Aylmer-wide meeting for residents’ associations

Running a residents’ association means different challenges and rewards for different neighbourhoods in Aylmer. Some 50 people gathered at the Ernest-Lattion community centre, April 26. Gatineau councillor of Ward 1, Audrey Bureau, invited the public to the meeting, which included presentations by experts in rallying residents’ associations.   Annie-Pier Caron Daviault, University of Quebec in Outaouais researcher, defined the concept “an association of residents” and shared some study details about Gatineau’s health of such associations. Aylmer is healthiest in Gatineau – with 13 associations.

Paul Drouin is a City of Gatineau Community Development Agent whose responsibility it is, among other things, to assist residents in forming and maintaining  associations.

Drouin explained the steps to form and maintain an association. He also detailed the support available from the city, which is considerable. “Just call me,” said Mr Drouin. In his presentation, he described several categories of financing for residents’ associations as well as responsibilities for the organizations. The responsibilities are virtually all covered or supported by the city, making it easy for residents to get involved. The financing runs from $2,000 for a short local event to the more significant allocations for longer-running or more involved programming.

Information:  3-1-1, or as Paul Drouin kidded at the meeting, “To reach me, dial 3-1-1-PaulDrouin!”