Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Journalist
GASPE – For its second participatory budget in as many years, a monitoring committee has selected four projects that are now in the running to receive the most votes from the public.
The winner will see their idea come to fruition. Elected officials announced their plans earlier in April, following the success of their first participatory budget. The amount allocated has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, but will be spread over two fiscal years.
A total of eleven projects were initially submitted this year by citizens and organizations. The voting period runs until September 10 on the town of Gaspé website. The winning project(s) will be announced at the municipal council meeting on September 15.
“The participatory budget is fully in line with the municipal council’s desire to involve our citizens more in municipal decisions. We will be testing an improved and slightly adjusted formula this year. This collaborative approach is in line with the objectives of our recently adopted strategic plan,” explains the mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté.
Three of the four projects are valued at $50,000 or less. If the two most popular projects are among them, the Town of Gaspé will be able to carry them out simultaneously. The fourth project is estimated at $100,000.
In detail
One of the selected proposals is the revitalisation plan for the Plourde mill site in Rivière-au-Renard. The goal is to develop a rest and relaxation area. The historic sawmill, built in 1909, belongs to the Town of Gaspé and was designated a heritage building in 1998. Its development is part of broader projects tied to Quebec’s sea fishing capital. The cost is estimated at $40,000.
If selected, this project would further enhance the extensive rejuvenation of downtown Rivière-au-Renard, which was inaugurated last September. Investments of $8.7 million were made there before the development of a promenade, an observation tower, a beach replenishment and the Cap au large 4D experience.
The application for the creation of Patrice-Quenneville Park, near the street of the same name – a new residential development near the Mont Béchervaise alpine resort – was also accepted. The idea proposed by Sarah Joncas would see the creation of a central green space including playgrounds and relaxation areas, trails, an agora and a community garden. According to the initiator, this project would promote neighbourhood life, socialising and activities for all ages. It is estimated to cost $100,000.
A self-service sports equipment lending centre at the L’Anse-au-Griffon sports chalet is also proposed. The project, led by the Le Griffon Cultural Centre, would be carried out in partnership with the URLS (Regional Recreation and Sports Unit) and would require the installation of a multi-door shed on screw piles, at a cost of $43,000. Users would ultimately be able to borrow various sports equipment independently.
Finally, an intergenerational recreational sports area near the Douglastown Community Centre could be created, with facilities promoting health, play and active living for all. The goal is to stimulate social engagement and a sense of belonging, revitalize an existing public space, promote local heritage and provide access to facilities that encourage regular physical activity. The total cost is estimated at $50,000.
It’s worth noting that the project selected during Gaspé’s first participatory budget was the addition of playground equipment at St-Paul School in Saint-Maurice-de-l’Échouerie. A total of five projects were put to a public vote out of the 17 submitted. No fewer than 646 people participated in the voting process.