Environment

UPA requests more transparency from MRC over waterway management

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

As the annual spring flood waters receded from agricultural fields this past week, the subject of waterway management and the significance of well-maintained ditches and waterways was once again top of mind for some area producers.

Waterway management became a hot topic between the local syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) and the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent last September, when the local union passed a resolution calling for better management of the region’s waterways.

The resolution demanded better collaboration with the MRC, the municipalities, and the provincial government to ensure requests to clear waterways are addressed and the corresponding work is done according to a reasonable schedule. The union also asked that the MRC provide a complete overview of pending watercourse maintenance files.

The MRC, which is responsible for managing all assessments, as well as any work to maintain, clean, and develop the waterways flowing through its territory, has acknowledged there can be long delays, but suggests the process is bogged down by the administrative and technical complexity of government procedures.

An initial meeting took place between the MRC and representatives from the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate in early November. Unsatisfied with the information that was shared, the UPA resorted to submitting a formal access to information request to the MRC.

Following a decision by local union directors, a complaint was also filed with the Ministère des Affaires Municipales et de l’Habitation; however, this was later withdrawn.

The situation led to some friction between the two bodies, but the Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA’s president, Éric Leboeuf, noted at the February meeting that the union is working to rebuild the relationship. MRC director general Pierre Caza said the MRC is also “keen to maintain good relations with all its partners and collaborators.”

Catherine Turgeon, the UPA advisor for the local syndicate, confirms that the MRC has since produced a portrait of its ongoing waterway management files. “Now, it is a question of seeing how the MRC works with the engineering firms and the environment ministry so that the requests are unblocked and carried out within a reasonable timeframe,” she explained.

Turgeon noted that the MRC’s list of open maintenance requests contained around twenty files, some dating back to as early as 2018.

Caza has confirmed that the list of ongoing files will be made public, and that the regional government is currently developing a tool that will allow producers to follow the progress of their maintenance requests.

Caza said that in the meantime, questions regarding existing files should be addressed to the MRC’s waterways manager, David Rousseau. The MRC is also now suggesting that producers address new requests directly to Rousseau, who will then collaborate with the municipalities involved.

UPA requests more transparency from MRC over waterway management Read More »

FACING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Economic Uncertainty in Gaspésie’s Timber Industry

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist

ST-ELZEAR – The Gaspé Peninsula’s timber industry, a cornerstone of the region’s economy, finds itself navigating a period of significant economic uncertainty. With a heavy reliance on export markets, particularly the United States, the industry is acutely vulnerable to Trump’s shifts in trade policies and global market fluctuations. 

The volatile nature of the current U.S administration, under President Trump, casts a long shadow over the timber sector in the Gaspé Peninsula. Past trade disputes and policy changes have demonstrated the profound impact that external decisions can have on local businesses. The unpredictability of these factors creates a climate of anxiety, making long-term planning and investment a risky proposition. As Alexandre Lepage, a seasoned forest engineer, observed, “You just don’t know what’s coming next. One day, everything’s fine, the next, a new tariff, and you’re scrambling.” 

The region’s timber industry’s economic health is inextricably linked to exports, with a significant majority, 84%, destined for the United States. This heavy reliance underscores the vulnerability of the region to fluctuations in the American market. Any changes in U.S. trade policy, tariffs, or economic conditions can have immediate and substantial repercussions for Gaspésie’s producers. 

Adding to this external pressure are the internal challenges of modernization. Many of the region’s sawmills and processing facilities are grappling with aging infrastructure. “It’s a common sight,” Lepage noted, “to see brand-new, state-of-the-art machines sitting right next to equipment that’s decades old. That’s the reality of this industry.” The cost of upgrading these facilities, coupled with the uncertainty of future market conditions, makes significant capital investments a daunting prospect. “We’re living on tight margins,” he explained. “Every dollar counts, and with the way things are, it’s hard to justify taking on more debt.” 

The labour force also presents a complex set of uncertainties. Skills gaps within the workforce, particularly in relation to new technologies, are a growing concern. There are also disparities in compensation, which can create instability and affect workforce morale. The lack of unionization in specific sectors further contributes to a sense of uncertainty among workers, who may feel they have limited recourse in the face of changing industry dynamics. 

Furthermore, the significant financial burden of acquiring and maintaining modern machinery is a primary source of anxiety for many in the sector. “We’re not like the big companies in the States,” Lepage pointed out. “We’re tightly regulated here, to preserve the forests. That’s a good thing, but it also means we don’t have the same financial flexibility. We might not have the resilience to endure a long, drawn-out tariff war.” The difficulty in predicting future revenue streams makes it challenging to justify large expenditures, leading to a reluctance to invest in necessary upgrades. 

Even the growing trend of ing potential benefits, adds an element of uncertainty. While wood construction is presented as a sustainable and efficient alternative, the long-term market demand and the necessary infrastructure to support this growth remain unclear. 

The Gaspé Peninsula’s timber industry is facing a confluence of challenges. From the unpredictable nature of international trade to the internal pressures of modernization and workforce development, the sector is grappling with a high degree of economic uncertainty. Navigating these turbulent times will require careful planning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change, even as the path forward remains shrouded in doubt. 

This is the first in a journalistic series based on an interview with Engineer Alexandre Lepage, offering his insights on the sector’s current state.” 

FACING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Economic Uncertainty in Gaspésie’s Timber Industry Read More »

Small Steps, Big Impact: Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles & REGIM partner for a greener Gaspésie 

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Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist

CARLETON – At Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, a quiet revolution is underway. Beyond the classrooms and labs, a shift in commuting habits is taking place, driven by a commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the power of collective action. The institution is actively encouraging employees and students to embrace eco-friendly transportation, and the results are impressive. 

Annie Léonard, a Cégep employee, is a prime example. For the past two years, she’s been a regular rider of the REGIM (Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie Îles-de-la-Madeleine), the regional bus service. Her employer subsidizes a portion of her bus pass, making it a financially attractive alternative to driving. But for Annie, the benefits extend beyond cost savings. She’s consistently impressed by the dedication of the REGIM drivers, who go above and beyond to serve the students, whom they also drive to the Cégep since 2014. “The drivers make an incredible effort to best serve the students,” she says. She’s witnessed them adapt their routes to accommodate students, even turning back if they’ve missed a stop. They keep lost items safe and recognize the students who’ve misplaced them, creating a sense of community on the bus. “It’s more than just an environmentally conscious choice,” Annie explains. “It’s a humane experience.” 

For Cégep employees, the incentives are clear. Parking spaces on campus are expensive, designed to discourage single-occupancy vehicles. This has fostered a thriving carpooling culture, with teachers sharing rides and splitting parking costs. The Cégep has also installed electric car charging stations, which are used by a growing number of teachers. This visible commitment to sustainability creates a positive atmosphere, demonstrating that the institution is taking concrete steps to reduce its carbon footprint. 

A partnership between the Cégep and REGIM has further amplified the impact. The REGIM now provides bus service for students, replacing the traditional yellow school buses since 2014, according to the bus company. This collaboration, as Annie notes, fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the municipality and the region. 

Annie has also seen firsthand how raising concerns can lead to positive change. She’s previously requested improvements like better lighting at bus shelters and a crosswalk near a stop, demonstrating that the Cégep administration is receptive to suggestions. 

The financial benefits of taking public transit are undeniable. Considering the wear and tear on a vehicle, the rising cost of fuel, the carbon tax, and on-campus parking fees, the subsidized bus pass, costing Annie only $60 per month (down from $100), is a “no-brainer.” Despite this, the bus service struggles to fill up its seats on some days, showing partial adoption at best from the local population. 

While electric cars may not be accessible to everyone, there are always options for those wishing to lower their ecological footprint. Simply filling up your car with colleagues, instead of driving alone, is a great start. The Cégep’s efforts demonstrate that real change is possible when individuals and institutions work together. All it takes is a willingness to ask. 

