Blainville unveiled its first municipal social development policy along with an accompanying action plan on August 21, marking what officials describe as a major step toward improving quality of life for residents. The launch brought together members of the steering committee that guided the project since 2023, community partners, and municipal department directors.
At the heart of the new policy is the aim to reduce the impacts of social and economic inequality while strengthening inclusion. “We wanted to bring together the various policies we have adopted over the years for families, children, and seniors,” said Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin. “We expanded that scope to include people in vulnerable situations, individuals living with disabilities, newcomers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.”
The policy is the result of extensive collaboration among municipal services, local organizations, institutions, and residents, all of whom will continue to play a role in its implementation.
A Plan with Tangible Impact
The action plan is organized into nine areas of activity, covering issues that affect residents on a daily basis:
- Housing and living environment
- Transport and mobility
- Recreation and culture
- Social participation
- Respect and inclusion
- Overall health
- Safety
- Communication and information
- Local infrastructure and urban planning
Concrete measures outlined in the plan include improving accessibility of municipal buildings for people with disabilities, enhancing safety in neighborhoods, and supporting projects for affordable and adapted housing.
Broad Community Consultation
Development of the policy was anchored in a wide-ranging consultation process. Between September 2023 and February 2024, more than 1,000 people participated, including over 700 who completed an online survey.
“Building a policy and action plan that truly reflect the needs of our community requires listening to people and going out into the field,” explained Marie-Claude Collin, co-chair of the steering committee.
Target groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, parents of children in daycare, and individuals living in poverty were directly consulted through meetings and surveys.
From Steering to Follow-Up
The project began in February 2023 with the creation of a steering committee composed of representatives from multiple sectors. Consultants Marie-José Dubé and Claude Barsalou assisted the committee in its work.
Initial steps involved reviewing existing policies and defining social development priorities, including family, seniors, target groups, areas of action, and values such as collaboration and complementarity. The committee also conducted a social and demographic assessment of Blainville, analyzing housing, education levels, and health.
The results were first shared with community organizations in January 2025, and the policy along with the action plan was officially adopted by the municipal council on February 18.
To ensure long-term progress, the council has also created a follow-up committee made up of elected officials, municipal staff, and representatives from community organizations.
“Together, they will act as guardians of this policy and ensure it remains dynamic and aligned with the real needs of Blainville’s population,” said Véronique Veilleux, head of community life and associations for the city’s Leisure, Culture, Library, and Community Life Department.
