Jurbise Municipality’s "Slow" Projects and Features

Environmental Protection and Energy: The administration promotes non-polluting modes of transport by offering residents free daily electric bicycle loans through Social Services. To protect waterways, the Municipality funds and actively collaborates with the "Haine River Contract" and "Dendre River Contract" NGOs—advisory committees tasked with protecting riverbanks, eradicating invasive species, and safeguarding river biodiversity. Home and community composting are also promoted, alongside financial incentives (and advisory services) for residents installing photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, or thermal insulation. Major energy-efficiency upgrades (such as "relighting" projects) and planned photovoltaic installations are currently underway for public buildings.

Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Quality: The Municipality has developed approximately 26.2 km of cycle paths and routes—integrated with bike racks at the train station, schools, and Social Services offices—out of a total of 164 km of roadways. Jurbise actively participates in Mobility Week, encouraging employees and citizens to reduce car usage, and has launched "ConnectJurbise," a free app that consolidates all local services. The landscape is safeguarded by a Municipal Development Plan that regulates urban expansion, while 2014 local police regulations strictly combat noise pollution.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: 73% of the municipal territory is dedicated to agriculture. To promote short supply chains and the connection to the land, the administration organizes the "Virées du Terroir" farmers' markets in the municipal park from March to September, showcasing local producers and artisans. A booklet titled "Products Close To Home" has also been published to highlight distinctive local shops and regional specialties. The municipality actively encourages healthy eating by participating in the "Via Sano" network, employing a part-time nutritionist, and introducing free healthy cooking workshops and "Smart Breakfasts" in schools.

Social Cohesion and Participation: Jurbise boasts a vibrant network of associations, with around fifty active organizations (5 per 1,000 inhabitants). Social Services (CPAS) work to combat inequality by offering initiatives such as community gardens (like the "P’tit Pot’âgé") and intergenerational workshops run by the "Jurbise in Transition" group. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is a priority, involving ongoing architectural adaptations to public buildings. The local quality of life and healthcare standards are reflected in a lower mortality rate and higher life expectancy compared to the average for the Hainaut region and Wallonia.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: Local tourism focuses on the leisurely enjoyment of the agricultural landscape. Jurbise offers the "Countryside Walk" and marked trails such as the "Grande Randonnée 123," which are accessible to walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders. For nature and folklore enthusiasts, the municipality preserves monuments and historic trees such as the "Nail Oak," which is linked to ancient healing legends. Accommodation is provided by intimate guesthouses and holiday homes that encourage respectful tourism deeply rooted in the local area.

List of Events

Virées du Terroir (Farmers' Market): A monthly summer market held in the town park to showcase local produce (cheeses, juices, vegetables, jams) and support local distribution channels.

Mobility Week and Countryside Walk: Annual initiatives aimed at restoring and rediscovering rural walking paths (such as the Caplot trail) and discouraging the use of private cars.

"Eat Well, Eat Local!" Workshops: Free healthy cooking sessions led by the municipal nutritionist to promote a healthy diet based on local, seasonal produce.

Smart Breakfasts: Educational sessions in schools designed to teach children the importance of a healthy, balanced breakfast based on the principles of eating well locally.