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Visions in motion : integrating the social dimension of transport through local participatory planning in Montreal (Quebec, Canada)

Boisjoly, Geneviève LU (2014) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM01 20141
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Urban transportation is becoming increasingly challenging in the face of growing cities, urban sprawl and a rising trend in car use. Beyond the direct impacts of motorized transports, the development of extensive car infrastructure exacerbates social differences, especially in urban areas. The social dimension of transport is however marginalized in the current model of transport planning and significant changes are called for. From a Critical Urban Theory standpoint, this thesis assesses the barriers and opportunities to trigger changes in transport planning in Montreal, through social learning and public participation. Data is collected from document analysis and semi-structured interviews in relation to the participatory process of the... (More)
Urban transportation is becoming increasingly challenging in the face of growing cities, urban sprawl and a rising trend in car use. Beyond the direct impacts of motorized transports, the development of extensive car infrastructure exacerbates social differences, especially in urban areas. The social dimension of transport is however marginalized in the current model of transport planning and significant changes are called for. From a Critical Urban Theory standpoint, this thesis assesses the barriers and opportunities to trigger changes in transport planning in Montreal, through social learning and public participation. Data is collected from document analysis and semi-structured interviews in relation to the participatory process of the Local Transport Plans. The findings show that the participatory process allows the integration of social aspects into the planning process to a very limited extent. The main barriers lie in the broader planning context and the organizational structure at the borough level as well as the lack of expertise of the community groups. Nevertheless, the Local Transport Plans provide a window of opportunity for addressing the social dimension of transport. In order to take advantage of this opportunity and foster social learning towards the desired changes, the process requires the inclusion of clear social equity goals at the agglomeration level as well as a skilled facilitator that can promote the integration of diverse perspectives on transport planning. Finally, it is essential to provide community groups with resources to meaningfully participate in the process, thereby promoting social equity. (Less)
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author
Boisjoly, Geneviève LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM01 20141
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
sustainability science, social learning, socially sustainable urban transportation, participatory planning, transport planning
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2014:031
language
English
id
4463705
date added to LUP
2014-06-19 08:53:36
date last changed
2014-06-19 08:53:36
@misc{4463705,
  abstract     = {{Urban transportation is becoming increasingly challenging in the face of growing cities, urban sprawl and a rising trend in car use. Beyond the direct impacts of motorized transports, the development of extensive car infrastructure exacerbates social differences, especially in urban areas. The social dimension of transport is however marginalized in the current model of transport planning and significant changes are called for. From a Critical Urban Theory standpoint, this thesis assesses the barriers and opportunities to trigger changes in transport planning in Montreal, through social learning and public participation. Data is collected from document analysis and semi-structured interviews in relation to the participatory process of the Local Transport Plans. The findings show that the participatory process allows the integration of social aspects into the planning process to a very limited extent. The main barriers lie in the broader planning context and the organizational structure at the borough level as well as the lack of expertise of the community groups. Nevertheless, the Local Transport Plans provide a window of opportunity for addressing the social dimension of transport. In order to take advantage of this opportunity and foster social learning towards the desired changes, the process requires the inclusion of clear social equity goals at the agglomeration level as well as a skilled facilitator that can promote the integration of diverse perspectives on transport planning. Finally, it is essential to provide community groups with resources to meaningfully participate in the process, thereby promoting social equity.}},
  author       = {{Boisjoly, Geneviève}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Visions in motion : integrating the social dimension of transport through local participatory planning in Montreal (Quebec, Canada)}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}