Montcalm Rural Municipality

The meeting commenced with an opening and a Land Acknowledgement regarding traditional Indigenous territories. Key resolutions included the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the October 15, 2025 minutes. In finance matters, the Council adopted the Finance Committee report, approved the October 31, 2025 Financial Statement, and authorized payment of accounts totaling $4,093,249.53. The Board of Revision hearing was held to address appeals for the 2026 Property assessment, involving appeal cases for Real Tetreault and Joseph Valen, before resolving into a committee of the whole to discuss applications and subsequently adopting related changes. The Council gave a second and third reading to By-Law 872/25, which concerned zoning amendments, including adding 'Portable Asphalt Plant' as a conditional use and rezoning a specific lot to 'Commercial Central Zone.' The Council also read the first time By-Law 874/25 concerning 2026 Utility Rates. Reports were adopted from the Public Works Manager (including an update on flood events) and the CAO. Correspondence items required action, resulting in the adoption of the Organizational Chart (COU-001), approval of a $250 donation to the 3234 Cadet Program, approval of updated Cell Phone and Donation Policies, approval of the 2026 Salary Schedule, approval for a six-month trial placement of an East Side Recycling Bin, and approval of a Managed IT Services and Enhanced Cybersecurity proposal from MicroAge. Additionally, the Council approved the transfer of an overage amount of $28,420.88 to the St. Jean Fire Department Reserve Fund. The meeting concluded with an in-camera session to discuss personnel matters before adjournment.

The meeting began with the formal opening and the reading of the Land Acknowledgement. Council adopted the agenda as amended. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing concerning the Special Service Plan 1/25 for garbage collection for 2026-2028, during which questions were addressed regarding secondary bins, contractor performance, costs, material types, and the exclusion of spring and fall clean-up options. Following the hearing, the public hearing was closed, and By-Law 873/25 regarding the Special Levy Plan for Garbage Collection received its first reading. The council also held a discussion on strategic planning, specifically vision, mission, and values. The meeting concluded with a resolution confirming instructions to Administration and adjourning until the next regular meeting.

The meeting included a land acknowledgement, recognizing the ancestral lands of Treaty 1 Territory and the traditional territory of various Indigenous peoples. The Rural Municipality of Montcalm expressed its respect for treaties and committed to reconciliation and collaboration with Indigenous communities.

The Rural Municipality of Montcalm Development Plan focuses on guiding the municipality's growth and development over the next 20 years. It addresses sustainable land use and infrastructure, social and economic development, and environmental protection. Key goals include supporting agriculture, preserving rural character, directing settlement center development, protecting against natural hazards, and promoting sustainable development.

The meeting addressed several key areas including finance, with a focus on approving accounts and reviewing financial statements, reserve reports, overtime reports, and building permit reports. Delegations were heard from the Seine-Rats Watershed District, residents regarding speed limits on the old 14N, and MidCanada concerning business taxes. Discussions and actions were taken on proposed by-laws related to water service rates, public works, and the St. Mary's Road Mitigation Project. The council also addressed correspondence involving sponsorships, water connection agreements, salary grids, financial statements, funding for community development, and disaster financial assistance for specific sites, as well as the appointment of a building inspector. The meeting also involved a closed session to discuss legal matters.