BONNIE JAMES
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – A public consultation on March 3 at the Community Lodge drew about 30 residents to discuss the proposed John-Dale Rd. affordable housing project. Developers Matthieu Jodoin and Michelle Poirier Asselin of Les Maisons PAJ answered questions, alongside Shawville Mayor Bill McCleary, Building Inspector Charles Gallant, and most of the municipal council. Councillor Bill Hobbs was absent due to work.
The meeting was heated, with residents expressing support and opposition. Handouts detailed the project layout, building designs, and responses to concerns from a previous consultation on February 3. No formal presentation was given; instead, the meeting went straight to public questions.
Mayoral hopeful Linda Davis asked why the developers weren’t using land already zoned for commercial housing. Poirier Asselin said landowners were unwilling to sell, while Gallant noted high-density zoning is scarce. McCleary explained that serviced land is preferred for affordable housing to keep costs down. The John-Dale Rd. lots have water and sewer access and are adjacent to high-density zoning.
A resident asked about water pressure, and Gallant confirmed there is sufficient supply.
Concerns centered on safety, aesthetics, and population growth. Carole Valin questioned the number of buildings, saying, “We moved to that end of town because it was nice and quiet. This is going to change everything.” Jodoin replied that reducing the number of buildings would leave empty lots where families could live.
Another resident suggested building more daycares instead of apartments. Gallant explained that government daycares are built based on population density and that an increase in population could justify more services, including daycare spots and health care.
Not all opposed the project. Former resident Charlie Taylor said that he’s hoping to move back to Shawville, “I’m thrilled to see the buildings already gone up! They look great!”
Sidewalks and streetlights
Residents repeatedly requested a sidewalk extension along John-Dale Rd. from West St. to New Hope Church. McCleary said the construction of a sidewalk would be too expensive, but that the municipality could widen the asphalt and install barriers to create a pedestrian/bike lane. Jodoin said Maisons PAJ would install a sidewalk the length of the project.
Residents also raised concerns about poor lighting. Jodoin said the buildings would have exterior lights and additional lighting on the properties.
Increased traffic, speeding, and the proximity of a wetland 175 feet behind the property line were also concerns.
Davis questioned the safety of the buildings’ metal stairs. Jodoin assured that the grooved aluminum stairs are winter-safe.
Built to code
Davis argued the stairs and landings aren’t accessible for emergency medical services. Jodoin responded that they meet standard width requirements, and Gallant confirmed they comply with the building code. A resident added, “Built to code is a lot safer than living in an old building that’s a fire trap.” Councillor Julian Gagnon agreed, stressing the need for safe housing for low-income families.
Accessibility
Residents urged that all ground-floor units should meet accessibility standards, with features like wide door frames and lower counters. Jodoin said units could be built to these standards if requested by buyers or if there was enough interest.
Rentability
Some questioned the need for more units when some built last year remain vacant. Jodoin responded that some of those buildings were only delivered at the beginning of February and that most units have already been rented.
Next steps
Council was set to vote on rezoning the land for commercial housing at its March 11 meeting. The results were not available at press time. The sale of the lots depends on the zoning change. If approved, the resolution will go to the MRC’s Council of Mayors for final approval before a building permit is issued.
Photo caption: A rendering of the new apartment buildings proposed for John-Dale Rd. (Les Maisons PAJ)