Dale Shutt

DALE SHUTT
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

PORTAGE-DU-FORT – Members of artPontiac met at the Stone School Gallery, December 10, for their annual general meeting. Arts consultant Jane Needles chaired the meeting, while President Stephanie Pete outlined projects and other accomplishments from the 2023-24 year, and Treasurer Pat Forrest provided financial statements.

Needles is working with Culture Outaouais’ Tremplin initiative, designed to provide support for Outaouais arts, culture and heritage organizations to increase their professionalism and organizational capacity. Needles, a professor of arts administration with 40 years of experience, has worked with artPontiac since May 2024 and will continue to advise the organization as it restructures in 2025.

Many arts organizations have struggled to continue operations since COVID; some 45% of non-profit arts centres in Canada have closed due to the pandemic and lack of funding. “It was said at the beginning of the pandemic that the arts would be the first to close down and the last to reopen,” said Needles.

Due to the hard work of the board of directors, artPontiac continued operating in 2024 with reduced programming. The current board, under Needles’ mentorship, hopes to restructure the organization to get it back on its feet.

“The future of arts organizations will be in networking, partnership and collaboration with other arts organizations,” said Pete. To this end, the board has begun discussions with organizations like the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) and the 100 Mile Arts Network and is planning a series of community consultations and roundtable discussions to guide their activities and reinvigorate the organization in the coming years.

artPontiac has existed for 35 years, 20 of those as a registered non-profit. Their mission is to support and promote art and artists in the Pontiac. Their programming has included gallery and travelling exhibitions, a studio tour, arts courses and workshops, an artists’ residency, professional development seminars and a members’ shop. Over the years, the association has received many accolades for its success in popularizing the appreciation of art in the Pontiac​.

Photo – artPontiac Board of Directors 2024-25, from left: Pat Forrest, Stephanie Pete, and Jennifer Haughton. Missing from photo: Bryan Chen. (DS)

Dale Shutt
Local Journalism Initiative

ALLEYN-ET-CAWOOD – On December 14, the Alleyn-et-Cawood (AC) Council and Evaluation Task Force held a public information session at Bethany Hall in Danford Lake with thirty-plus AC residents and supporters present.

The meeting’s purpose was to inform ratepayers of the actions taken so far by the Council and to address the significant and inequitable increases in property values and taxes. Pro-Mayor Sydney Squitti began by outlining the actions undertaken since June 2024 culminating with their unanimous resolution requesting the annulment of the 2025-2027 triennial roll. This was presented at the November MRC council meeting and a vote on the MRC’s new bylaw for the calculation of municipal shares is scheduled for the December meeting of the MRC Council of Mayors (CoM).

The next presenter was Charles Lapoutre, a member of the Order of Chartered Appraisers of Quebec, with 40 years’ experience as a real estate appraiser and municipal assessor in the Outaouais region, including the Pontiac. He has been working with the Task Force to clarify how municipal evaluations are currently calculated using the median proportion: in each year of a triennial roll, a connection is made between the selling prices of properties with their assessment as entered on the current roll. With examples of eight properties evaluated, he showed how the median proportion system could seriously distort the value of the properties, especially if they are re-valued every year. In the opinion of M. Lepoutre, this is a waste of resources and time. “Why have a triennial roll if you will still adjust values year by year?” he asked, adding that this method distorts the actual value and does not take into account the differences between the many types of properties and their  neighborhood locations.

He gave the example of two properties located on the same lake where one has a year-round municipally maintained road and the other has no road access, suggesting this “neighbourhood” would not accurately assess the relative values. The problem for Alleyn-et-Cawood partially lies in the purchasing in 2022 of multiple tracts of vacant land by a developer who sold them for 3 and 4 times the purchase price without actually developing them. M. Lepoutre asked why the FQM did not isolate this newly created “neighborhood” so it didn’t unfairly affect the value of the properties surrounding it. He further suggested that a better system of evaluation would include a calculation of the overall “weight” of each municipality, taking into account the availability and access to services and infrastructure.

An audience member questioned the expert opinions that the CoM received from the FQM (Fédération québecquoise des municipalities) and suggested that this presents a conflict of interest. She then asked Warden Jane Toller, who attended the meeting, if the CoM would be willing to ask M. Lepoutre to speak at a meeting. Warden Toller agreed that could be helpful with the earliest opportunity in January 2025. Pro-Mayor Squitti then suggested that the CoM remove the by-law vote from the agenda of the December meeting and defer it until January as a show of good faith towards AC’s attempt to rectify this issue. Warden Toller said she would suggest the deferral and the request to have M. Lepoutre speak to the council.

