Mont-Tremblant Youth Policy

The population is aging throughout Québec, including the Laurentians. To keep its young people here, the Ville de Mont-Tremblant has decided to take significant measures; in the most recent budget, a Youth Policy was adopted.

The new policy has several facets. First of all, a permanent Youth Committee has been formed and given a three-year mandate. It will be charged with establishing a hiring process for the youth of the Ville, among other things. It also expects to organize a “Mayor for a day” event to familiarize young people with municipal democracy.

But the most telling change, according to Town’s communications counsellor France Léonard, is undoubtedly the Ville de Mont-Tremblant et les jeunes (“Ville de Mont-Tremblant and youth”) Facebook page that was created recently. “It’s incredible how the social media help us to get close to young people and consult them on the future of the Town,” she says. The page has only existed since October 2011 but already has 348 members. According to Mme Léonard, the Facebook page has an important role because it allows young people to inform themselves and stay abreast of what’s happening “in town”.

Since the ‘80s, in view of the massive exodus of area youth towards the large urban centres, the elected representatives have undertaken significant actions to inform those aged 30 and under of the options available to them and the services offered to them in Mont-Tremblant. The Youth Policy will follow up on this mission, with its own budget. Its role and objectives will be evaluated at the end of 2013.

Maxime Coursol, journalist