Questions about water quality and quantity Domaine des Chutes public consultation

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Arnaud de la Salle
(tr. AB)

PONTIAC – A public
consultation meeting was held to discuss the new Domaine des Chutes

Arnaud de la Salle
(tr. AB)

PONTIAC – A public
consultation meeting was held to discuss the new Domaine des Chutes
residential project supported by the Municipality of Pontiac in Luskville, April 29. Fifteen people attended to hear a presentation by municipal planner Salah Jalloul and to ask questions. Overall, the major concern involved the quality and quantity of water supplies for future residents.
The project involves 39 lots over 59 acres between Highway 148 and l’Hotel de Ville road up to the entrance to the Luskville Falls on NCC property. Of the 39 lots, 36 will be for sale by the developer. Water for the homes will be supplied by artesian wells with waste water treated through a septic system. The salinity of the water is a concern because the land contains a significant portion of mineral salts which will make water treatment essential and a possible burden on future residents. In terms of water availability, the municipality cannot guarantee the aquifer will be able to supply 36 homes. It was recommended that drilling be done to ensure water is sufficient before beginning other work.
The developer is not currently offering a key-in-hand purchase option so it is the responsibility of the purchaser to find a contractor to build their home and follow the regulations imposed by the municipality’s PIIA site plan. The plan regulates the number of buildings per lot (maximum of 3, no less that 10 metres from the road), pools can only be in back yards, only one access road is allowed to the construction site, and there are restrictions on the materials, heating systems, and insulation used.
The municipality does not control when the lots will be placed on the
market and the sales will be done on a first come, first served basis. The project will take place in two phases: twenty houses will be built before the remaining 16 lots are marketed.
Two houses are already built in the area and the water does not seem to pose any particular problem for these residents.