The Jardin Éducatif du Pontiac announced last week that they would not be able to offer their summer camp program this year due to a number of overlapping difficulties. The camp typically hosts around 20 or so at-risk youth from around the Pontiac to learn about operating the garden and also take part in various activities and field trips. Participants are referred to the program through social services or the school system.

Jardin Director General Martin Riopel explained that the cancellation was due to a number of factors, but primarily the uncertainty surrounding transportation due to the ongoing bus driver strike in the region. There were also challenges with staffing, due to employees taking leave and difficulties hiring.

Riopel explained that the garden would remain operational throughout the summer, and they hope to hire some of the students that might have attended the camp.

The full interview with Riopel is available below: