Residents asked to help shape new youth centre in the Plateau

Tashi Farmilo

A new youth centre may soon become a fixture in the Plateau, and the public is being asked to help shape its future. The initiative, spearheaded by the long-established community organization L’Avenue des jeunes, is featured on the Plateau Residents Association website, which is currently hosting the call for public input.

L’Avenue des jeunes has been working with youth for over 45 years, operating four youth centres for adolescents aged 12 to 17 and a shelter service, Héberge-Ados, for teens aged 13 to 17. The organization’s mandate is to support young people in their development, learning, and autonomy by providing meaningful adult mentorship and safe environments tailored to the realities they face.

The idea for a new youth centre emerged from the Table des partenaires du Plateau, a working group created in 2023 to address social and community issues in the neighbourhood through coordinated, collaborative efforts. One of its key recommendations was to establish a dedicated youth facility as a preventive measure against delinquency and to embed permanent services for young people in the heart of the Plateau.

Youth across Quebec are facing mounting pressures, with mental health challenges becoming increasingly prevalent. According to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, symptoms of anxiety and depression have risen among adolescents in recent years, with girls reporting significantly higher rates. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24 in the province, as reported by the Government of Quebec. Issues such as academic stress, social isolation, and a lack of accessible, safe recreational spaces continue to affect young people. These stressors can have lasting effects, particularly for those without strong support networks.

In this context, the proposed centre could provide more than just a physical space. It could serve as a stabilizing anchor for local youth, offering programming tailored to their needs, supportive adult presence, and opportunities to build social connections. By fostering engagement, learning, and a sense of belonging, it could help address some of the root causes of youth vulnerability in the community.

Funded by the City of Gatineau, the feasibility study currently underway aims to conceptualize and plan the launch of the new centre, including the development of relevant programming and community engagement strategies. As part of that process, L’Avenue des jeunes is inviting Plateau residents to provide feedback through two short surveys, one for adults and one for youth. Each takes less than ten minutes to complete and guarantees anonymity, particularly for minors.

Adults aged 18 and over are encouraged to share their perspectives on youth activities in the Plateau, and those in favour of the proposed centre can also sign a public letter of support. Youth under 18 are invited to participate in a separate survey focused on their interests and needs. For more information and to take part, visit the Plateau Residents Association website: www.residentsduplateau.com