Lionel Tessier
Every January, the Journal presents a review of the main events that occurred in the Pontiac in the previous year.
Lionel Tessier
Every January, the Journal presents a review of the main events that occurred in the Pontiac in the previous year.
January: McDowell Elementary was planning the addition of an immersion program. A man in distress was rescued by the SQ north of Lac Galarneau. Garbage disposal would be more expensive than water and sewage services in Shawville. Consultations on the establishment of the Dumoine River Park. First Bonspiel for Doris Hanna in Shawville. No tax increases in the Municipality of Pontiac.
February: First winter carnival in over 20 years in Fort-Coulonge. The opening of the new Giant Tiger in Shawville was announced for March 2nd. The report on amalgamating municipalities from the firm, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, was presented to the MRC, causing diverse reactions. New activities were announced at the School of Arts in Portage-du-Fort. Student radio project at l’école l`Énvolée.
March: Law 57 came into effect. A Federal Court judge ruled that the Métis and non-status Indians must be recognized as Indians under the Constitutional Law of 1867. The Draveurs de Fort-Coulonge were the champions of their league. Isabelle Girard became the new Director General of the CLD Pontiac.
April: The study on amalgamation was presented to municipal councillors. Highway 148 was closed in Luskville after a culvert was washed away in a flood. The MRC Pontiac wins the Grand Prix du Tourisme for “Camping and outdoor sites, sports and leisure.”
May: A flood washed away a section of the PPJ trail in Litchfield. La Caisse Populaire de Fort-Coulonge gave a $474,419 return to its members and gave $10,000 to the Centre de Loisirs des Draveurs. $1,267,136 budget for the CLD in 2012. A serious nuclear accident avoided at the last minute in Chalk River. A public consultation on amalgamation suggests a general opposition. An earthquake of 5.2. Official launch of Benoit Paré`s book “Fort-Coulonge, pour mieux connaitre son histoire.”
June: Close to one million dollars from the Fondation Gaspé Beaubien for the Outaouais River project. Flotilla of boats in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes to celebrate Champlain’s 400th anniversary of passing of Champlain through the area. Beryl Harrison received the Provincial Grand Prize for her contribution to literacy development. The CLSC in Mansfield was closed during the evenings until September. 15th annual Pontiac artist’s tour. Mansfield was the first municipality to obtain “Senior Friendly” accreditation. Jean-Claude Rivet was elected President of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce.
July: New dry material sorting centre in the Industrial Park in Portage-du-Fort. Dismantling of a drug trafficking network in Fort-Coulonge. The Pontiac Journal now online: www.pontiacjournal.com. Charlotte L’Écuyer announced she would retire from her political duties at the end of her term. Open house at Chaussures Shawville Shoes to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
August: Jovalco mill opened their doors. Portage-du-Fort celebrated their 150th anniversary. “Le Bistro de Bûcheron” opened their doors in Fort-Coulonge. Patro’s boat parade for the 125th anniversary of Fort-Coulonge. A wind storm caused much damage in the Pontiac. Heritage day in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Samuel Champlain’s visit. Protests regarding the dismantling of the rail in Portage-du-Fort. Albert Armstrong announced his retirement.
September: The Shawville Fair celebrated its 157th anniversary. Changes to the urbanism plan were in question in the Municipality of Pontiac. The off-reserve Algonquins threatened to pursue the MRN for the destruction of their camps. The adult education (Pontiac Continuing Education) moved from Campbell’s Bay to McDowell Elementary.
October: Candidates were preparing for the November elections. A new nursing course through Heritage College was offered at Pontiac High School. Winners of the Pontiac Journal’s Reader’s Choice Awards were announced. 28th annual Oktoberfest. 30th anniversary of Salon Jeanne d’Arc. Major renovations at Shawville Ford. 100th anniversary of the Pontiac County Women’s Institute.
November: The EAB (ash-eating insect) begins to invade the Pontiac. André Fortin was elected to replace Charlotte L’Écuyer. Hundreds of people participated in the Bristol Dryland races. Pontiac Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala. Many new mayors and councillors were elected throughout the area.
December: Raymond Durocher was elected as the new warden. In the Municipality of Pontiac, the new council deferred the application of the new laws. According to experts, the presence of THM in drinking water would not harm the public. Presentation of Fort-Coulonge’s new flag. Shawville Fair received a national prize.
