Mayors discuss Lac Dumont access and Ottawa River conservation

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Allyson Beauregard


Allyson Beauregard

CAMPBELL’S BAY – Members of the MRC Pontiac and the 18 municipal mayors gathered for the regular Council of Mayors meeting, March 24. Topics included the Lac Dumont access road and the installation of traffic lights in Fort Coulonge / Mansfield (see page 12); the Sureté du Quebec’s 2015 priority project was adopted.  There were also presentations from the Ottawa Riverkeeper and two property owners
displeased with their waterfront property evaluations (see page 3).
Regent Dugas, MRC Pontiac Director of Territory, explained the MRC is still waiting for a reply from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the closure of the Lac Dumont beach access road (the MRC requested the Ministry handle closing the road to avoid the costs of doing so) and that they are in the process of securing an access road to the lake, through Otter Lake, where a public boat launch will be constructed. “We are
waiting for the spring thaw to look at the road and evaluate what would be needed for maintenance,” said Remi Bertrand, MRC Pontiac Director General.
Representatives from the Ottawa Riverkeeper then gave a presentation about their organization and an upcoming ‘Aquahacking’ summit to take place May 29-30 in Gatineau. “The Ottawa River has fallen between the cracks in terms of
management; there isn’t one body to manage or regulate it, and there is no management or conservation plan,” said Meredith Brown, Riverkeeper Executive Director.
The event will bring together people concerned about the watershed to
discuss challenges, develop strategies, and commit to action for the future by providing solutions to water-related issues identified by the Ottawa River community. “The Ottawa River is a valuable asset that we should be recognizing,” concluded Brown.
The Sureté du Quebec’s 2015-2016 priority project was then adopted. The project will include maintaining their presence in local municipalities, including the TNO, decreasing break and enters in the region, and continuing relationships within the community. To accomplish this, they plan to place road-blocks on secondary roads, visit schools during the lunch hour period
and have an increased
presence at Lac Dumont during the summer season.  In addition, all break and enter files will be investigated by the same detective, and there will be a focus on the prevention of bullying and cyber crimes.
The next Council of Mayors meeting will be April 28.