For over twenty years, Transfert has supported large-scale projects throughout Quebec. In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, this experience takes on a unique dimension. The projects here are transformative, the communities are engaged, and expectations are high. Success here requires more than sound technical planning: it demands a nuanced understanding of social dynamics and a genuine ability to structure dialogue.

Citizen Participation, Social Acceptability, and Territorial Collaboration

Our team works directly on the ground, in industrial, municipal, energy, and community contexts. Whether supporting a voluntary consultation process inspired by BAPE best practices, structuring a digital citizen participation process, or fostering mobilization around a territorial issue, our role remains the same: to create credible spaces, organize discussions, and transform concerns into levers for action that promote regional cohesion.

“Successful organizations are those that anticipate social issues rather than react to them. For nearly twenty years, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Transfert has focused on in-depth regional consultation processes centered on the strong link between industry, communities, and the territory.” – Dominic Vézina, Partner & Strategic Markets and Business Development Director

Over the years, we have supported community energy initiatives led by and for local stakeholders, contributing to projects where the economic and social benefits are directly linked to local aspirations. We have also facilitated discussion forums bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives to strengthen mutual understanding and identify concrete avenues for collaboration.

“Social acceptability is not based on a single event. It is built over time, through the consistency of actions taken and the quality of relationships established.” — Stéphanie Fortin, Environmental and Social Communication Lead and Project Director

This consistency is achieved through rigorous methods: social risk analysis, strategic consultation planning, neutral facilitation of discussions, and structured documentation of expressed concerns, all of which support teams in their communications and community relations.

This rigor also stems from our deep roots in the region. Understanding the dynamics of the territory and cultivating lasting relationships of trust allows us to adapt our consultation strategies to the realities on the ground. Today, our experienced and locally engaged team supports complex projects with a thorough understanding of the specific issues in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

“Social acceptability rests on a genuine desire by organizations to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with their host communities. This approach goes far beyond a simple public relations exercise: it involves establishing an open, transparent, and ongoing dialogue based on listening and trust. It is precisely within this dynamic that Transfert supports companies in structuring consultation and engagement processes that foster a shared understanding of the issues.” – Isabelle Gagnon, Advisor.

Citizen participation, territorial development, and local initiatives in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Our commitment extends beyond large industrial projects. We also work with municipal and community stakeholders to structure citizen participation policies, mobilize businesses and residents around revitalization issues, and provide pro bono support to environmental initiatives led by local organizations.

“Being present in a community means accepting the responsibility of contributing to its evolution. Our role is to build lasting bridges between the ambitions of a project and the expectations of the communities that bring it to life.” – Marc-Olivier Fortin, Partnership Development Director

In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, as elsewhere in Quebec, we believe that social performance is a strategic factor. It reduces risks, strengthens credibility, and supports better-informed decisions.

Are you developing a structuring project? Let’s talk. A well-prepared approach today can prevent many pitfalls tomorrow.

Being present in the region is more than just having an address. It’s about understanding local issues and actively contributing to regional cohesion.

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