Open letter | OCPM: Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) has been in the spotlight for several days now. In the midst of this storm, we feel it is important to distinguish certain questionable management practices of the organization itself from its important role in Montreal democracy. 

It's perfectly legitimate to take offence at the practices of OCPM executives and to demand that they set an example in the interests of sound management of public finances. However, to question the relevance of the institution and the very function of public consultation is a step we find unacceptable.

Since its creation, the OCPM has played an important and unique role in informing and educating Montreal's civil society by providing access to studies that enable them to express their opinions on the plans, policies and major development projects that are shaping the face of the city. The consultations it organizes are invaluable moments for the public and for the organizations taking part. They are an opportunity to ask questions, put forward ideas, comment on proposals and often push the city to demonstrate ambition and exemplarity.

The consultation practices developed at the OCPM have influenced the presence and quality of public participation initiatives carried out by municipal authorities, and over the years have enabled the transition from a culture of confrontation over urban development visions to an admittedly imperfect culture of dialogue and exchange. Of course, there is always room for optimization of processes and tools, as well as monitoring mechanisms, in order to further develop this culture of exchange.

The Office's contribution goes beyond the adoption or non-adoption of recommendations by the administration, although this is an indicator to be considered. The benefits for Montrealers are many and varied, depending on the project or theme addressed. The discussions generated by the consultations encourage reflection both upstream and downstream of the tabling of reports. They encourage civil society to take ownership of issues, and help to inform decision-makers about the population's expectations and aspirations, thereby improving plans, policies and projects.

Over the past few years, we have held a number of landmark consultations. Think of the record participation in the recent Réflexion 2050 consultation on the Projet de Ville, the mobilization ahead of the development of the Parc Jean-Drapeau Master Plan, the intense and constructive debates around the vision of accessibility to Mont-Royal, or the debate on the future of the Pierrefonds-Ouest sector, which laid the foundations for the Grand parc de l'Ouest. Not to mention initiatives such as the consultation on systemic racism and discrimination, around issues that cultivate Montreal's "vivre-ensemble", or the one on fossil fuel reduction, a prelude to a change of course in terms of mobilization in the fight against hydrocarbon dependency.

This is why, in addition to recognizing the importance of this unique body, it is also urgent to enhance its role with administrative and political authorities. The OCPM's work stimulates collective intelligence and represents the voice of civil society. How can we, in a democracy like ours, deprive ourselves of such a contribution?

In short, in the midst of all this turmoil, we feel it's essential to avoid any shortcuts between the disconnected decisions of a few individuals and the relevance of this democratic institution which, for over 20 years, has been constructively framing freedom of expression and participation in collective dialogue.

Signatories :

• Emmanuel Rondia, General Manager, Conseil régional de l'environnement de Montréal
• Louise Harel, MNA 1981-2008 and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Metropolis 1998-2002
• Véronique Fournier, General Manager, Montréal Urban Ecology Centre and former city councillor 2009-2013 
• François William Croteau, General Manager, IRIU, former Mayor of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie 2009-2021
• Ron Rayside, Rayside-Labossière
• Yves Bellavance, Coordinator, Montreal Coalition of Neighborhood Tables
• Hélène Panaïoti, Co-General Manager, Les Amis de la montagne
• Patricia Clermont, Coordinator, Association québécoise des médecins pour l'environnement (AQME)
• Moridja Kitenge Banza and Emmanuelle Hébert, President and General Manager, Culture Montréal
• Linda Collette, co-founding member, Les Amis du Quai de l'Horloge
• Victor Balsis, President, AmiEs du courant Sainte-Marie
• Florence Paulhiac, Professor, Department of Urban and Tourism Studies, Université du Québec à Montréal
• Christine Caron, Director, Association des résidants du Vieux-Montréal
• Dinu Bumbaru, Director of Policy, Héritage Montréal
• Malorie Flon, General Manager, Institut du Nouveau Monde
• Christian Savard, General Manager, Vivre en Ville

Illustration de couverture : Image issue de la consultation de l'OCPM sur le Royal Victoria – Crédits : Afiah Anis Syedah