Benjamin Segobaetso – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online November 4, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CAMPBELL’S BAY – On Thursday, October 22, 2026 the mayors from MRC Pontiac’s 18 municipalities met in the Elsie Gibbons room at the MRC Pontiac building for their monthly council of Mayors’ meeting.
After the usual introductions, Warden’s report and municipal events announced, several
resolutions and bylaws were presented and passed. Here are a few of the highlights.
Property tax sales dates could change.
Property owners behind on their municipal taxes could face an earlier deadline to settle outstanding debts under a proposed bylaw amendment introduced at
the October 22 MRC Pontiac Council meeting.
Kim Lesage, MRC Pontiac Director General, presented a notice of motion to replace Bylaw 270-2021, which currently schedules annual property tax sales for the second Thursday of September. The proposed amendment would move the annual sale to the second Thursday of May, beginning in 2027, provided council formally adopts it.
For administrative and logistical reasons, it was preferable for the sale to take place every year in May in the future, rather than in September, as was previously the case for the MRC Pontiac.
Lesage explained Quebec’s Municipal Code gives municipalities the authority to determine the timing of annual tax sales through municipal bylaws. She noted the amendment will not change the underlying procedures governing the recovery of unpaid municipal taxes and that the proposed change would be advertised to ensure the public is informed.
Municipal tax sales allow municipalities to recover unpaid property taxes by placing eligible properties with outstanding arrears on a public sale list. Although intended as a revenue recovery mechanism, the process can have serious financial consequences for property owners.
Moving the annual sale from September to May raises questions about whether residents experiencing financial hardship would have sufficient time to settle their debts, particularly those accustomed to the existing September schedule.
The proposed change also places greater importance on timely communication between municipalities and taxpayers concerning overdue accounts, payment arrangements and applicable deadlines.
The existing September scheduleremains in effect until council completes the necessary legislative procedures and formally approves the amendment.
Residents with outstanding municipal taxes are encouraged to contact their municipality or MRC Pontiac to verify their account status and explore available payment arrangements before their properties become subject to tax sale proceedings.
Funding to preserve heritage buildings approved
Owners of historic buildings across Pontiac could soon benefit from financial assistance for restoration and preservation projects following the MRC Pontiac Council’s adoption of a new heritage conservation program on October 22.
Council approved Bylaw 317-2026, establishing a financial assistance framework to support
the preservation, restoration and enhancement of historically significant properties throughout the region. The initiative aims to encourage investment in Pontiac’s heritage, including properties that contribute to the region’s cultural identity and reflect its architectural history.
Sabrina Ayres, MRC Pontiac Socio-economic Development Coordinator, explained the program is designed to help eligible private property owners make improvements that protect the architectural and historical character of their buildings.
Maintaining historic buildings can be quite expensive, particularly when restoration requires specialized materials, skilled tradespeople or repairs that preserve original architectural features. The new assistance program could help offset some of these expenses, making it easier for owners to maintain their properties while respecting their historical significance.
Across Pontiac, historic churches, former commercial establishments, traditional farmhouses and other older structures remain important reminders of the communities and industries that shaped the regionand the traditions that distinguish villages and rural
communities.
Protecting these structures can contribute to community revitalization and tourism development, particularly in municipalities where historic buildings remain prominent features of village centres.
However, although council formally adopted the bylaw, specific funding allocations, eligibility criteria and application procedures weren’t detailed during the October 22 discussion. Interested residents are encouraged to contact the MRC Pontiac to obtain information about the program’s requirements, available funding and application procedures.
