#Gaspe

Gaspé: First steps toward the 500th anniversary celebrations in 2034

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – With discussions underway since 2023, Gaspé is preparing to take an important first step in the preparations for the celebrations surrounding the 500th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival on July 24, 1534.

When asked on July 24, as the town celebrated its 491st anniversary, Mayor Daniel Côté provided an update.

“We are starting gradually. It’s still in its infancy. The goal is to set up a governance committee in 2026 to properly plan the 500th anniversary celebrations. There’s no question of waiting until the last minute,” noted the mayor, recalling that this is a historic day that marked the meeting of the peoples and the birth of French America.

“It’s an important symbolic day,” he added.

The next eight years will be used, in particular, to convince governments to invest in festivities “of national and international scope,” said Mr. Côte.

The Micmac Nation of Gespeg will play a major role.

“For us, it is absolutely essential that they be involved so that we can also tell the story from the Indigenous perspective and not just from the European perspective, as in our history books,” he added.

Preliminary steps have been taken with Saint-Malo, France, the starting point for Jacques Cartier, who claimed “the New World” in the name of the King of France when he arrived in Gaspé and symbolically planted a cross.

“We want everyone to benefit,” concluded the mayor.

As part of its strategic planning, the town has set its sights on this first chapter in the history of North America. The elected official does not want to repeat what happened in 2009 during the 475th anniversary, when the committee at the time had only one year to organize the festivities.
In his initial reflections, the mayor also considered hosting the Quebec Games in 2034.

Gaspé: First steps toward the 500th anniversary celebrations in 2034 Read More »

Heat: records and forest fires

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GASPÉ – Several records were set between August 10 and 13 during the heatwave that affected much of the Gaspé Peninsula.

On August 14, three records were set during hot and humid weather, while drought and lightning caused three forest fires in the Gaspé region.

According to Environment Canada, the thermometer reached 35.6 degrees Celsius in Gaspé, eclipsing the 33.3 degrees recorded in 1953. Meanwhile, 24.2 degrees were measured in Cap-d’Espoir, breaking the 23.3 degrees recorded in 2021. Cap-Chat also set a new record with 27.3 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 26.7 degrees set in 1935.

However, the passage of a cold front on the evening of August 13 brought more seasonal temperatures. The cold front was accompanied by thunderstorms, and lightning sparked three forest fires northwest of Gaspé that day.

Two of the fires occurred in the late afternoon in the Lac Ross and Sainte-Julienne colony areas, and the most recent one in Anse-à-Valleau in the early evening. The latter was still active on August 14.
“We had a few thunderstorms and lightning struck in some areas. SOPFEU teams will continue to monitor the area where lightning struck to ensure they can respond if other fires break out,” said SOPFEU spokesperson Isabelle Gariépy.

The other two fires have been contained or brought under control. In total, some 1.1 hectares were ravaged.

“We had a tanker plane working to contain the fires. Firefighters on the ground worked on some of these fires. Work with a helicopter was done on one of these fires,” added the spokesperson, who noted that the ground is very dry and suggested people not light fires in the forest.

The fire on August 12 was a recreational fire and is considered to be under control by SOPFEU. Its area is minimal.

It should be noted that before the rainfall on August 13, only five millimetres of rain had fallen in the Gaspé region since the beginning of August. On August 13, Gaspé issued a ban on open fires in the area until further notice. The flammability index dropped back down to low levels thanks to the rainfall and seasonal temperatures on August 14.

Several records

On August 12, four records were set. The hottest spot was Gaspé with 36.1 degrees, breaking the 32.2-degree mark set in 1940 and 1953. Carleton-sur-Mer followed closely behind with 36 degrees, beating the 31.7 degrees recorded in 2002. New Carlisle saw the mercury reach 35.5 degrees, crushing the 29.1 degrees recorded in 2002. Cap-d’Espoir recorded 28 degrees, breaking the 23.1 degrees mark set in 2002. Cap-Chat tied the record set in 1940 and 1944 with 26.1 degrees.

