Bonnie James

Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative

SHAWVILLE – On November 22, the MRC held the first of three public consultations on the revision of the Agricultural Zone Development Plan (PDZA) at the Little Red Wagon Winery in Shawville. Local agriculture stakeholders were invited to discuss regional priorities for the next five years.

The event was led by MRC Economic Development Commissioner for Agriculture Shanna Armstrong and Groupe Pleine-Terre’s Assistant Director and Consultant for Cash Crops and Territory Management Samuel Comptois. The 42 participants were divided into six groups to engage in three activities to help identify regional priorities. Each group included a facilitator from the MRC who recorded the ideas presented.

The first activity had participants discussing “elements of value of the MRC Pontiac”. The groups were asked to identify local elements that are essential and distinctive. One group identified the Shawville Fair and Island Fest. They also discussed the importance of the cattle industry and maple syrup production, both which they felt are underdeveloped and have potential. Participating in the discussion was MRC Director of Land Use Planning and Environment Jason Durand, who talked about the potential for developing a Pontiac “appellation réservée” or “appellation d’origine contrôlée”, which is a local product that the region would be known for.

The second activity gave each group a different scenario and asked them to discuss what challenges might be faced locally in each instance. The challenges presented included items such as marketing livestock to out-of-province buyers and integrating successors into a family business. Farmer Emily Evterra talked about the challenges a family farm may face in trying to build additional residences on a property due to strict government regulation and red tape. She said these same challenges are a hinderance in building and providing staff or visitor accommodations.

The final activity was titled “Tomorrow’s Front Page” and asked participants what future success stories they envision for Pontiac agriculture. One group said they hope to see an influx of young farmers resulting from the promotion of agriculture education today. They talked about the importance of introducing kids to agriculture who might not otherwise have the exposure. They discussed ways to connect schools with farms to foster interest among the students.

The MRC will now take the information gathered and identify four emerging themes or priorities. A second forum will be held in February where small groups will be invited to discuss the themes and priorities identified that affect them. Based on the information gathered in these forums, the MRC will create an action plan in the spring. The third and final forum will be held in fall 2024 to present the preliminary revision of the PDZA and gather feedback. The plan will then be finalized in winter 2025.

Photo: L/R: Amy Taylor, Jason Durand, Nicole Craig, Rachel Soar Flande, and Charleen and Garry Overton participate in a group discussion at the first PDZA forum November 22 in Shawville.

Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative

MRC PONTIAC – The MRC Pontiac’s Council of Mayors’ monthly meeting was held November 22 at the MRC headquarters in Litchfield.

2024 Budget

The MRC accountant, Annie Vaillancourt, presented a balanced budget for 2024, showing an increase of 3.7%; it was approved unanimously. A press release from the MRC read: “With this budget, the MRC has given itself the means to pursue its mission of revitalizing and developing the region’s economy, while focusing on its core responsibilities, such as property assessment, public safety and land use planning. Also on the environmental front, the MRC is giving itself the capacity to meet provincial requirements for the recovery of residual materials by introducing recycling and compost collection in interested municipalities.”

Highlights of the budget include:

• Total MRC Pontiac expenditures: $9.8 million

• Municipal shares  revenue ($4.2M)

• Transfers, grants etc ($5.5M)

• Appropriation from the surplus of $145,000 to balance the budget.

Expenditure by department:

• Administration: $1,970,209

• Public Safety and Engineering: $459,187

• Assessment: $1,282,423

• Land Use Planning and Development: $1,827,227

• Economic Development Projects and Activities: $3,523,363

• Transportation: $634,500

• Renovation programs: $31,500

• Financing costs and capital expenditures: $110,319

• Warden election costs by universal vote (pro-rated over four years): $20,000

FRR Stream 2 projects approved

Of 14 project applications received, five were approved:

• The Fort-Coulonge Knights of Columbus will receive $41,982.48 to install insulation and ventilation in the attic of their community hall.

• Groupe L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet’s Honouring Our Roots project will receive $36,178.26 to build a gazebo.

• The Municipality of Thorne will receive $33,191.85 towards the second phase of development of the multi-complex.

• The Municipality of Otter Lake will receive $26,000 to build a rest area as part of the development of the recreational grounds.

• The Municipality of L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet will receive $66,201.90 for the development of La Jeunesse Park.

The total amount of funds to be distributed is $203,554.49.

Piscine Pontiac pool project

The mayors moved to support steps taken by Piscine Pontiac to establish a public swimming pool. The Piscine Pontiac organization will be submitting an application for funding to Quebec’s Financial Assistance Program for Recreational, Sports and Outdoor Infrastructure (PAFIRSPA) on December 5. MRC Warden Jane Toller said that an answer is expected in June.

The proposed facility includes two swimming pools, but no gym, as previously planned. The project is expected to cost $12.2 million with 90% funded by the provincial government. Piscine Pontiac will need to raise the final $1.2 million for the build. Toller said the pool will be set up as a non-profit organization and its operation and maintenance will not be taxpayer funded. Operating costs are expected to be covered by fundraising and donors as well as potential membership fees.

Legal action

Council moved to hire a law firm to “put an end to defamatory, tendentious, and derogatory comments made against the MRC and its employees on Facebook and to request the retraction of these comments.” Earlier this month, the MRC’s lawyers issued a formal notice to Pat Goyette of Fort-Coulonge regarding comments that he made on his Pontiac Independent Facebook page. The notice ordered Goyette to “immediately stop publishing any postings which call into question the integrity and transparency of the MRC” regarding Goyette’s questions about the employment of a specific staff member and their possession of an MRC credit card. The notice also ordered Goyette to retract his comments, which he later did, stating that he was doing so under duress as he couldn’t afford a legal battle with the MRC.

Photo: New Rapides-des-Joachims Mayor Lucie Rivet Paquette takes the mic at her first Council of Mayors meeting November 22.

Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative

Bouffe Pontiac will be collecting donations for their annual Christmas basket campaign on December 7 at four locations: on Hwy 148 in Campbell’s Bay and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes and in Shawville on Main Street and Rue Argue. Look for firefighters or police officers at the drop off locations. Donations can also be dropped off during regular business hours at the Bouffe Pontiac office, but they request that you call in advance: 819-648-2550. Director Kim Laroche said the items most needed for the baskets are peanut butter, jam, canned tuna, canned meats, and other non-perishable proteins.

The baskets will be distributed to families and individuals in need from December 17 – 21. The baskets include everything needed for a traditional Christmas dinner and breakfast: A turkey or ham, stuffing, meat pie, potatoes, beans, vegetables, cake mix, coffee, pancake mix, bacon, and eggs. The baskets also include other staples such as fruits, vegetables, and protein to go beyond Christmas.

Laroche estimates that between 250 – 280 baskets will be distributed. The Campbell’s Bay Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and volunteers will help with deliveries to families and individuals with no vehicle. Those with a vehicle are asked to pick up their basket at Bouffe Pontiac in Campbell’s Bay.

Individuals or families who wish to receive a basket can register by calling 819-648-2550 by November 20. Proof of address and identity are required as baskets are only available to residents of MRC Pontiac.

Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the campaign. Call Kim Laroche at the number above.

Photo: Christmas basket prepared by Bouffe Pontiac.