Mo Laidlaw
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – Over 40 residents attended the regular council meeting July 10 at the Luskville Community Centre, many of whom were members of the Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers Association (PSDA) upset by the possible closure of the Curley Lake Road trail by the National Capital Commission (NCC).
Mo Laidlaw
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – Over 40 residents attended the regular council meeting July 10 at the Luskville Community Centre, many of whom were members of the Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers Association (PSDA) upset by the possible closure of the Curley Lake Road trail by the National Capital Commission (NCC).
During the public input period, Alain Goulet, PSDA president, made a lengthy presentation and Chantal Dahan articulated another side of the issue: “It’s not just about economics and tourism. What about wild life?” referencing the many species at risk in the west region of Gatineau Park. Councillor Nancy Draper-Maxsom asked for a resolution to take “Recreational-tourism link between the municipalities of Pontiac and La Pêche,” off the agenda to allow further study by council, and it was passed (for more on this issue see page xx).
Stéphane Alary asked about repairs to Alary Road, and in response, it was announced that the geotechnical report was received July 6. Mayor Joanne Labadie said she is meeting André Fortin, Minister of Transport and Pontiac MNA, about the issue on July 11 and engineer plans are expected the week of July 16; they will need to be approved by the public safety department and the Ministry of Transport before the municipality can issue a tender. Repairs are estimated at $300,000.
—- Main street projects
The Municipality of Pontiac will take part in a project to develop seven village centres in the MRC des Collines using FARR funding between now and April 2019: Quyon, Chelsea, Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, Poltimore, Masham, Saint-Pierre-de-Wakefield and Wakefield.
—– Public safety
Two radio repeaters are required to modernize the MRC police and Pontiac fire service radio system, for a maximum of $30,000. In addition, the maintenance contract will cost $125 per month for 10 years. Notice was given of a bylaw to charge non-residents (through their insurance companies) for fire department and first responder costs following road accidents or vehicle fires.
—- Expenses approved
Funds from the surplus will be used to repair small lengths of the following roads, which have required repeated interventions, for a maximum of $104,000: Westbrook, Swamp, Crégheur, River near Stanley, Hammond near 148, and Steele Line near Westbrook; a used diesel-powered hot-mix asphalt trailer will be purchased for a maximum of $25,000; two roadside radars that identify driver speed and count the number of vehicles will be purchased for $15,000; and $10,000 to organize events at the Pontiac Country Fair.
