Activate Community Engagement in Urban Parks

Pauline Wolff holds a Ph.D. in urban planning from the Université de Montréal.

She has been a researcher at CÉRSÉ for the past four years and is carrying out research projects related to public space ownership and community participation, seen through a socio-ecological transition lens. She works with community members, the organizations that support them (Solon, Park People, the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM), the David Suzuki Foundation, community tables, etc.) and several boroughs to help them understand certain phenomena and guide them through their decision-making process.

Catherine Brouillette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the Université de Montréal (UdeM).

Various experiences, especially as a Research Officer in sustainable development in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie borough, have led her to become interested in participatory urban planning and community ownership of public space.

Since 2001, Isabelle Girard has been working at the City of Montreal to improve the residents’ quality of life. In 2016, she joined the Service des grands parcs, du Mont-Royal et des sports, first at the Mount Royal Park Authority, and as Division Chief since January 2019. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Animation and Research as well as a Certificate in Human Resources Management. She is a manager at heart whose priority is to provide quality service to her partners and fellow residents and to promote collaboration and public consultation.

Luc Castonguay is an urban planner and the Director of the Direction du développement du territoire et des études techniques for the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough.

Luc Castonguay has been an active member of the Ordre des Urbanistes du Québec since 2004. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in 1998 and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Municipal Management from the National School of Public Administration (École nationale d’administration publique – ENAP).

With 23 years of professional experience in the municipal sector, Luc worked in the D’Autray Regional County Municipality as an urban planning and environment inspector. Between 2003 and 2007, he was in charge of urban planning and environment for the Orford Township Municipality. For 13 years, he also held leadership positions, including as the Director of the Urban Planning, Environment and Economic Development department of the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Since October 2020, Luc has been working as the Director of Land Use Planning and Engineering Studies for the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough. His department includes the divisions of Parks Design and Urban Forestry, Urban Planning, Permits and Inspection, Engineering, Economic Development and Sustainable Development.

Over the years, he has developed rich expertise in community engagement, natural environment protection, floodplain management, economic development, municipal management, and creating dynamic and holistic living environments.