Marc-André Godin

The meeting included a presentation regarding the development of pickleball courts, specifically proposing four outdoor courts at Nigadou Park with modifications and expansion, citing high local participation and the goal of establishing a pickleball club soon. A financial analysis report on municipal buildings, focusing on Petit Rocher and Petit Rocherard facilities, was also presented, detailing operating costs such as insurance, electricity, taxes, communications, and maintenance. Additionally, the agenda covered amendments to municipal bylaws concerning two specific roads.

The meeting commenced with condolences offered for the passing of the former mayor. A new advisor was sworn in, affirming her acceptance of duties and commitment to the code of ethics. The extraordinary session included the awarding of a bid for a 9 4x4 truck to Lbbery Automotive Limited for $51,200 plus tax. The subsequent information session featured a presentation on community development activities over the past year, focusing heavily on food security initiatives such as the 'Eat Fresh at Art' program, the development of a food hub for a universal breakfast program in schools across three regions, and the provision of healthy snacks in libraries. Transportation initiatives were also discussed, including the community transportation service using volunteer drivers and the ongoing development of a public transport pilot project scheduled to begin in 2025. Public safety updates covered the distribution of emergency kits, including solar-powered radios and carbon monoxide detectors, following lessons learned from previous severe weather events. Other community efforts highlighted included the creation of a sports and leisure logbook, the promotion of the 211 service, free tax clinics, suicide prevention toolkits, intergenerational activities, and support for initiatives targeting youth and vulnerable populations, including a partnership with the community college to assist students facing food insecurity.

The emergency meeting addressed compliance issues discovered in the urban planning process following discussions with urban planners, necessitating amendments to previous resolutions concerning the municipal plan and zoning order, as well as the cancellation and rescheduling of related public hearings to November 18th and 19th, with subsequent readings planned for early January and February 3rd. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to presenting a new decree for water and sewerage fee services, effective January 1, 2026. This decree standardizes regulations across former municipalities, clarifies fee structures (including usage fees based on units, connection costs, and fines for violations), and grants the council authority via resolution to restrict water consumption during emergencies. Furthermore, the council reviewed the proposed budget schedule, which included presentations to the financial oversight committee on October 30th and a potential final vote on the general and sewer budgets on November 18th. Finally, the information session covered the proposed decree on water/sewer fees, emphasizing the need to harmonize four disparate billing systems to ensure efficient invoicing and collection.

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the municipal plan, including the territory, its history, current situation, constraints, and elements of interest. Key topics included environmental constraints, territories of ecological interest, and climate considerations. The vision and principles of the plan were discussed, emphasizing the beauty of the region and seven guiding principles. These principles included winning over village nuclei, protecting the environment, ensuring consistent area classification, enhancing rural character, managing construction outside modern areas, highlighting retro-cultural aspects, and managing environmental predictions. The discussion also covered land use, development permits, incompatible uses, and a new action plan for monitoring progress.

The meeting included discussions on acknowledging the MCMOC people and their historical presence on the land. The CEO's absence due to participation in a provincial tax reform committee was noted. A new petition case regarding the preservation of green space was introduced, and a citizen petition was addressed, highlighting the need to follow procedural order for petitions to be accepted. The council discussed a request from a property owner to build a single-family home and the need for an exemption due to rocky conditions affecting water and sewage facilities. A presentation was given by the Heritage Park Preservation Committee, advocating for the preservation and official naming of the heritage park to honor Jean-Guy Boudreot. The community expressed concerns about potential residential development projects threatening the green space and proposed the creation of a citizens' committee for the development of the green space, suggesting future uses such as a Zen park, community gardens, and a multi-generational area.