François de Canson: 'In 2025, we will remain solid on our bases, clear on our objectives'

Thus, on a local level, the mayor details the flood control works: 'As far as we are concerned, the PAPI Côtiers des Maures entered its operational phase last October, after 10 years of long, complex studies, to say the least. Thus, the first structuring works have begun in Notre Dame des Maures. These initial works and ecological compensation measures will make it possible to initiate, this year, the start of more substantial developments of the PAPI. Given the scale of the project, the completion of the developments will be phased over time.'

RECALIBRATION OF THE PANSARD

'The first phase of the works, which started in October 2024, concerns the creation of a flood expansion zone in the Notre Dame des Maures sector, along with riverbank reinforcement. Progressive developments will follow. In autumn 2025, with the development of the Port, the recalibration of the Maravenne, of the plaine du Bastidon, the ecological development of the Bastidon and the Bas Jardins. In autumn 2026, the restructuring of the pont Ducournau structures and the recalibration of the Pansard will take place. In autumn 2027, it will be the turn of the recalibration of the Pansard, upstream of the cooperative winery, and the development of the Pansard, upstream of the RD 98, as well as the route de la Jouasse. However, a strong environmental constraint remains, since each year, the work can only be carried out in autumn.' 'This is a significant investment. The amount of the PAPI is €26.5 million, excluding land acquisition. The PAPI Côtiers des Maures is funded by the Communauté de communes Méditerranée Porte des Maures (€11.1 million), the State (€10.7 million), the Région Sud (€4.3 million), and the Agence de l'eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (€400,000). This is the price of our safety, that of our families, our children, and our property,' François de Canson further explains (...).

LANDSCAPE REHABILITATION

Thus, a quick overview of the past year allows us to measure the progress made and to see that things have considerably evolved. This is confirmed by the mayor: 'In 2024, we dedicated more than €10 million in investments to improving our daily lives, having undertaken essential projects. Starting with the complete rehabilitation of the place André-Allègre and the avenue Foch, restoring life and modernity to these central areas. True beating hearts of our town, these spaces have found a new level of activity, combining practicality and aesthetics. In this context, the landscape rehabilitation of the town center and its roundabouts was undertaken for a more pleasant and harmonious living environment, taking into account the climate adaptability of the planted species. The extension work of our Hôtel de Ville, as well as its redevelopment, were delivered on schedule. This achievement reflects our desire to modernize and further improve the reception of users. From now on, all public services are grouped together in one single place, thus offering a functional, accessible, and adapted environment for everyone's needs.' After the Hôtel de Ville and the école Eugène-Oswald, the Commune continued its energy renovation program for municipal buildings. Thus, during the summer break, apart from the traditional school refurbishment works, the energy renovation of the école du Moulin-Vieux was swiftly completed.

SMART CITY

'This project included, in addition to the rehabilitation of the building, an energy component that was central to our studies. The Ville had 40 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof. The aim of this work was to better respond to the climate challenge and to achieve, thanks to this complete rehabilitation of the premises, a 30% reduction in consumption for the entire building. In this regard, last year I spoke to you about energy performance improvement works replacing light sources with LEDs and lowering the intensity at night in certain neighborhoods, and the results are here. This represents €100,000 in savings achieved in 2024 on public lighting. We will continue on this path, with the goal of becoming a true Smart City and seeking more than €100,000 in additional savings,' reveals the mayor. Among the significant projects completed in 2024, the resurfacing of the route du Carrubier occupies a central place. This road, very busy during the summer season, underwent a complete refurbishment to ensure increased safety, optimal driving comfort, and better traffic management. But 2024 also saw the acquisition of a new water-carrying vehicle for the Comité Communal Feu de Forêt, which constitutes a strategic investment in firefighting. It thus strengthens the prevention and intervention resources of the CCFF, ensuring the protection of natural areas.