Do you have a story to share about commuting in the Gaspésie? The Gaspé Spec invites readers to reach out and share their experiences with public transportation, whether it’s a wish for improvement or a positive story about how the REGIM has helped them. Let’s continue this conversation and work towards a greener future for our region. 

Full disclosure Arthur Poirier-Roy works for the Cegep.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles & REGIM partner for a greener Gaspésie  Read More »

Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA marks busy year of advocacy and representation

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Members of the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles met on February 20 in Ormstown for the local union’s annual general assembly.

Around 30 producers participated in the meeting, which included a presentation on carbon market prospects for the Quebec agricultural sector, as well as an introduction to a new group insurance program that has recently been opened to farmers and their employees.

Catherine Turgeon, the UPA advisor for the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate, spoke about several files or areas in which the union has intervened locally over the past year, including issues relating to construction and roadwork, municipal bylaws, the proposed asphalt plant in Havelock, and waterway management.

The UPA collaborates with the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable when planned roadwork may impede the movement of agricultural machinery. The local union was involved in the complete closure of Route 209 in Franklin between the Chemin de l’Artifice and Rang des Lemieux to repair a culvert last October.

Producers were informed of the urgent situation following an inspection that forced the closure of Route 209 during harvest season, and worked with the ministry and municipalities involved to ensure farmers could transport grain from their fields on roads where regular traffic was prohibited.

The UPA also consulted with the transport ministry on upcoming work to repair the bridge at Allan’s Corners in Très-Saint-Sacrement, which is expected to take place in 2026. Producers who farm on both sides of the Chateauguay River attended an information session last January organized by the Haut-Saint-Laurent and Beauharnois-Salaberry unions. The UPA is expecting answers to a request for producers to use the Brysonville railway bridge during the closure, as well as other questions raised by producers.

Turgeon says the UPA’s role in working with different levels of government is especially important to ensure new bylaws or regulations do not negatively impact agriculture. This past year, the UPA supported producers in Saint-Chrysostome by working with the municipality in April, after farmers raised questions about a proposed amendment to urban planning and zoning bylaws that would have required producers to obtain permits to cut trees in agricultural areas.

Turgeon highlighted the important role producers play in helping the UPA to know when new bylaws are introduced. “Keep up to date with what is happening, and do not hesitate to consult the UPA,” she said, noting it was much easier to intervene while bylaws are still in the planning stage and have not been adopted.

Another example of this is the UPA’s recent support of a protest held by Saint-Chrysostome producers after the municipality planned to raise the variable tax rate paid on agricultural land.

Regional issues

Jérémie Letellier, the president of the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, also spoke with producers on the different issues impacting agriculture at a more regional level, such as land-use planning and the loss of agricultural land.

“There is pressure from all sides,” he said, referring to the impacts of wind energy projects, hydro projects, road networks, and urban sprawl on the region’s agricultural land, noting there were around 360 files open with the Commission de Protection du Territoire Agricole. “There is an upward trend in requests concerning protection and access to natural environments,” he noted.

Letellier said that following public consultations, the Quebec government will soon introduce a bill to amend the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities. “Several of the proposed changes will weaken the protection regime and open the door to even wider non-agricultural uses,” he explained.

“We have the region where there is the most pressure from urbanization,” he added, while reiterating how important it is that agricultural land be protected.

Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA president Éric Leboeuf and vice-president Josiane Carrière then updated producers on the waterway management file and relations with the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent. A resolution was passed last fall calling for better collaboration with the MRC to ensure work to clear waterways is carried out. They noted the situation was evolving and that information pertaining to requests for work on ditches and waterways would soon be made public.

At the end of the meeting, a resolution was proposed by members asking the UPA federation to pressure the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation and the Quebec government to reform municipal taxation policies to prevent the MAPAQ budget from being used to finance municipalities through tax refunds. After a debate, the resolution was adopted, and the meeting was lifted.

Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA marks busy year of advocacy and representation Read More »

Caribou: Environnement vert plus is hopeful

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – Environnement vert plus believes the recovery of the caribou population offers a glimmer of hope for the species, even though the battle for its survival is far from over. 

The Ministry of Wildlife reports that the herd has grown by eight animals over the past year. This brings the total population to 30, including both wild and captive caribou. 

“It is presented to us as an increase compared to 2023, but in the general trend, we are still in decline. If we look at it compared to 2022, we had only 30 caribou. We are below this figure of 35-36, which is a concern because this is the second year in a row where we have a decrease compared to the three previous years, even though we are in a plan of supplanting in enclosures,” says Pascal Bergeron, spokesperson Environment vert plus. “We may have won a small battle, but we are far from having won the war,” he adds. 

While the Commission on the survival of the caribou emphasizes the importance of maintaining its habitat, the ecologist deplores that we continue to disrupt its habitat. 

“We are still planning cuts in the caribou habitat in the Gaspésie. There was a special development plan to cut wood damaged by the spruce budworm. We are going to further increase the cut area, and the roads, and it is counterproductive,” says Mr. Bergeron. The management plan would increase the caribou disturbance rate from 88% to 89%. 

“To succeed in having an autonomous herd, which would be stable and which we would not need to supplant in enclosures, we are talking about more than 35% disturbance rate. We must stop allowing the industry to go and get wood under the pretext that it has been damaged by an epidemic. These trees provide lichen, serving as a natural habitat that would not be conducive to predators. That is the most important thing,” says Mr. Bergeron. 

“Now is the time to make the right decision. The right decision is to stop cutting down the habitat. All the experts say so. When the budworm passes, there is light that enters the forest cover, the arboreal lichen develops more, and the trees lose branches throughout the winter. It becomes a pantry for the caribou. Leave them there,” maintains the environmentalist. 

Despite these concerns, Mr. Bergeron remains cautiously optimistic. 

“If we actively pursue the reproduction and release scenario and restore habitat and stop destroying it, there is a chance of caribou survival,” he concludes.

Caribou: Environnement vert plus is hopeful Read More »

City to pause food waste collection to install new scale

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City to pause food waste collection to install new scale

City to pause food waste collection to install new scale

Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

City officials are asking residents and business owners who use the city’s “purple bag” food waste collection program not to put their purple bags out for collection from Feb. 15-22, due to work being done at the city incinerator. 

During that time, workers will install a new scale to weigh the garbage that is returned to the incineration pit after the sorting of the purple bags, the city’s communications and citizen relations service said in a statement on Feb. 7. The scale “will allow the collection of data on the quantities of organic and non-organic residual materials,” they said.

Residents are asked not to place their purple bags in their bin during this period in order to keep them from going to the incinerator. 

This is the second time in the program’s history that food waste collection has been briefly paused for optimization; last January, collection was suspended for five days to facilitate improvements to the flow of bags on conveyor belts.  

The Ville de Québec launched its residential compost program in November 2022 in La Haute-Saint-Charles before gradually expanding it to the city’s five other boroughs. Since last year, businesses, industrial facilities and government institutions have been able to sign on voluntarily. Food waste at participating homes and businesses is separated into distinctive purple bags and sent to the city’s organic material biomethanization centre, adjacent to the incinerator, in Beauport. The residue is liquefied, heated and converted into methane gas and digestate, an agricultural fertilizer. 

According to the city website, 75 per cent of households participate in the voluntary food waste separation program. City officials say the conversion of food waste into methane has made it possible to inject more than four million cubic metres of renewable natural gas into the provincewide Énergir network. For more information on the program, visit ville.quebec.qc.ca/sacmauve. 

City to pause food waste collection to install new scale Read More »

A beach replenishment will be necessary in Percé

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – After noticing that the Anse du Sud beach will have to be replenished this year, Percé Mayor Daniel Leboeuf raised the issue with the Ministry of Public Security. 

The mayor noted work done in the 2010s, including the rebuilt promenade, and the beach replenishment which protects the promenade but it remains vulnerable in certain areas. 

