Djeneba Dosso
LJI Reporter
On September 10, the City of Gatineau announced a new support program that will provide financial assistance to existing and start-up residents associations. The conditional announcement came prematurely, ahead of the September 24 municipal council meeting, where the approval of the project will be confirmed. If adopted, “a maximum total amount of $600,000 could be awarded to residents associations,” as early of 2025, compared to the $338,000 granted to the same groups in 2024.
“It is in the city’s interest to increase its support for residents associations, as these organizations play a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion and improving the quality of life in the neighbourhoods,” said Plateau District Councillor and Chair of the Recreation, Sports and Community Development Commission, Bettyna Bélizaire. “By investing more in these associations, the city can not only promote greater solidarity and a sense of belonging among residents, but also ensure more effective management of common areas.”
The city carried out consultations with all of Gatineau’s residents associations between fall 2022 and spring of 2024 to better assess their needs. Together, they turned their focus toward three pressing issues: more financial assistance, better definitions of recognition and eligibility criteria and reinforced support for start-up resident associations.
“This [collaborative] approach laid the foundations of the new program,” the City explained in a press release, adding that beyond the offer of financial aid, this initiative will also improve the current range of services offered by residents associations.
“Increased support promotes local initiatives, strengthens security and stimulates community development, thus contributing to the creation of a more harmonious and dynamic urban environment for all residents,” said Bélizaire.
Based on its adoption at the upcoming council meeting, the new support project would be integrated into the Community Development Support Framework, an initiative aimed at providing residents with the knowledge and skills they need to better their neighbourhoods. In this context, the pilot project could be effective as early as next year, the city says.
Start-up or active residents associations will be able to find more information on available financial assistance and eligibility criteria on the Financial Assistance, Support and Grants page of the municipal website. From there, they will be able to fill out a form to formally submit their request for support.
The city wishes to open up this support portal as early as September 25, closing it on October 18 at 4 pm. This will of course be subject to the adoption of the program the day before.