Youth in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities
In Centre-du-Québec, a region experiencing rapid demographic growth, many young people in rural areas do not always have access to meeting spaces or structured activities that allow them to acquire new skills and nurture their curiosity. Recognizing this challenge, Boralex is committed to creating opportunities that connect young people with their communities and open new horizons. Our goal is to foster inclusion, provide opportunities, and strengthen the social fabric by supporting initiatives that truly make a difference for youth and society as a whole.
A Partnership with the Pierre Légaré Foundation for Youth
It is with this vision in mind that Boralex has partnered with the Fondation Pierre Légaré pour la jeunesse, to provide teenagers and young adults with hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, encourage personal growth, and strengthen community ties. This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting sustainable projects that have a real and lasting impact on young people and local communities.
Concrete Initiatives for Young People
As part of the Arthabaska Wind Project, Boralex provides annual financial support over three years to the Foundation. This contribution goes beyond financial aid, as Boralex employees also volunteer their time and expertise to actively support the Foundation’s mission. Together, we aim to create a tangible and lasting impact for local youth.
Our collaboration with the Fondation Pierre Légaré pour la jeunesse includes:
- Supporting a press conference entirely organized by youth (writing, hosting, media relations);
- Producing video and written interviews with Boralex employees, giving young people a glimpse into careers in wind energy and local industries;
- Taking part in regional fundraising activities, such as selling boxes of local products during Victoriaville’s dragon boat fundraising race;
- And soon, organizing a wind farm visit to bring young people closer to the realities of the renewable energy sector.
Giving Youth the Tools to Build Their Future
By offering young people a space to learn, collaborate, and grow, the Fondation Pierre Légaré pour la Jeunesse helps combat isolation and school dropout in rural areas. With Boralex’s partnership, these youth can develop practical skills and explore career opportunities directly within their region.
Boralex: A Committed Partner for Youth and Communities
By partnering with the Fondation Pierre Légaré pour la jeunesse, Boralex strengthens its role as a trusted community partner. This collaboration shows that a wind project can generate positive impacts far beyond renewable energy production: it can contribute to support the social fabric, boost regional vitality, and create new opportunities for youth, especially in Centre-du-Québec.
At Boralex, we remain present in local communities for the long term. We arrive as guests and stay as neighbors, operating our sites for 20 to 30 years. This long-standing presence allows us to support community initiatives and build meaningful relationships with residents.
Our ambition is clear: to affirm Boralex’s role as a responsible, engaged partner, ensuring that the clean energy we produce not only powers regions but also empowers the communities that welcome us.