“The emergency work carried out in the fall of 2023 made it possible to secure the promenade and other structures. Adjustment work was planned for 2024, but it happened at the beginning of the summer. There was a difference of opinion with what the Ministry of Public Safety was proposing and there were other incidents,” explains Mayor Leboeuf, referring to, without saying so, the resignation of former Mayor Cathy Poirier. 

“From one point of view, it was a good thing because, before Christmas, we had a few high tides that encroached on the recharge and the promenade is close to being in danger. We will need it done in 2025 and discussions with the Ministry of Public Safety have begun,” he says. 

In 2023, a massive recharge had been done, even going so far as to practically eliminate developments carried out in 2017. 

“It’s a bit of trial and error. We identified a few places where we would need to add more,” explains the mayor. 

The Ministry of Public Safety will assume the bulk of the costs, with a game plan expected by the end of January. Meanwhile, emergency repairs to the old promenade wall inside the fishing harbour, done last year, will need to be redone. The Ministry of Transport has been called in to address this portion. 

“The end of this promenade has been affected. Even the emergency work is starting to fail. We are losing big chunks of it,” says the elected official. “We will have to see if we will have to find another solution,” he says. 

Organizational diagnosis 

The Town of Percé has commissioned an organizational diagnosis to assess its municipal administration, following a report published last year on its operations. A contract worth $63,256, with the possibility of reaching $70,000 with various amendments, was awarded to the firm GO RH. 

At the January 14 municipal council meeting, some citizens questioned this expense, asking why the work was not done internally. “One of the problems we have to face is the shortage of municipal officers. The director of urban planning has left, the clerk has retired, and the municipal inspector is not in the office. It would be asking for extra work from the remaining employees for a human resources specialist approach,” explains the mayor. 

Using specialists who have experience could be beneficial for the Town of Percé. “They have seen other things and can find ways for us to operate more efficiently and perhaps even with a more reasonable budget. We found that it was a good investment,” he states. 

The town plans to meet with the firm in the coming days to define the schedule and the mayor hopes to submit the report by the end of the year. 

Even though the Commission had not made it an obligation, this exercise was strongly suggested. “When the school principal recommends that we line up and enter the classroom, we obey,” says Mr. Leboeuf 

Petition in support of Mr. Émile 

A petition to support the relocation project of Fumoir M. Émile de Percé has collected 634 signatures and has been submitted to the municipal council. 

The ten existing jobs, the strengthening of the agritourism economy, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, the international recognition of the product and its local pride are cited in support of the request. The petition, initiated by the employees, was submitted by co-owner Cathy Poirier to the elected officials. 

The company had requested a zoning change to allow a larger building at Anse-à-Beaufils, which was refused in December. 

“I would ask you, Mr. Mayor, if you could sit down with the council again to discuss the situation. The project will respect the district of the sector in its architecture, its attractiveness, etc.,” argued Ms. Poirier. 

In the event of a positive response, Ms. Poirier added that a building permit would be required, which would allow for all the elements to be detailed in accordance with an amended by-law. 

The council has accepted the petition. 

In December, the request filed by Alain Méthot consisted of amending the zoning by-law in the Anse-à-Beaufils sector to increase the maximum occupied surface area from 250 square metres to 420 square metres to allow for the installation of a smoking room on the street in Bonfils. 

The company’s objective was to bring together its facilities on Highway 132, rather than maintaining activities on Chemin d’Irlande. 

The council’s rejection of the zoning change was perceived by Ms. Poirier as a form of revenge, as she had resigned from the municipal council in July following several months of tension with certain council members and ongoing issues at the town hall. 

A beach replenishment will be necessary in Percé Read More »

Appeal of decision on asphalt factory is now before tribunal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Celebrations over a recent decision by the Commission de Protection des Terres Agricoles du Québec (CPTAQ) that rejected a request to operate an asphalt plant on Covey Hill may have been premature.

Groupe Chenail Inc., which is behind the installation of the asphalt factory at the Carrieres Ducharme quarry in Havelock, filed a motion to appeal the CPTAQ’s decision with the Tribunal Administratif du Quebec (TAQ) in mid-December.

The company is demanding that the TAQ reverse the CPTAQ’s decision and authorize the operation of the asphalt factory until July 19, 2039. If this proves impossible, the company is requesting the TAQ “reverse the decision and return the file to the commission for a decision by two new commissioners.”

According to the filed motion, the Saint-Rémi-based company is contesting the CPTAQ’s ruling on twelve grounds, arguing the commission erred significantly in its decision by “basing its analysis on assumptions and fears supported by no concrete, documented facts, most of which are not covered by the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities (LPTAA).”

Groupe Chenail states the CPTAQ’s assessment of the impact of an asphalt factory on existing agricultural activities, including tourism, was flawed, as was its consideration of environmental impacts over which they argue it has no jurisdiction.

The motion suggests the CPTAQ misinterpreted the LPTAA by refusing the factory on the grounds of its discharges, which Groupe Chenail Inc. insists would fall within environmental standards and thresholds. It argues that expert reports confirming the project’s compliance were disregarded.

Groupe Chenail inc. is also contesting the CPTAQ’s conclusion that the addition of an asphalt factory would constitute a new use and not an accessory use under the LPTAA.

The CPTAQ concluded that the asphalt factory, even as an accessory use, would impact existing agricultural activities and future development, and that this would also affect the homogeneity of the environment. The company argues against this, pointing out an accessory use by its very nature must have less impact than the primary use, in this case referring to the quarry.

Groupe Chenail Inc. also questions the CPTAQ’s interpretation of regional particularities as set out in section 12 of the LPTAA, arguing that it failed to consider zoning bylaws as well as decisions by both the Quebec Superior Court and Court of Appeal.

The CPTAQ issued its final decision on November 7. Over 20 individuals, groups, and organizations argued against the asphalt factory before the commission. The CPTAQ is now required to provide the TAQ with a copy of all files relating to the case by mid-January.

Appeal of decision on asphalt factory is now before tribunal Read More »

Kruger provides update on wind farm project

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Around 50 people attended an information session with Kruger Energy, the developer behind the Les Jardins wind farm project, at the recreation centre in Hemmingford on November 26.

Jean Robert Poulin, the project development director for Kruger Energy, provided an update on the project which includes 13 turbines in Saint-Patrice-de-Sherrington, three turbines in Saint-Michel, and five turbines in Saint-Édouard. Hemmingford is included in the project because all the electricity generated by the turbines will be transmitted by underground cables to converge at the substation located in Hemmingford Township.

The company is in the process of completing the environmental impact assessments and inventories on the different sites, as well as visual and noise simulations. Poulin confirmed that all the information gathered over the past months “has not had any impact on the project configuration.” A series of informative panels were set up in the room with the preliminary results of the different studies.

Poulin said the studies, which include an environmental impact assessment, including several sound studies and models, a shadow analysis, a landscape study including a visibility analysis and visual simulations, an archaeological assessment, and biological inventories will be finalized before the end of the year.

Once completed, these will be submitted to the government. Initial presentations will also be submitted to the Bureau d’Audiences Publique sur l’Environnement (BAPE) and the Commission de Protection du Territoire Agricole (CPTAQ). The ensuing approval and permitting process will take up much of 2026.

Construction on access roads, the distribution network, foundations, and the substation is expected to start in 2027. The wind farm should be operational by December 2028 following work to upgrade existing roads, the installation of wind turbines, and site remediation.

More details on the wind farm can be found online at projeteolienlesjardins.com.

Kruger provides update on wind farm project Read More »

Battle brewing against QSL terminal in Beauport

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Battle brewing against QSL terminal in Beauport

Battle brewing against QSL terminal in Beauport

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

The plan for a large new container terminal in the Baie de Beauport is still on the drawing board, but opposition to the project is already mounting.

QSL, the Quebec City-based cargo-handling giant, is float- ing a plan to create the terminal on land on which it already has bulk-loading operations that would handle up to 250,000 containers annually.

