Struggling to wrap your head around urban planning? The Montreal Metropolitan Community could be your starting point. This isn’t just some administrative region. It is a vital force shaping the lives of over four million people.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community or CMM is a regional government. It addresses issues spanning 82 municipalities. These include Montreal itself. The CMM handles urban planning. It also tackles economic development. Arts, culture, public transit and waste management are also within its mandate.
Created in 2000, the Montreal Metropolitan Community mirrors British Columbia’s regional districts. The Act respecting the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal defines its powers. Land planning is a key area. The CMM guides development across Greater Montreal. Economic development initiatives boost the region’s prosperity. It promotes Montreal as a hub for international trade.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community champions arts and culture. It supports local artists and cultural organizations. Social and affordable housing is another priority. The Montreal Metropolitan Community works to ensure housing for all. It manages facilities and infrastructure. These are of metropolitan importance.
Public transit falls under its purview. The Montreal Metropolitan Community oversees the metropolitan arterial road network. Waste management planning ensures environmental responsibility. Air quality is monitored and improved. Wastewater treatment protects our waterways.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community also protects blue and green spaces. They provide vital recreational areas. Geomatics are also important. It creates information tools. These are used for urban management.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community comprises 82 local municipalities. 21 of these are not part of any Regional County Municipality RCM. This includes Montreal itself. The Montreal Metropolitan Community also fully encompasses four RCMs. It includes parts of another six RCMs.
Greater Montreal’s area is 4,739.04 square kilometers. The Montreal Metropolitan Community governs a smaller area of 3,838 square kilometers. This includes the Island of Montreal. Laval and the Urban Agglomeration of Longueuil are also included.
Valérie Plante, Montreal’s mayor, currently heads the Montreal Metropolitan Community. In 2015, Statistics Canada pegged Montreal’s CMA at 4,258.31 square kilometers. The population was 4,027,100. This is almost half the province’s total.
The Sociéte de transport de Montréal serves the Island of Montreal. The Société de transport de Laval serves the city of Laval. The Réseau de transport de Longueuil serves the Urban agglomeration of Longueuil. These agencies work within the Montreal Metropolitan Community framework.
The ARTM plans and coordinates public transport. This covers Greater Montreal. It includes the Island of Montreal and Laval. The north and south shores are also included. The ARTM also manages HOV lanes. Bus terminuses and park-and-ride lots fall under their watch.
The Montreal Metropolitan Community impacts daily life. From the air we breathe to the roads we travel. It shapes the region’s future. It strives for balanced growth and sustainability. The Montreal Metropolitan Community connects communities. It ensures a vibrant, resilient metropolis. Next time you see progress in Montreal, remember the CMM. It’s likely playing a crucial role behind the scenes.