Pontiac council report - incinerator project still smouldering
Mo Laidlaw
The council meeting held on 14 July 2009 was attended by about a dozen residents.
Residents’ concerns
Fred Wiggins suggested that gravel roads should be graded every week, but 6th concession has not been graded for three weeks. More gravel is also required, as it is removed each winter by the snow plows. Mayor Eddie McCann replied that the weather has not been helpful for a while, but grading has been done.
Bev Dick and Rose Dagenais are concerned about the requirement to have septic tanks emptied every two years, given the cost is about $500. Mr McCann explained that it is a provincial requirement to have tanks inspected and emptied every two years, regardless of the number of occupants using the system. He added that the cost is mainly trucking,, so the addition of a lagoon for sludge at the Quyon sewage plant will reduce costs. Most systems are in good shape according to the mayor, but we have to make sure that systems are not polluting neighbours’ wells or rivers and lakes. The municipal inspector will be checking waterfront systems first.
Closing the municipal dump
Dave Birt wanted to know what plans the municipality has to deal with garbage that will no longer be allowed in the municipal dump. Mr McCann stated that the project to set up an incinerator with Shawville and Clarendon is going ahead. There’s lots of paperwork. If approved by the ministry of environment, it will be built next to highway 148, just east of Quyon. Because the municipality is pursuing a solution it may be allowed to continue to use the dump until the incinerator is working. This project will create jobs, generate income (energy) as well as lowering the cost of garbage disposal. Meanwhile, offers are to be sought for work to close the dump.
Léo Lafleur pointed out inconsistencies in the planning bylaws in Quyon and elsewhere in the municipality, specifically on the setbacks for secondary buildings.
Bike trail, ATV routes
Council gave Génivar the mandate to produce plans and specs for the Quyon sector of the bicycle trail, for $34,924 plus tax. Councillors Middlemiss and McKenny voted against.
Council authorized the Club Quad du Pontiac (ATV club) to use parts of 5th concession, Murray and Clarendon roads.
Planning
Aril Jensen’s project to subdivide a lot into two lots at 1 Avenue du Marais (off Avenue de la Vieille Pompe) is approved.
The NCC’s request to subdivide a lot along the Gatineau Park boundary line was rejected by 5 votes to 3.
Other business
The cost of wheelie bins for recycling and garbage has been reduced for residents, in line with the cost to the municipality. Both blue and green bins are now $75 including tax. (Call 455-2401 to request one).
The fire chief is asked to inspect five properties, mostly vacant, that are considered a fire risk and make recommendations to council.
Tenders will be sought for renovation work at the Albert Kennedy Centre at 885 Clarendon, Quyon.
Money matters
Bills for $46,884 and fixed expenses of $346,145 for June were approved.
Other amounts approved:
$11,062 to Plage Desjardins to raise the road at the entrance and replace an 18” culvert by a 4 foot one, to avoid frequent flooding.
A maximum of $5000 to seek experts on closing the dump.
$3,386 to chemin Julie to make a turnaround for service vehicles.
$1,478 to Domaine des Oies to increase the height of the road to avoid flooding.
$1,000 to Jason Hynes for work at 1870 de la Montagne and 84 Cedarvale.
$500 for Pontiac’s share in the MRC des Collines’s program to prevent blue-green algae.
$200 to Plage Charron for expert advice on future projects to improve the road.
Next regular meeting: 11 August 2009 at 8 pm.
Previous reports are archived at: http://www.heritagepontiac.ca