The company announced the rough outline of the project in June, having submitted a request to the federal government last year to expand customs operations in the Port of Quebec.

“If this condition is met, QSL will then be able to finalize a detailed business plan that it will submit to senior governments,” a company prospectus says.

There is no indication of when the federal government might respond to the request. Once it does secure the necessary government approvals, QSL said it could have the new facility up and running within six months.

Last week, a spokesperson for Québec MP and federal minister of public services and procurement Jean-Yves Duclos told Radio-Canada, “We will be able to provide more details on the project once it has been submitted to the government of Canada and a thorough analysis has been carried out.”

Guillaume Bertrand said, “Air quality, the environment and the impacts on the residents of Lower Town Quebec remain major concerns for Minister Duclos and the entire government when assessing projects.”

Duclos was the recipient last week of a letter signed by 30 groups and individuals calling for Ottawa to reject the QSL project.

The new container terminal project comes three years after the federal government killed the Laurentia terminal plan in the same industrial area of Beauport because of the threat it posed to the environment. By comparison to the QSL plan, the Laurentia project envisioned handling 700,000 containers annually.

QSL is prepared to make an initial investment of some $30 million to transform bulk cargo handling space into a container facility.

In announcing the plan, QSL president Robert Bellisle vowed it would be “an exemplary project from an environmental point of view … and meeting the principles of acceptability for the surrounding communities.”

Still, QSL and project supporters such as Port of Quebec officials and some municipal leaders will have some persuading to do regarding the environmental impact of the terminal project.

The project has already gotten a thumbs-down from the Port Activities Monitoring Committee, the city-funded watchdog of potentially environmentally negative developments in the port.

According to a Radio-Canada report, at a Nov. 21 meeting of the committee, members approved a resolution opposing the new terminal. The wording of the motion has not been made public.

The two city councillors who are members of the committee were absent for the vote, Radio-Canada reported. Executive committee member Marie-Josée Asselin chairs the committee, and fellow executive committee member Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc is a voting member. The other absent voting member was the representative of the regional environmental council.

Representatives of six neighbourhood councils on the committee voted against the project. There are six other non-voting members of the committee, representing government agencies.

Mayor Bruno Marchand has been cautious in his endorsement of the QSL project. When it was announced in June, Marchand said he “welcomed the intentions” of the project. “The activities of the Port of Quebec are essential to the region’s economy and important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is normal that they adapt to the changing needs of supply chains.”

Last week Marchand reiterated his conditional support of the project. Speaking to reporters at an event Nov. 25, the mayor said, “The best way to kill the economy” is to op- pose economic development projects “without knowing all the details.”

Limoilou Coun. and Transition Québec Leader Jackie Smith took Marchand to task for his support of the project.

In a statement to the QCT, Smith said, “What I’m hearing is a mayor criticizing the position of neighbourhood councils, telling them to wait until the project is irreversible before opposing it. No, the future of our city does not depend on the growth of port activities. Our citizens have nothing to gain from a new container ter- minal that will increase heavy truck traffic and compromise Phase 4 of the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain.”

Isabelle Roy, city councillor for the Robert-Giffard district in which the QSL project is located, and a member of the official Opposition Québec d’abord party, told the QCT, “I am sensitive to the concerns raised by citizens, particularly the issue of trucking and its impacts on air quality. Currently, I do not have enough information to take a position for or against it. In order to learn more about the project, the official Opposition has requested a meeting with QSL.”

Battle brewing against QSL terminal in Beauport Read More »

MRC revises land-use and development plan

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The regional government has appointed Claudia André as project manager. She will oversee the harmonization of the region’s land-use and development plan with the new orientations in land-use planning, established by the provincial government, that come into effect on December 1. The document must also correspond to objectives set out in the Politique nationale de l’architecture et de l’aménagement du territoire (PNAAT).

In a statement, the MRC says the revision of the SAD will enable it to better respond to regional challenges and define an ambitious future for the territory.

After more than a decade, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is overhauling its Schéma d’aménagement et de développement (SAD).

André describes the land-use and development plan as “a tool that deals with the environment, living environments, social and economic issues, cultural particularities, natural environments, tourism, mobility, and public spaces.”

The first plan of this kind was adopted in 1987, and a revised version was applied in 2000. This iteration will establish the region’s physical organization over the next 20 years. It will become one of the main planning tools for the choices and decisions affecting the MRC and its 13 municipalities.

André will oversee each stage of the project: updating the territorial portrait including the natural, social and economic environments; creating a strategic vision statement that adapts provincial policies to local realities; and formulating development orientations and objectives that address issues including transportation, infrastructure, and landslide stress areas. As well, an action plan will be drafted that sets out concrete objectives and actions for the region’s sustainable development, with a complementary document providing the rules and obligations that municipalities will need to include in urban-planning bylaws.

André says that once the plan is adopted in 2028 it will be available to elected officials and citizens, adding that it will serve as a consensus-building tool that reflects discussions and agreements between the municipalities, the MRC, and the provincial government. She says it will list timetables, different partners, and various methods for carrying out projects that are favoured at the regional level.

The MRC is encouraging the public to participate in the revision process. André says that while specific details have not been confirmed, the process will include public presentations, discussion tables, themed workshops, guided activities, a survey, a comment box, and a large-scale conference.

MRC revises land-use and development plan Read More »

Ships in port in Quebec City will be able to plug into electric dock power by 2027

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Ships in port in Quebec City will be able to plug into electric dock power by 2027

Peter Black

peterblack@qctonline.com

Ships visiting the Port of Quebec will be able to plug into electrical systems on the docks, under a $55-million project announced last week.

With $22.5 million in funding from the federal government, electrical connection stations are to be installed on three cruise ship piers and two piers where merchant ships dock. The connections are expected to be in service as of 2027.

Federal Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos and Port of Quebec CEO Mario Girard announced the dockside electrification project on Nov. 8.

The Port said it will continue negotiations with the Quebec government to secure the rest of the funding for the project. It’s a major initiative of the Port’s mission to reduce emissions from ships in the port territory by 40 per cent by 2035.

Emissions from ships in port account for more than 80 per cent of greenhouse gases generated by all activity in the port territory, according to the release.

The Port said it is adapting to a trend in the cruise ship industry whereby more than 80 per cent of passenger liners will soon be enabled to connect with electrical stations while docked in port.

In other Port of Quebec news, Girard, portmaster for the past 14 years, is heading for a new posting as delegate general for Quebec in Tokyo, Japan, as of February.

In a separate release, Girard said, “I feel a deep connection and admiration for the committed, dedicated and extremely competent people that made up the Port of Québec staff. I am proud of what we have accomplished.”

Ships in port in Quebec City will be able to plug into electric dock power by 2027 Read More »

CPTAQ definitively shuts down plans for Covey Hill asphalt factory

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The municipality of Havelock and its supporters are elated, following a big decision in their fight to protect the local environment and farm community.

The Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) has officially rejected an application by Groupe Chenail Inc. to operate an asphalt factory in the Carrières Ducharme stone quarry located on Covey Hill. This could end the three-year saga that began in 2021 when the municipality first opposed the factory.

The Quebec Superior Court ruled in favour of the project in 2023. Havelock attempted to contest the decision, but the Quebec Court of Appeal upheld the ruling and refused to hear arguments. Following this, the municipality turned its attention to the CPTAQ to stop the installation. An ad-hoc committee was created to compile research and prepare facts in defense of the municipality’s position that an asphalt factory does not belong in an agricultural community.

The final decision, which was issued on November 7, follows a surprise reversal by the commission, which had previously suggested it would conditionally allow for the installation of the factory for a period of five years. A notice was issued in July that modified its assessment after a meeting took place with over 20 individuals, groups, and organizations who argued against the preliminary orientation, including the municipality of Havelock, the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, Ambioterra, and several concerned producers and citizens.

