Recommendations from the Youth Council of Montreal to improve circularity in the city

With the consequences of global warming becoming more and more tangible, the economic model in which we live in appears as one of the main causes of the problem. Indeed, the linear model (extract – produce – distribute – consume – discard) assumes an infinite availability of resources, which we do not have. The circular economy is thus offering an appealing alternative to this linear economy.

The Youth Council of Montreal provided 10 recommendations to their elected representatives to make the city more circular.

As a starting point, the city has been advised to define possible circular strategies in each sector, mainly by conducting a material flow analysis, to properly consider the potential of circular economy on the Montreal territory. The city is expected to develop an integrated plan and a roadmap on circular economy, with a list of objectives and indicators to assess the different actions. Moreover, the Youth Council recommended the development of an online platform by the city, to connect all relevant stakeholders together. In addition, all the circular actions should be centralized, in the hands of the mayor, an elected representative, or a permanent committee of the municipal council, to monitor, on a yearly basis, the deployment of the circular economy in the city. The Youth Council also concluded on the need for an ambitious circular economy plan and the revision of the regulations, to better integrate any circular practices in all policies. Besides, the city should ensure financial incentives (such as subsidies, competitions, tax relieves) to promote circular economy among companies and entrepreneurs, and a continuous information campaign about circular economy. Finally, the Youth Council estimated that the city should establish zero-waste streets, promote eco-design of local events, and set up a business incubator focusing on innovations in the circular economy.

Circular practices implemented elsewhere in the world, and more particularly in Amsterdam, Paris, and Seoul, have been mobilized as leading examples.

These recommendations have been carried out thanks to a budget allocated by the city of Montreal.

A response from the executive committee of the city to the 10 recommendations made is expected in the coming months. This mandate has been trying to develop a more top-down approach, where the city could, thanks to these recommendations, take the lead in a well-defined vision and strategy.

Currently, the city is precisely working with Circle Economy to develop a circular economy road map for the city.