RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

So as to remain a leader in revitalization in Québec, the Rues principales Foundation actively contributes to discussions on approaches to local and sustainable development. The Foundation's unique expertise enables it to develop original work tools adapted to the realities of municipalities of all sizes.

A number of government ministries and corporations have called on the Rues principales Foundation to further examine the issues related to economic development, the planning of built and natural environments, to the improvement of quality of life, and to the spin-off generated by grant programs, to name only some of them.

Rénovation Québec program performance and yield measurement framework

In collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec.

The objective of this measurement framework is to help the municipalities that conduct a  Rénovation Québec program measure the socio-economic spinoff in their area. The framework  proposes a series of indicators that make it possible to evaluate the program’s reach in different spheres such as improvements to the built environment, an increase in property values, and how the population is evolving. When a municipality adopts this framework, it will help the municipality compare the results obtained locally with those of other municipalities. As such, the measurement framework is a good tool for developing a more accurate evaluation of the the actual impact of municipal investments in a renovation program.

Free download

Use of second floors and vacant lots downtown (in French only)

In collaboration with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

An essential component of a municipality’s vitality is the presence and retention of residents in its core. Not only does this make it possible to preserve the built environment and ensure an always interesting and lively place to live, it also helps limit urban spread and create a pool of clientele conducive to commercial activity. In this study, the Rues principales Foundation has compiled a series of good practices implemented in Europe, the United States, Canada and Québec designed to stimulate, in the core of municipalities, the residential development of vacant lots and the recycling of buildings’ second stories for residential purposes.

Free download

The spin-offs of heritage enhancement (In French only)

Heritage enhancement, an essential element in the sustainable revitalization of the heart of a municipality, has multiple impacts on the different components of local development, whether culture, economic development, the physical improvement of an area, or reinforcing the public’s sentiment of belonging to its community. This study presents different initiatives undertaken by Rues principales Network communities and brilliantly demonstrates the fruitful spin-off of the judicious enhancement of both the material and immaterial heritage.

To consult a summary of the study, click here (in french only).

To obtain the full version of the study, please contact us (printing and shipping costs of $25 apply).

Repertory of success stories - Physical improvements (In French only)

In this publication, the Rues principales Foundation presents over 75 examples of physical improvements, building renovations and civic beautification projects carried out in the hearts of municipalities that have implemented a revitalization strategy. Among the topics included in this collection of good practices are building façade renovations, park development, and well integrated sign design. Different examples will be added with each new edition.

To consult a summary of the study, click here (part 1, part 2). In french only.

To obtain the full version of the study, please contact us (printing and shipping costs of $25 apply).

Study on the "ideal" business mix (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

Involving the analysis of a sampling of fairly dynamic commercial arteries and downtowns, this study made it possible to define the "ideal" business mix for an economically active area. The study's findings represent an essential tool for developing business recruitment and diversification policies for the commercial arteries of many municipalities.

Free download

Analysis of significant socio-economic impacts of the Programme Rénovation Québec (In French only) - 2011

In collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec.

This analysis, which updates the one conducted in 2006, highlights the different impacts that the Rénovation Québec program  (PRQ) of the  Société d’habitation du Québec  has had  in the some 10 municipalities in Québec  that have participated in it. The aspects analyzed include the effects that such an assistance program can have on improving a sector’s built environment, social mix and social cohesion, and economic vitality. Compared to the 2006 study, the availability of socio-demographic data in the context of this analysis made it possible to more clearly analyze the changing population in the sectors concerned by the PRQ.

Analysis of significant socio-economic impacts of the Programme Rénovation Québec (In French only) - 2006

In collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec.

This study highlights the various impacts that the Programme Rénovation Québec of the Société d’Habitation du Québec has had in some Québec 10 municipalities. The effects that such an assistance program can have on improving the built environment, cohesion and the social mix, and the commercial and economic vitality of a sector are presented in this study.

Free download

Analysis of spin-off of power line undergrounding (In French only)

In collaboration with Hydro-Québec.

Hydro-Québec mandated the Rues principales Foundation to assess the different spin-offs of power line undergrounding in new residential developments, as well as in existing commercial and residential areas. The study shed light on the impacts of this work on an area's drawing power, on its economic vitality, residents' quality of life and on the goodwill on commercial streets, among other things.

Free download

Sustainable development: performance indicators of downtown areas (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

This two-phase study resulted in an inventory of the existing methods used to measure the level of sustainable development in downtown areas and central arteries. On the basis of this inventory, indicators were selected in order to create a trend chart with which to measure the degree of progress made in each municipality in Québec with respect to the different components of sustainable development, whether economic development, the protection and preservation of the environment, heritage enhancement, quality of life, etc.

Free download

Commercial urbanism in the context of sustainable development (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

This study enumerates experiences aimed at promoting and boosting municipalities' commercial and economic activity while helping achieve sustainable development. In the study, commercial urbanism freely goes beyond the strictly regulatory framework in which it is often based, to demonstrate the extent of the field of intervention that local actors can access in order to act upon and influence their municipality's development.

Free download