The final comment came from Pro-Mayor Squitti concerning AC’s outstanding 2024 shares and the resolution presented to the MRC offering to pay based on the true evaluation and not the budgeted evaluation. “If we were charged in error, it should be corrected.”

The Allyen-et-Cawood council intends to continue the fight to amend the tax roll in 2025 and invited mayors and councillors from all municipalities to take advantage of the research they have done to explore and clarify this province-wide problem. The meeting was recorded and is available to view on YouTube at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XCJjUE48v1s.

Dale Shutt

Local Journalism Initative

QUYON: On November 29, at the Quyon Community Centre, educator Audrey Lapointe, historian Maude Lambert, and Friends of Chats Falls president Deborah Powell presented the findings from an archeological dig conducted at Indian Point near Chats Falls on the Kichi Zībī / Ottawa River.

Chats Falls, now the site of the Chats Falls Dam, was originally a 35’ waterfall. The falls presented a significant obstacle to all travellers on the river, forcing Anishinabe Algonquin, coureur des bois, and voyageurs alike to portage around it.

The community volunteer group Friends of Chats Falls, supported by the MRC Des Collines and Municipality of Pontiac, recognized that this obstacle site could also provide archeologists and citizens the opportunity to discover the area’s history.

Over two weekends in September, archaeologists, historians, community members, and local students gathered for the second year of digs at Indian Point. Their findings unearthed various artifacts, and more significantly, the foundations of a building. The original building, deemed a homestead circa 1786, later became the site of a series of trading posts ending with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821.

The artifacts found at the site include pottery, china, glass, brass buttons, metal objects, and clay pipes used by the voyageurs who plied the waterway – all of which speak volumes about the people who passed through or lived there.

The original area surveys show that the site at Indian Point is not the only potential place of interest. The group hopes that further research will be undertaken, perhaps in collaboration with representatives of the Historical Society of Outaouais, the Outaouais Regional Museum and the MRC Pontiac, which attended the presentation and expressed interest in the Indian Point project.

Information about the project and any further projects is available at the Friends of Chats Falls website and Facebook page.

Photo – Educator Audrey Lapointe, historian Maude-Emmanuelle Lambert, and Friends of Chats Falls president Deborah Powell give a presentation on the findings of the 2024 Archéo-Pontiac dig, Nov. 29, at the Quyon Community Centre. (DP)

Dale Shutt

Local Journalism Initiative

CAMPBELL’S BAY – In a two-part seminar held at the Golden Age Club on November 22 and 28, Connexions Resource Centre offered workshops aimed at demystifying and better understanding the differences between palliative care, palliative sedation and medical assistance in dying (MAID).

At the first session, facilitator Manon Lafrenière, a private consultant and member of the Association of Bereavement Support Therapists (ATRAAD), asked the group three questions: their definition of death, their fears about dying and their ability to talk about these issues with family members. She then explained the difference between palliative care and palliative sedation.

Palliative Care focuses on treating and relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care can start as early as a person’s diagnosis or later in their illness. It can occur alongside other types of treatment for the disease.

Palliative Sedation involves administering the least amount of medication necessary to reduce consciousness and relieve severe symptoms in the final days of life. It’s a last resort when other treatments have failed and isn’t intended to hasten death.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) was the topic of the second session. MAID has been legal in Canada since 2016. To be eligible, patients must have a valid provincial health card, be 18 years or older, be mentally able to give consent, and be suffering from a serious and incurable illness. A request for MAID requires medical assessment by two independent practitioners. A written request must be signed, witnessed and filed.

The original law mandated that immediately before the procedure, applicants must re-confirm consent. In 2021, an amendment allowed individuals whose death is reasonably foreseeable to sign a waiver of final consent after their application has been assessed and approved. Currently, Quebec has the highest rate of medically assisted deaths in the world with 5,211 requests filed in 2023. In October 2024, a new Quebec law was passed allowing a person to make an advance request to receive MAID after they’ve become incapacitated.

Throughout the seminars, Lafrenière emphasized the need for open communication within families who have a loved one facing death from an incurable disease. She outlined programs and assistance available through ATRAAD and provided links to federal and provincial websites with information on palliative care and MAID.

