions that win their support. Citizen participation is one of the founding principles of the planning regime, instituted by the Act respecting land use planning and development nearly 50 years ago. While the modalities of this participation have evolved over the years, no review of the general framework has been undertaken since. 

The Quebec government is therefore implementing a consultation and referendum approval project. An advisory committee made up of representatives from the municipal sector and civil society has been set up to make recommendations on how to rethink the framework for citizen participation in the planning regime with regard to public consultations, referendums and urban planning advisory committees. The public, interested groups and municipal stakeholders are invited to express their views on these important issues. An online consultation is available from March 24 to April 25, 2025.

For more information, visit the public consultation platform on the Quebec government website.

To communicate with the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation: participation.citoyenne@mamh.gouv.qc.ca