Mo Laidlaw
PONTIAC – More than 30 members of the public attended the special Municipality of Pontiac council meeting in the Luskville Community Centre, October 1. It was conducted as a regular meeting, brought forward because of the upcoming council elections. The new zoning bylaws were at the centre of discussion.
Mo Laidlaw
PONTIAC – More than 30 members of the public attended the special Municipality of Pontiac council meeting in the Luskville Community Centre, October 1. It was conducted as a regular meeting, brought forward because of the upcoming council elections. The new zoning bylaws were at the centre of discussion.
Robert Perrier bought a commercially zoned lot on Highway 148 to start a business after the highway improvements are carried out but the lot is zoned residential on the new zoning map. Stéphane Doré, urban planner, explained that this is to do with the MRC’s regional plan. Only local businesses are allowed in that sector. The planning department will assist Perrier.
Sheila McCrindle commented, “There is no definition of wildlife habitat, which is important if you are trying to preserve it. Secondly the regulations about architecture: it’s hard to regulate taste. We should encourage gorgeous modern architecture as well as heritage houses. Row housing can be beautiful and is economical.”
Nancy Maxsom asked if owners will be notified if the requirement for a minimum lot size of 2 acres for newly cadastral lots in the south east of the municipality (mostly south of ch Braun) applies to them. Bill Twolan claims there is plenty of water in this area so smaller lots are sufficient. However, water is not the problem: a hydro-geological study carried out in 2008 recommended minimum lot sizes of 8,000 m2 in this area to allow for septic systems that will not pollute groundwater. Clay and rock are not good substrates for septic systems, which may only last 15 years in such conditions. The large lot size allows for replacement of the tile bed.
The eight updated bylaws on Town planning, Zoning, Subdivision, Building, Permits and certificates, PIIA (architectural integration), CCU (advisory committee), and Minor exemptions were all passed by a majority of council, as was the Notice of the first draft of the MRC’s revised development plan (schéma d’aménagement). In each case, councillors Howard, Larose and Middlemiss voted against, with McCann breaking the tie in favour. Larose said he’s not necessarily against the bylaws, merely the timing.
Michel Grenier is approved to develop phase II of his housing project, Village des Plaines, first accepted by council in 1995. An ecological study was carried out as required, and submitted to council in August 2013. Alain Larose was given approval for his subdivision, creating 6 lots on ch Lac-des-Loups, close to Highway 148. This has already received CPTAQ authorization.
Gary Bélair is concerned about safety for children on St. George Street (Quyon). According to Bélair, the school zone starts too close to St Mary’s School and drivers are speeding, passing stopped school buses and driving dangerously. By the time the police arrive the bad drivers have long gone. At night there are cars and bikes revving their engines and racing. In addition, there is no sidewalk on St George Street and many children walk along it going to and from both schools. A motion to improve the school zone and lower speed limits was passed.
Approved were: $528,885 to Raymond Bélisle for snowploughing sector G for 3 years; and a borrowing bylaw for $300,000 for paving the Lusk Project (ch Brady, Kerr, part of Crégheur, and cr. Ivan and Lusk).
