Community Action Team supports SOS – Fight for Cantley

Community Action Team
Written By Eva Cohen

The Provincial Vision

On June 6, 2022, the Government of Quebec unveiled the very first National Policy on Architecture and Land Use Planning, titled Better Living and Building Our Territory – Strategic Vision. This policy represents a historic step in modernizing Quebec’s architectural and land use planning practices, outlining a thoughtful and ambitious strategic vision for the province.

Growing Community Concerns

While the province moves forward, Cantley is already three years behind in delivering its own strategic vision and accompanying land use strategy. This puts considerable pressure on municipal staff and council to catch up, while also impacting the community.

Over the past few years, many Cantley residents have grown increasingly concerned about the order of the planning process, the direction, and how it’s being communicated. Alarmingly, many residents remain unaware of these major changes—changes that could not only transform the rural living environment they call home, but also place the entire community at risk due to insufficient infrastructure to accommodate the proposed growth.

Why This Matters

Responsible land-use planning isn’t optional—it's essential for protecting our community. Ignoring risks like limited drinking water, outdated landslide maps, and inadequate sewage systems puts everyone at risk, especially as climate change brings new and intensifying threats. Uninformed decisions today can have devastating, long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and the future of Cantley.

Community Action Team: SOS Cantley

Recognizing the need for action, the CPYC community action team supported concerned citizens to form SOS Cantley. The group demanded that Cantley’s elected officials protect the community and adopt a more responsible, sustainable approach.

Despite these efforts, council moved ahead with plans for urban densification. The only way to formally oppose the proposal was through the opposition register.

The Result: Power in Numbers

The response was incredible. Together, we successfully managed to mobilize 2,872 Cantley residents to show up in person to sign the opposition register—nearly triple the 945 signatures needed. This powerful turnout forced a halt to the urban planning process, sending a clear message that the community demands responsible, sustainable growth.

Eva Cohen
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