Sainte-Croix

The council discussed the creation of a new regional fire and civil security service, the deposit of the 2025 contract management report, and the adoption of several municipal regulations regarding special taxation for the Bois-Clair River, accessory dwelling units, zoning modifications, and building maintenance. Mandates were granted for street line painting, patching, sweeping, and environmental rehabilitation work. Additionally, the council approved the purchase and installation of playground equipment for the Jean-Guy-Fournier Park, hired seasonal staff for the day camp and maintenance, accepted a resignation, and authorized an intermunicipal agreement for fire and civil security services along with an agreement for first responder services.

The council discussed the transition to six tax installments for the current year to mitigate inflation impacts, the adoption of a balanced municipal budget, and updates on waste management costs. A key resolution was introduced to request the MRC of Lotbinière to assume regional jurisdiction over waste management services beginning in 2025. Additionally, the meeting covered infrastructure improvements including play modules for local parks, operational updates for the gym, skating rink, and library, and the authorization of financial agreements for road realignment and utility rate by-laws.

The council discussed the North Health Solidarity Cooperative project, including its membership targets and the appointment of a new general manager. Other topics included the promotion of spring break activities, recruitment for the municipal day camp, and the upcoming 45th anniversary show of the local figure skating club. The council addressed administrative items such as the annual report on contract management, a borrowing bylaw for water and sewer network extensions, and the adoption of a new animal management service agreement. Additionally, the council reviewed tax sale procedures, approved sponsorship agreements for park development, authorized payments for town hall renovation projects, and finalized urban planning bylaws related to village core development and architectural integration plans.

The meeting addressed the Mayor's update regarding the protracted restoration project for Rue Principale (Route 132), emphasizing that jurisdiction lies with the Ministry of Transportation, and confirmed the Municipality secured an agreement in 2023 for the Ministry to manage future restoration scheduling. Key administrative actions included the adoption of several bylaws, such as modifying regulations concerning municipal elected officials' remuneration and the urban planning advisory committee. The Council proceeded with the deposit and motion notices for regulations concerning a special tax for work on the Bois-Clair river and zoning modifications related to accessory dwelling units and permitted uses in Zone 08-CH. The Council also adopted the first draft of a bylaw governing the occupation and maintenance of buildings. In Urbanism and Development, the Council approved the development plan and preliminary engineering plans and specifications for the Rue Barbin development project. Personnel matters included the hiring of an administrative assistant and a crossing guard. Public works focused on authorizing a payment for the Rue Barbin watercourse relocation and Parc Jean-Guy-Fournier Phase II redevelopment, and adopting the programming for the Quebec Water and Collective Infrastructure Transfer Program (TECQ) 2024-2028. The Council granted a mandate to update the arena redevelopment preliminary design and authorized the urgent purchase of respiratory apparatus for the fire department. Finally, the Council authorized the financial contribution transfer to the Nord de Lotbinière Health and Solidarity Cooperative and granted a $50,000 sponsorship to the Fondation du Domaine Joly-de-Lotbinière for its expansion project.

The special session addressed several key items under Urbanisme et Développement. The council adopted the second draft of By-law #755-2026, which modifies By-law #389-2007 to adjust permitted uses in zone 08-CH and create zone 27-I; a notice of motion for this by-law was also given. Furthermore, the council approved an agreement concerning municipal works for the 'Quartier la Croisée' residential development (Rue Barbin). The session concluded with the municipality committing to prohibit sewer service connections for the specified lots within the development until new wastewater treatment facilities are confirmed as compliant with the law.