From power line projects crossing several regions to rail transportation networks to be installed in densely populated areas, linear projects require unparalleled participatory approaches that are both adapted to the realities of the territory that is crossed, but also federative and unifying.
To mobilize and win the support of stakeholders for projects stretching over tens or even hundreds of kilometers, teams must be ready and able to deal with a multiplicity of issues, communities of interest and social players.
Since the early 2000s, TES’ teams have had the opportunity to work on some of Quebec’s largest linear projects, in the energy and transportation sectors, and for a multitude of private, governmental and community proponents, including:
- Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project
- Quebec City tramway project
- High-frequency train project in Quebec and Ontario (prior social risk analysis)
- Chamouchouane-Bout-de-l’Île power line project between the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Montreal regions
- Route 389 extension project in the Côte-Nord region
Our involvement in these projects ranged from analyzing social acceptability issues, to identifying key stakeholders in the process, to developing and implementing mechanisms for effective and complementary participation by citizens, major interest groups and First Nations.
TES also played a key role in preparing project teams for major public reviews and BAPE hearings.
Despite the highly varied contexts in which major linear projects have evolved, the dialogue thus established has on many occasions helped to build bridges between interest groups with divergent opinions, to develop a comprehensive understanding of concerns and, ultimately, to assist in the development of projects that are optimal in terms of social acceptability.
Photo credit: REM/Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec