Mylène Morin

The meeting was an extraordinary session dedicated to the adoption of the 2025 budget. Key topics included a detailed presentation on the city's financial strategy, focusing on property tax rate variations, government equalization transfers, and net revenues from electricity distribution. The council also discussed economic development initiatives, capital projects for street and sewage infrastructure, debt management, and the implementation of a new climate plan. Additionally, the administration announced the release of informational videos to help citizens better understand tax evaluations and service pricing.

The Council reviewed recommendations from the Urban Planning Advisory Committee regarding several construction projects and minor variances. Discussions also addressed draft bylaws for extending streets in the Saint-Jean sector. A public consultation was held concerning the Rue des Géser residential zoning project, where residents raised significant concerns regarding potential drainage issues, environmental impact on wetlands, property value depreciation, and safety hazards related to retaining walls.

The council meeting addressed several municipal matters, including the dissolution of a railway area residential development committee in favor of more efficient committee management, and approvals for various appointments, including the board of directors of SAE Transport. Financial support was discussed for the Chicoutimi River buildings project and the renewal of support for the Boréal agri-food platform. The meeting also included reports from various commissions, such as the Toponymy Commission regarding the recognition of local historical figures, and the Arts, Culture and Heritage Commission concerning storage protocols for artwork and mural projects. Additionally, the council reviewed the city's participation in insurance programs for ski centers and supported initiatives promoting cycling culture, all aligned with the municipal Climate Plan.

The meeting focused on several minor variance applications involving property construction, setbacks, tree planting conditions, and waste container locations. A specific public consultation involved a resident's concern regarding buffer zones and property values. Additionally, the Council initiated and processed zoning bylaw amendments and reviewed expansion requests for residential and commercial properties.

The Council reviewed several requests for minor exceptions regarding construction projects, including proposed residential and garage developments. Zoning bylaw amendments were discussed to create new commercial and service zones, as well as to authorize multi-family residential usage in specific areas. The Council approved financial assistance for various community organizations and authorized multiple public works projects, including curb and sidewalk repairs and installations. Additional items included the progress of a parking lot construction project and notification of a road blockade to benefit a hospital foundation.