gatineau's policy on sports, recreation and the ... - Ville de Gatineau

The guidelinesGuidelines are general rules that serve to direct the activities of amunicipality based on specific objectives. The organization model forrecreation, sports and outdoor activities in Gatineau is based on fourguidelines that are the logical extensions of the strengths, mission andchoices that underlie the <strong>policy</strong>. In management terminology, theseprinciples are said to be transversal, which is to say that they must betaken into account in each axis of intervention, they traverse (cut across)every aspect of municipal action in a given area. In the case ofrecreation, sports and the outdoors, the following guidelines apply:The quality and diversity of municipal service deliveryAs the first guideline for its involvement, the city has chosen to focus onproviding quality services by making the best use of the resources availableto it. In concrete terms, this means making quality programs, instruction,equipment and material and human resources available to Gatineau’sinhabitants. This also assumes an ongoing assessment of needs, interestsand outcomes to ensure that the services provided remain relevant, diverseand accessible to the greatest number of people.AccessibilityTo facilitate access to recreation, sports and outdoor activities for everymember of the Gatineau community, the municipal administration hascommitted to considering a number of aspects related to accessibility,namely price, distance, available transportation, schedules, absence ofphysical and social barriers, and information.SafetySafety, an issue that is both physical and psychological, is increasinglyimportant in our society. It has become an essential consideration whendeveloping and implementing any recreation, sports or outdoor service. Itencompasses both accident prevention and improved user safety. Safetyrequires an evaluation system, a plan for standardizing facilities andconstant attention to programming. Improving the safety of individuals andsites and increasing the sense of safety means offering the population apleasant environment that allows everyone to thrive. Consequently, Gatineaurecognizes the importance of safety as a guideline in the municipal deliveryof recreation, sports and outdoor activities.InfluenceWhen it comes to recreation, sports and the outdoors in Gatineau, influencemeans that the city needs to do more to promote its lively and welcomingenvironment, its fine spaces and facilities, its dynamic know-how and,lastly, its population, an involved and healthy community. As a result, itintends to use the <strong>policy</strong> as a platform to publicize its success stories andshow its pride in contributing to excellence in recreation, sports and theoutdoors, as examples of positive achievements that affect all residentsand that are part and parcel of building identity and collective pride.30