Deschênes residents association goes dormant after failing to find new leadership

Tashi Farmilo

The Association of Residents of Deschênes (ARD) has been placed into dormancy for up to one year after its four-member board of directors was unable to recruit successors ahead of the annual general meeting on April 15. With no one stepping up within that window, the association faces dissolution.

The board had been searching for new volunteers since early 2026, running a broad recruitment campaign that included Facebook posts, multiple newsletters, a Radio-Canada morning radio interview, direct outreach to individual residents, and a flyer distributed to mailboxes throughout the neighbourhood. District councillor Caroline Murray also attempted to recruit on the association's behalf, and reminders were included in the AGM invitation itself.

Despite those efforts, no one came forward willing to take on a mandate before the meeting. Two people did express interest at the AGM itself, and discussions with them are ongoing.

The dormancy will halt the ARD's financial contributions to community events run in partnership with the Groupe communautaire Deschênes, including the Fête des voisins, an outdoor cinema night, and Halloween activities. No other association activity will be carried out during the dormancy period unless a new board assumes control.

The board has been in contact with the City of Gatineau regarding the situation. The current board says dissolution is an outcome it is working to avoid and has committed to accompanying any incoming members through a smooth transition.

Residents interested in joining the board can reach the association at info@vive-deschenes.ca.