William Crooks
Ayer’s Cliff council members discuss local issues during their March 3 meeting in the basement of St-Barthélemy Catholic Church. Topics included infrastructure projects, fire department challenges, and resident concerns over tax hikes.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Ayer’s Cliff council met for its regular monthly meeting on March 3 in the basement of St-Barthélemy Catholic Church, with Mayor Simon Roy presiding and roughly 10 residents in attendance. While the meeting covered financial reports, infrastructure projects, and upcoming community events, the highlight came during the question period, when residents raised concerns about accessibility at the municipal library.

The discussion revolved around a planned installation of an external platform lift for people with reduced mobility, intended to replace the deteriorating ramp. Council members confirmed that federal funding of up to $115,000 had been secured to support the project, but some residents questioned whether this measure alone would be sufficient.

“The platform lift will make it easier to access the library,” one resident pointed out, “but once inside, how will people get to the second floor?” Mayor Roy acknowledged the limitation, noting that while the lift would resolve access issues at the entrance, there was currently no plan to install an internal elevator.

A resident with experience in mobility aids suggested exploring stairlift options similar to those used in private homes. “There are chair lifts that can transport people up one floor,” she said, proposing that council look into whether such a system could be adapted for the library. Mayor Roy responded that the town would be open to reviewing alternative solutions. “If you have details or an estimate from a company, send it to the town, and we’ll see if it’s feasible.”

Budget and financial matters

Earlier in the meeting, the council approved the town’s payable accounts for the month, totaling $275,000, with an additional $92,000 in expenses due to an extra payroll period. Council also confirmed that Ayer’s Cliff had received significant external funding this month, including $115,000 from the federal government for the library lift, $16,000 in waste management royalties, and $114,000 from the MRC for improvements at Tyler Park.

The town also discussed audit costs, noting that financial oversight remains a necessary expense. “Yes, accountants are expensive, but it ensures that taxpayer money is accounted for and protected,” said the mayor, emphasizing the importance of financial transparency.

Recreation and infrastructure updates

The condition of recreational facilities was another key topic. Council confirmed that nearly $230,000 had been secured for the planned refurbishment of the community’s outdoor hockey rink boards. Funding sources included a $115,000 grant from the MRC, a $10,000 contribution from a sports program, and $55,000 in private donations. The town is considering adding $50,000 of its own funds to close the funding gap. “Even if we don’t move forward with the full renovation, we’ll still need to replace the boards,” noted Mayor Roy.

In other infrastructure news, council approved an approximate $20,000 allocation for emergency repairs to sewer pipes on Brown’s-Hill Road, which forced a temporary road closure. The mayor expressed hope that the work could be completed within budget but warned that additional costs could arise depending on what is found underground.

Public safety concerns

The town received its 2024 fire department report, which raised concerns about firefighter availability. Of nine emergency situations last year that required a certain number of responders within a set time, only four met the required staffing levels. While Ayer’s Cliff itself was generally well-covered due to the proximity of the fire station, response times in outlying areas were more uncertain.

“This is a province-wide problem, not just specific to our region,” said one council member, noting that small fire services across Quebec struggle with recruitment and retention. The mayor added that many local firefighters are semi-volunteers, meaning they receive minimal pay despite being on call at all hours. “It’s essentially volunteer work where they put their lives at risk,” he said. “We’re lucky to have them.”

Community events and funding applications

Council approved several funding requests for upcoming community initiatives, including a $1,500 allocation for the town’s annual Green Day on May 18, which promotes environmental awareness through tree giveaways and other activities. The town is also seeking a grant to support a 2026 youth festival and has secured $2,300 for new sports equipment as part of a regional project promoting active lifestyles.

The council also discussed preparations for the summer events calendar, including the 12th annual Ayer’s Cliff Rodeo in June. The town will maintain its $1,500 sponsorship, as well as provide promotional materials and space for additional activities. In an effort to support large events like the rodeo and the annual agricultural fair, the council is considering a new bylaw that would temporarily adjust certain municipal rules, such as allowing short-term RV parking during event weekends. The proposal is still in draft form, and the town plans to consult with event organizers before finalizing the details.

Waste management and bulky item collection

Following difficulties with the regional reuse program, the town announced that it would withdraw from the local Ressourcerie initiative and instead organize three bulky item pickup days in May, August, and October. Residents will be required to register in advance to have large items like old furniture and appliances collected free of charge.

Tax hike concerns raised during question period

During the final moments of the meeting, a resident raised concerns about his recent property tax increase, questioning why his bill had gone up significantly. Mayor Roy explained that the tax adjustments were based on new property evaluations, which had increased across the municipality.

“If your taxes went up, it’s because your property value went up,” Roy said. “The town does not control those assessments; they are set by an independent evaluation process.” He also pointed out that while tax rates had not been raised, some residents were seeing higher bills due to reassessments.

The resident remained frustrated, saying the hike felt excessive. The mayor encouraged him to contact the municipal office for a breakdown of the increase and noted that property owners do have the right to challenge their evaluations if they believe there has been an error. “We understand that any increase can be frustrating, but the town is committed to keeping taxes as stable as possible while ensuring we have the funds to maintain essential services,” Roy said.

Looking ahead

Council concluded the meeting with updates on a proposed cycling route from the federal dock to the municipal beach. The provincial transportation ministry has agreed to assess potential designs at no cost to the town. However, council members cautioned that the project remains in its early stages. “At this point, we’re just exploring options,” said one councillor. “If the costs are too high, we’ll have to reconsider.”

The meeting, lasting over an hour and a half, adjourned after the final question period, with the next session set for April 7.