Quebec's Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix raspberry farm retirement and Pointe‑Lebel garden beds foster local food

Louise Gagnon, who has run a raspberry farm in Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix for more than two decades, is retiring. She bought the farm in 2001, managed it alongside a full‑time job, and participated in the L’Arterre program that assists farmers with equipment, planning and weather challenges. Gagnon says the physical and mental demands of farm life have grown with age, and she is planning a gentle transition.

The municipality of Pointe‑Lebel has installed about twenty community garden beds (bacs nourriciers) since June, offering space for vegetables, fruits and herbs such as strawberries, kale and basil. Mayor Lise Arsenault explained the shift from decorative to productive beds was driven by citizen demand, noting “Il y avait certains bacs nourriciers, mais pas autant.” She added that the initiative “Ça a donné l’idée aux gens d’en faire chez eux,” encouraging residents to start their own gardens.