MONTRÉAL, Jan. 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - At the invitation of the Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre, government representatives, members of the business community and the cultural scene, as well as community and university groups gathered at Marché Bonsecours to launch the Montréal urban resilience strategy, with the support of experts brought together by the 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation (100RC). This event follows the selection of Montréal to join the 100 Resilient Cities group, designed to recognize and promote the capacity of cities throughout the world to deal with disturbances and protect the quality of life of their communities.
"A resilient person is a person that overcomes hardships. It is the same with a resilient city. Today, we are expanding our administration's expertise, identifying strengths and weaknesses, strengthening the vigilance of community leaders to be better prepared if a problem arises," said Mayor Denis Coderre.
During this work session, Mayor Coderre announced the appointment of Louise Bradette as Montréal's Chief Resilience Officer (CRO). The CRO will be responsible for finalizing the Montréal urban resilience strategy and for implementing it within two years. This strategy will enhance the response of the city and the community in the event of shock (natural disaster, tragedy, attack), or help to address situations likely to enhance Montréal's vulnerability (ageing of the population, wear-and-tear of infrastructures, poverty). The strategy will also examine specific risks, including the transportation of hazardous materials.
Montréal's integration into the group of 100 Resilient Cities ensures the city expert support in developing a resilience strategy, as well as financial support for creating the position of director of resilience.
"Montreal is helping to fuel global momentum around building urban resilience, and leading by example," said Michael Berkowitz, President of 100 Resilient Cities. "The agenda-setting workshop will clarify the city's needs, surface innovative thinking, and give us a blueprint for engaging partners from across sectors to bring Montreal the tools and resources needed to become more resilient to the challenges it faces."
About the 100 Resilient Cities
The 100 Resilient Cities program was introduced in 2013, the year of the 100th anniversary of the Rockefeller Foundation, whose mission is to improve the living conditions of communities worldwide. At this time, 67 cities of all sizes on all continents have been chosen to be part of this select group. Montréal is the only Canadian city in the group, which includes Boston, New York, Melbourne, Bangkok, Athens, Bristol and Kigali. The network of 100 Resilient Cities works to improve practices, share expertise and promote excellence in the field of risk management.
For more information, please visit the network of 100 Resilient Cities or Rockefeller Foundation websites at www.100resilientcities.org or www.rockefellerfoundation.org.
SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
Source: Catherine Maurice, Attachée de presse, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, Ville de Montréal, 514 346-7598; Information: Philippe Sabourin, Relationniste, Service des communications, Ville de Montréal, 514 872-5537
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