The final decision upholds many of the observations made in the notice of modification, which cited articles 12 and Section 62 of the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities. These provisions allow for the consideration of regional characteristics in the preservation and promotion of agricultural enterprises and activities, which the CPTAQ concedes could be at risk if the asphalt factory was allowed.

It explains that the commission chose to give priority to agricultural activities in the area, despite the presence of a quarry. The CPTAQ argued it would not be advisable to aggravate the situation with the installation of an asphalt factory, which would constitute a new use of the site.

The decision, which is signed by CPTAQ vice presidents Hélène Lupien and Gilles P. Bonneau, confirms that “The participants at the meeting raised concrete consequences of the project on farming activities,” while pointing out that those in favour of the project were given an opportunity to present their views. The CPTAQ concludes that “Groupe Chenail Inc. did not convince the commission that the project will have no impact on farming activities.”

Sharon deGaspé Power, who serves as the spokesperson for the ad-hoc committee, says she is overjoyed with the decision. “I’m just so happy that a major organization like the CPTAQ did listen to us!” she exclaims. “It means that our community is going to maintain its character and the essence of its economic activity, its agritourism, which would have suffered horrifically.”

The ad-hoc committee, which was largely made up of citizens with one municipal councillor, met on a weekly basis for over a year. DeGaspé Power says she is grateful to those who supported their cause. “It was a great collaborative effort from Elgin right up to Sherrington!” she exclaims, noting volunteers went door-to-door in several communities with their petition, which garnered over 600 signatures.

Groupe Chenail Inc. will now have 30 days to decide whether to contest the CPTAQ’s decision before the Tribunal Administratif du Québec.

CPTAQ definitively shuts down plans for Covey Hill asphalt factory Read More »

Targeted by tramway, elm tree ‘Raymond’ falls to disease

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Targeted by tramway, elm tree ‘Raymond’ falls to disease

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

“Raymond,” a tree that became emblematic of the fight against Quebec City’s tramway project, was cut down last week, a victim of Dutch elm disease.

The tree, estimated to be at least 100 years old, stood at the northeast corner of the inter- section of Ave. de Bougainville and Boul. René-Lévesque until a forestry crew took him down, branch by branch.

The elm was named Ray- mond by local resident and tramway opponent Gaetan Nadeau, who in spring 2022 affixed a sign to the tree saying “Sauvons Raymond” as well as another sign saying “Tramway au milieu de René Lévesque? Super! Pourquoi donc me couper, tuer, moi?? 102 ans…” (Tramway in the middle of René-Lévesque? Super! Why cut me, kill me? 102 years…)

Nadeau had also erected on the corner a billboard with a photo of the tramway in Montpellier, France, where trees are allowed to grow less than two metres from the tram tracks.

Quebec City’s tramway plan, however, does call for the removal of a certain number of trees along Boul. René- Lévesque, and Raymond was indeed on the execution list.

City spokesperson Wendy Whittom told the QCT, “Unfortunately, that tree was meant to be cut one way or another.”

Raymond is one of 12 ash and elm trees the city has identified on Boul. René-Lévesque and Chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois to be taken down over the next few weeks. All were terminally afflicted with emerald ash borer infestations or Dutch elm disease. Pruning work is also being done on some ailing maple trees in the city.

Whittom said, “Fortunately, each tree will be replaced by another species that is more resilient in an urban context and more immune to insects and diseases.”

The city plans to plant some 130,000 new trees by 2029.

In announcing the program to cut the diseased trees, the city also notified residents who have trees affected by emerald ash borer infestations or Dutch elm disease “to plan now for the removal of their trees to avoid further decline.”

The city offers a grant of up to $2,000 or about half the cost of removing diseased ash or elm trees and disposing of the wood.

Targeted by tramway, elm tree ‘Raymond’ falls to disease Read More »

Electric cars continue to advance by leaps and bounds

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Electric cars continue to advance by leaps and bounds

Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

cassandra@qctonline.com

Thousands of Quebecers visited the fifth Salon du véhicule électrique du Québec (SVEQ; Quebec City electric car show) from Oct. 25 to 27. The latest models from Porsche, Mazda, Tesla, Volvo, Mercedes and Audi made visitors dream of owning eco-friendly vehicles.

Meandering through the 20-odd brands of cars, visitors noticed that electric vehicles are still more expensive than gas-powered vehicles, although subsidies can help offset some of the cost for the time being. “With the [Quebec government’s] Roulez vert program subsidies set to be reduced in 2025, the SVEQ is perfect for those who were hesitant to go electric,” said SVEQ general manager Charles Drouin. “The $7,000 subsidy for purchasing a 100 per cent electric vehicle will drop to $4,000 in 2025 and gradually disappear in 2027. The subsidy for purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle will suffer the same fate. The fed- eral government’s financial assistance, which can be up to $5,000, is still available. To obtain the full provincial subsidy, electric vehicles must be registered by December 31, 2024.”

“[The SVEQ] is a unique opportunity to compare the majority of electric vehicles available in Quebec while taking advantage of current government credits,” said Drouin. Besides eyeballing the newest models and getting the latest information from sales representatives, visitors could test-drive any of the 75 available vehicles on a five- kilometre circuit.

“I’ve owned gas-powered vehicles all my life. I am a manual transmission guy. You don’t get the same pleasure out of maneuvering an electric car as you do driving a manual transmission car. You don’t feel or hear the engine,” said Jerry Deslauriers. “My 30-year-old son here is trying very hard to convince me of the many benefits of these electric ve- hicles. Since we are here, he had me test-drive the Volvo EX30. Despite my preferences, I greatly enjoyed the drive. Was

it enough to convince me to go to the green side?”

Besides the driving experi- ence, the freedom to roam long distances is another major factor for car shoppers. Tesla continues to be a leading brand in terms of battery life, with models able to cover about 650 km between charges. Although fully charging a vehicle still takes hours compared to minutes to fill a gas tank, more and more service stations are investing in electric chargers. For this reason, hybrid cars remain an interesting option for many drivers, especially in Quebec winters. According to CAA, electric cars lose 25 per cent of their power when the temperature falls below -15, and 45 per cent at -25.

Charging costs, however, often tip the balance in favour of electric vehicles. According to Hydro-Québec, it costs about $0.11892 per kilowatt hour to charge an electric car, compared to $1.50 per litre of gas. In other words, on aver- age, to drive 100 km, it costs drivers of electric cars $2.50 for a 21-kilowatt hour charge and drivers of gas-powered cars $10.65.

Whether to run errands in town or to drive leisurely through the countryside, electric vehicles continue to cover more and more ground.

Electric cars continue to advance by leaps and bounds Read More »

From Colombia to Quebec: Huge sailboat ships coffee for Café William

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From Colombia to Quebec: Huge sailboat ships coffee for Café William

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

For a city known for sailing ships, with even a ship as its symbol, it seems fitting the world’s largest modern cargo sailing ship should make its maiden voyage to Quebec City.

Such was the case last week when the Anemos – Greek for “wind” – docked in the Old Port with a cargo of green coffee beans from Santa Marta, Colombia, in its hold, the first shipment of many in the environmental ambitions of Café William, a Quebec-based coffee roaster and retailer.

The mission, according to Serge Picard, Café William’s co-founder and head of innovation and commercial operations, is to produce the “cleanest cup of coffee in the world, the most environmentally sustainable. Café William wants to one day transport 100 per cent of our coffee with zero emissions.”

The Anemos unloaded some 20 shipping containers of green coffee beans for Café William in Quebec City, which Picard says amounts to about 40 per cent of the company’s consumption. The beans, purchased from an Indigenous co-operative in Colombia, were to be transported to the company’s huge new all-electric roasting plant in Sherbrooke in a Volvo electric truck.

Picard said coffee is the second single largest commodity shipped around the world after oil, with some 90 per cent of production exported to other countries for processing.

