Zoning plan sparks debate
Carl Hager
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on Aug 27, 2025.
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – About 30 residents attended an information meeting at the Luskville Community Centre on August 11 to voice concerns about proposed zoning changes in Pontiac.
Mayor Roger Larose, councillors, and consultant Stefan Doré of Cardo Urban outlined a plan to rezone some residential areas for commercial use on private roads maintained by residents. Many objected, saying it would harm quality of life, reduce property values, and worsen poor roads with traffic. “The roads, bad as they are, would be worsened by noisy trucks and tractors,” said residents Alan Tanguay and Carolyne Blaine.
Resident Luc Boucher submitted a document signed by 30 people to the Quebec Municipal Commission, arguing the plan does not comply with the Act respecting land use planning and development. Others, including resident Josey Page, questioned the consultant’s credentials and said the process lacked consultation. She left a seven-page brief for the mayor.
Some residents raised concerns about Airbnbs in quiet neighbourhoods. Larose acknowledged divided opinions, noting Pontiac has no hotel and few rentals. While some oppose short-term rentals, others want the chance to operate them. Approval from the Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land of Quebec (CPTAQ) is required before any such rental can open.
The mayor stressed Pontiac’s limited land for development, with nearly half its territory controlled by the National Capital Commission and much of the rest zoned agricultural.
At its meeting on August 12, council approved Notice of Motion #25-08-5691,
mending Zoning Regulation 11-24 to remove commercial uses from private beach
roads. More meetings will be held before final adoption.