SERVICE EXCELLENCE RELIABILITY

The adoption in 2017 of a new urban planning model led to an extensive overhaul of the municipality's urban planning regulations. Ms. Martin played an active role in revising the by-laws, presenting the new version in a document entitled Urban Planning Code, which is full of major innovations. The new regulations took effect in November 2022, and reflect a realignment that moves away from traditional approaches based on zoning and separation of uses to a focus on urban form and design. "It was a seismic shift," said the deputy director. "We were fortunate to have elected officials and executive management who supported us throughout the project."

Promote Urban Planning And The Laval Region

The distinction that Nathalie Martin received from the Ordre des urbanistes du Québec is in honour of her exemplary career. The designation of Distinguished Planner is awarded on the basis of a number of criteria. While special attention is paid to professional accomplishments, aspects such as integrity, concern for the public interest and community involvement are also taken into consideration.

The nominations that stand out are often those that demonstrate the planner's ability to promote the profession beyond his or her own sphere of activity.

"Ms. Martin participates in presentations and symposia, actively promotes best practices and shares her skills and knowledge," noted David Alfaro Clark, government and public affairs advisor at OUQ.

"The awarding of this title also served to highlight the municipality's recent achievements in urban planning. The projects that distinguished urban planners have been involved in are taken into account, and it must be said that a lot of work has been done in Laval in recent years," he added. "Another consideration is patrimony and heritage, which is now an important concern in this region." That is an area Nathalie Martin knows quite well, having been a driving force in many heritage initiatives over the years.