Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
place for beach replenishment work to begin in May to protect Maria’s shoreline from erosion and coastal submersion.
On March 10, the municipal council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Transportation for part of the work aimed at protecting Highway 132 between the municipal beach and the post office. The project will also coordinate with beach replenishment for the commercial sector between the IGA supermarket and the Lady Maria residence. “The storm water outfall, manholes, and engineering work are included in the beach replenishment memorandum of understanding,” says Mayor of Maria Jean-Claude Landry.
Furthermore, the mayor is confident that the final authorizations for the work will be obtained under the direction of the Ministry of Public Security for the commercial sector.
“It’s coming in gradually, and we should have all the requests made before the work begins,” says the elected official. The authorizations are expected before the scheduled start of construction in late May or early June, with work continuing through November.
For the commercial component, the government of Quebec granted $9.3 million in June 2022, while the municipality will need to contribute $684,000 to complete the financial package. “I won’t give any figures because we’re in a call for tenders, but it should be included in the budget,” noted the mayor.
The construction zone will span approximately 2.4 kilometers. However, for the Rue des Tournepierres area, Civil Security has determined that any work would serve no purpose in protecting residents, since the long-term effects of a construction project would be non existent.
“The municipality is ensuring the protection of property and will support people,” he said. It’s difficult to predict what will happen next, but public services will be provided up to a certain limit.
“Services will be maintained over time until it’s reasonable to do so. With climate change, we can’t predict what will happen in 10 or 20 years. Climate change will affect local residents,” the mayor explained.
Approximately 53 residents live in the vacinity. Property owners could receive a maximum compensation of $385,000 to vacate the street. Protecting this area was estimated to cost $41 million. Last winter, three major storms severely impacted Pointe Verte residents.