Brome-Missisquoi RCM launches the development of its climate plan: A decisive step toward more sustainable and resilient communities
Cowansville, September 25, 2025 – The Brome-Missisquoi RCM is taking a historic step forward in its fight against climate change. At the council of mayors’ meeting held on September 16, elected officials unanimously adopted a bold statement of intent that will serve as a guiding framework for the development of the RCM’s very first Climate Plan.
Statement of Intent for the Brome-Missisquoi RCM Climate Plan
“Recognizing the climate emergency, the Brome-Missisquoi RCM is committed to mobilizing all stakeholders across the territory to accelerate the socio-ecological transition. By combining greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions with adaptation to climate risks, the RCM and its municipalities will implement innovative solutions to create sustainable and resilient living environments. This collective project—rooted in sustainability, innovation, and intergenerational solidarity—will take shape through integrated and coherent territorial planning, particularly with the revision of the Brome-Missisquoi Land Use and Development Plan.”
This structuring plan aims to:
- Improve the territory’s and communities’ capacity to adapt to climate risks (e.g. heat waves, droughts, floods);
- Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by setting ambitious targets and implementing concrete actions;
- Mobilize citizens, municipalities, and partners through an inclusive and collaborative approach to foster sustainable practices.
“This shared vision reflects our determination to take concrete action. Beyond words, we are now equipping ourselves with a clear action framework for the next 5 to 10 years. This Climate Plan will translate our ambitions into tangible measures: protecting vulnerable areas, urban greening, sustainable mobility, circular economy—to name just a few examples. We want every citizen, every business, and every municipality to see themselves in this plan and to take part in it!” emphasized Mélanie Thibault, Director General of the Brome-Missisquoi RCM.
Supported by a financial contribution of $1,326,058 from the Government of Quebec, granted under the Accelerating Local Climate Transition (ALCT) program of the 2030 Green Economy Plan, the RCM must design and adopt its Climate Plan by spring 2027. This process will include essential steps: a municipal and collective GHG emissions inventory, a climate risk assessment in Brome-Missisquoi, stakeholder consultations, the development of an action plan, and the final adoption of the plan by the RCM council.
Next steps
In the coming weeks, an expert committee will be established to support the process.
Public consultations and collaboration with local organizations will follow over the next several months. Residents are invited to follow the progress of the project at the following link: https://www.mrcbm.qc.ca/projet....
About the Climate Plan
The Climate Plan represents a voluntary initiative in response to growing concerns about climate change and the urgent need to act. This initiative is not unique to Brome-Missisquoi: several other municipalities and RCMs are developing similar plans under the provincial ALCT program.
This process builds directly on the 2024–2034 Territorial Sustainable Development Strategic Plan of Brome-Missisquoi, which emphasizes the protection and resilience of the territory and its resources in the context of climate change.
Ultimately, the Climate Plan will define targets and priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impacts of climate change, while planning projects to be implemented. It will reinforce this shared vision by providing concrete tools for collective action.
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Source
Isabelle Paquette
Communications Advisor
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi
450 266-4900, ext 241
ipaquette@mrcbm.qc.ca