Noémie Germain

The board meeting focused on several key municipal operations, including the authorization of municipal inspectors to enforce various provincial laws and the approval of a minor variance request for a garage expansion. The council addressed administrative and treasury matters, such as the approval of expenses and the mandate for the acquisition of a specific land lot. Policies and regulations were updated, notably the adoption of an ethics code and compensation for elected officials. The council also passed resolutions regarding the economic impact of temporary foreign worker restrictions, the management of potable water infrastructure, and the protection of wetlands. Additionally, the board approved several infrastructure and road maintenance contracts, including leveling, ditch cleaning, road sweeping, and emergency culvert repairs, as well as the appointment of a full-time public works employee.

The council discussed various administrative and municipal planning matters, including the adoption of an amendment to the zoning by-law and a notice of compliance for an application to the CPTAQ. Financial actions included the approval of paid and payable accounts and the authorization of a financial assistance agreement for a culvert rehabilitation project. Furthermore, the council appointed members to municipal committees, filled the position of Head of Roads and Infrastructure, proclaimed a week for school perseverance, and approved an agreement with a neighboring municipality concerning summer road maintenance.

The council addressed several town planning items, including the adoption of a second draft by-law regarding zoning and sugar bush operations, as well as appointments to the Demolition Committee and a municipal officer role for watercourse obstruction management. Administrative actions included approving account payments, providing notices of motion for new traffic and peddling by-laws, filing declarations of pecuniary interests, appointing a deputy mayor, reallocating budget funds, closing a bank line of credit, and renewing a town planning service contract. Additionally, the council adopted schedules for waste collection and holidays, recognized International Volunteer Day, authorized a donation to the Knowlton Academy ski program, appointed a deputy clerk, and approved the 2026 salary grid. Infrastructure business involved a roads report and the awarding of a contract for beaver management.

The council meeting was convened to address the deferral of the 2026 municipal budget and the 2026-2027-2028 three-year capital expenditure program. It was resolved that these items would be adopted no later than January 31, 2026, in accordance with the Municipal Code of Quebec applicable to general election years, and that a public notice would be issued at least eight days prior to the meeting scheduled for their adoption. A question period was held to discuss these financial topics with those in attendance.

The board meeting covered several municipal administrative and planning topics. Key actions included approving a certificate of compliance for a commercial patio, accepting the purchase offer for a municipal lot, and authorizing various professional service contracts for legal consultation, zoning plan updates, and payment processing services. Several regulatory bylaws were addressed, including the adoption of the building occupancy and maintenance bylaw, the municipal permit and certificate bylaw, and the ethics code for elected officials. The council also awarded contracts for road culvert repairs, requested a review of new arboriculture certification requirements from the provincial government, and granted authorizations for cycling events and financial donations to community initiatives.