Neighborhoods Space | A Neighborhood Manifesto to Speak with One Voice

May 13, 2026

After more than three years of highlighting the wide range of challenges facing Montreal’s neighborhoods, the initiatives emerging within them, and the people driving them, Espace Quartiers announces the start of drafting a Neighborhood Manifesto. Building on existing efforts, this initiative will also open up new avenues for identifying, refining, and validating shared aspirations and demands, with a particular focus on voices and realities that are less often heard.

It is in neighborhoods—where everyday life unfolds—that the socio-ecological transition takes concrete shape: through access to housing, food, transportation, and green spaces, but also through solidarity, community networks, and citizens’ ability to take action. At this level, social justice and environmental justice are inseparable, and solutions must be designed in an integrated manner.

– “ Transition Together” Vision Statement, 2026

For several years now, TeC’s Neighborhoods Initiative has been promoting transformative initiatives and grassroots struggles that address the intersection of the multiple crises we are facing through the lens of socio-ecological transition. Over time, neighborhood visits, large-scale gatherings, forums for solutions, and various activities—often in collaboration with other TeC bodies—have emerged. This has enabled neighborhoods to make their voices heard, share their demands, and highlight their experiences.

It is in this spirit of continuity—but also with the aim of further politicizing these issues and developing a concrete tool for mobilization—that Espace quartiers is embarking on the creation of a Neighborhood Manifesto. This manifesto aims to articulate a shared vision of the socio-ecological transition at the neighborhood level; to highlight territorial and social inequities and the changes needed to address them; to strengthen communities’ capacity for mobilization and action; and to serve as an advocacy tool grounded in on-the-ground realities.

The goal will be to build on what already exists—experiences, struggles, and knowledge—while creating new spaces for dialogue to help bring forth, refine, and validate shared aspirations and demands. Particular attention will be paid to voices and realities that are less often heard, so that this process can truly contribute to a just and inclusive transition.

To lead the initiative, Soraya Elbekkali, project manager, will be supported by an advisory committee composed of representatives from the CMTQ, the REQ, the TQNOIM, and TEC.

We invite you to stay tuned for our events so you can take part in this initiative, which we hope will be inspiring and beneficial for our neighborhoods. Follow these events on our social media channels or contact us directly at marlies@transitionencommun.org if you’d like to learn more.

Neighborhoods Space | A Neighborhood Manifesto to Speak with One Voice

– “ Transition Together” Vision Statement, 2026

To lead the initiative, Soraya Elbekkali, project manager, will be supported by an advisory committee composed of representatives from the CMTQ, the REQ, the TQNOIM, and TEC.

We invite you to stay tuned for our events so you can take part in this initiative, which we hope will be inspiring and beneficial for our neighborhoods. Follow these events on our social media channels or contact us directly at marlies@transitionencommun.org if you’d like to learn more.

Text Block