Stages of violence between young people at Lepage Park in Rimouski have increased in recent weeks.
Bladed weapons were seized, as well as air pistols, proving the Sûreté du Québec.
The municipal councilor for the Saint-Robert district and member of the working committee to try to resolve the problems of the fights in Lepage Park, Jocelyn Pelletier, is concerned about this situation.
In recent weeks, there have been events that have been somewhat more violent than usual. I am being told more and more serious factsMr. explained. Pelletier.
He affirms that the City of Rimouski, the Center de services scolaire (CSS) des Phares and the school principals is currently active about this problem and trying to find ways to ensure the safety of young people in the park.
Jocelyn Pelletier states that various actions will soon be performed at the site. Resources are also focused, the counselor said.
” We will likely put more surveillance on Lepage Park and control more access to the park during the noon hours. “
To increase supervision at lunch time, he also suggests offering activities for adults in the park.
The director of the organization En Tout CAS, which notably offers psychosocial assistance to young people, believes that increasing traffic in the park is really part of the solution.
” We have to occupy the park, that’s all, one of the solutions, the main solution. This park belongs to everyone, to young people as well. “
He considers that we should avoid punishing all young people for the actions of some of them.
Quite surprisingly there were about fifty youths who held 3000-3500 youths hostage, as well as citizens who had to visit the park.he explains.
Mr. added. Pelletier that many awareness -raising actions are also disseminated to young people, but the involvement of parents in their children’s education is important.
I don’t want to target all parents, there are very good ones. But, there may be some who do not know what their children do at dinner time. It is a collective responsibilitysaid Jocelyn Pelletier.
Also sent letters to parents of young people attending high school in Rimouski.
The idea of creating a youth center in the former home of the park warden and offering more activities to the youth at lunch time could also be considered.
What is certain is that one proposal will not correct the whole situation.said Luc Jobin.
The fights where some students from Paul-Hubert high school have been fighting since the fall of 2018.
Source: Radio-Canada
