Saint-Anicet launches family and seniors’ policy

The municipality of Saint-Anicet officially unveiled their new Family and Senior Citizens’ Policy on May 9, in front of over eighty residents gathered at the Cazaville Recreation Club.

The new Municipal Family Policy (PFM) and MADA (Municipalité Amie des Aînés) distinction, which has been in development since 2015, is the product of various consultations and a 2017-2019 action plan focused on the well-being of youth, families and senior citizens living in Saint-Anicet. The PFM-MADA Monitoring Committee will now be responsible for ensuring the realization of the policy within certain key areas, including: community life; recreation and healthy lifestyles; environment and sustainable development; respect and social inclusion (MADA component); social participation (MADA component).

“This is an ambitious policy that will promote the development of our community while respecting available municipal resources. It is intended to be both inclusive and adaptable,” said Mayor Alain Castagner, in a message included with the new policy.

New services

The direct results from the implementation of the policy will include an increase in recreational activities for younger children, improved means of communication between the municipality and residents, an emphasis on the development of sound environmental practices, and efforts to improve the quality of life for senior citizens. For example, one of the projects already on the table is the creation of an intergenerational park.

In addressing those in attendance at the launch of the new policy, the Prefect for the Haut-Saint-Laurent MRC and Mayor of Sainte-Barbe, Louise Lebrun, suggested that in the spirit of sharing and solidarity that so often characterises family policies, the municipality of Saint-Anicet would be able to draw on the experience of other municipalities that have already put successful policies in place in implementing future projects.

In an effort to make sure the new policy is a success, the Monitoring Committee has already reached out to the newly formed Citizens’ Committee in Saint-Anicet.