Pontiac council report - Mayor says housing equals revenue
Mo Laidlaw
Over 20 citizens were at the November 13, 2007 council meeting. Councillor Coyle was absent.
Development
Councillor Jean Amyotte proposed a bylaw modification to increase the minimum lot size for new subdivisions in ward 7 (Breckenridge south of Elm Rd) to 8000 m2, about 2 acres. The modification was recommended by the planning committee (CCU) to maintain the rural character of the area and protect the water supply of existing residents. Higher densities may cause existing wells to run dry. The municipality, having authorized development, could then be held responsible for supplying water.
Dr Amyotte explained at two ward 7 residents’ meetings that 2 acres could be a temporary minimum until the water supply of the area has been determined. If there is enough water the minimum lot size of 3800 m2 (0.9 acre) could be reinstated. Despite overwhelming support for councillor Amyotte’s proposal from ward 7 residents, council voted 4:3 against the bylaw. Councillors Garry Dagenais and Raymond Gougeon supported councillor Amyotte, but mayor Eddie McCann and three other councillors voted against.
Belmont Properties now has time to file its plans for a second development, on the former Kerr farmland between Sumac and Lilas, with lot sizes of 3800 m2, even if this proposal is brought back to council, because it takes a few months to put a bylaw into effect. There could be 50 new houses in addition to the 82 houses of Domaine Bellevue.
The mayor and councillors who voted against the bylaw said that increased development will bring more tax revenue to the municipality.
Nuisance properties
Two residents from the Pontiac Bay area described a septic system installed too close to neighbours’ wells, apparently without a permit. Other problems are buildings placed too close to the property line or covering too much of the lot, commercial trailers being parked, outhouses, and fire hazards. Mr McCann explained that the municipality is trying to clear up this area. “Neighbours should not have to complain. There has to be respect on both sides,” he said.
Doreen Sigouin asked for a refrigerator to be removed from the ditch on Tremblay, and for other ditches to be checked.
Engineer Patrick Maguire of J.A. Lecompte will be asked to do a feasibility study on a plant for treating residential septic sludge, to be constructed next to the sewage plant in Quyon.
Roads, signs
Alfons Kuhn, owner of the Northernlights Ginseng farm at Wyman, is disappointed that Gold Mine Road, paved for at least 26 years, has been turned into a gravel road. “I pay more taxes,” he said, “I am standing up for my neighbourhood.” Mr McCann replied, “We intend to keep it as a good gravel road.”
A new Volvo grader from Strongco is going to cost $18,686.97 more than a previous estimate, so a new resolution was passed. The total with tax is $252,818.90 (less than the $252,995 approved at the June council meeting).
The ministry of Transport will be asked to move the sign indicating the start of Gatineau to the city side of the highway 148/Terry-Fox junction. MoT will also be asked to change new road signs. The original signs gave distances to “Luskville.” They have been replaced by signs saying “Pontiac x km” which make no sense when one is in Quyon, or heading anywhere in the municipality other than the town hall in Luskville.
Council voted against taking over Mohr road south of River road as a municipal road, as requested by André Durocher and Charles Dickson.
Protection of farmland
Daniel Pellerin asked for council’s support for his request to the CPTAQ to operate an animal crematorium on farmland at 3200 route 148. This will be discussed and brought to the December meeting. This farm is close to the Luskville recreation park.
Two earlier CPTAQ requests to build residences on farmland in Onslow have been authorized as they are considered to be farming-related: Marie-France Corriveau and Jean Vaillant plan to raise sheep, beef cattle and horses, and grow small fruit, on 45 ha, on the west side of Westbrook. They are required to build a sheep-barn, connect to hydro and drill a well before starting to build their house. Gaston Grenier has a red pine plantation and Christmas tree farm on 88 ha near Marion off Lac des Loups road, which is considered large enough to permit a residence.
Bicycle trail
A majority of council voted to accept the bicycle path route recommended by the working group and documented by consultant David Massé. A line on the map is required for grant applications, although it need not be the final route. Brian Middlemiss and Harold McKenny voted against.
Other matters
Three new firemen were approved: Michel Girard, Daniel Dorris and Sylvain Mallette.
Bills for $106,497 and fixed expenses of $245,516 for October were approved.
Evelyn Bélisle provided delicious fudge for those at the meeting, to go with the coffee and tea supplied by the municipality.
The next regular meeting will be on 11 December at 8 pm.
Previous reports are now archived at: http://www.heritagepontiac.ca
molaidlaw@videotron.ca