service secours

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – An agreement has been reached between Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and various partners to address the operating deficit at the Carleton-sur-Mer campus sports centre. 

Built in 2012, the centre includes a gymnasium, a training room, and a golf simulator. 

The facility operates on an annual budget of approximately $70,000 but faces a deficit of around $40,000. According to a CEGEP analysis, only about 25% of the available time slots are dedicated to teaching and student use. Additionally, demand for the gym exceeds its capacity during 50% of the available slots. On weekends, families and the general public can rent the gym. 

In the fall of 2021, an agreement was reached with the organization Bouge pour que ça Bouge. The CEGEP reports that this collaboration has significantly boosted the sports centre by optimizing the use of space and improving the range of sports activities. 

Since the service is available to the entire population, the CEGEP entered into discussions with nearby municipalities and Service Secours to finance part of the deficit. This was followed by agreements with the Ministry of Higher Education, which is contributing $13,740, the sports centre’s portion of revenue under the agreement with Bouge pour que ça bouge, which is contributing $18,000, and the Emergency Services, which is contributing $15,000. 

The municipalities of Carleton-sur-Mer and Maria were also contacted. “The Town was in favour of supporting the maintenance of this infrastructure to keep it open to the public. It’s $6,000 per year for three years,” explains Carleton-sur-Mer Mayor Mathieu Lapointe. The municipality of Maria will contribute $4,000. 

Other potential partners have been approached, and the CEGEP is awaiting confirmation of additional funding.