Central Laurentian

In 2022, the RCM experienced an unprecedented increase in population, surpassing 47,000 permanent residents, to which were added more than 30,000 vacationers, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of tourists/excursionists that we welcome each year, all year long.

Numbers relating to the RCM:

In 2012, the Pays-d’en-Haut RCM adopted a strategic vision statement for its community.

By 2020, it aims to provide its population with:

• A quality living environment
• A desired living environment
• A desired standard of living

All of this, in a protected environment made up of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains.

As a new decade begins, this vision remains and is reinforced by several strategic initiatives.

In 2022, the RCM will adopt a new graphic identity, resolutely focused on the rich environment that defines us, accentuated by the cultural, economic and community dynamic, three essential components that have shown great resilience in recent years.

Culture is an important component of the population’s quality of life and economic development, as well as a major factor contributing to cultural tourism. In 2006, the RCM adopted its very first cultural policy, a tool by which it recognizes the importance of the cultural dynamic within its territory.

Cultural, tourist and recreational institutions - more than 300 festivals, hundreds of kilometres of trails offering a unique outdoor experience - have contributed to the reputation of our territory, making it a much sought-after attraction and contributing to the economic growth of our region.

Although only thirty minutes away from Montreal, the Pays-d’en-Haut RCM has a strong, distinctive identity, based mainly on its natural capital. The quality of life and the beauty of the landscapes are the two qualifiers that describe us perfectly!

Residents, whether they have been living here for several years or have only moved recently, benefit from a constantly growing range of services and employment opportunities are diversified and distinctive. Our work is more recognized inside the region and climbing the ladder can be quicker. The active transportation offer is constantly evolving, human-scale businesses are establishing themselves and local purchasing energizes the economy. The territory has eight elementary schools (six French and two English), a high school, an adult education centre and a hotel school. The upcoming opening of the Centre sportif Pays-d’en-Haut will certainly enhance this level of service for residents aged 7 to 77! The numerous challenges that we still have to face as a community will assuredly lead to an engaging and promising future!

The Pays-d’en-Haut RCM, higher and stronger than ever!

This is a vast territory full of mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, agricultural plains, picturesque villages and year-round sports and cultural activities. A true paradise for nature lovers, outdoor and sports enthusiasts, as well as for art and music lovers.

Of course, skiers will be pampered with the 4 alpine ski resorts. For those who prefer hiking, there are plenty of places to enjoy such as the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, the Parc Eco Laurentides or even the Parc régional Val-David-Val-Morin! The Sentier des Cimes is a great place to visit. This large wooden walkway with a 40-meter high observation tower allows you to contemplate our beautiful region and admire a landscape like no other.

The P’tit Train du Nord is a bicycle path on the former railroad right-of-way of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It crosses 8 of our municipalities over 75 km. In all, this linear park is 232 km long spanning from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier.

Whether you want to bike, hike, run or simply observe nature, the Aerobic Corridor Park is a 58 km outdoor trail with sublime scenery and a wide range of activities. From Morin-Heights to Amherst, the Aerobic Corridor Park presents the wonders of the western Laurentians.

As for culture and festivals, we are spoiled with the Festival de conte des Laurentides, the Festival International de Blues de Tremblant or even Les Dimanches en scène in Val-David, to name a few, which children and adults will enjoy! The theatres and concert halls in our RCM offer entertainment with comedy, theatre and concerts. There is something for everyone!

We are welcoming and accommodating. The total population of the Laurentides RCM is 50,213. In its desire to attract newcomers, the Laurentides RCM is heavily involved in initiatives and concrete actions to provide a warm welcome to those who choose our wonderful territory. Organizations in our territory are here to help immigrants. The COFFRET supports newcomers settling in our region while the Centre d'intégration en emploi Laurentides offers employment services for immigrants.

Here, we’re all about real life! Because there is life before and after work, choosing a living environment that allows you to recharge your batteries is essential. No endless transportation to get to enjoy your favourite activity, a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages: our playground is huge and varied. In our region, cycling or walking to work and enjoying nature on the way to work is an everyday occurrence. Living here means choosing a place to live.

The only thing missing is you, because this is where you’ll find pure happiness!

The RCM strives to promote a harmonious vision of economic, social and environmental development. Its territory has a wide range of services, equipment and infrastructure where economic, cultural and sports activities are in full swing.

A wide range of state-of-the-art health services are available. Whether for public or private medical care, a wide range of establishments offer high quality services.

From pre-school to university, dozens of educational institutions are ready to offer superior services. The campus of the Université du Québec en Outaouais is located in the heart of Saint-Jérôme.

If you wish to invest, develop or start your own business, there is a business support service offered by the RCM’s economic development department. On top of that, a wide range of businesses operating in various fields are constantly looking for new talent. There are a variety of stimulating career opportunities!

A public transportation network, as well as collective transportation service and paratransit are available to meet the needs of the many users in the region.

There is always a good reason to move, ski slopes are all around the area. A new sports district with one of the largest skateboard parks in Quebec, a unique multi-sport park and a nature park are located in Saint-Jérôme.

Also, the Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park, a 234 km long trail that follows an old railroad line, crosses the territory. Whether you want to go biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing or even winter biking, you will find restaurants and lots of cultural activities, art galleries and boutiques along the way.

The Rivière-du-Nord RCM is a regional attraction in terms of culture and history. The Place des Festivités, the Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides (MAC LAU) and the Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault, the largest concert hall in the Laurentians, are all located in Saint-Jérôme.

Community assistance is one of the great strengths of the Rivière-du-Nord RCM, whether in terms of employment, housing, education, health or other areas, a wide variety of support organizations offer help to citizens based on their needs.