According to Environment Canada data, on August 11, the mercury climbed to 35.9 degrees in Carleton-sur-Mer, eclipsing the 32.8 degrees recorded in 1971. With the humidex index, it felt like 43 degrees. New Carlisle recorded 34.5 degrees—40 degrees with the humidex index—erasing the 31.1 degrees set in 1995. The mercury reached 28.7 degrees in Cap-d’Espoir, breaking the 26.2 degrees record set in 2005, with a humidex of 36 degrees. On August 10, Carleton-sur-Mer recorded 33.7 degrees and New Carlisle 32.5 degrees.

A heat wave – now referred to as an extreme heat event in meteorology – is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days during which the heat is particularly high and marked by a decrease in the temperature range between day and night.

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Police cadet from Gaspé revives woman in Quebec City

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – A cadet with the Sûreté du Québec, Mikaël Denis, 21, from Gaspé, helped revive a woman who had lost consciousness at Montmorency Falls Park in Quebec City.

The incident occurred on July 12 on the footbridge overlooking the falls, located on the border between Quebec City and Boischatel.

Mr. Denis, along with his 19-year-old colleague, Maude Fournier, were on preventive patrol in public areas as part of their duties.

“Around 7 p.m., we went to Montmorency Falls Park to do some surveillance. We work on the Boischatel side and arrived on the east side. We got on the footbridge and people on the west side were waving to get our attention. That’s when we moved toward them to see what was going on and saw a woman on the ground,” the cadet explains.

The police recruit immediately sprang into action. “We made space around the victim, and I personally leaned over to check her vital signs and level of consciousness. The woman had a very weak pulse and was completely unconscious. We put her in the recovery position,” continues Mr. Denis.

As luck would have it, a doctor happened to be at the scene. “He came to help me, and on the phone, dispatch asked us to perform CPR, so the doctor and I took turns until the paramedics took over,” says the cadet.

“I did what I could. We did our best, and everyone was satisfied,” Mr. Denis says afterward.
During his training, he received emergency first aid training. “It’s a course we take in college, and that’s what helped me respond. The symptoms were something we had seen during training. It allowed me to stay in control of the situation,” explains the recruit.

This event reaffirmed Mr. Denis’ career choice. Mr. Denis is studying in the two-year accelerated program in Police Techniques at Cégep Garneau in Quebec City. He will begin his final year at CEGEP in August and will complete his training at the École nationale de police de Nicolet.
The future officer would like to pursue his career in Gaspé or at least in the Gaspé Peninsula, though assignments with the Sûreté du Québec are determined by the organization.

Police cadet from Gaspé revives woman in Quebec City Read More »

Gaspé’s participatory budget: Four projects up for vote

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Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Journalist

GASPE – For its second participatory budget in as many years, a monitoring committee has selected four projects that are now in the running to receive the most votes from the public.

The winner will see their idea come to fruition. Elected officials announced their plans earlier in April, following the success of their first participatory budget. The amount allocated has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, but will be spread over two fiscal years.

A total of eleven projects were initially submitted this year by citizens and organizations. The voting period runs until September 10 on the town of Gaspé website. The winning project(s) will be announced at the municipal council meeting on September 15.

“The participatory budget is fully in line with the municipal council’s desire to involve our citizens more in municipal decisions. We will be testing an improved and slightly adjusted formula this year. This collaborative approach is in line with the objectives of our recently adopted strategic plan,” explains the mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté.

Three of the four projects are valued at $50,000 or less. If the two most popular projects are among them, the Town of Gaspé will be able to carry them out simultaneously. The fourth project is estimated at $100,000.

In detail

One of the selected proposals is the revitalisation plan for the Plourde mill site in Rivière-au-Renard. The goal is to develop a rest and relaxation area. The historic sawmill, built in 1909, belongs to the Town of Gaspé and was designated a heritage building in 1998. Its development is part of broader projects tied to Quebec’s sea fishing capital. The cost is estimated at $40,000.

