An Evening of Dialogue at Altitude 100: Forest/Vorst Residents Take the Floor
With the support of the King Baudouin Foundation.
Strategy / Design
On Tuesday, September 8, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Centr'Al building at the Albert intersection in Forest/Vorst hosted a citizen drop-in session dedicated to the deliberative democracy project taking place at Altitude 100 square. Organized by the What about Dem, Démocratie XXL and Divers Gens consortium, this meeting presented the overall project and answered residents' questions.
Strong Local Engagement
Around twenty citizens attended to gather information and exchange ideas. The event also brought together several representatives from the municipality of Forest/Vorst: Alain Mugabo, first alderman in charge of citizen participation among other responsibilities, Jacyara Farias De Avezedo, who shares this portfolio, and Flo Flamme, alderman for mobility. Mayor Charles Spapens also stopped by to greet the participants.
A Two-Phase Project
The presentation outlined the entire process, moving from the mini phase to the maxi phase. The mini phase corresponds to the citizen assembly taking place from October to December 2026, gathering 24 randomly selected citizens. It will be followed in the spring of 2027 by a maxi phase organized around a preferendum open to the broader population.
The two-stage random selection mechanism raised many questions. A first completely random draw is conducted among 3,000 citizens in the targeted area. A second draw, this time stratified, aims to ensure faithful representation of the municipality, with discussions ongoing regarding the reference statistical area (the entire municipality or only the restricted geographical area around the square).
Including All Stakeholders
Discussions also focused on integrating various stakeholders into the process. Some citizens expressed concern for professionals working around the square (hospitality, shops) who do not live there, yet could be the first impacted by its redevelopment. Organizers explained that informational sheets will be created to summarize and share the perspectives of these different groups, aiming for the broadest possible inclusion.
Clarification on the Municipality's Role
Another concern addressed the municipality's involvement during the process. Organizers clarified that aldermen will not attend the working sessions, participating only during the October 8 evening event. The organizing team also reminded attendees that the project originated from What about Dem, Démocratie XXL and Divers Gens, with the municipality of Forest/Vorst volunteering to host the process at Altitude 100.
Addressing and Resolving Skepticism
Some participants arrived with doubts about the initiative. Clarifications provided throughout the evening answered their questions and
reassured them regarding the process's validity and legitimacy.
The next step will take place in the coming weeks with the launch of the citizen assembly, the first concrete phase of this project carried out with and for the residents of Altitude 100.
