From augmented reality to virtual reality: innovative public consultation for the Plateau Est employment sector

Human-scaled technology will be employed

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Never before have so many different public consultation methods been offered to citizens than during a Public Forum that the Office de consultation publique de Montréal will hold on December 6. A 3D model of the Plateau East's employment sector will allow citizens to learn about the area and try out augmented reality. They will be able to easily discuss proposed scenarios and—thanks to virtual reality glasses—will move around in the newly created virtual space.

This is the first time that such a participative and collaborative process has been used to mobilize all stakeholders to get involved in the development of a common vision for this urban zone which faces many urban planning issues. Issues include the underuse of some spaces, major through-traffic, clashes between commercial and residential activities, urban heat islands, railway tracks, etc.

A series of meetings has already been held (October 28 and 30, and November 5) with community groups, and economic and institutional players. A summary of these meetings and a virtual presentation of the proposed scenarios will be submitted to citizens during the December 6 meeting, with the new technologies creating an environment conducive to expressing opinions, creating and co-creating solutions, dialogue and information sharing.For this purpose, the OCPM has launched a web site entirely dedicated to this consultation, www.PlateauEst.com .

Next, two citizens' workshops will be organized on December 8 and 15, so that the discussion with area residents can continue. The citizens' workshops will be held at the OCPM, located at 1550 Metcalfe St., 14th floor. Registration, by December 4, is required. Please contact Gilles Vézina at 514-872-8510.

At the request of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, the OCPM was mandated by the Executive Committee to carry out this consultation effort.

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (the city's public consultation board) is an arm's length agency whose mission is to complete public consultation mandates related to various municipal responsibilities with regard to urban planning and land use development, and to any other project assigned by City Council or the Executive Committee.

Reminder

Public Forum on the development of the Plateau Est employment sector
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: École secondaire Jeanne-Mance, 4240 rue de Bordeaux

SOURCE: Office de consultation publique de Montréal

Brigitte Stock Media relations 514-913-3813, [email protected]