MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais

Background

The MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais region of Quebec lies just north of Ottawa, and has a population of about 40,000, located mainly in seven villages, one of which is Chelsea, the lead municipality in this initiative.

Chelsea has a national reputation for leadership in sustainable development. Its award-winning recycling program has reduced waste flows to landfills by 50%, and its H20 Chelsea initiative, with over 150 volunteers, was honoured in 2006 as the best water conservation program in Canada by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Full Description

Chelsea, Quebec, in association with six other municipalities in the Outaouais area, is proposing to create what would be Canada’s first certified organic region. The resulting model, located on the doorstep of the national capital, would address the economic, environmental and social future of the area, and if successful might inspire others to emulate it.

MRC de l’Outaouais will convene an advisory committee consisting of national, provincial and local leaders in community sustainability. In order to launch full-scale transition to organic certification within two years, the committee will undertake

• Community consultations and information sessions to create a visible and accessible process;
• Business planning focused initially on organic meats and ecological horticulture;
• An inventory of underdeveloped land that can be converted to economic use;
• Proposals to prospective financial and government partners;
• A branding and marketing strategy similar to the “appelation contrôlée” programs for wine regions.