François Dubé

The working session focused on financial tools and investment planning over a five-year period across various envelopes. Key discussion points included the approximately $100 million required for linear infrastructure assets such as pumping stations, valve stations, and treatment plants (Envelope P1.1). Envelope P1.4 addressed master plans and studies for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and sanitary sewer networks. Envelope P02, peri-urban road maintenance, requires approximately $140 million for road restoration and refurbishment. Envelope P2.3 covers municipal mobile equipment replacement needs. Envelope P31 and P3.4 involve building asset maintenance, including a specific $3 million investment for incinerator chimney functioning. Envelope P4.1 detailed investments for libraries, including collections, Technolab updates, and finalizing the library development plan. Envelope P5.1 outlined $850,000 for park and water feature renovation. Envelope P6.1 focused on renovating sports fields, swimming pools, and arenas. Envelope P7.1 covered IT system upgrades, including human resources, payroll, U4 financial system migration, and website optimization. Envelope P8.1 detailed security and fire intervention equipment needs. Envelope P9.1 addressed deferred investment related to administrative transition and ongoing projects.

The extraordinary session centered on the adoption of two key financial documents: the 2026-2030 five-year capital works program (PQI) and the 2026 operating budget. Key discussion points regarding the PQI included the prioritization of infrastructure sustainability, such as wastewater treatment, paving, and roads, with many members expressing concern over the low allocation for quality of life and economic development projects within the $809 million program. Regarding the 2026 operating budget of $436,236,000, council members voiced significant opposition due to perceived lack of transparency, the elimination of cash payment options, the refusal to use available surpluses, and the inclusion of multi-million dollar cuts without clear identification of affected services. Council members noted that infrastructure investments are critical to avoid moratoriums on building permits and to ensure continued wealth creation.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and outlined the public question period procedures, emphasizing that citizens could ask questions without prior submission. A resolution was presented to highlight Earth Day 2024, detailing the city's proactive environmental policy, the establishment of a €1 million green fund in 2022, and various concrete actions, including grants for climate plans, tree distribution, and composting initiatives. The council heard a petition regarding inadequate and unsafe parking at the Gérard Dumont building, which was noted as a recurring safety concern when the hall hosts events for up to 225 people; management was mandated to look into developing a parking solution. Concerns were also raised regarding the decision by the STL (Société de transport de Laval) to withdraw bus service to Parliament Hill effective July 2nd, as the proposed alternatives increase commute time and cost for affected residents. The Mayor noted that the STL board made this decision unanimously on March 28, 2024, and encouraged citizens to attend upcoming consultation evenings for detailed explanations on service adjustments, which include reinvesting resources from discontinued routes into other local network enhancements.

The council meeting addressed the adoption of the agenda, which included modifications to item 4 concerning renovation work at 4.45 Chemin du Fleuve. Key discussions involved taking note of the report on the written consultation for minor variance requests due to COVID-19 public health emergency measures, allowing written comments instead of in-person public questions. Several minor variance requests were discussed and resolved, including one for a drive-thru menu sign surface area at 12-10 rue de la Concorde (A&W restaurant), a request for a rear setback modification at 15 31 rue de l'Avenir, and requests related to the surface area of a gazebo and bathing pavilion at 7 rue de la Cour. Other minor variance requests concerned vehicle access width, lateral setback margins, and encroachment of a gallery. Minor exemption requests concerning renovation, installation, and modification of signs and exterior elements were also approved, as were approvals for construction work on a mixed-use building and exterior renovation work. The council decided to postpone a decision on the minor variance request concerning lot depth at 35 14 Saint-Augustin pending further information. The issuance of a permit for the construction of an in-ground swimming pool was also authorized under stated conditions.

The special meeting focused primarily on the adoption of resolutions, specifically item 2.1 concerning the adoption of the financial framework. This framework includes an update to the debt management policy and the policy for managing the unallocated operating surplus. Discussion emphasized that the financial framework is an essential, modern, and accessible tool for decision-making, providing citizens with a simplified overview of assets, budgetary parameters, and strategic projects. The Mayor expressed pride in its unanimous approval and noted that subsequent steps involve the budget exercise and the capital expenditure program, which are under the purview of the city council.