TASHI FARMILO
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MRC PONTIAC – At the MRC Pontiac’s Council of Mayors meeting on August 21, it was officially announced that Otter Lake Mayor Terry Lafleur was selected as the MRC’s assistant director general. Lafleur, who has held several roles in municipal governance, including positions in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Chichester, and Otter Lake, will begin his new duties on September 16.
“By accepting this role, I unfortunately have to resign as mayor of Otter Lake,” said Lafleur, explaining why he applied for the position. “The opportunity came up and I felt I could make a strong contribution based on my experience. I’ve been working in municipal roles for the past 12 years, and this position allows me to bring that expertise to a broader regional context,” he added.
Lafleur hopes to make a significant impact. “I’ll be taking on more responsibilities in areas like economic development, assessment, and urban planning. My goal is to assist the MRC in making informed decisions that benefit the region’s future,” he told the Journal. One of his immediate tasks will be aiding in the implementation of Act 25, a provincial regulation on the use and protection of personal data.
Reflecting on his time as mayor, Lafleur expressed gratitude for the community and council’s efforts. “We’ve done a lot as a municipal council over the last three years, and while there’s still a lot to do, Otter Lake is set up well for the future. Our council and staff are fantastic, and I’m confident the municipality is in good hands.”
Otter Lake will need to hold a byelection within the next four months. Deputy Mayor Jennifer Quaile will step in as interim mayor until the by-election is held.