Photo – Bereavement Support Therapist Manon Lafrenière speaks to a group at the Campbell’s Bay Golden Age Club about palliative care, palliative sedation, and MAID. (DS)

Dale Shutt
Local Journalism Initiative

CAMPBELL’S BAY – A radon awareness forum was held on November 2 at the RA centre in Cambell’s Bay. The event was organized by Judith Spence of Citizens of the Pontiac and featured guest speakers Kelly Bush (Health Canada), Marcel Brascoupe and Arthur Ladouceur (Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists), and Pascal Proulx (Western Quebec School Board (WQSB).

Radon is a radioactive gas originating from the breakdown of uranium in the ground, which occurs everywhere in Canada. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer deaths in non-smokers resulting in an estimated 3,000 deaths per year in Canada. Health Canada estimates that 10% of homes across the country have radon levels above the guideline. They also estimate that 50% of total radiation exposure over our lifetimes is from exposure to radon and 90% of that exposure happens right in your own home. According to Health Canada, the acceptable level of radon is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200Bq/m³).

What can you do?
Testing is easy and inexpensive. You can purchase a do-it-yourself testing kit. A word of caution: be sure to buy a test kit from a certified supplier. An accurate test needs to be done over a three-month period, ideally during fall or winter. The alternative is to hire a
professional certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (www.C-NRPP.ca). Radon levels in the home can be reduced by more than 80% for about the same cost as replacing a furnace or air conditioner.

Radon monitoring in Pontiac schools
Pascal Proulx, Assistant Director General and Director of Buildings, Equipment, and Technology at the WQSB, informed the meeting that tests have been conducted in the following Pontiac schools: Dr. Wilbert Keon, St-John’s, Onslow, McDowell, and Pontiac High School. Their radon levels were found to be well below the recommended maximum, ranging between 10 and 18 Bq/m³. The board will continue to test schools over a six-year cycle.

Want to learn more?
Go to www.takeactiononradon.ca or www.canada.ca/radon to find a test kit or a certified professional.

Dale Shutt

Local Journalism Initiative

CAMPBELL’S BAY – At a fundraising breakfast held on October 2 at the Campbell’s Bay RA, Jane Toller, MRC Warden, accompanied by Centraide Outaouais directors Émilie Gorin-Denois and Cédric Tessier, announced the results of the 2024 fundraising campaign. A total of $9,700 was raised: $4,500 from the 225 tickets sold for the breakfast and $5,200 from donations by local businesses and organizations.

Rachel Soar-Flandé, Economic Development Agent for Housing at the MRC, is responsible for much of the increase in donations through her canvassing efforts. She told the Journal, “I was absolutely thrilled with the participation of all the businesses and organizations in the Pontiac… 62 of them! Their donations raised our total two and a half times higher than last year.”

In attendance at the event was Jessy Desjardins, who with his brother, Kevin, and father, Gilles, are co-presidents of the 80^th Centraide Outaouais Campaign.  The Desjardins family and their company Brigil Construction are well known for their philanthropic work in the region. After complimenting Elsa Renwick for cooking the delicious breakfast, Jessy expressed the hope that “his family’s example of intergenerational participation will teach a new generation about the value of philanthropy”.

Centraide communications director Émilie Gorin-Denois informed the Journal that funds will be allocated back to the MRC in June 2025 after all campaign investments have been calculated. Warden Toller estimates that Centraide will top up the funds by a multiple of eight and the money will assist seven community organizations: Bouffe Pontiac, Centre Serge Bélaire, Comptoir St. Pierre, Jardin Educatif, La Maison de la famille, La Maison des jeunes and Le Patro.

Photo – MRC Warden Jane Toller presents Centraide with a cheque for $9,700 at the MRC’s fundraiser breakfast, October 2. L/R: Émilie Gorin-Denois, Rachel Soar-Flandé, Jane Toller, Jessy Desjardins, Olivier St-Amor. (DS)

Dale Shutt
Local Journalism Initiative

LITCHFIELD – In 2009, in recognition of the role the arts play in the development of its territory, the MRC adopted an Artwork Acquisition Policy to permanently display local work at the MRC building. The collection showcases the talent and artistic diversity of the region.

The latest addition to the collection, unveiled September 11, was a painting in ink and acrylic on canvas titled Pèlerinage d’enracinement pontissois by Fort-Coulonge artist Michèle “AimPée” Parent.

