Thérèse-De Blainville MRC Receives Prestigious Innovation Award for AI Municipal Initiatives

The Thérèse-De Blainville Regional County Municipality (MRC) has been recognized on the global stage for its innovative approach to municipal governance. During the International Summit on Innovation in Medium-Sized Cities (SIIViM), held on October 8, 2024, in Drummondville, the MRC was awarded the esteemed “SIIViM 2024” Trophy. This accolade, which highlights cutting-edge advancements in cities with populations exceeding 50,000, was given for the MRC’s Signature Innovation Program, which actively supports the implementation of pilot projects utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) within the municipal sector.
The SIIViM Trophies serve to encourage municipalities to pursue innovative solutions as a response to the growing challenges faced by local governments. For the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC, this award underscores its commitment to fostering forward-thinking approaches in municipal operations, specifically through the application of AI.
Eric Westram, the Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “This international recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation. We remain dedicated to building smarter, more sustainable, and resilient cities for our communities. The SIIViM event showcased numerous inspiring ideas, and I strongly encourage the wider municipal sector to view innovation as a key solution to today’s challenges.”
A Global Platform for Municipal Innovation
The SIIViM Summit is a major international event that connects cities from France and Quebec, focusing on innovation in medium-sized cities with populations up to 250,000. This year’s summit offered an invaluable platform for collaboration between municipalities and businesses specializing in cutting-edge technologies. Through these exchanges, municipalities can explore new ways to address critical issues, such as climate change, economic development, and improving overall quality of life for residents.
Julie Boivin, Deputy Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, highlighted the importance of the award: “We are deeply honored to receive this distinction. It highlights our ongoing efforts to modernize governance and embrace technology to improve the quality of life in our region. In facing the pressing challenges of our time, from climate to societal shifts, embracing new technologies becomes indispensable for the future of our municipalities.”
The recognition of the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC at SIIViM demonstrates the growing importance of integrating technological innovation into local government strategies. With an increasing need to tackle complex, civic issues, this award showcases how forward-thinking initiatives can provide real solutions for cities today and into the future.