Warden Jane Toller won’t run again
Cathy Fox
Local Journalism Initiative
FORT-COULONGE – MRC Pontiac’s warden, Jane Toller, held a press conference in Sprucehome Inn, on Thursday, July 24, to announce her plans for the municipal elections scheduled for November 2, 2025. She noted the tradition of leadership established through her great grandfather George Bryson, who was Warden in 1862 and his wife Robina whose portraits framed her as she delivered her pivotal decision in the living room of her ancestral home.
Toller expressed gratitude for the trust the people of the Pontiac have given her and praised the collaboration amongst municipal leaders and staff. She then announced her decision
to decline seeking re-election citing three reasons: family priorities with seven new grandchildren in recent years; her business ventures needing more attention; and her ongoing education where she recently completed her Masters of Theological studies and
is now heading into a three-year program to receive her Doctorate.
She stated the decision was “painful” and wasn’t made quickly, but she ultimately decided it was time to “pass the torch”. She added that she took into consideration how she could continue to help meet the needs of the Pontiac and concluded that private business initiatives could work better. She is especially dedicated to the construction of the Pontiac pool project.
She described some of the achievements during her eight-year tenure as warden, pointing to the large notice board where her priorities were originally posted in the entryway of the MRC building. They included: improved internet and upcoming cellular coverage by satellite in 2026; reopening of the Rapides-des-Joachims mill; reopening of the Pontiac abattoir; fostering agro-tourism and progressing with composting and recycling initiatives. She also referred to increased tourism marketing and municipal street revitalizations.
Some of her biggest challenges were responding two major events including flooding, wildfires and the COVID-19 shutdowns plus ongoing local healthcare concerns.
She said it would not be appropriate for her to support any of the candidates running for the position of warden. Josey Bouchard and Jean-Pierre Landry, both currently serving
as councillors in Campbell’s Bay, have announced their intention to run for the position.
The last day to announce a nomination is October 3, 2025.
Photo: CF
MRC Pontiac’s warden, Jane Toller, stands framed by portraits of her great grandparents
in Spruceholme Inn, announcing she will not be running for re-election this November.