Malartic is taking an interest in active transportation in order to provide an alternative to automobiles and a better living environment for its population. The mining town of 3,377 residents in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region believes it has all the assets required to promote the development of active modes of transportation on its territory despite the popularity of cars.

The study, conducted by the Loisir et Sport Abitibi-Témiscamingue organization and funded in part by the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, found there was a strong conversion potential to active transportation in Malartic. This is due to the small surface area of its urban core, the profile and level of interest of its population, as well as the openness of local actors to new transportation trends.

With an urban diameter of less than 5 km, Malartic is conducive to the development of active transportation. This is a reasonable distance that allows the population to change its habits. The use of motor vehicles can easily be replaced by walking or cycling, whether it’s to get to work, go to school or run errands.

With active transportation, people improve their physical fitness, concentration and self‑sufficiency. By eliminating the daily drive to school or to work, parents are contributing to quieter neighbourhoods, and improving safety and air quality. They are also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the longer term, active transportation could even have economic impacts due to the improved productivity of healthier workers.

The development of active transportation is part of the objectives of the Town’s sustainable development plan. Its goal is to decrease GHG emissions by 2%, or 402 mt of CO2, in the first year following implementation of active transportation routes and by 15,000 mt of CO2 after five years. With the addition of green spaces along active transportation routes, the Town intends to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

These improvements will make it possible to provide a healthy, pleasant and safe environment that promotes the daily use of active modes of transportation. This will decrease road congestion, improve population health, improve air quality, and make the living environment more attractive.

Project details

  • Project name: Developing an Active Transportation Plan for the Town of Malartic
  • Sector: Transportation
  • Type: Plan
  • Grant amount: $54,960
  • Location: Town of Malartic, Quebec

Primary objectives

  • Reduce GHG emissions;
  • Decrease road congestion;
  • Provide a healthy, attractive and safe living environment;
  • Improve population health;
  • Improve air quality.

"This plan is the end result of efforts that brought together all stakeholders in our community and it will guide urban development in our municipality for the next decade in a way that promotes healthy lifestyles and improves the quality of life of our citizens, while decreasing GHG emissions generated by our citizens when they travel."

–Martin Ferron, Mayor of the Town of Malartic

By the numbers

  • Targeted reduction of GHG emissions of 2%, or 402 mt of CO2, in the first year
  • Targeted reduction of 15,000 mt of CO2 after 5 years
  • Total city area: 158.50 km2

Project activities

  • The active transportation plan for Malartic was submitted on February 8, 2019;
  • It was approved by the elected members of Malartic’s municipal council;
  • In 2020, the Town will hire a project manager who will be tasked with developing a work schedule;
  • This schedule will be aligned with the renovation work planned for different municipal structures.

Resources

Town of Malartic

Contact

Philippe Angers
Coordinator
ecomalartic@ville.malartic.qc.ca
819-757-3611, ext. 228

Gérald Laprise
Town Manager
dg@ville.malartic.qc.ca
819-757-3611, ext. 223

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This resource was developed by the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (2017-2022). This program was delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.

For more information on climate action funding, resources and training, please visit FCM’s Green Municipal Fund. For more information on asset management and climate resilience grants, training and resources please visit FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Program.

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