La Ville d’Edmundston lance la deuxième édition du Budget participatif

May 30, 2023

The City of Edmundston is back with its popular public participation initiative, the participatory budget. Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which citizens decide how to invest a portion of a public budget. It can take different forms at different scales: it's a process that adapts to the realities of communities. 

In 2022, two projects were completed. In the $10,000 category, the project proposed by Mad. Lise Beaulieu, helped to revamp a site on Nadeau Street in the city's west end, serving as the entrance to Sentiers Madawaska Trails. 

In the $30,000 category, Mathieu Roussel's project won the popular vote. The project involved improving the trails between the Riviera Park neighbourhood, the bike path and the Fraser-Edmundston Golf Club, making them usable year-round and accessible to the entire population. 

"We're so happy to be able to come back with this great initiative again this year. It fits in perfectly with our "Réalise Edmundston" approach, the primary goal of which is to involve the population more in the decision-making process. We can't wait to see the projects that will be presented this year," explains Edmundston Mayor Eric Marquis enthusiastically. 

Between now and June 23, Edmundston residents can submit projects using THIS FORM, or by contacting the Development Department at City Hall to receive a paper copy. 

Among the eligibility criteria, the project must be an investment in infrastructure (permanent installation) or equipment (that can be moved); be carried out on land or property belonging to the City of Edmundston or on private land where municipal facilities exist; have a useful life of at least five years; and meet the needs of the community. The project cannot serve private interests or be reserved for a single group or association of people.

Projects not exceeding $20,000 may be submitted in two categories:

• CATEGORY A: Investment in infrastructure or equipment on land or property belonging to the City of Edmundston

or

• CATEGORY B: Investment on a site (which may be privately owned) with existing infrastructure belonging to the City of Edmundston (permanent installation) or equipment (which may be relocated).

Each project will be evaluated by a participatory budget committee made up of public servants and elected officials. The projects selected will then be put to a public vote in July.

-30-

CONTACT: François Boutot, Director, Development Services, City of Edmundston, 506.739.2125