Brome-Missisquoi mobilizes to define its climate ambitions
More than 30 elected officials and municipal chief administrative officers took part in a workshop to reflect on the region’s climate priorities, with Alain Webster, Chair of the Government of Quebec’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change, in attendance.
Cowansville, October 19, 2026 – More than 30 elected municipal officials and municipal chief administrative officers from Brome-Missisquoi gathered on October 14 for a workshop focused on the region’s climate ambitions and territorial priorities. The meeting aimed to reflect on the choices that will help preserve quality of life, protect the region’s resources and prepare communities for the challenges of tomorrow. The discussions will inform the MRC’s upcoming work on climate action and land-use planning.
Facilitated by Coop Niska, the workshop gave participants an opportunity to discuss the level of ambition Brome-Missisquoi wishes to set in addressing climate change and the municipal tools best suited to achieving these goals.
Addressing the causes and consequences of climate change
At the beginning of the workshop, participants reviewed the main findings of the regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and the climate risk assessment conducted for the region.
Alain Webster invited participants to reflect on the level of ambition municipalities wish to set in addressing climate change. He emphasized that the collective choices made today will influence communities’ ability to meet tomorrow’s challenges, and that municipalities and regional county municipalities (MRCs) already have concrete tools at their disposal to take action at the local and regional levels.
“The economic benefits of taking action far outweigh the economic consequences of inaction.” he noted.
He also emphasized the importance of simultaneously addressing climate change adaptation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Building a resilient, prosperous and low-carbon region
Discussions focused on several key issues for Brome-Missisquoi, including water resource resilience, the protection of natural environments, the adaptation of infrastructure and communities, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The discussions demonstrated a clear willingness to address both the already visible impacts of climate change and their underlying causes, while preserving the region’s quality of life and prosperity.
This reflection helped identify potential courses of action to strengthen community resilience and prepare the region for future climate realities.
Municipal leadership at the heart of climate action
In her opening remarks, the Warden emphasized that this initiative goes beyond the Climate Plan and will also help guide future land-use planning decisions. She encouraged participants to approach the discussion with openness and boldness in identifying the changes needed to secure the region’s future.
The workshop also highlighted the key role municipalities play in mobilizing communities and implementing solutions tailored to local realities.
“The challenges ahead directly affect our quality of life, our water resources, our infrastructure and the future of our communities. Municipalities are ready to work together to build a resilient, prosperous and low-carbon region for future generations. This ambition must also be developed in collaboration with the citizens, businesses and organizations throughout our region.” said Sylvie Beauregard, Warden of the MRC.
The insights gathered during the workshop will inform the MRC’s work to define priorities and actions to be implemented as part of the Climate Plan and the revision of the Land Use and Development Plan. This process will continue with citizens, organizations and stakeholders throughout Brome-Missisquoi to mobilize the community around solutions tailored to the region’s needs and realities.
To learn more about the development of the Brome-Missisquoi Climate Plan.
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Media Contact
Isabelle Paquette
Communications Advisor
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi
450-266-4900, ext. 241
ipaquette@mrcbm.qc.ca