The City of Sept-Îles and the Port of Sept-Îles today announce the launch of the Rivage project, a collaborative initiative aimed at defining a shared vision for the development of the waterfront and the lower-town area.
This strategic territory, composed of lands owned by both the City and the Port of Sept-Îles, will be the subject of a coordinated reflection process to transform it into a dynamic, accessible living environment that reflects the community.
Through the Rivage project, both organizations aim to develop a vibrant and deeply rooted waterfront where Sept-Îles’ identity and local values are reflected through accessible natural spaces, mobility and business infrastructure, and a shared living environment that fosters community gathering.
The Rivage project is based on a co-creation process involving approximately thirty participants with diverse expertise and perspectives, who will contribute to a collective reflection process with the goal of establishing, by the end of the year, a shared vision for waterfront development.
The initiative is supported by the Open Innovation Laboratory (LLio) of Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, which specializes in coordinating this type of initiative.
The Sept-Îles community will also be engaged in a later phase of the process, which will ultimately lead to the development of a master plan aimed at ensuring the harmonious, structured, and sustainable development of the waterfront area.
“The Rivage project is a continuation of the 2022 public consultation process. Building on the ideas and projects that were submitted, we aim to refine the vision by bringing together key stakeholders to co-develop planning directions and priorities. The objective is to make our waterfront a true gathering place that reflects Sept-Îles and its maritime culture,” said Mr. Joël Chouinard, Acting President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles.
“Throughout its history, this lower-town area, closely tied to the maritime identity of our city, has always been a place of encounters and gatherings. Given its symbolic value and the strong attachment of Sept-Îles residents to the waterfront, it is essential that we enhance this heritage by developing a shared vision that will guide our future interventions in this area,” said Mr. Benoit Méthot, Mayor of Sept-Îles.
“It is a true privilege for LLIO to put its expertise and collaborative tools at the service of the Sept-Îles community. From the very first workshop, and in continuity with previous initiatives, participants did not hesitate to think big, and it is precisely this kind of civic engagement that makes us proud to support the Port, the City, and their partners in developing an ambitious vision for the redevelopment of the waterfront,” state Mr. Jean-François Jasmin and Ms. Marie-Amélie Dubé, Project Managers at LLio.
(Photo from Port of Sept-Îles)