Pontiac council report - gas pipeline from Ontario?
Mo Laidlaw
Only 10 members of the public attended the council meeting on March 11, 2008. Councillors McKenny and Coyle were absent.
William Spekkens asked if council was aware of plans for a gas pipeline across the Ottawa river from Ontario. As one of the owners of undeveloped waterfront property on Cedarvale, near the townline with Gatineau, he was approached by Enbridge, who are looking for a site for a pipeline and a regulator station, to supply new subdivisions in the Aylmer sector. Mr Spekkens said that his researches suggested that the station could emit smells, and he was not in favour. Neither the mayor nor director-general had heard of a possible gas pipeline. Mr Spekkens’ offer of land for a park was accepted by council on February 19.
Bicycle trail
At the February 19 special meeting several resolutions were passed by a majority of council to enable progress on the bicycle trail. The modified route in Breckenridge was accepted. Requests to the ministry of Transport to cross highway 148 at Smith-Léonard, and to use the south side of 148 between Alary and Cochrane and between River and Clarendon, were passed. A request will be made to the CPTAQ to use farmland near Smith-Léonard for the trail. Councillors Middlemiss and McKenny voted against all these motions.
Other public input
Jean-Claude Carisse asked about a meeting with Canada Post (scheduled for 18 March), and hiring of employees for septic tank inspections (new employees are about to start work).
Patsy Lusk asked for police support for the fund-raising duck race in Quyon, to be held on 25 May, organized by the Quyon Lionettes. She also suggested that the NCC should be asked to improve signage for Luskville Falls from the highway. Mayor Eddie McCann said he will be meeting the chair of the NCC in April and will raise this issue.
Town planning and zoning
A new bylaw on the town-planning committee (CCU) was passed. This allows for up to 7 members who are residents, preferably one per ward, and a maximum of 3 council members.
Council supported Lyse Cadieux’s request to the CPTAQ to build a house on farmland at 1939 ch de la Montagne.
The mayor is authorized to sign a letter of interest for Unies Technologies Inc in their proposal to take over waste management in the municipality. Mr McCann mentioned a process that does not involve incineration or smells. Garbage is ground up into a soil amender. Maniwaki is already investigating this system.
Paving
A resolution to pay part of the final paving bill to Carrière La Pêche as negotiated, was defeated by 3:3. This followed discussion about holding back $450,000 until the paving meets required standards.
Other matters
The director general is authorized to spend up to $2500 to install a new sign at the Luskville municipal complex.
Roger Villeneuve’s contract to supervise the municipal dump was renewed until 31 December.
Michèlle Gaudreau’s tender to clean the floor of the Quyon library once a week was accepted.
The municipality will support the Club des Ornithologues de l’Outaouais (birdwatchers) by putting an ad in their magazine, “Ornitaouais.”
Bills for $113,611 and fixed expenses of $380,253 for February were approved.