The Anemos has a sister ship, the Artemus, which is currently sailing from a Vietnam shipyard to France. Picard said six more of the giant cargo sailing ships are in the works. The ships are the creation of a French company called TOWT (Trans-ocean Wind Transport), which has specialized in sail-powered marine cargo transport since 2011.

Guillaume Le Grand, president and one of the founders of TOWT, said the ship’s masts, towering at 64 metres high, “are probably the tallest in the world.”

The hulls of the ship were manufactured in Romania and then towed to Concarneau on the northwest coast of France, where the final assembly was completed.

It takes a maximum crew of eight to sail the 81-metre-long steel vessels, which are highly mechanized with many automatic or programmed functions. Le Grand said the average ocean speed is about 10 knots (nautical miles per hour) and it takes two weeks to cross the Atlantic. The ship has a backup engine to navigate harbours, but when under sail, the propellers can be reversed to generate electrical power for most of the ship’s systems.

Attending the ceremony to celebrate the ship’s inaugural voyage were representatives of Fairtrade Canada and of the Colombian coffee growers co-operative, known by its Spanish acronym ANEI.

The first voyage of the Anemos followed Café Wil- liam’s first experience with sail-powered shipping when it contracted with a German sail cargo company to ship five containers of beans from Co- lombia to Quebec. A company news release said, “This first voyage confirmed our vision: transporting coffee by sailboat is viable and possible.”

Picard said the company’s big dream is to have all its coffee beans shipped by sail, including from suppliers in Africa and Asia. He said the roasted coffee that travelled by sailing ship costs about 10 cents more per pound than Café William’s other coffees. “It’s minuscule compared to all the other costs that are tacked on when you’re importing raw coffee beans, so I guess you just have to be a tad crazy enough to want to disrupt the status quo and try something different.”

Café William coffee is available in most major grocery stores in Quebec, some U.S. outlets and online.

The “William” in Café William is for the Italian William Spartivento, who invented a rotary coffee roaster. Picard said, “Nobody could really pronounce Spartivento – which we could have kept [as a name] because it would have been cool. It means ‘split the winds’ in Italian.”

From Colombia to Quebec: Huge sailboat ships coffee for Café William Read More »

City to change ‘purple bag’ collection schedule for winter

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

City to change ‘purple bag’ collection schedule for winter

Ruby Pratka, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

editor@qctonline.com

Most Quebec City residents participating in the city’s “purple bag” food waste program will have to adjust to a modified schedule as of the week of Oct. 7.

Starting that week, the city will shift from a weekly to a bi-weekly collection schedule for food waste. This change affects all boroughs of the city, except La Cité-Limoilou, the Montmorency sector of Beauport and Maguire Avenue in Sainte-Foy– Sillery-Cap-Rouge.

The collection of garbage and purple bags will alternate with the collection of recyclable materials. The recycling collection week remains the same.

The new schedule will be in effect until March 30; weekly pickup will resume after that and continue until fall 2025.

The city began rolling out its residential compost collection program in La Haute-Saint- Charles in November 2022 and gradually expanded it over the following year. In April 2024, after the city’s biomethanization plant was expanded to process additional food waste, the city opened the program to shops, restaurants, other businesses, public institutions and indus- trial facilities. At the time, Mayor Bruno Marchand said participation in the residential program had been “beyond our expectations.”

“Currently in winter, the majority of bins placed at the curb in the targeted sectors are not full,” Coun. Marie-Josée Asselin, member of the city executive committee responsible for waste management, said in a statement announcing the schedule change. “We can now adjust collection frequencies to real needs, which no longer justify a weekly visit by trucks in the winter period. This is good news!” Asselin did not respond to a request for further comment by press time.

In the statement, city officials said shifting purple bag collection to once every two weeks reduced noise, dust, safety risks and greenhouse gas emissions caused by truck traffic.

The city invited anyone with questions or concerns about waste collection to call 311 or consult the Info-Collecte web portal (ville.quebec.qc.ca/services/info-collecte).

City to change ‘purple bag’ collection schedule for winter Read More »

UPA is demanding better waterway management

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Area farmers are still recovering from the torrential rain and subsequent flooding brought on by the remnants of hurricane Debby in early August.

During the annual fall consultation held by the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) on September 13, regional federation president Jérémie Letellier confirmed the storm resulted in material damages and financial losses for producers impacted by flooding. He also spoke about the important role played by the different MRCs when it comes to waterway management, and the impact that poorly maintained ditches and waterways can have during extreme weather events.

One of the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s many responsibilities is to ensure the free flow of water through the various waterways that course through the region. The MRC confirms that a “communications and collaboration” channel exists between citizens, the municipalities, and waterway manager David Rousseau. This allows the MRC to identify the nature, location, and delimitation of the problem reported by citizens so their requests can be processed as quickly as possible. Following this, mandates are given to engineers to determine the necessary maintenance work, which is then carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations in place.

According to the MRC, five requests were received and processed from agricultural producers following the flooding in August. The MRC notes that this work did not impact any of the work already scheduled, except for the removal of a tree that had fallen into the water, and the prioritization of a tree branch in an area that was already identified for inspection.

The UPA says that despite this, there is much more work waiting to be done.

Éric Leboeuf, the president of the local syndicate, said that waterway maintenance remains one of the most significant issues facing area farmers. So much so, that a resolution proposed by Saint-Anicet farmer Marius Trépanier calling for better management of the region’s waterways was passed unanimously during the fall consultation.

The resolution calls for better collaboration with the MRC, the municipalities, and Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, to ensure work to clear waterways is carried out according to a schedule that is reasonable for all concerned.

The local syndicate is also requesting a complete overview of pending requests, so the UPA can better understand the progress being made or delays to specific files.

The management at the MRC has previously confirmed they are ready to participate in a strategic approach aimed at improving procedures in line with ministerial guidelines and current legislation.

For local farmers already concerned about the next weather event, this collaboration cannot come soon enough. 

UPA is demanding better waterway management Read More »

MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is developing a climate plan

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is taking action on climate change. With support from the provincial government, the regional municipal organization is in the early stages of developing its first climate plan.

The “Accélérer la transition climatique locale” program was launched by Quebec in February, to support initiatives at the municipal level that are focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent responded positively to the program, and Megan Heath was brought on board in May as the project manager responsible for the creation of the climate plan.

This type of plan traditionally presents the risks and opportunities associated with climate change, while identifying priority projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, and different actions to support the local climate transition. The MRC is already well on its way.

The first meeting of the newly established climate plan committee took place on September 12. Heath says the committee was formed to ensure citizens and experts were equally consulted on various topics relevant to the plan’s development. “The committee provides a communication channel for citizens, agricultural producers, and environmental groups in the Haut-Saint-Laurent region who wish to make comments or recommendations, or ask questions,” says Heath. Invitations were sent to the 13 municipal mayors and directors general, as well as to representatives of groups such as the SCABRIC and Ambioterra, as well as the CLSC and the local syndicate of the Union des producteurs Agricoles (UPA).

Heath says the climate plan will play an important role in the MRC’s overall planning in the years ahead. “The relationship between citizens and the territory is fundamental in the Haut-Saint-Laurent,” she explains. “By considering the effects of climate change and the territory’s GHG inventory, the MRC and municipalities can work together to better prepare for the future and develop, implement, and optimize protective measures for citizens.”

The committee will address topics such as extreme weather events and the quality and quantity of the region’s water supply, as well as the impact of climate change on disaster preparedness for events such as flooding, forest or brush fires, and power outages. Other topics include the growing risk of Lyme disease and heat stroke, the prevalence of pests and diseases affecting crops, and methods for preserving the health of all types of living environments, natural environments, and ecosystems in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.

Heath says that along with the formation of the committee, the MRC will be “coordinating its efforts in urban planning, waste management, economic development, public transport, and public safety to find solutions for adapting to climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Much of the work to complete the plan will be done at the MRC; however, the regional council passed a resolution on August 21 to outsource the production of a greenhouse gas inventory to the CIMA+ consulting and engineering firm.

