This story is part of a series through the Social Innovation Impact Initiative. As part of the SII Initiative, SI Canada aims to illuminate how social innovators across Canada are putting the principles of collaboration, equity, and systems thinking into practice — and in doing so, helping create the conditions for lasting change.
Through a “temporary urbanism” approach, this project documents the co-design and co-construction of “L’Agora,” a community gathering space in Rivière-du-Loup. The story emphasizes how multi-stakeholder collaboration and participatory design foster a deep sense of local ownership and collective engagement.
Content contributed by Laboratoire en innovation ouverte.
1. L’Ouvrage in Trois-Rivières: a research project on transitional urbanism
2. From L’Ouvrage to L’Agora: translating a research project into practice
How can a research project adapt and move forward in the face of the unexpected? When the initial partner in Trois-Rivières had to withdraw, LLio and its collaborators found a new opportunity in Rivière-du-Loup with Univers Emploi. This video tells the story of the strategic pivot that led to the creation of L’Agora, a transitional space designed to serve the community.
3. Building L’Agora: a story of community building
Step behind the scenes of the creation of L’Agora’s furniture, a space designed with and for the Rivière-du-Loup community. This video highlights the project’s ecological approach: repurposed materials, recycled fabrics sourced from the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, community sewing workshops, and the creation of a modular design where citizen-inspired hammocks come to life.
4. Building L’Agora: citizen participation and connections woven together
From idea to prototype, L’Agora took shape through collaboration between the community, Univers Emploi participants, and the Collectif l’Éléphant Blanc. Co-creation, co-ideation, and street-side building: discover how a shared space came to life, designed to host conferences, workshops, gatherings, and moments of rest.
5. The Forces Fraîches Summit in Rivière-du-Loup: where connection meets inspiration
The Forces Fraîches Summit marked the final activation phase of the L’Agora project. After months of co-designing and co-building the space with the community, this gathering brought it to life, welcoming 200 changemakers from more than 15 regions of Quebec to Rivière-du-Loup. Volunteer speakers, a 100% local menu, and a truly inspiring atmosphere: this video looks back on an event that transformed networking into collective action — a momentum that continues every week through the ongoing Forces Fraîches programming.
6. Transitional Urbanism: key learnings and recommendations
This video reflects on the key lessons learned from the Transitional Innovation Lab project. Through the challenges and successes encountered along the way, the team shares its insights on leadership, team transitions, and the value of design thinking, while offering a heartfelt thank you to each of the partners who were part of this journey.
In summary:
How can we demonstrate the impact of social innovation in advancing the SDGs? This profile is part of the Social Innovation Impact initiative that highlights innovators across Canada tackling complex challenges and driving positive change for people and the planet.
This project, in partnership with The Winnipeg Boldness Project and Maison de l’innovation sociale (MIS), is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program.
