Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac is turning to citizen participation as it continues to shape decisions affecting urban planning, recreation, culture, community life and the environment.
Earlier this month, the city invited residents to submit their candidacy for several municipal committees and commissions, including the Comité consultatif d’urbanisme, the Commission des loisirs, de la culture et de la vie communautaire, and the Commission de l’environnement et de la mise en valeur des espaces verts.
Although the application period closed on May 26, the initiative highlights the growing role of citizens in municipal decision-making. These committees allow residents to contribute their experience, concerns and ideas before recommendations are brought to municipal council.
The Comité consultatif d’urbanisme, commonly known as the CCU, plays an important role in the development of the city’s territory. It studies files related to land use, construction, zoning and urban planning, then submits recommendations to council. These may include minor exemptions, architectural integration plans, subdivision projects and development proposals.
The CCU meets once a month, and its members serve two-year mandates, which may be renewed. Its work is especially important in a growing municipality, where development must be balanced with quality of life, neighbourhood character and long-term planning.
The Commission des loisirs, de la culture et de la vie communautaire also meets monthly. Its mandate is to reflect on recreation, cultural activities, community life and citizen engagement. Discussions may include sports and cultural programming, public events, parks, leisure infrastructure, trails, public spaces, accessibility and support for local artists.
A third body, the Commission de l’environnement et de la mise en valeur des espaces verts, focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development. It studies issues such as natural environments, green spaces, wooded areas, wetlands, trails, climate adaptation and the city’s environmental practices. This commission meets four times a year and may also propose concrete projects to improve environmental quality.
The initiative falls within the scope of civic journalism because it concerns municipal government, citizen participation, urban planning, environmental issues and community services.
For residents, these committees are one of the most direct ways to participate in local democracy between elections. They give citizens a structured opportunity to influence discussions that affect everyday life, from parks and public spaces to development, inclusion and environmental resilience.
At a time when municipalities are facing increasing pressure related to growth, climate change, infrastructure and community needs, citizen input can help ensure that decisions are not made in isolation. In Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, the recent call for committee members is a reminder that municipal democracy does not end at the ballot box.
