Marco Ouellette

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in memory of a long-time employee. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the adoption of the previous meeting's minutes. Routine business included receiving and classifying drinking water analyses which were all acceptable. The Governance axis noted three open positions. The terms of two members of the Toponymy Committee were renewed until December 31, 2028. The Council requested authorization to borrow a maximum of $2,090,000 for the General Fund, covering transportation, planning, recreational, cultural, and protective services projects, and a maximum of $1,475,000 for the Water and Sewerage Fund for infrastructure improvements. A new Emergency Plan for the Regional Municipality of Grand-Sault 2026 was adopted, repealing previous municipal plans. Eric Dufresne was appointed as a mandatory training cadet. Camilla Leclerc and Karen Smock were appointed as commissioners for the Grand Falls Regional Library for a 3-year term. Community Development updates covered recreation facilities, nominations for the Sports Hall of Fame, mental health workshops, and upcoming festivals. Economic Development noted the opening of reservations for Camping Chutes et Gorge and reminded citizens about necessary permits for construction. Several by-laws were given second and third readings for amendments to the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding the proposed zoning amendment (By-law 8-2016, Modification 2025-23) to reclassify properties for a rail transshipment facility, which generated strong opposition from nearby residents citing concerns over noise, traffic, safety, and agricultural impact, leading to the scheduling of a special meeting for a decision. New Business included recognizing Community Grandioses award recipients, announcing a postponement of the Flex Go transportation service launch, marking the 50th anniversary of Drummond Building Supplies, and noting upcoming municipal elections.

The special meeting addressed the Saint-André Rural Plan (By-law 8-2016, Amendment 2025-23). Following a public hearing and expiration of the written comment period, the Municipality received 11 letters of opposition, one petition, and 87 letters of support. Council resolved to direct the Director of Planning to review all received correspondence to ascertain if the previous planning recommendation remains valid. The final decision on the by-law readings was postponed until the next public meeting scheduled for February 18, 2026.

The agenda items for this meeting include a call to order and roll call, declaration of conflicts of interest, adoption of the agenda, and the adoption of minutes from the January 21 and February 4, 2026 meetings. Key discussion topics scheduled are Drinking Water, and reports and motions related to the Pillars of Interventions, specifically Governance, Community Service, Community Development, and Economic Development, which includes the renewal of terms for the PAC Committee. Unfinished business involves By-law 8-2016, amendment 2025-23, concerning the Plan rural de Saint-André for Miguel Gagnon. The meeting also reserves time for new business and interventions from council members, the public, and the media.

Key discussions during the meeting included the receipt and classification of drinking water analyses, which all indicated acceptable results across 22 areas. The main focus was the presentation and adoption of the 2026 municipal budget, totaling $23,764,312, which included a balanced General Fund budget of $20,564,162 and a Water and Sewer Fund budget of $3,200,150, with slight tax rate adjustments in some sectors. Several fund transfers between operating and reserve accounts were approved, including transfers related to general equipment, police equipment, and water/sewer equipment. The council also approved allocating $245,822 in Canada Community-Building Fund financing to the Harley Hill Road project and adopted the 2026-2029 Capital Renewal Plan. Updates were provided on personnel matters, community activities such as Santa Claus events and facility readiness (Grand Tube, rinks), and ongoing economic development initiatives, including two rezoning projects scheduled for a public meeting in January 2026. Finally, the third reading of By-law D-1, approving the operating budget for the Grand Falls Business Development Corporation Inc., was adopted.

Key discussions included confirmation that 33 drinking water samples yielded acceptable results. The Toponymy Committee launched a public call for suggestions to rename avenues for safety reasons, with 105 suggestions received for analysis. Economic development updates highlighted funding success for a new mobile stage and the purchase of a zero-emission electric ice resurfacer. Community service reminders focused on holiday travel safety and proper placement of winter markers and garbage bins. Community development updates covered the upcoming food drive, 'Eat Fresh' bag collection, Toys for Joy event, a new Elf Hunt contest, a residential decoration contest, a stress management workshop, and the Santa Claus Parade. The Council adopted Policy 2025-20 regarding Tetanus prevention and vaccination. New business involved the first and second readings of the 2026 operating budget for the Société de développement du centre des affaires de Grand-Sault Inc. The Council initiated proceedings for zoning amendments concerning properties on Leclerc Street and Route 144 to allow for a single-family residence and a rail transshipment facility, respectively. The Mayor recognized Eric Lavoie as an Ambassador Grandiose Community member and honored volunteers from the Saint-André Clothing Bank. The Mayor also presented the new Flexgo door-to-door public transit service, set to start in February 2026, and congratulated regional award recipients from the Chamber of Commerce gala and McCain potato producer awards. The operational status of the new $2.1M Saint-André water reservoir was reported.