Philippe Chrétien

The regular council meeting included the adoption of the agenda and a mayoral address. Key discussions involved a public consultation assembly and the adoption of the second draft of Zoning By-law No. U-220-67, which modifies zoning standards in zone 214-H by removing duplex (H-2) and detached triplex (H-3) usage classes. The council also adopted draft By-law No. U-220-64 concerning the authorization of two sheds for buildings with 6 or more units and modifications to minimum green space requirements, setting a future public consultation date. A notice of motion was given for draft By-law No. 1233 establishing a municipal code of ethics. Administrative items included adhering to and appointing representatives to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vallée-du-Richelieu--Rouville (CCIVRR), endorsing candidates for the Réseau de transport métropolitain (EXO) board, and making appointments/renewals to the Sustainable Development Committee. Several Architectural Integration Plan (AIP) modifications and approvals were addressed for various properties, alongside the authorization of a $9,960,000 loan for drinking water main installation works, contract attribution for a tractor acquisition, and the adoption of the 2025 Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities.

The municipal council meeting included a recognition ceremony honoring the cultural, athletic, and community achievements of local citizens. Key decisions involved awarding a contract for the supply and delivery of a wheel loader to 6155227 Canada inc. (Benco Pièces & Services). The council authorized the allocation of unassigned accumulated surplus for various municipal projects, including decontamination, traffic light studies, development of a preventive maintenance plan for municipal buildings, and the purchase of technical tools for water conservation. Contracts were also awarded for professional services to update the intervention plan for water/sewer pipe and road renewal, and the city joined a purchasing pool with the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) for bulk fuel purchase. Tenders were cancelled or rejected for the supply/installation of a prefabricated service building and for fire protection equipment inspection/maintenance, respectively. Financial items included adopting the 2025 budget forecasts for the Régie intermunicipale de l'Eau de la Vallée du Richelieu and approving a new inter-municipal agreement with the same entity. A citizen member was appointed to the cultural development committee, and terms for two other members were renewed. The council adopted a policy to frame the use of municipal vehicles and approved the rolling stock management plan. Finally, the council resolved to support the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal's (CMM) initiative to obtain a humanized landscape status for the Montérégiennes hills and adopted a new policy concerning workplace harassment.

The Ordinary Session of the Council involved opening the session, a word from the Mayor, and the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions included follow-up on public question periods from the November 24, 2025 session and the public intervention period. Several minor variances (DM-25-06, DM-25-07, DM-25-08) concerning property setbacks, pool-to-shed distance, and heat pump installation were heard and decided upon. Regulatory matters included motions of notice and adoption regarding zoning bylaw amendments (U-220-65) related to subdivision in zone 404-H, and motions of notice for bylaws concerning internal council governance (1221) and municipal elected officials' remuneration (1232). The Council authorized participation in a Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing information session scheduled for April 2026. A new position for Division Head - Operations was created in the Public Works Department. Numerous approvals were granted for architectural plans and integration for various properties, addressing signage, construction of multi-family residential buildings (Millénia project), exterior wall modifications, parking lot expansion, and construction of mixed-use and multi-family buildings. Legal matters included mandating representation for a judicial acquisition of property claim. Further actions involved an ordinance for a dog assessment due to a public safety risk, an authorization for a debt acknowledgment related to street extension works, expenditure authorization for road work surveillance, attestation of local road program work completion, authorization for partnership/lease agreements, and financial aid authorization for a respite home construction. Finally, documents including November 2025 disbursements and interest declarations were tabled.

The meeting addressed a public consultation regarding bill U220-55 AL concerning provisions for backyard use, specifically related to selling products and requirements for asphalted surfaces at car dealerships to meet zoning standards. A second article authorized supplementary uses in zone 126C for services such as car rental, truck rental, utility trailer, and retail sale of tires and accessories, particularly in cases where these activities are complementary to primary uses like warehousing or vehicle dealerships. Discussions also covered the allocation of funds for a footbridge study ($146,000) and public comments regarding road conditions (potholes, debris) on specific roads like Richelieu road, and safety concerns related to traffic and lack of sidewalks.

The special session focused primarily on the 2026 fiscal year budget. Key agenda items included the presentation and subsequent unanimous adoption of the 2026 budget forecasts, which projected total revenues of $39,914,131 and total charges of $35,922,766, resulting in an operating surplus of $3,991,365. Following budget adoption, the Council unanimously approved the allocation of $527,000 from the unappropriated accumulated surplus to finance several specific projects, such as the revision of urban planning bylaws and the development of a strategic plan. Additionally, a notice of motion was introduced for the tabling of Draft Bylaw No. 1222-2, which modifies the bylaw concerning the imposition of taxes, a surcharge, fees, and rates. A period for questions related to the agenda items was also conducted.