MRC Meeting
Solar hopes dim, costly abattoir repairs ahead
Bonnie Portelance
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on September 24, 2025.
MRC PONTIAC – The current Council of Mayors met for the last time on September 17
at the MRC headquarters in Litchfield. Council will not meet again until November 26, following the municipal elections.
Warden Jane Toller opened the meeting by highlighting challenges and accomplishments of the outgoing council. These included managing the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing flooding, re-opening the mill at Rapides-des-Joachims, administering $5 million in Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) support, studying the Energy-from-Waste project, implementing composting and recycling, purchasing the abattoir and starting the AgriSaveur project, exploring solar energy potential, creating the transportation hub, and launching new housing projects.
Solar energy setback
After signalling the move in May, council formally declared jurisdiction over renewable energy production in the Pontiac. Alleyn-et-Cawood, Bristol and Clarendon exercised their right to withdraw, leaving the MRC responsible in all other municipalities.
Energy developer Innergex submitted two solar projects for the Pontiac to Hydro-Québec, but both were rejected because outdated distribution lines could not handle the power. Provincewide, nine of the company’s ten projects were refused for the same reason.
Council adopted a resolution to contact Hydro-Québec requesting the timeline for line upgrades, details on required work and reasons for the refusals. The resolution noted, “The lack of upgrading not only creates poor distribution of electricity to the citizens but is also hindering economic development.”
Immigration plan adopted
Council approved the immigration action plan developed by the immigration committee with help from the firm CommunAgir. The plan now goes to the Ministry of Immigration for approval. If endorsed, the MRC can apply for funding under the ministry’s Community Program to implement the actions over three years.
Otter Lake Mayor Jennifer Quaile opposed the plan, arguing it does not adequately address key issues such as jobs, housing and transportation. She also criticized the lack of cost estimates and said the plan was “rushed through.” Quaile noted the mayors only received it at the September 10 plenary and were not given time for full discussion. She asked if adoption could be deferred to November.
Toller replied that the deadline for submission is the end of September and grant eligibility depended on council’s approval.
The plan passed 16–2, with Quaile and Alleyn-et-Cawood Pro-Mayor Sidney Squitti opposed.
Although the plan was expected to be made public after council’s approval, MRC Strategic Communication Advisor Francis Beausoleil told the Journal it cannot be released until the ministry signs off.
Abattoir lease and repairs
Council approved a 30-year emphyteutic lease with the Pontiac AgriSaveur Solidarity Cooperative for use of the abattoir facility and equipment. While the MRC remains owner, the co-op will assume rights and obligations of an owner, including full maintenance costs, though no rent will be charged.
Inspections by three agencies revealed water infiltration and mould throughout the building. Council authorized repairs of up to $353,638, funded through stream two of the FRR. Work was expected to begin this week and finish by mid-November, followed by a gradual start-up phase with tests and adjustments.
Fire services information sessions
The MRC scheduled three public information sessions on its proposal for combined fire services. The first, in French, will be October 8 at the Golden Age Club in Fort-Coulonge. Two English sessions will follow: October 9 at St. Joseph’s Hall in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes and October 23 at the Campbell’s Bay RA Centre. All begin at 6:30 pm.
