Steve Bergeron

The council meeting agenda adoption included adding items related to the award of a contract to E3Novo, renewal of a lease agreement with UQAT for synthetic turf, renewal of the ESDBAT sectoral agreement for the agri-food sector, a request to the CPTAQ regarding land use change for a residence construction, a resolution on immigration, and a motion regarding an amendment to the building demolition by-law. Key discussions included the municipal council's majority support for the Quebec government's proposal granting Glencore seven years of regulatory predictability for the Horne Smelter operations, and expressions of solidarity regarding the Blue Hearts movement supporting immigrants. The council also addressed several general affairs items, such as personnel appointments for three new employees, the award of contracts for cleaning services at the Théâtre du cuivre, modernization of sports field lighting, acquisition of tree planters, and the contract with E3 Novo Conseils inc. for renewable energy projects. Several land sales were approved, and authorizations for signatures were granted for an agreement with the Évain Cross-Country Ski Club, a servitude agreement with Énergir for a gas line, the UQAT lease renewal, and the ESDBAT renewal. Furthermore, the council supported applications to the CPTAQ concerning land use changes for residences and mining exploration drillings, while officially opposing one request for residential subdivision due to concerns about fragmentation of agricultural land. Financial support was approved for UQAT for a sustainable development project and for the Fondation du Cégep de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Finally, authorization was granted for community events in Bellecombe, including food and alcohol sales under specific conditions.

The City Council meeting included adoption of an amended agenda, which involved adding items related to personnel management changes, organizational chart revisions in the Water and Environment Management Department, and draft bylaws concerning zoning amendments in the Deschînes Road and Laquvin Road sector, as well as amending conditions for residential construction permits on land registered before 2016. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments concerning the planned 2023 logging in the BA Verte sector. Citizens expressed strong concerns about the impact on forest protection, lake water quality, animal habitat preservation, and general quality of life, referencing historical logging incidents and previous city commitments to environmental protection. Specific requests included increasing uncut buffer zones around the lake and residences, repairing roads damaged by forestry companies, and preserving a 100-meter buffer zone along recreational trails.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and political matters. Discussions included the termination of an employee (ID 04743) and the appointment of new staff, including Julie Mailloux and Jolyne Vallières. Contracts were awarded for professional services related to implementing standard SP3280 and urban planning concepts in Vieux-Noranda. The council authorized a partnership agreement with the Sûreté du Québec for the 2026 summer cadet program. Politically, approvals covered financial contributions to various organizations such as the Club de curling de Noranda, the Observatoire de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Secrétariat aux alliances économiques nation Crie Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Fondation de l'UQAT, and the Corporation Cité étudiante Rouyn-Noranda. The council also approved the work programming for the 2024 to 2028 fuel tax contribution (TECQ) and confirmed funding for cultural projects recommended by the CALQ. Several minor variances (dérogations mineures) were granted concerning property zoning, specifically related to a turning circle on Rue de McWatters, the installation of non-conforming containers at two school board properties, and pending a request for a residential building modification. Approvals were also granted for two special construction projects (PPCMOI) concerning greenhouse/storage areas at one location and a vehicle cemetery combined with residential use at another, both requiring deviations from zoning regulations. Finally, approval was granted for a heritage architectural plan (PIIA) concerning storefront replacements at 44-48, rue Perreault Est.

The meeting included the adoption of several resolutions following consultation meetings. Key items involved the adoption of a resolution for a residential building project of up to 36 housing units at 2011 Avenue d'Alè, and another resolution for the operation of a domestic cat breeding facility at 63 Avenue la Fontaine. Discussions also covered signing authorizations, a research protocol agreement with the University of Quebec in ABV Miscaming in political affairs, an appointment for the private forest development agency, and authorization to plant on city land. Administrative items included the adoption of a resolution for the Belle Mobilité project in Evain and a time extension for CPE construction in the Bellecombe sector. Citizen input heavily focused on air quality, particularly concerning arsenic standards (3 nanograms set by Public Health) related to foundry emissions, with calls for transparency and adherence to health standards over economic concerns. Other citizen concerns addressed the poor clearance of snow strips downtown following a recent snowfall and the condition of abandoned commercial buildings. Contract awards included the acquisition of a 100% electric SUV, propane gas supply for 2026-2028, and a contract for internal mail delivery.

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks by a departing official expressing gratitude and reflecting on the community's history, pioneers, and dedication, particularly the pride of the Montbrun district. Key agenda items discussed included a minor derogation concerning the construction/occupation of a building at 579 Miscaming Boulevard. Contract awards involved support for the Renaranda regional airport and an agreement with the Montbrun cooperative for land sale in Cadillac. The council also addressed grant applications for a boat washing and cleaning station and for the Pacific Club's 50th anniversary. Political discussions highlighted the unique status of Rouyn-Noranda as a mercantile city within the MRC, detailing both advantages (e.g., land-use planning) and disadvantages (e.g., inequality in road maintenance funding compared to other RCMs and lack of access to public transit financing levers). The council publicized a document outlining these realities. Citizen comments included concerns about the late availability of maintained winter roads (black snow) and inquiries regarding the timeline for restoring road conditions following bridge work that caused detours and potential damage.