Parc-Extension residents are being invited to apply for a seat on the committee that reviews significant planning, zoning and development requests before they reach the borough council.
The borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension announced on September 18 that it is recruiting regular and substitute members for its urban planning advisory committee, commonly known by its French abbreviation, CCU.
The committee examines planning applications and makes recommendations to the borough council. It does not possess decision-making authority, meaning elected officials retain responsibility for approving or rejecting the applications brought before them.
Despite that limitation, the committee is involved in files that can produce visible changes in neighbourhoods.
Its responsibilities include reviewing minor exemptions from zoning and subdivision rules, conditional-use applications and special construction, alteration or occupancy projects. It also examines matters involving architectural appearance, the placement of new construction and how a project fits into its surroundings.
The CCU may provide recommendations on proposed changes to zoning or subdivision regulations and can study other planning questions referred to it by the borough council. Its members also sit on the borough’s demolition committee.
The committee includes three elected officials, six regular resident members and three resident substitutes. Its sessions are held in camera, generally once a month on Wednesday evenings.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension. A professional background in planning is not mandatory.
The borough says some members will be selected for their training or experience in urban planning, architecture, built heritage, landscape architecture or related fields. Other members may be chosen because of their interest in those subjects.
The selection process is also intended to provide representation from the borough’s different neighbourhoods, as well as balance in terms of gender and cultural background. That makes participation from Parc-Extension particularly relevant in a committee serving three neighbourhoods with different built environments and planning concerns.
Appointments are for two years and may be renewed once.
Applications must contain a curriculum vitae and a letter explaining the applicant’s interest and relevant abilities. They must be received by noon on October 2. Submissions may be sent electronically through the address listed in the borough’s official announcement or mailed to the borough secretary at 405 Ogilvy Avenue, Suite 200.
Residents seeking information about the application process may call 438-951-2464.
The recruitment offers residents a formal—although advisory—role in examining projects that can influence streetscapes, construction, land use and neighbourhood development.
