As local governments, the RCM of Thérèse-De Blainville and the RCM City of Mirabel wanted to increase the resilience of their communities in the face of climate change. The two RCMs wanted to mobilize knowledge about the risks of climate change on their territory, and reflect on ways in which they could adapt to these risks. With the knowledge that climate change has a direct impact on the lifestyles of local populations, as well as on land-use planning, they joined forces to develop an adaptation plan. ICLEI Canada was chosen to support them in this process.

The BARC participatory approach, which meets the criteria of the Guide d’élaboration d’un plan climat of the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, was used. Using the BARC approach, we were able to work with stakeholders every step of the way to develop a plan.

The RCM and the City of Mirabel enlisted the help of a number of local stakeholders, including the many departments of the 8-town cohort (7 towns in the Thérèse-De Blainville RCM plus the City of Mirabel) such as urban planning and the environment, public works, parks and recreation, etc. Partner organizations were also mobilized including nature conservation organizations, the Union of Agricultural Producers, the Public Health Department, Hydro-Québec, economic development associations and many others. All workshops were carried out virtually between 2021 and 2023.

Success is built at the speed needed to build trust between stakeholders. Various stakeholders were initially skeptical but were able to realize that the process was leading to tangible results rooted in their day-to-day operations. Working collaboratively to respond to the increasing challenges posed by climate change is possible; all it takes is time for stakeholders to understand their role and how they can contribute to solutions.