Once approved by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), the MRC will begin planning and implementing various projects that stem from the plan.

MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is developing a climate plan Read More »

Samuel-De Champlain beach will stay open into October

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,


Samuel-De Champlain beach will stay open into October

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

Samuel-De Champlain beach will stay open into October

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain beach area, in only its second year of operation, has proved so popular it will be staying open until October.

The Commission de la Capitale-Nationale last week announced the decision to extend the season beyond its originally planned end on Sept. 3, after the Labour Day weekend.

The beach now will be open on weekends until Oct. 6, depending on weather condi- tions, those being a tempera- ture above 18 C and a forecast without heavy rain or a full day of precipitation.

If the weather co-operates, that could mean a total of five bonus weekends at the beach, which features an unheated swimming pool, a “mirror pool” with water jets and access for a dip in the river.

While the pool will be open only on weekends, the mirror pool and water jets will be open to the public throughout the week.

The CCN is betting on a repeat of last September’s weather, where the average temperature was 21.8 C, 3.9 C above the 17.9 C average. That made for 20 days above 20 C, well above the average nine for the month.

According to weather watcher David Page, “The way things are going, September is likely to mirror recent months and temperatures will be above normal. Environment Canada’s outlook for September is above normal temperatures for al- most the entire country.”

Page said, “While the temperatures are definitely rising with climate change, it will take a while to affect the averages. But it’s probably a good bet to predict averages of one or two degrees above average.”

CCN spokesperson Jean- Philippe Guay told the QCT it takes a small team to keep the beach site open. That includes the site manager, beach attendants, housekeeping attendants and lifeguards, depending on traffic and time of day. The snack shop at the pavilion will be open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Promenade Champlain beach is not the only city swimming area to have a prolonged schedule this September. The Gerard-Guay pool in Parc Saint-Charles-Garnier in Sillery will remain open until Sept. 22, depending on weather conditions.

The reason for the extension, according to the city, is the shortage of swimming pools, due to the temporary closure of most indoor pools in the city for regular maintenance. A quick survey shows the only non-institutional indoor city pool open is Bourg-Royal in Charlesbourg.

Information on opening hours for municipal indoor pools is available on the city’s website.

Samuel-De Champlain beach will stay open into October Read More »

Producers face crop damage, losses

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Valley farmers are still evaluating damage or losses from the torrential rains that fell on August 9. Flooding saw many crops submerged or surrounded by water for an extended period. The leaves on affected soya plants are yellowing, for example.

The Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie reports that many producers suffered significant losses. “In several cases, crops spent several days under water, jeopardizing harvests,” says regional president Jérémie Letellier. Other contributing factors include poorly maintained streams and ditches that could not absorb excess rainwater, resulting in fields being flooded.

The UPA points out that waterway maintenance is an MRC responsibility, and while the union acknowledges that this involves other players including the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, the need remains for municipalities to improve their capacity to absorb or divert water.

According to Dundee producer Benjamin Nieuwenhof, some of the flooding that saw his crops submerged for over 36 hours was unavoidable once the Salmon River spilled its banks. He suggests, however, that a lot of the damage could have been avoided if the ditches running through the Lake Saint-François National Wildlife Area were properly maintained. In this instance it is the federal government’s jurisdiction, and requests have been filed dating back to 1998 – and nothing has been done.

The UPA is calling for a global vision including MRCs, government ministries and departments, and agricultural producers to optimize waterway management. In the meantime, the union is asking producers to document any damages to their crops and submit this information to establish a general picture of the losses experienced by local farmers.

Producers face crop damage, losses Read More »

Valley homes and businesses are hit hard by flooding

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Almost two weeks after the remnants of Hurricane Debby dumped more than 150 millimetres of rain on much of the Valley, those affected by flooding are still cleaning up and coping with the aftermath.

Many homes were damaged after excess surface water proved to be too much for municipal systems to handle. This was especially the case in Huntingdon, where Mayor André Brunette was forced to declare a state of emergency and call in reinforcements from neighbouring fire departments in Hinchinbrooke and Godmanchester.

“It was chaotic,” says Brunette, whose basement, like many others throughout the town, was filled with over a foot of water in some places.

“The calls were coming in one after the other,” he says of the 911 calls that were being transferred to the Huntingdon fire department. In all, there were 57 registered calls, and the mayor estimates another 30 residents went directly to the fire station to request help pumping flood water from their homes.

“We are very grateful and thankful for all three fire departments,” he says, noting volunteer firefighters worked through the night to help secure homes.

According to different calculations, Huntingdon received between 136 and 156 mm of rain throughout the day. One report notes the weather station in Saint-Anicet registered around 56 mm of rain between 5 and 6 p.m.

“There is no system in the world that can absorb and take that in all at once,” says Brunette. “All our pumping stations were functional. Nothing broke down, and nothing stopped. When the electricity went off, we had power packs and generators that kicked in right away,” he insists. “The system worked ok; it was just overwhelmed.”

Brunette reports that an apartment building on Bouchette Street was evacuated, after electricity to the building was cut due to flood waters in the basement that were nearing the main terminal boxes. The Huntingdon Legion was opened as a temporary shelter, but no residents required this service.

Brunette suggests that like other municipalities, the town will likely advance a scheduled large item pick-up to help residents dispose of damaged property.

Special collections have already taken place in other hard-hit municipalities, including Saint-Anicet, Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, and Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, while other municipalities secured dumpsters for residents to use.

Saint-Anicet’s mayor, Gino Moretti, says the fire department there received one call for help. He says this reflects work that has been done to emphasize the importance of preparation and planning to manage risks such as flooding. The municipality, which has an emergency measures plan, was careful to communicate with citizens throughout the weekend.

“I went to see the damage on the ground the day after Debby hit. I saw flooded farmland, evacuated homes, and resilient people ready to help each other,” says Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, whose office was in communication with affected municipalities during and after the flooding.

She notes that losses from flooding caused by overflowing waterways during heavy rains are eligible for the Programme général d’assistance financière lors de sinistre (PGAF). The Ministère de la Sécurité publique has also enlarged the program to now cover homes damaged by sewer water infiltration as well.

More information on eligibility requirements and admissible expenses can be found online at Quebec.ca.

Valley homes and businesses are hit hard by flooding Read More »

CPTAQ may nix Covey Hill asphalt factory after all

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) has reversed its preliminary orientation concerning the installation of an asphalt plant in the Carrières Ducharme quarry on Covey Hill in Havelock.

The initial assessment issued last September suggested the commission would allow the installation of the factory for a period of five years, with conditions. Following this, a request for the CPTAQ to reassess its orientation was submitted, and at least 33 individuals, groups, and organizations presented their observations either in writing or in person during a virtual meeting on May 18.

Among those presenting their opposition to Groupe Chenail Inc.’s application to install the factory was the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, which argued that the region’s water resources could be affected, and that discharge from the plant could impact CanadaGAP certification for agricultural producers.

The non-profit conservation organization Ambioterra further outlined the potential impacts of asphalt production on Covey Hill, citing the potential for fires, as well as groundwater contamination and air pollution. The organization also noted the risk to neighbouring maple syrup producers and market gardeners who could see their products contaminated by emissions from the plant.

The municipality of Havelock and the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, as well as several agricultural producers and concerned citizens, also presented their observations. Most argued that an asphalt plant was contrary to agricultural development, agritourism, and the homogeneity of the farming community, and that the precautionary principle should be applied in this case.

Those arguing in favour of the factory pointed out that such a facility would need authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), and must comply with emission standards for particulate matter in the atmosphere. Representatives for Groupe Chenail Inc. insisted the project will not impact the region and its agricultural activities any more than the existing quarry.

A notice of modification issued on July 5 concedes that the commission did not have all the facts that were subsequently brought to its attention when the preliminary orientation was drafted. The notice, which is signed by CPTAQ vice presidents Hélène Lupien and Gilles P. Bonneau, further states that “The representations heard during the meeting have led the commission to modify its assessment, and consequently to refuse the request.”

