In honour of National Public Works Week, the City of Blainville opened the doors of its municipal workshops to showcase the essential yet often overlooked work of its public works professionals. With acclaimed singer-songwriter and TPQuébec spokesperson Sara Dufour in attendance, the weeklong celebration brought energy, gratitude, and public recognition to a sector vital to everyday life.
Exploring the Trades Behind the City’s Pulse
Visitors—including fellow municipal staff—were offered an immersive look into the many skilled roles that keep Blainville running. Demonstrations covered everything from aqueduct and sewer work to road maintenance, park and green space care, and foremanship. Those eager for hands-on experience had the rare opportunity to operate heavy vehicles under supervision, including snowplows and excavators.
In one particularly engaging moment, participants watched as a colleague carefully maneuvered a mechanical shovel—highlighting not only the skill but also the responsibility tied to the role. For many, it was a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the day-to-day demands faced by their public works peers.
A Celebration Powered by Music and Admiration
Sara Dufour, known for her spirited performances and dynamic personality, brought her signature warmth and authenticity to the event. As spokesperson for TPQuébec, she addressed attendees with heartfelt praise:
“You never quit—working in snowstorms, heatwaves, whatever comes your way. Because of you, people can get to work, have clean water, access public buildings and enjoy our parks. Honestly, you’re like behind-the-scenes superheroes.”
Dufour’s presence and praise resonated deeply, reaffirming the value of these workers in the public imagination—not merely as technicians, but as guardians of civic functionality.
Changing the Narrative Around Public Works
Roch Arbour, Director of Blainville’s Public Works Department and President of TPQuébec, emphasized the importance of visibility and appreciation for his sector:
“The image of public works is evolving. We see it across social media, where certain functions like roadwork and snow removal are gaining visibility. But there’s so much more to what we do—everything we touch impacts citizens’ well-being and the city’s efficiency.”
That broader understanding was echoed by Blainville’s mayor, Liza Poulin, who drew a powerful metaphor between public works and the human body:
“Public works is like the arms and legs of our city. Without these women and men, Blainville simply couldn’t function. They are essential to our quality of life.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond celebration, the event carried a strong recruitment component. With an aging workforce and increasing demand for skilled labor, Blainville hopes to inspire the next generation to consider careers in public works.
Chantal Gauvreau, the city’s Director General, underlined the importance of investing in the future:
“We need to prepare for succession, and our current employees are our best ambassadors—especially when it comes to showing young people the wide range of careers available in this field.”
The open house at the municipal workshops served as both an appreciation event and a dynamic career fair. Attendees were encouraged to engage with workers, ask questions, and explore various tools and technologies used daily.
A Week to Remember, a Workforce to Celebrate
From sweeping streets to laying underground pipes, maintaining green spaces, and clearing snow in the dead of winter, public works employees are the invisible force behind a city’s livability. Blainville’s tribute—marked by praise from artists, officials, and peers—sent a clear message: these workers are not just maintaining infrastructure, they are building community resilience.
