A Hawkesbury resident is working to establish a youth centre in the community and is asking residents to help shape the project by completing an online survey.
Carolann Renaud-Forcier recently launched the survey to gather feedback from residents on the proposed initiative, which aims to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where local youth aged 12 to 17 can socialize, participate in activities, and access support services.
According to Renaud-Forcier, the project was inspired by conversations with young people and parents who expressed a need for more spaces dedicated to teenagers.
“I believe the time is right because young people face significant challenges, including isolation, a lack of accessible activities, and a need for a sense of belonging to their community,” Renaud-Forcier said. “A youth centre can become a place for prevention, support, and personal development.”
While the project remains in its early planning stages, the vision is for the centre to offer a variety of recreational, educational, and social opportunities. Potential programming could include themed evenings, games, sports, personal development workshops, homework assistance, community projects, and volunteer and leadership opportunities.
“The goal is to create an environment where young people can have fun, learn, and build their self-confidence,” Renaud-Forcier said.
Community members have already begun responding to the online survey, with Renaud-Forcier describing the feedback as encouraging.
“The community response has been very positive so far. Many people took the time to complete and share the survey,” Renaud-Forcier said.
Although responses are still being collected, early feedback has highlighted a desire for a safe gathering place for teenagers, additional activities for young people, opportunities to socialize in a positive environment, and resources that support youth development.
Once the survey closes, the results will be analyzed to help guide the project’s development. At the same time, work is continuing to officially establish the initiative as a non-profit organization and form a board of directors.
“It is still too early to announce a specific opening date, but the goal is to proceed step by step in a structured manner to build a solid and sustainable project,” Renaud-Forcier said.
Renaud-Forcier also confirmed that discussions have already begun with the Town of Hawkesbury.
According to Renaud-Forcier, a recent meeting with municipal representatives was positive, with discussions focusing on the needs of local youth, opportunities for collaboration, and the steps required to move the initiative forward.
As planning continues, finding an appropriate location and securing funding remain among the project’s biggest challenges.
Renaud-Forcier said the goal is to find a location that is accessible, safe, and suited to the needs of young people, while funding will be needed to support operating costs, equipment, programming, and staffing.
Despite those challenges, Renaud-Forcier remains optimistic that the project can move forward with support from the community, partner organizations, and available funding programs.
Looking ahead, Renaud-Forcier hopes the youth centre will become a permanent gathering place for teenagers in Hawkesbury, helping to reduce isolation, build self-esteem, encourage community involvement, and provide positive experiences and adult role models.
For the broader community, the long-term vision is to strengthen residents’ sense of belonging, foster stronger intergenerational connections, and support the well-being of local youth.
Residents interested in providing feedback can complete the survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepQGPOymWH9NovDyDnq2SELnIFP2GyvMdi5UzCR8WSM647RA/viewform.