Citing article 12 and Section 62 of the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities, which allows for the consideration of regional characteristics in the preservation and promotion of agricultural enterprises and activities, the commission asserts that the addition of an asphalt factory would be detrimental to such practices.

The commission points out that “Authorization could lead to a loss of visitors and a reduction in production in a regional context where agricultural properties have had to adapt to the environment, and where farmers have managed to do well by developing local agriculture and agritourism.”

The notice also highlights consequences to the homogeneity of the farming community, as the factory would lead to increased traffic on Covey Hill Road.

A ten-day period for those interested in presenting new observations relating to the modified orientation expired on July 15, and the case has now been suspended to allow the CPTAQ to review any new facts brought forward before rendering a final decision.

CPTAQ may nix Covey Hill asphalt factory after all Read More »

Province funds compost bins in three Haut-Saint-Laurent municipalities

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The provincial government is investing over $83,000 in the municipalities of Howick, Saint-Anicet, and Sainte-Barbe for the purchase of residential organic waste collection equipment.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville and the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry will also benefit from significant funding through the Programme de traitement des matières organiques par biométhanisation et compostage (PTMOBC), which is part of Quebec’s Stratégie de valorisation de la matière organique (SVMO).

A section of the PTMOBC program was designed to provide financial support to municipalities, Aboriginal communities, and the private sector for the acquisition of collection equipment to recover organic matter through composting or biomethanization. To date, the government has provided financial backing for 82 projects, bringing the total contribution to nearly $13.3 million.

The municipality of Saint-Anicet received $40,403 to help provide 1,800 organic waste or compost collection bins to residents. The financing covers almost half of the projected cost of $88,494. The municipality of Howick will receive up to $17,654 to acquire 354 bins. The municipality of Sainte-Barbe will now be able to offer residential organic waste collection to 959 households throughout its territory, thanks to an investment of $25,045.

The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville will receive $77,048 towards the acquisition of 11,366 bins, of which the total cost is estimated at $395,186. A funding request by the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry was approved for $575,241; this will go towards the purchase of 23,635 bins at an estimated total cost of $2,047,300.

When combined, this new equipment will allow for the collection of an estimated 13,888 tonnes of organic material or compost per year, which includes 578 tonnes between the three municipalities in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.

“Today, we know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill sites is an effective way of combatting climate change,” said Benoit Charette, minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. In a press release issued by the government confirming the investment in Sainte-Barbe, the minister noted the positive impact of municipal compost programs, and the keen interest expressed by many Quebecers to be helping to find solutions to environmental issues.

Organic waste accounts for around 55 per cent of the 5.8 million tonnes of residual materials disposed of each year in Quebec. The waste sector, which produces some 4.55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, is the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the province. The government has set an objective of providing collection services for organic matter across the province by 2025.

“This project is another fine example of the commitment of local people to protecting the environment and playing an active part in the fight against climate change in Quebec,” said Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, in reference to the initiative in Sainte-Barbe.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge we must all take up together, for our own good and that of future generations,” she added.

Province funds compost bins in three Haut-Saint-Laurent municipalities Read More »

Wind energy project pulls turbines from Hemmingford

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Over 70 people attended a public consultation on April 29 organized by Kruger Energy, the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke about the Les Jardins wind-energy project. The meeting was held at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre.

The 147-megawatt project will see the construction of a network of 21 wind turbines in the municipalities of Saint-Patrice-de-Sherrington, Saint-Édouard, and Saint-Michel.

Locals were surprised to learn that Kruger Energy no longer expects to build two turbines in the Township of Hemmingford, though the municipality is still involved as electricity will be transmitted via a new substation to be built there.

Jean-Robert Poulin, project development director for Kruger Energy, emphasized that the project is still in the planning phase and could evolve based on impact studies, regulatory requirements, and consultations with local stakeholders and communities.

Poulin confirmed that an environmental impact assessment – including several sound studies and models, a shadow analysis, a landscape study including a visibility analysis and visual simulations, an archaeological assessment, and biological inventories – will be finalized before the end of the year.

Initial presentations will also be submitted to the Bureau d’audiences publique sur l’environnement (BAPE) and the Commission de protection du territoire agricole (CPTAQ) by December. The ensuing approval and permitting process is expected to take up much of 2026. Construction will begin in 2027 and Kruger Energy anticipates the wind farm will be operational by December 2028.

Many concerns were voiced regarding costs, the assessment process, turbine placement, whether follow-ups would take place, and the eventual dismantling of the turbines. Several participants mentioned the meeting could have been better publicized.

The next consultation is expected to take place before the impact assessment is finalized in November, with another happening before the start of construction in April 2027.

Wind energy project pulls turbines from Hemmingford Read More »

A new voice emerges in defense of the environment

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Organizations and citizens in the Haut-Saint-Laurent have come together to form a new round table focused specifically on protecting and prioritizing the environment.

“There was a need,” says Rémi Pelletier, the director general of the Corporation de développement Communautaire (CDC) du Haut-Saint-Laurent, which is one of the organizations spearheading the creation of the Table de concertation pour l’environnement dans le Haut-Saint-Laurent (TCEHSL). A first meeting took place last June in Huntingdon, and regular meetings have followed.

The organizations around the table include the CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, the conservation group Ambioterra, the Mouvement d’action régionale en environnement (MARE), the 1st Ormstown Scouts, the Ormstown Butterflyway Project, the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des producteurs agricoles, the Société de conservation et d’aménagement des bassins versants de la zone Châteauguay (SCABRIC), the Association pour la défense des droits sociaux (AADS) de Huntingdon, the Comité Zip Haut-Saint-Laurent, the ecological group Crivert, the Genie in a Bottle project, the Comité de rehabilitation de la Rivière Châteauguay, as well as citizens Don Rosenbaum and Lorelei Muller. The Amis de la Réserve nationale de faune du Lac-Saint-François and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are also associated with the initiative.

Pelletier says that while the TCEHSL already brings together a significant number of local groups and associations, there is always room around the table for organizations or citizens interested in joining the growing movement.

The impetus to organize a formal round table was sparked during last year’s Earth Day Forum in Ormstown. Organizer Lorelei Muller says she had often wondered whether such a table existed in the region. When she began to ask questions, it became obvious others had been thinking along the same lines. Pelletier collected names and contact info during the Forum last April and later called a first meeting. Alain Gaulin, who represents the MARE at the table, has volunteered to chair the new group.

The members of the TCEHSL hope that a unified voice in defense of the environment will resonate more strongly with political players so they begin to integrate environmental protection more broadly into their priorities. The group’s objectives will focus on serving as a watchdog for laws that are not being applied or that need to be developed, while collaborating with different levels of government to amend or pass regulations and bills aimed at improving environmental protection. The round table also aims to set priorities in terms of responding to threats to water quality, habitat loss, deforestation, etc.

Muller suggests that while different organizations had been collaborating on certain initiatives, the round table has helped to tear down some of these silos and has strengthened partnerships between members. She now chairs the events sub-committee, which is responsible for organizing the area’s Earth Day activities including a one-day forum set to take place this year on April 20 at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School.

She says momentum has continued to build from last year’s successful event which brought together over 20 regional environmental groups and social organizations. She confirms that most organizations that have been approached about participating in this year’s event have shown interest and registrations are starting to come in. 

Along with kiosks promoting the activities of the different organizations, the forum will once again feature a series of guest speakers including Hemmingford-based architect and passive house specialist Evelyne Bouchard, who will address the role of buildings in climate change. Stephanie Leduc of Nature Conservancy Canada, who is a member of the TCEHSL, will also be presenting on local conservation efforts with a focus on agricultural land. The presentations will conclude with a screening of the documentary film Humus, which focuses on regenerative farming practices in use at the Ferme les Bontés de la Vallée market garden in Havelock.

A new voice emerges in defense of the environment Read More »

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