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
beachroads. More meetings will be held before final adoption.
Routine audit puts spotlight on ethics code
Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – The Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ) will conduct a performance audit of the Municipality of Pontiac’s code of ethics and conduct, part of a province-wide initiative examining how municipalities maintain integrity in governance.
Pontiac is one of 20 municipalities selected, each with fewer than 100,000 residents. The CMQ aims to determine whether local codes go beyond legal requirements and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and respectful conduct among elected officials and staff.
Mayor Roger Larose stressed the process is routine. “This is a standard procedure,” he said. “Every few years, the Commission selects municipalities at random. It is not triggered by a problem. It is simply our turn.” Pontiac has already received the official notice outlining
the audit.
The audit is not an investigation into wrongdoing. Instead, it reviews how council members and staff make decisions, manage conflicts of interest, and interact with the public. According to the CMQ, clear codes of ethics reduce the risk of misconduct and protect municipalities from financial, legal, or reputational harm.
“Codes of ethics and conduct play an essential role in governing elected officials, employees and staff, while ensuring protection of the public interest,” said Nancy Klein, Vice-President of Audit at the CMQ.
The review unfolds in three phases: a preliminary study, a detailed analysis, and a final report with recommendations. The municipality will then have three months to produce a public action plan, followed by a CMQ verification within three years.
Larose said the review should be welcomed. “If this process shows ways to strengthen governance, that benefits the community. We will work with the Commission every step.”
