Community Interaction Program

The Community Interaction funding and technical assistance program

The Community Interaction funding and technical assistance program was developed under Phase II of the St. Lawrence Action Plan (1993–1998) and carried over to Phase III (1998–2003). From a sustainable development perspective, SLAP’s final phase was intended to ensure the protection of ecosystem and human health and the involvement of riverside communities in order to favour access and the reclaiming of uses of the St. Lawrence River.

The Community Interaction program falls under the Community Involvement component and was made possible thanks to contributions from three government partners, namely Environment Canada, Environment Quebec and the Quebec Wildlife and Parks Corporation (FAPAQ). Its main objective was to support community projects stemming from environmental remedial action plans (ERAPs) developed jointly by ZIP (Area of Prime Concern) committees and local stakeholders (see ZIP map).

Over the course of Phase III, 150 projects were carried out by ZIP committees and local organizations. Although any project related to the St. Lawrence River was eligible, most of the projects stemmed from ERAPs.

Within the context of the Community Interaction program, eligible projects had to include activities related to the St. Lawrence River and its ecosystem. The categories of projects eligible for funding were physical improvement; enhancement and access; awareness; studies (planning, feasibility, fact-gathering); and protection through acquisition and stewardship. These categories covered a wide variety of projects, such as the cleaning up, stabilization and revegetation of shores, the restoration of wetlands and sensitive areas, awareness activities, and the development of access sites that are not harmful to the environment.

During Phase III, government contributions could cover up to 50% of total eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $100,000. However, government contributions for studies on future initiatives and project development could cover up to 70% of total eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $30,000.

Complementary funding could be provided by other government bodies, local organizations, job creation programs and volunteer contributions (e.g. loans or gifts of materials and equipment, services and labour).

Following an administrative (eligibility of the organization and initiatives) and technical (feasibility, environmental impacts) assessment, the projects were reviewed by an evaluation committee, which then made recommendations to officials on whether funding should be allocated. The following evaluation criteria was applied:

• Compatibility with St. Lawrence Action Plan objectives
• Consistency with ERAP priorities
• Impact on the St. Lawrence River
• Forging of partnerships
• Benefits to the community and community involvement
• Quality of the proposal and the information presented

This overview, divided into chapters, summarizes the Community Interaction program, the overall gains attributable to projects funded under Phase III of SLAP (1998–2003), and the results of each of the 14 sectors overseen by ZIP committees and of projects carried out outside ZIPs.

A description of the territory, environmental concerns of the community concerned, organizations and projects that received funding under the program, and financial and socio-economic gains is provided for each of the sectors covered.