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Policy 37
Policy on Recognition and Support of non-profit Organizations
Effective January 1, 2023, the policy providing general rules for community support (Policy 28) was abolished and replaced by the policy establishing rules for recognition and support of non-profit organizations (Policy 37).
This new policy allows the Town to strengthen and formalize its relationship with non-profit organizations (NPOs). In order to encourage and support community initiatives for the development of the service offer, the Town must recognize the contribution of organizations and volunteers within the population. By supporting and promoting the initiatives of non-profit organizations initiated by the community, the Town of Saint-Lazare demonstrates its will to revitalize its community sector.
It is important to note that with the new Policy 37, the Town will no longer offer citizens the possibility to request direct financial assistance from the Town for recreational activities.
For more information, we invite you to consult the following questions and answers (Q&A) which will certainly provide you with useful information.
See Policy 37 (only available in French):
Questions and Answers
Why the change?
Over time, the Town identified a number of problems with the existing Policy 28: management, disparity and good practice issues.
For example, in the case of individual financial assistance, some of the criteria were arbitrary, the administrative process was laborious and delays in treating applications irritated many citizens. The vast majority of applications were for sports (93%) and this caused a significant disparity, leaving little room for leisure or culture. Through certain grants, the Town was indirectly supporting private businesses, located, in some cases, outside the city or even the MRC, which is contrary to good municipal management practices.
In addition, any citizen, regardless of income, could apply for direct assistance from the Town. Policy 28 did not consider the particular needs of certain citizens.
These grants to individuals also represented a significant investment for the Town each year. We believe that we can optimize the management of municipal finances by better targeting the needs of the population and reaching a greater number of residents with the new Policy 37.
Why is the Town no longer providing financial assistance in the form of grants to individuals?
The Town has revised its assistance policy to help more people, especially the most vulnerable citizens. Accredited NPOs will be able to help more people with particular needs. There were significant disparities and inequities. For example, 93% of the grants went to sports and only 7% went to recreation, arts, and culture. Finally, any citizen, regardless of income, could apply for a grant. With the new policy, some of the individual funding will be redirected to local organizations in order to increase the amount of assistance available to the entire community.
In addition, the Town is putting in place mitigation measures. For example, there will be an increase in activities for seniors and services eligible for the Accès-loisirs program (a program that provides free recreation to low-income people).
Why are local ice sports (including hockey) still receiving money?
Policy 37 reduces some of the inequity that was present in the previous policy. Saint-Lazare does not own the local arena. As ice sports and hockey are an important part of our culture, we feel it is important to support our local associations and the many residents who participate in these activities on our territory. As a result, the Town feels it must contribute its share.
As part of this new policy, other sports, such as soccer, baseball, and tennis, etc. will also continue to receive financial assistance and support from the Town in a variety of forms.
Where did the Town announce this?
The decision to update this policy was made in the 2022 budget year. Therefore, this announcement comes with the adoption of the 2023 budget.
I pay taxes, I'm entitled to receive a grant, right?
A grant is not a right, it is a privilege. Since grants could be given to any citizen, regardless of their income, according to arbitrary criteria, the Town had to correct this situation in order to move towards greater equity. The decision to accredit NPOs will make it possible to support a greater number of citizens, including the most vulnerable.
Where will the money go?
On the one hand, the inconsistent individual funding was far less significant than the City-wide investments in recreational infrastructure such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, parks and the youth hub, which are generally accessible to the majority of the population. In addition, the Town plans to invest more than $3.4 million in park renovations and upgrades over the next few years.
As well, we feel that the Town's investments and resources will be better directed to organizations that contribute directly to our local community.
Why can't I apply directly to the Town for financial assistance anymore?
The Town will still help its citizens, just in a slightly different way. Policy 37 is very much community based. The various supports provided to Town NPOs (or those that work with the population of Saint-Lazare) will directly benefit the local community. For example, there will be support for transportation, events, equipment, and material resources. These measures will serve to support and improve the services and activities offered by our community organizations.
Will my child still be able to play soccer or ice sports?
Of course, they will. The Town invests several thousand dollars in sports and recreation each year. In particular, under Policy 37, recognized associations will still be able to benefit from subsidies for ice sports at the local level. In addition, the Town will continue to make significant investments in recreation infrastructure, as well as upgrades and maintenance of sports facilities (including soccer, football, and tennis fields).
Is the Accès-loisirs program still in effect?
Yes, it is! The Town will continue to participate in Accès-loisirs program (a program that provides free recreation to low-income citizens) by offering spaces in its various activities, but also by inviting partner organizations to join the movement. There will be an increase in the number of activities and services eligible for the Accès-loisirs program.