A Generation on the Move

Our society seems increasingly focused on the here and now, obsessed with instant gratification and living in the present. Phrases like “live in the moment” and “life is short, enjoy it while you can” are now deeply ingrained in our collective mindset. Politicians, meant to develop long-term societal projects, often operate based on opinion polls, trends, and election cycles. As a result, few large-scale unifying initiatives have emerged from government in recent years, despite some forward-thinking ideas.

In this context, the Horizon 2035 project, launched by the Centre Multisports, stands out as a bold, visionary initiative. The following pages present an overview of this long-term social development strategy—its context, scope, and ambition—all of which will only be realized if embraced by the very people it aims to serve: you, me, and everyone who believes in building a healthier future for our youth.

What Is It Exactly?

Horizon 2035 is a sustainable social development project led by the Centre Multisports. Its goal is to create, over the span of a generation, a health-friendly living environment throughout Vaudreuil-Soulanges that encourages young people to stay active and age healthily.

To achieve this, the Centre is rallying as many local actors and partners as possible around a shared mission, structured around three main components:

• Local Sports Activities (ASP)

• The Multisport Caravan

• The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Multisport Hub

Reliable tools will enable the region’s 23 municipalities to benchmark and set measurable goals. By 2035, daily physical activity should become a norm—just as non-smoking is today.

The Roots of the Problem

The Horizon 2035 project is rooted in stark health realities facing our society. Some troubling statistics include:

In Montérégie:

• 220,000 people (nearly 1 in 5) suffer from at least one of the following: asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary illness, or cancer.

• 60% of deaths are attributed to cancer or cardiovascular disease.

• 63% of adults—about 700,000 people—show at least one major risk factor: high blood pressure, excess weight, or high cholesterol.

In Quebec:

• 50% of the province’s budget—$33 billion—is dedicated to health care, of which 70% ($22 billion) is used to treat preventable diseases caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.

• Quebec youth spend an average of 6 hours per day in front of screens (TV, computers, smartphones, tablets).

What’s Next?

The Horizon 2035 initiative will unfold this fall through its three pillars:

1. Local Sports Activities (ASP)

In collaboration with local stakeholders, this program will offer various fitness courses directly in communities. The Centre will train local group class instructors and recruit interested individuals within each municipality.

2. The Multisport Caravan

The Caravan will travel across the region, visiting parks, summer camps, and special events to promote healthy lifestyles. Fitness classes, inflatable games, and a team of health-focused animators will create a festive and educational atmosphere.

3. The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Multisport Hub

The long-term vision includes the creation of satellite sports clubs across the region, covering a wide variety of disciplines. Ultimately, the Hub will comprise around 20 clubs, all linked to the Centre Multisports, hosting intermunicipal and regional events to foster athletic ambition in youth.

Gilles Besner and the Power of Environment

Speaking of Horizon 2035, Centre director Gilles Besner is passionate and articulate, his eyes shining with conviction. “I had it inside me,” he says of the project. “If we create supportive environments, we will change things. But it will only work if we stop working in silos. Everyone—public, private, educational—must work together with a shared vision.”

A Region to Mobilize

Besner, a cycling enthusiast, has been crisscrossing the region to meet with mayors, city managers, and local leaders to gain support for the initiative. The positive reception he’s received is encouraging, but the road ahead is long. Still, he firmly believes that no one is better positioned than the Centre Multisports to spearhead this movement.

“Our mission is to improve the health of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges population,” he explains. “This project is part of our mandate—and if the Centre doesn’t lead it, who else will?”

Ultimately, Horizon 2035 is a project for people we may never meet. “That’s what sustainable development is about,” says Besner. “It’s about building something meaningful for others. That’s the legacy we want to leave.”