Working with the local community and First Nations
The Port of Montreal will take a responsible approach to the creation of its new container terminal to ensure harmonious coexistence with its surrounding community. We seek to establish a dialogue and a collaborative space with all stakeholders, including First Nations, through a range of actions and initiatives.
“We are developing this exemplary project not only for years to come, but for decades to come.”
— Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA
Listening to our community
In accordance with the decision statement issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Contrecœur project is required to provide certain information and communication mechanisms. Aware of the scope of the Contrecœur project, the Port of Montreal is committed to go above and beyond its obligations by implementing other initiatives and tools for communicating with the community.
Permanent community relations and communications team
Good Neighbourhood Committee
Composed of representatives from local organizations, municipal bodies and local citizens, this committee will offer a regular space for dialogue and sharing information in relation to the Contrecœur project. The committee will be defined in collaboration with local stakeholders over the coming months, before construction of the terminal gets under way.
Transparency
We have several tools and mechanisms for disseminating information to help you stay up to date with the latest news on the Contrecœur project, according to your preferences. We are committed to providing timely and accurate information about the project’s activities.
Opinions and comments from the public
Formal management of complaints
Our protocols and guidelines for interacting with the community, including our procedures for managing complaints and information requests, will be available soon. Are you a neighbour of the Port? Would you like to know more about the Contrecœur project’s public activities? Subscribe to our mailing list to receive information and alerts about work on the Contrecœur project as well as invitations and special communications.
Collaboration with First Nations is dear to the Port de Montreal’s heart. All along the environmental assessment process for the Contrecoeur Project, the Port of Montreal has consulted and gradually developed relationships with three First Nations: In March 2021, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a favourable decision statement for the MPA's Contrecoeur project. This declaration specifies some 387 implementation conditions, which cover environmental and social issues. More than one hundred of these conditions require the involvement of First Nations. In connection with the Decision Statement, the MPA, for its Contrecoeur project, has the obligation to communicate with, consult and involve First Nations at several levels in the project, for a range of environmental conditions. The Port of Montreal has committed to go beyond its obligations by implementing its Charter of collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. A person is dedicated to relations with First Nations. This person is responsible for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with First Nations representatives, ensures that experts (from the MPA or external collaborators) are involved in order to adequately answer their questions and concerns, and communicates relevant information to them in a timely manner. Meetings with First Nations representatives are held on a regular basis, several times a year to allow for updates and discussions regarding the overall progress of the project and the implementation of environmental conditions. These meetings will eventually involve the future private partner when construction begins. Would you like to know about the Contrecœur project’s construction activities and how they are progressing? Interested in learning more about the actions being taken alongside the construction of the new terminal? Various information sessions have taken place in the past and more will be held at key points in the project, including before construction of the new terminal begins. In addition to providing information about construction timetables, these sessions offer members of the public the opportunity to interact with the project team and share their opinions and suggestions. Details on upcoming public information sessions, and how to take part, are available in this section. In keeping with its corporate strategic plan, the Port of Montreal is always looking for new ways to support its communities. Aware of its role and positive influence at the local, regional and national levels, the Port of Montreal seeks to support initiatives with a lasting impact on the communities in which it operates.Collaborating with First Nations
Information sessions
Supporting community development
Our tools
The Port of Montreal has a number of tools at its disposal to support its communities:
- A community engagement policy, which makes it possible to enable donations, sponsorships and specific projects in connection with specific corporate objectives.
- Development initiatives to improve the experience and discovery of spaces across Montreal’s metropolitan community where Port of Montreal facilities are located, with respect to the City-Port interface.
- Support for specific initiatives to guide land use and development in our communities.
List of supported community organizations
The Port of Montreal supports many different community organizations in and around Contrecœur.
- Événements Diable au cœur : Financial support for Les Diableries de Contrecœur festival
- Maison de la famille Joli-Cœur de Contrecœur : Financing of activities designed to strengthen the organization's mission
- Colonie Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc : Financial support for the Déploie tes ailes program and construction of benches and flower boxes by our employees to decorate the Colonie’s surroundings
- Centre d’action bénévole de Contrecœur : Volunteering and financial support for the annual Contrecœur food drive
- Quartier des Affaires de Contrecœur : Financial support for activities to strengthen local businesses
- Culture C (Contrecœur) : Financial support for activities related to youth and heritage in Contrecœur
- Comité d’entraide de Verchères : Financial support for the annual Verchères food drive
- Maison des jeunes de Verchères : Financial support for activities related to youth development
- Rues principales Verchères : Financial support for activities that support local business development
- Corporation de développement communautaire de Marguerite d’Youville : Financial support to annual gala for local NGOs in 2023
Becoming partners
Interested in creating a local development project in Contrecœur or its surrounding area, with the Port of Montreal’s support? Contact us to discuss it.
Interested in learning more about the social and economic impact of the Port of Montreal? Find out about our initiatives here.
Contact info
Contrecoeur
- For any complaint or suggestion that does not require urgent intervention, please use the form provided for this purpose:COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS FORM
- In case of emergency, contact the Port of Montreal control centre directly at 514-283-7022 (available 24/7). To contact the Port of Montreal about any subject other than the Contrecœur project, you will find the necessary contact information on our contact page.