Parent is a mixed media artist who moved to the Pontiac two years ago with her husband. Describing the inspiration for her oeuvre, Parent spoke of the importance of taking the time to look closely because there’s always more to see beyond the first glance and of trusting the process and your own heart. “The motivation for this piece was to explore the concept of identity. Specifically, what is my identity in this new place I want to make mine, where I want to grow my roots,” she said.

Growing up in the Laurentian forest region, Parent now feels quite at home in the Pontiac. She’s currently building a studio in Fort-Coulonge where she will create her art and host cooperative workshops and residencies with other artists.

Photo – Artist Michèle “AimPée” Parent unveils her piece, Pèlerinage d’enracinement pontissois, at the MRC headquarters, September 11. (DS)

DALE SHUTT

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

 SHAWVILLE – The House of Inspiring Flowers on Victoria Ave. in Shawville was the target of a theft in broad daylight on Wednesday, August 14.

Owner Chelsea Smith, still somewhat shaken, told the Journal: “Around noon, two middle-aged women claiming to be visitors from Italy entered the shop. One of the women purchased an item, but the second woman kept requesting to enter the back room reserved for employees.” The woman then pointed to a particular colour of flower that she said she wanted. Ms. Smith proceeded into the back room to prepare the order and while she was occupied, the other woman reached over the counter and emptied the cash drawer. Both women then left the store abandoning the requested flowers. After waiting a few minutes, Ms. Smith, suspecting they were not intending to return, checked her cash drawer and discovered the theft.

After calling the Sûreté du Quebec (SQ) to report the incident, Ms. Smith discovered that a neighbouring business caught the woman’s car, a black Mazda without any license plates, on their surveillance camera footage.

As of our publication date, the SQ has been unavailable for comment.

Dale Shutt

Local Journalism Initiative

SHAWVILLE – A year of study and consultation came to fruition on June 20 with the signing of an agreement between the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) and members of the Réseau de services locaux (RSL or LSN Local Service Network)

This joint committee was created as a communication and consultation vehicle favoured by CISSSO to achieve their mandate to provide leadership in concert with local health and social service providers.

The RSL-LSN stakeholders in the agreement represent a wide scope of health and social service providers in Pontiac, including government, community development, youth, and education organizations, as well as private enterprises like pharmacies, chiropractors, and medical clinics. Twelve members signed the agreement, with ten more expected to sign.

Objectives of the agreement
The new agreement aims to create a collaborative framework in response to health and social service needs. The RSL committee will ensure transparent communication for service planning and assessment. The main objective is to improve customer care and experience while ensuring the people’s voice is heard.

Action Plan
By developing an action plan, the committee will provide a comprehensive, collective response to the population’s needs that builds on the current situation to improve the accessibility, continuity, and quality of local and specialized services.

According to Nicole Boucher-Lariviére, CISSSO’s Pontiac director of local services, the RSL Pontiac Action Plan will create a structure to make the best use of local stakeholders’ expertise and experience, to set priorities, attract new services and better serve the population.

Photo – LSN committee members present to sign an agreement with CISSSO, June 20, in Shawville. Back L/R: Nadine Carpentier; Denis Rossignol, CSSHBO Director General; Michel Vallière, member representing TDSP; Rémi Bertrand, Board Member; Nicole Boucher-Larivière, LSN Pontiac Director; Karim El-Kerch, CJEP Director General; and Shelley Heaphy, member representing Connexions Resource Centre. Front L/R: Jennifer Larose, User Committee President; Jane Toller, MRC Pontiac Warden; Joanne Dubois, LSN Pontiac Assistant Director; Richard Gratton, member representing seniors; Isabelle Gagnon, member representing private health organizations; and Rhonda Perry, member representing SADC. (DS)

Dale Shutt

Local Journalism Initiative  

SHAWVILLE – The Pontiac Community Hospital Board (PCHB) announced the first recipients of the MacLachlan Family Bursary Program for nursing students, June 11.  

The bursary program, revealed in April by PCHB Vice-President Alan Dean and Health Network Coordinator Nicole Boucher-Larivière, will provide $100,000 towards assisting nursing students in achieving their education goals. Accepted students will receive $5,000 per academic year in full-time studies and $2,500 for part-time.  

Four nursing students – varying in current educational status and experience – qualified for the first year of the program. As each student graduates, a new recipient will be chosen to replace them.

