Citizens are looking for suitable living areas to start and raise their families in healthy environments. Taking measures to facilitate free play and street play sends a positive and welcoming message to families.
Free outdoor play, which is practised less and less in industrialized societies, has several benefits for children’s development and overall health. It is much more than a spontaneous activity intended for fun or distraction:
Although parks and backyards are the preferred places for free play, not all young people have easy access to them. Residential streets and alleys are an attractive option, considering their proximity and the absence of travel time.
Since the adoption of Bill 122 in June 2017, aimed at giving municipalities more powers3, it is possible to authorize free play on certain public roads. The bill added article 500.2 to the Highway Safety Code, which details what municipal bylaws must provide to allow free play on the street.
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Nearly 2 in 3 Quebec adults believe that children and families should have the right to play in the streets and alleys.
Collectif Vital has collaborated on several occasions with the municipal sector to promote the implementation of street play. Case studies are available to inspire municipalities to take action based on their needs and reality.
The city of Beloeil, in the Montérégie region, was the first municipality in Quebec to launch an initiative to allow free play on its streets. This initiative has been recognized by numerous awards from the municipal sector. The Dans ma rue, on joue! Project’s success is a big reason why the Highway Safety Code now allows municipalities to authorize free play in alleys and residential streets.
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In May 2015, the Verdun borough council repealed its regulation prohibiting the practice of sport on public spaces not intended for this purpose. Children and families can play freely in the alleys of their neighbourhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the borough went further by establishing the Rues de jeu libre project on its territory.
Consult the case study
Encourage urban agriculture.
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For a healthy and sustainable diet.
Encourage families to participate in physical activities.
Initiatives to promote municipal water consumption.
Zoning to limit the establishment of fast food restaurants.
Promote active travel on a daily basis.
1. Demers, Marie et Lucie Lapierre (mars 2012). Québec en forme. « Le jeu libre à l’extérieur comme élément indispensable au développement des jeunes ». Repéré en ligne le 16 août 2017.
2. Ginsburg, K. R. et al. (janvier 2007) « The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong parent-Child Bonds ». PEDIATRICS, vol. 119, no. 1, p. 182-190.
3. Assemblée nationale (juin 2017). Projet de loi no.122: Loi visant principalement à reconnaître que les municipalités sont des gouvernements de proximité et à augmenter à ce titre leur autonomie et leurs pouvoirs. Repéré le 16 août 2017.