15 Years of Partnership, with Mr. Paul Carbonneau of Yamachiche

With a population of nearly 2,800 residents, the municipality of Yamachiche is a fine example of what a Village-relais represents: a community proud of its contribution to a strong and united network. Yamachiche became a Village-relais back in 2013, when the municipal administration saw the Villages-relais as a meaningful way to help the community grow. Mr. Carbonneau notes in particular that the local business community was able to benefit from the advantages of the Village-relais designation.

"When I talk about the Villages-relais with people I know, I often compare the designation to a lighthouse — not for boats, but in this case for drivers and visitors," shares Mr. Carbonneau.

According to Mr. Carbonneau, members of the Fédération des Villages-relais are fortunate to be part of a network that is not afraid to try new things. For exemple, Yamachiche took part in a pilot project for electric bicycle charging stations.

"It pushes us to always be at our best! That's motivating!"

When he joined the Fédération's board of directors, Mr. Carbonneau wanted to make things happen. To his great satisfaction, he found himself part of "a well-oiled machine" capable of seeing projects through to completion. He also points out that people are often very surprised to learn how much the network is able to accomplish with a permanent team of just four employees.

"We may be a small team, but we are an effective one!" says Mr. Carbonneau.

Yet Mr. Carbonneau's greatest source of pride remains the collaboration and knowledge-sharing among members. He highlights the board of directors' recent initiative to hold in-person meetings in various towns across the province; a simple gesture, but one with enormous impact, according to Mr. Carbonneau.

"Every Village-relais matters. These are warm and welcoming places that deserve to be celebrated. And gathering in person is a wonderful way to truly appreciate that."

Thank you Mr. Carbonneau for your involvement in the Villages-relais network as Vice-President of the Fédération. May your story inspire municipal partners to continue fostering the development of our regions. For more information about the Villages-relais network, visit villages-relais.qc.ca!