Climate change repercussions will be experienced on an environmental and social level. Quebec can count on the vitality of its community-based and environmentalist movements to overcome several of the challenges ahead. However, convergence of these two movements is necessary to address the complexity of the climate change crisis. In this paper, we briefly recount the history of these two movements before introducing their respective contemporary forms: community development and socio-ecological transition. The examination of these two concepts allowed us to draw parallels between their actors, ideals and means of action. Therefore, we conclude that socio-ecological transition not only can, but must be supported, even catalyzed, by community development.