In the Montreal West Island, we have a unique “village” feel. Whether you are sipping an espresso in Pointe-Claire or meeting a friend in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, you aren’t just buying coffee. You are participating in a Third Place—that vital social anchor between home and work.

But have you ever walked into a beautiful café and felt… out of place? Or found yourself in a simple neighbourhood gem where you instantly felt at home?

That feeling isn’t an accident. It happens when the principles a business lives by match the principles you hold dear. At Collectiver, we have spent years studying this phenomenon in organizations using the Schwartz Theory of Basic Human Values. We call this Values Alignment.

The Anatomy of an “Altruist”

The West Island is often defined by its greenery or its waterfronts, but we believe its true strength lies in a specific type of resident. In the study of Human Values, we call this archetype The Altruist.

You might not use that word to describe yourself, but you are likely the reason our local culture still feels human. Altruists are the “silent engine” of our neighbourhood—the people who make the West Island feel like home rather than just a collection of postal codes. You probably recognize yourself in these traits:

• You choose where to spend your time and money based on more than just price—you are looking for a shared sense of integrity.
• You value a space that feels inclusive, kind, and genuinely integrated into the community.
• You feel a distinct “mismatch” when you are in a space that feels sterile, exclusionary, or purely transactional.

In the language of social psychology, this means you likely prioritize Universalism (a focus on social justice and the welfare of all) and Benevolence (a commitment to the well-being of those in your immediate circle).

Mapping Our Community Geography

This initiative aims to pinpoint these vital connections. By looking past the surface-level “vibe” and identifying the underlying Values Alignment, we can finally understand why certain spaces feel like a natural extension of our own living rooms.

If this resonates with you, you aren’t just a customer; you are a stakeholder in your local culture.

Join the West Island Community Map Project

Our goal is to create a Values-based Map of the cafes, libraries, gyms, barbershops, etc. – essentially any social hubs, and popular venues that define our area. Rather than just listing addresses, we are identifying the spaces that actually prioritize people and shared principles over mere transactions.

To make this a reality, we are calling on the West Island’s Altruists to help us define our local social DNA:

1. Identify Your Profile: Use the TRUVTUS tool to see your personal values map based on the Schwartz model. (The questionnaire takes 1 minute, but please read the instructions first.)
2. Verify the Connection: See if your favourite local spots actually align with your personal results. (The Map will unlock once you’ve saved your TRUVTUS Profile.)
3. Signal the Community: Contribute to the Map that helps others find their true “third places”—the ones that represent the best of our neighbourhood. (Whenever you open the app while in your favourite third place, the “love this place” button will pop up.)

Discover your Values Profile and join the project here.