The June 14 marked a special moment in the heart of our community as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Jardin communautaire Serge Bertrand. Ten years of community life, sharing, and greenery -- a milestone worth recognizing.
A bit of cloudy weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm of this passionate community. As gardeners know well, rain also helps projects grow -- and so do harvests! More than 70 gardeners and collaborators took part in the celebration.
Events like this remind us that a community garden is far more than a simple arrangement of garden plots; it is a true neighbourhood hub that builds strong connections between people.
A very happy 10th anniversary to the Jardin communautaire Serge Bertrand, with wishes for many more decades of abundant harvests and shared smiles.
Thanks and recognition
An event like this does not happen on its own. I would like to warmly acknowledge our festive team who put their heart into this day: a sincere thank you to Marie, Louise, Natalie, Catherine, Claire, and Sylvie.
Thank you as well
- to all our gardeners, as well as our beekeeper, Pierre Gratton, for your valuable participation, collaboration, and the spirit of mutual support that makes our garden so special.
- Noémie Lebrun for her in-depth research on the history of the gardens.
- Our friend Luc de Grandpré for the beautiful drone photo used in our new poster.
- Members of the Association des résidents du Plateau (ARP), always present and engaged.
- The City of Gatineau, represented by Michel Portelance, Sarah Bakkar, and Bettyna Bélizair (municipal councillor), for their continued support.
- Ms. Suzanne Tremblay, our provincial CAQ Member of the National Assembly, and Mr. Étienne Boulrice, one of her valued collaborators.
Finally, special mention to the family of Mr. Bertrand, Ms. Carmen Brûlé, his daughters Myriam and Janie, their spouses, and their five grandchildren, whose presence was greatly appreciated.
A bit of history: from a dream to reality
Did you know that in its early days, this peaceful place was simply called the Jardin du Plateau? The project grew thanks to citizen involvement from the ARP. It was officially inaugurated under its current name on October 21, 2017. Today, no fewer than 70 plots come to life here every summer.
But beyond the soil and vegetables, one question often remains for newer residents: who was Serge Bertrand?
Those who knew him describe a deeply unifying, discreet, meticulous, and committed man with great respect for others. He was a family man, a sports enthusiast, and also a passionate cook -- his family recipe for potato pie remains fondly remembered.
In retirement, he became a pillar of the neighbourhood, serving as president of the ARP from 2011 to 2016. Deeply devoted to the Plateau, Serge devoted thousands of hours to improving community life. He notably contributed to the creation of this newsletter and to the incorporation of the ARP as a non-profit organization. Under his leadership and through the hard work of the board, the ARP received the Gatineau Merit Gala award for Community Organization of the Year in 2015.
A living and lasting legacy
Serge Bertrand firmly believed that a community garden was one of the best tools to build connections between residents. He devoted countless hours to building the structures and relationships needed to bring the project to life.
Today, his dream is a reality: our garden is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the entire city of Gatineau. Beyond providing fresh organic food, it is a peaceful and therapeutic space for mental well-being, enriched by the cultural diversity of those who cultivate it.
Mr. Bertrand sadly passed away on June 23, 2016, at the age of 67, just before seeing the first sprouts of this great project.
Ms. Brûlé, Myriam, Janie... you can be immensely proud of what your husband and father accomplished. Every vegetable that grows here, every shared laugh between rows of tomatoes is a living tribute to his memory and generosity.
Happy 10th anniversary to the garden, and thank you to Serge for planting the seed of this remarkable community.
Alain Carle
Vice President of the ARP
