4-ACES MUNICIPALITIES
Caraquet - Certified in 2009
The creation of the Corporation Centre-ville Caraquet inc. in 1992 marked the beginning of work to revitalize the area. Since then, Caraquet has demonstrated its capabilities: it has twice been designated the Cultural Capital of Canada, has become a widely popular tourist destination, has lowered its commercial vacancy rate from 35% at the beginning of the revitalization work to less than 5% today, has made the area more attractive through building renovations respectful of the local heritage, has capitalized on green initiatives and has highlighted the Acadian identity.
Caraquet - Certified in 2009's website
Coaticook - Certified in 2009
For the past several years, Coaticook has been taking up the challenges associated with the revitalization of its downtown. The establishment of a commercial activity diversification and support program at the municipal level, the renovation of a number of downtown commercial buildings, thanks to the municipality’s financial support, and the organization of consensus-generating events are a few of the initiatives that have helped to reassert the distinct image of downtown Coaticook, on a local and regional scale.
Coaticook - Certified in 2009's website
Donnacona - Certification renewed in 2010
Since 1999, the image of downtown Donnacona has been evolving as a result of the efforts of local stakeholders. The renovation of a number of businesses and residences has helped create a friendlier, more welcoming environment. The organized activities being held in the downtown area are also remarkable, as evidenced by the Festival de Blues, which is in the process of becoming a not-to-be-missed event. As regards the social economy, the revitalization of the area saw two new businesses of this type become established. The degree and number of successes are good reason for the residents to be proud of their community.
Donnacona - Certification renewed in 2010's website
Dorval - Certified in 2010
The City of Dorval embarked on the revitalization of its downtown in 1996 and has been putting resources and energy into the process ever since. The various activities of the three main working committees are supported by a management committee of some 10 people. The substantial activity and event calendar now extends throughout the year, numerous physical improvements have helped enhance safety in downtown Dorval while greatly enhancing its image, and a number of incentives have paved the way for the start-up of new businesses, better suited to consumers’ needs. A strong sense of belonging has been instilled and numerous volunteers are working toward the development of their downtown.
Dorval - Certified in 2010's website
Drummondville - Certification renewed in 2010
The more than 25 years of revitalization work have provided Drummondville with a well thought-out and efficient approach to local development. The Commissariat au commerce and the Ville de Drummondville, together with local players, are stimulating the economy of the downtown area and are enhancing the environment of the citizens. The steps taken in recruiting new businesses, the implementation of an commendable animation and promotion policy and the safeguard of a quality built environment have indeed placed Drummondville on the path to sustainable development.
Drummondville - Certification renewed in 2010's website
Lac-Mégantic - Certified in 2011
The Corporation Rues principales Lac-Mégantic was created in 1992 with the initial goal of increasing goodwill in the town’s commercial area. Almost 20 years later, the many stakeholders involved in the Lac-Mégantic revitalization strategy have succeeded in making downtown Lac-Mégantic a very attractive area, as much for business people as for consumers. Indeed, the business community can take advantage of a number of training sessions and services designed to consolidate the supply and better meet the needs of the clientele. Effective communication tools and promotions are used to keep residents informed about the town’s revitalization objectives and to present Lac-Mégantic well-garnished calendar of activities and events held throughout the year. Lastly, the town’s many natural and architectural attractions have been highlighted through the creation of a heritage circuit, diverse renovation incentive programs and the completion of many landscaping projects.
Lac-Mégantic - Certified in 2011's website
Lévis (secteur Vieux-Lévis) - Certified in 2010
Significant changes have been made to the Vieux-Lévis district since the revitalization strategy was undertaken in 1994. Once viewed as a strongly decaying sector, today it represents a cultural showcase distinct from the City of Lévis, displaying a strong historical and heritage legacy. The sector holds diverse activities throughout the year, including the popular Festival Jazz Etcetera, which draws bigger and bigger crowds each year. The local stakeholders work enthusiastically to make the environment offered in Vieux-Lévis very high quality, as much for its residents as for its visitors.
