Lionel Tessier (tr. AB)
Here is a summary of the main events that took place in the Pontiac in 2016.
January
André Fortin, on behalf of the MTQ, announced work will be done to
Lionel Tessier (tr. AB)
Here is a summary of the main events that took place in the Pontiac in 2016.
January
André Fortin, on behalf of the MTQ, announced work will be done to
re-open the Marchand bridge. Actions between Eddie McCann and the Municipality of Pontiac continued. Remi Bertrand left his position as Director General of the MRC Pontiac and Gabriel Lance became the interim DG. After their permanent building was destroyed by fire, BMR in Mansfield installed a temporary store and prepared for rebuilding. Raymond Durocher wasre-elected warden. Many properties on Crown Land were slammed with a 167% lease increase over the next five years.
February
The Otter Lake Fire Department organized its fifth annual fishing tournament. The waste management contract in Fort-Coulonge was given to an outside company. The CPE network faced cutbacks. New roles were given to pharmacists. The Pontiac Festival of Outdoor Rinks took place. The Fort-Coulonge Carnival was
a huge success. The Fish Findlay Hockey Tournament raised $9,300 for the Shawville RA and arena.
March
The MRC created their residual waste management plan in collaboration with the municipalities and through consultations with the public. Major renovations were done on the parish hall in Fort-Coulonge. A $200,000 grant was given to the Pontiac Hops Cooperative to purchase a granulater. A public consultation regarding zoning changes in Zone 501 demonstrated public opposition.
April
Another washout on the Jim’s Lake Road. Pharmacie Pavlina Zhivkov in Mansfield became eco-responible. Six Pontiac artists organized “Get Art” in the Upper Pontiac. Jane Toller became president of Tourism Pontiac. The 36
residential lot Domaine des Chutes project in Luskville was adopted by the municipal council.
May
A mayor suggested ATVs be allowed to use the PPJ. Transport Thom announced the end of their services in the Fall. Autonhomme Pontiac began offering temporary lodging for men experiencing difficulties. A contract was signed with Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais for off-road intervention. Eddie McCann was removed from council. Construction began on a new commercial building in Shawville along Highway 148. CHIP FM changed its frequency from 101.7 to 101.9. The government decided not to eliminate school board elections.
June
The Shawville Relay for Life raised $120,775. Esprit Rafting was destroyed by fire. The Villa James Shaw project received non-profit status. Pontiac farmers attended a Parliament Hill protest regarding diafiltered milk importation. The SDEO closed and the MRC Pontiac received $500,000 in development funds. The 27th edition of the Pontiac Artists’ Studio Tour took place. The Biomass Conversion Centre was said to be on a solid foundation.
July
GreenPPJVerte was formed and validated the importance of preserving the PPJ for cyclists. Traffic lights were installed in Mansfield/ Fort-Coulonge. Irene Nadeau resigned as mayor of Île-du-Grand-Calumet. Campbell’s Bay unveiled its revitalization plan. CNL announced the dismantling of an old reactor and the public was consulted on the construction of a radioactive waste storage site.
August
The use of the PPJ was still in question: a protest was organized by PPJ users. The new Pontiac Ouest fire department was created. A $150,000 grant to restore St. Alphonsus Church in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes was awarded. An engineer strike halted the reconstruction of the Campbell’s Bay bridge along Highway 148.
September
A road block was organized by users of the Bois-Franc Road, resulting in a maintenance agreement for the road. Twelve public works employees in the Municipality of Pontiac were laid off. The Shawville Fair boasted another
successful year. Over 150 people participated in the annual Terry Fox Run in Shawville and raised over $5,000. A petition circulated regarding whether
citizens of Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield were in favour of amalgamation. The new Litchfield office was officially opened.
October
Electing the warden by universal suffrage was discussed at the MRC. The winners of the Journal’s Reader’s Choice Awards were announced during an awards ceremony at the Pontiac Conference Centre. The Laurentian Bank announced the closure of its two Pontiac branches in 2017. Pierre Frechette was elected mayor of Île-du-Grand-Calumet. The Pontiac Fair took place.
November
The seventh annual Bristol Dryland races took place. The Pontiac Hops Cooperative received an award from the Fondation des coopératives de l’Outaouais. Hydro outages continued to plague the Upper Pontiac: Hydro Quebec installed equipment to identify the causes of the outages. The Chamber of Commerce’s awards gala took place in Bristol. A $800,000 investment in scierie Lefèvre et Pharand in Mansfield was announced. A circular economy project was officially launched in the Pontiac.
December
The CISSSO announced paid parking will be imposed at the Pontiac Community Hospital in March 2017. With the closure of Marche Bon Ami in Campbell’s Bay, Langford’s opened in the town. Shawville’s Pavillon du Parc was closed. The new BMR in Mansfield opened its doors.
