Concertation Saint-Léonard: Bringing energy to a neighbourhood in motion

Concertation Saint-Léonard (CSL) is one of 35 neighbourhood roundtables that Centraide of Greater Montreal supports through the Initiative montréalaise de soutien au développement social local (IMSDSL), which strengthens collective action across the island. In the diverse, densely populated, and dynamic neighbourhood of Saint-Léonard, the roundtable plays a key role in providing tools and engaging local stakeholders around a clear goal: to improve living conditions for residents.

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A vibrant, diverse neighbourhood that faces very real challenges

One of east Montreal’s most populated neighbourhoods, Saint-Léonard is crossed by several major arteries (Highway 40, Jean-Talon, Jarry, Langelier, Viau and Lacordaire). It is home to a large number of immigrants and a high percentage of renter households. The region has significant needs in the areas of housing, welcoming and integrating newcomers, academic success, and access to services.

Recent statistics clearly illustrate this reality, as nearly 65% of households are renters, 47% of residents are immigrants, and 13% of people aged 24 to 65 do not have a diploma—rates that come in above the Montreal average.

A space that combines words with action

As the head of local collective action, the CSL neighbourhood roundtable brings together agencies, institutions, and residents. Its role is to connect stakeholders, share information, support local initiatives, and ensure that people’s voices—especially the voices of the most vulnerable—are heard and considered in collective decision-making. CSL uses its inclusive approach to build a strong community environment where people can forge connections and build grassroots solutions.

Transforming the neighbourhood through collective action

For years now, Concertation Saint-Léonard has been steering initiatives for the Collective Impact Project (CIP), which involves intensive work to address major issues.

The primary concern of local stakeholders is housing. CSL helps informs residents about their rights, leads workshops, gives people accessible guides, and helps them engage in action to develop social housing. Examples of the concrete commitment to the neighbourhood’s actual needs include the creation of a non-profit housing organization and the approval of an initial project for affordable social housing and community spaces.

Citizen engagement is another key area of focus. A broad consultation involved over 500 people in identifying barriers to participation and devising the best solutions for this issue. This initiative resulted in a stronger citizens’ committee, a forum on urban safety—the first to be run entirely by residents—and new ways for people to participate in local life.

The School-Family-Community project has become an important resource for families who are often new to the country. The close ties developed with schools and agencies mean that parents have better tools to support their children’s education and to integrate into the neighbourhood.

The project also led to the creation of a community space in Parc Wilfrid-Bastien that is a lively venue for workshops, gatherings, and public events. Designed in collaboration with residents, this space truly reflects the neighbourhood’s welcoming, active, and participatory spirit.

Supporting those who support the neighbourhood

To address growing pressure on the community sector due to a lack of staff, increased workloads, and post-pandemic fatigue, Concertation Saint-Léonard began a major effort in 2025 to support the people who work to sustain the neighbourhood’s services.

This initiative gave rise to a welcome kit to more effectively onboard new employees and strengthen their sense of belonging. A recruitment campaign was launched to highlight the value of community work, accompanied by a training program designed with the community itself.

We sat down with Roberto Labarca, Chair of the Board of Concertation Saint-Léonard. In this short video, he explains the central role of the roundtable and the sense of community engagement that permeates the neighbourhood.

Watch the video

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1 out of 5 people receives our help.
5 out of 5 people benefit from it.

Let’s all lend a hand

Supporting a network of over 375 community agencies also means promoting an inclusive, poverty-free society.

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