Lévis (secteur Vieux-Lévis) - Certified in 2010's website
Matane - Certified in 2010
Downtown Matane unarguably represents an important business and service centre for the general population. Since the revitalization strategy was initiated in 2005, local stakeholders have worked hard to add interest to the downtown, to make it welcoming and to strive to diversify its businesses and services. The Ville de Matane carried out a number of major projects including the reconstruction of part of Avenue Saint-Jérôme and the establishment of a municipal grant program for building facade renovation, aimed at improving the image of the downtown and giving it a special atmosphere.
Matane - Certified in 2010's website
Montmagny - Certification renewed in 2010
After 20 years of revitalization work, Montmagny has harvested the fruit of an exemplary commitment. With the creation of a calendar consisting of more than 25 animation and promotion activities, a rich cultural policy, financial assistance programs for merchants and business people and a marked pre-occupation with heritage conservation, the local actors are able to offer residents a truly unique environment. Innovative approaches, such as the establishment of an SPAIP in the two industrial sectors or the policy for welcoming new families, contribute greatly to this quality of life.
Montmagny - Certification renewed in 2010's website
Nicolet - Certification renewed in 2011
Since 2003, the Ville de Nicolet and many partners have been committed to a revitalization strategy and have succeeded in making downtown Nicolet a friendly, lively place…one that has renewed its ties with its river. The years since have seen many businesses start up, the development of a public place, some 20 building renovation projects and a wide range of activities that help add new life to downtown Nicolet. Combined, these actions have made it possible to rekindle the flame and enhance not only residents' feeling of belonging to their community, but also that of merchants and employees.
Nicolet - Certification renewed in 2011's website
Rimouski - Certification renewed in 2011
The Ville de Rimouski and its different partners have, since 2003, successfully promoted and created conditions conducive to the downtown area's social and economic vitality. The hiring of Urban Valets and on-going public activities and events have helped to make downtown Rimouski an increasingly welcoming place to be. A new entertainment building has been opened and there is now a public market, confirming the central role that this sector now plays in the holding of commercial, cultural and social activities and in helping to spread downtown Rimouski's outreach on a regional scale.
Rimouski - Certification renewed in 2011's website
Saguenay (Arr. Chicoutimi) - Certified in 2009
The Borough of Chicoutimi has been working on the revitalization of its central districts since 1996. Eleven active working committees have been concentrating on the planning and implementation of development projects. The creation of the Croissant culturel, one of the success stories, highlights the impressive concentration of cultural organizations and sites in the area. Many tools and initiatives have also made it possible to fortify commercial activity and recruit new businesses.
Saguenay (Arr. Chicoutimi) - Certified in 2009's website
Saint-Eustache - Certification renewed in 2011
Saint-Eustache has been pursuing a revitalization strategy since 1994 and today it is indeed a model of sustainability and coherence in the planning of community development initiatives. In choosing to capitalize on the preservation and enhancement of its built heritage and local culture, Saint-Eustache effectively created a distinctive image for its downtown area. The mill, Moulin Légaréart, which has been put back into operation, and the art centre, La petite église, are eloquent examples of heritage development. Pleased with the results of the work carried out downtown, the Ville de Saint-Eustache recently decided to extend the area of revitalization to include the Grande-Côte business sector.
Saint-Eustache - Certification renewed in 2011's website
Saint-Pascal - Certification renewed in 2010
The Municipality of Saint-Pascal has travelled a remarkable path since 2001. With the establishment of a global revitalization strategy, based on joint-action, this community of 3600 residents took up major challenges. The local actors have given investors to again have reason to be confident about the area's development potential, are offering a socio-cultural program that draws a regional clientele, have affirmed the tourism vocation of Saint-Pascal and have put in place an exemplary family policy. As a result of such outcomes, Saint-Pascal is again a place of choice in the Kamouraska region.
Saint-Pascal - Certification renewed in 2010's website
Saint-Raymond - Certification renewed in 2010
The exceptional commitment of local actors has meant that Saint-Raymond now has one of the loveliest commercial streets in Québec. Were it not for this long-range work, the downtown area would not have been able to regain the degree of economic and commercial vitality that it now enjoys, which represents several millions of dollars in private investments. As well, the conservation and enhancement of the local heritage have given the street a unique character. The animation and promotion work carried out in the sector also helped improve the overall atmosphere of Saint-Raymond. The experience…a good one!...continues to be applied to the entire municipality.
Saint-Raymond - Certification renewed in 2010's website