Foundation news
2009-10-14 - The Rues principales Foundation, in collaboration with the Société d’habitation du Québec, awards “The 4Aces of Concerted and Sustainable Development” certification to Caraquet (NB), Coaticook and Saguenay (Borough of Chicoutimi)
The 22nd Conference of the Rues principales Foundation, with Mr. Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupation in attendance, was held under the theme of “Living downtown: Solutions that pay off!”. The conference provided an opportunity to highlight the work accomplished by the three municipalities in the field of sustainable development and revitalization by presenting them with “The 4Aces of Concerted and Sustainable Development” certification.
In 2007, the Rues principales Foundation, which has been active in the revitalization of municipalities for the past 25 years, joined with the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) to create a network of municipalities that have obtained “The 4Aces of Concerted and Sustainable Development” certification. These municipalities are recognized for their good practices, which effectively promote the establishment and maintenance of joint action approach among the different local development players, the strengthening of socio-economic vitality, the physical improvement of public spaces and buildings, and the preservation and enhancement of their built, natural and cultural heritage.
During the Banquet of Excellence, held in the Théâtre du Capitole de Québec, the Rues principales Foundation, in collaboration with the SHQ, and with Minister Laurent Lessard in attendance, rewarded the municipalities of Caraquet (NB), Coaticook and Saguenay (Borough of Chicoutimi) by presenting them with their 4 Aces certification. These municipalities add to the list of the first eight municipalities certified, namely, Donnacona, Drummondville, Montmagny, Nicolet, Rimouski, Saint-Eustache, Saint-Pascal and Saint-Raymond.
In addition, one of the evening’s highlights was the official signing of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Québec (The 4Aces of Concerted and Sustainable Development), American (Program Accreditation) and European (Quality Mark) Certifications, in the presence of Doug Loescher, Director of US Main Street Network? of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Pierre Francis, from the Association du Management de Centre-Ville, and François Varin, Director General of the Rues principales Foundation. The signing of the agreement officially recognizes these three quality certifications in sustainable development and socio-economic revitalization. They are based on similar selection criteria and recognize the efforts of municipalities that place them at the forefront of best practices.
“The 4Aces of Concerted and Sustainable Development” quality certification brings together municipalities that set examples with respect to putting into practice strategies to promote the sustainable and well-planned community development. The certification provides both motivation and additional recognition for the municipalities that have undertaken a revitalization strategy and are members of the Rues principales Network.