RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

So as to remain a leader in revitalization in Québec, the Rues principales Foundation actively contributes to discussions on approaches to local and sustainable development. The Foundation's unique expertise enables it to develop original work tools adapted to the realities of municipalities of all sizes.

A number of government ministries and corporations have called on the Rues principales Foundation to further examine the issues related to economic development, the planning of built and natural environments, to the improvement of quality of life, and to the spin-off generated by grant programs, to name only some of them.

The spin-offs of heritage enhancement (In French only)

Heritage enhancement, an essential element in the sustainable revitalization of the heart of a municipality, has multiple impacts on the different components of local development, whether culture, economic development, the physical improvement of an area, or reinforcing the public’s sentiment of belonging to its community. This study presents different initiatives undertaken by Rues principales Network communities and brilliantly demonstrates the fruitful spin-off of the judicious enhancement of both the material and immaterial heritage.

To consult a summary of the study, click here (in french only).

To obtain the full version of the study, please contact us (printing and shipping costs of $25 apply).

Repertory of success stories - Physical improvements (In French only)

In this publication, the Rues principales Foundation presents over 75 examples of physical improvements, building renovations and civic beautification projects carried out in the hearts of municipalities that have implemented a revitalization strategy. Among the topics included in this collection of good practices are building façade renovations, park development, and well integrated sign design. Different examples will be added with each new edition.

To consult a summary of the study, click here (part 1, part 2). In french only.

To obtain the full version of the study, please contact us (printing and shipping costs of $25 apply).

Study on the "ideal" business mix (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

Involving the analysis of a sampling of fairly dynamic commercial arteries and downtowns, this study made it possible to define the "ideal" business mix for an economically active area. The study's findings represent an essential tool for developing business recruitment and diversification policies for the commercial arteries of many municipalities.

Free download

Analysis of significant socio-economic impacts of the Programme Rénovation Québec (In French only)

In collaboration with the Société d'habitation du Québec.

This study highlights the various impacts that the Programme Rénovation Québec of the Société d’Habitation du Québec has had in some Québec 10 municipalities. The effects that such an assistance program can have on improving the built environment, cohesion and the social mix, and the commercial and economic vitality of a sector are presented in this study.

Analysis of spin-off of power line undergrounding (In French only)

In collaboration with Hydro-Québec.

Hydro-Québec mandated the Rues principales Foundation to assess the different spin-offs of power line undergrounding in new residential developments, as well as in existing commercial and residential areas. The study shed light on the impacts of this work on an area's drawing power, on its economic vitality, residents' quality of life and on the goodwill on commercial streets, among other things.

Free download

Sustainable development: performance indicators of downtown areas (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

This two-phase study resulted in an inventory of the existing methods used to measure the level of sustainable development in downtown areas and central arteries. On the basis of this inventory, indicators were selected in order to create a trend chart with which to measure the degree of progress made in each municipality in Québec with respect to the different components of sustainable development, whether economic development, the protection and preservation of the environment, heritage enhancement, quality of life, etc.

Free download

Commercial urbanism in the context of sustainable development (In French only)

In collaboration with the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation.

This study enumerates experiences aimed at promoting and boosting municipalities' commercial and economic activity while helping achieve sustainable development. In the study, commercial urbanism freely goes beyond the strictly regulatory framework in which it is often based, to demonstrate the extent of the field of intervention that local actors can access in order to act upon and influence their municipality's development.

Free download