Julie Soucie, who currently works in the long-term facility at the PCH, was encouraged by her supervisor to upgrade her qualifications. She has attended school three days per week for the past year and will finish her studies next year.  

Marie-Pier Dufour has family in Pontiac but lives in Gatineau. She just finished her first year in nursing school and wants to settle in the Pontiac once she graduates. She currently works during the summer in reception at the CLSC Mansfield.  

Sarah Jewell started her career as a PSW in the long-term facility and is currently working as a nursing student in the PCH emergency department. She graduat­ed from nursing school this year and now wishes to pursue her BA at Université du Québec en L’Outaouais.  

Kayla Legault from Fort-Coulonge is the youngest recipient. She will start nursing school next September.  

Students will have guaranteed work at the PCH or Mansfield CLSC during their studies and summer vacations. After graduation, they must agree to work one year in the Pontiac for every year they receive a bursary.  

PCH is in desperate need of full-time nurses. Currently, only 15% of its nursing staff are full-time. The rest of the nursing staff is outsourced to the private sector. Bill MacLachlan and his wife Inga Gusarova, sponsors of the bursary fund, said it’s a privilege to be part of the solution.   

Photo – PCH Board members and nursing students: Natalie Romain, Amanda Gervais,
Nicole Boucher-Larivière, Julie Souci, Sarah Jewell, Marie-Pier Dufour, Bill MacLachlan,
Inga Gusarova, Alan Dean, and Dr. Tom O’Neill. (DS)

DALE SHUTT

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

SHAWVILLE – At a meeting organized by MP Sophie Chatel, held at The Little Red Wagon Winery, May 31, local agricultural producers and representatives from various agriculture associations joined to discuss and make suggestions concerning agri-food sustainability, security, and economic development in the Pontiac.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, current Minister for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and former Minister of Agriculture, joined Chatel at the podium. Following a brief introduction, Chatel spoke of her work with the Rural Caucus concerning sustainability and economic development in the agricultural sector, stating they are working on a strategy to present to the National Caucus this coming September.

Agriculture security and sustainability are important topics in the Pontiac where 32% of the population are involved in food production and where agricultural revenues are currently down.

Ms. Chatel then opened the floor to questions from the 30-plus people in attendance. The first question concerned supply management and possible ways to create a system to make locally grown food more accessible to vulnerable community members. Reinforcing this idea was a suggestion to better educate our children about how food is produced and the importance of buying locally for health and economic reasons.

More than one person expressed concern over food autonomy and competition with imported foods, where the production standards for these foods are either unknown or do not meet the standards expected of Canadian farmers.

Frustration was expressed over complicated government regulations and red tape that farmers must deal with daily. This brought up concern over the mental health of a farming community already struggling to deal with the effects of climate change and inflated operational expenses.

Although the meeting ended with more questions pending, Chatel assured everyone that she was always available through her office or e-mail to reply to inquiries and that more chances to meet might be planned.

DALE SHUTT – LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

SHAWVILLE – On April 26, Alan Dean, Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation vice-president and Nicole Boucher- Lariviére, health network coordinator, revealed details about a new bursary for Pontiac nursing students.

The MacLachlan Family Bursary has an envelope of $100,000 to help nursing students achieve their education goals. Accepted students will receive $5,000 for each academic year in full-time studies and $2,500 for part-time.

The bursary is funded by William MacLachlan Jr., his wife Inga Gusarova, and sisters Dre Carol Richardson and Janice Bukle. Recognizing that tuition and lodging are often difficult for Pontiac families, the bursary’s goal is to help and encourage local nursing students. The family has indicated that future bursaries may be available.

Interested students can contact the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation. They must submit a cover letter (max 500 words) explaining why they should be selected, their reasons for applying, and their desire to pursue a career in a rural area, preferably the Pontiac. They must also submit a copy of their most recent academic transcript or a letter of attestation confirming they’re on track to successfully complete their program as well as proof of full-time or part-time enrollment in a nursing education program in Québec or Ontario for the next year. Students already enrolled who have not finished their nursing studies can also apply.

Students are guaranteed work at the Pontiac Community Hospital or the CLSC in Mansfield during their studies and summer vacations. After graduation, they must agree to work one year in the Pontiac for every year they’ve received a bursary. 

Photo – Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation Vice-President Alan Dean and Health Network Coordinator Nicole Boucher-Lariviére introduced a new nursing bursary on April 26. (DS)