I’m writing in response to Fred Ryan’s request to comment publicly on his editorial “MRC Pontiac: Open more doors, not fewer.” (Nov 6)
The MRC Waste Committee was created in August 2021 with elected representatives responsible for waste management from 18 municipalities. It was created as a working group to assist the waste management/environmental staff at the MRC. They had difficulty obtaining the current practices in each municipality. I suggested forming a
committee to bring everyone together. This information has now been received.
According to our PGMR, a plan for the Pontiac’s waste management goals until 2030, a committee of six mayors was to be created and has been named the Environment Committee. This was voted by resolution in February 2024.
Their first task was to be a working group for the call for tenders in spring 2024 for the waste management contract.
The committee will meet monthly starting in December. We’re now adding two additional mayors, Jennifer Quaile (pro-mayor, Otter Lake) and Lynne Cameron (Portage-du-Fort), approved by council at the November 27 meeting.
The mandate for the committee is to consider various issues relating to recyclable, organic and residual materials. It can also focus on all matters impacting our environment; climate change, radon testing, the health of the Ottawa River and other important matters as they arise.
Soon, we will go to the various Pontiac communities for education and consultation and to encourage citizen participation in increased recycling, composting and waste reduction. It’s an exciting time and I look forward to everyone’s comments, questions and enthusiasm.
MRC Pontiac’s doors are open!
Jane Toller
Warden, MRC PONTIAC