If selected, this project would further enhance the extensive rejuvenation of downtown Rivière-au-Renard, which was inaugurated last September. Investments of $8.7 million were made there before the development of a promenade, an observation tower, a beach replenishment and the Cap au large 4D experience.

The application for the creation of Patrice-Quenneville Park, near the street of the same name – a new residential development near the Mont Béchervaise alpine resort – was also accepted. The idea proposed by Sarah Joncas would see the creation of a central green space including playgrounds and relaxation areas, trails, an agora and a community garden. According to the initiator, this project would promote neighbourhood life, socialising and activities for all ages. It is estimated to cost $100,000.

A self-service sports equipment lending centre at the L’Anse-au-Griffon sports chalet is also proposed. The project, led by the Le Griffon Cultural Centre, would be carried out in partnership with the URLS (Regional Recreation and Sports Unit) and would require the installation of a multi-door shed on screw piles, at a cost of $43,000. Users would ultimately be able to borrow various sports equipment independently.

Finally, an intergenerational recreational sports area near the Douglastown Community Centre could be created, with facilities promoting health, play and active living for all. The goal is to stimulate social engagement and a sense of belonging, revitalize an existing public space, promote local heritage and provide access to facilities that encourage regular physical activity. The total cost is estimated at $50,000.

It’s worth noting that the project selected during Gaspé’s first participatory budget was the addition of playground equipment at St-Paul School in Saint-Maurice-de-l’Échouerie. A total of five projects were put to a public vote out of the 17 submitted. No fewer than 646 people participated in the voting process.

Gaspé’s participatory budget: Four projects up for vote Read More »

Green light given to largest residential development in the history of Gaspé

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Jean-Philippe Thibault, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – An agreement was officially signed between the Town of Gaspé and Gestion Bourgade for the creation of the Faubourg du Ruisseau eco-district, described by mayor Daniel Côté as “the largest residential and commercial development in the history of the Town of Gaspé.”
The project was publicly unveiled on May 27. However, the agreement, which consists of some 700 pages of legal documents, had still not been initialed by both parties, a step that has now been completed.

With this, the Gaspé town council confirms an investment of $4.4 million through a loan by-law, for a total estimated value of $8.8 million. The Town and Gestion Bourgade are thus two 50% partners.
The municipal share will be used, in particular, for the construction of streets, water and sewer systems, as well as pedestrian and cycling lanes. It should be noted that the borrowing by-law will require a citizen approval process. Afterwards, it will require Quebec’s approval as well before it comes into effect.

“This is a historic moment and a crucial step for the future of Gaspé. The Faubourg du Ruisseau is not just a development project; it’s the cornerstone of our growth for years to come,” says Daniel Côté.

The municipalization of the streets could be completed by Christmas if all goes as planned. Work began this past spring. One entrance to the eco-neighbourhood will be located on road 198 near the RCMP building; another will connect to Frémont Street, near the Esso service station.

Potential for 320 housing units

In May, during the presentation of the agreement in principle, the developer explained that up to 22 lots could be sold. The goal is to build housing and local businesses. The total potential is 320 new housing units. The notary firm Simard Côté Monette has already indicated its intention to acquire the first lot.

Phase 1 of the project includes the development of three new streets totaling 900 metres in length. Gestion Bourgade will not build the new buildings itself, but will handle the resale of the lots.
The company has acquired a huge parcel of land measuring over 1 million square metres. Other phases could be planned to further expand the area. A re-evaluation will be conducted in 2027.
“Our goal is to create more than just a residential neighbourhood: we want to build a sustainable living environment, integrated into its surroundings and focused on the well-being of its residents. This project demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative and resilient communities for future generations,” explains Sophie Bourdages, vice-president of projects and administration at Gestion Bourgade.

The Town of Gaspé has already indicated that it intends to purchase a few lots that it can subsequently transfer or resell. It has calculated that, ultimately, property tax revenues could represent new revenues of $800,000 to $850,000 annually.

The apartment vacancy rate in Gaspé was 0.3% last year, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The break-even rate is between 1% and 3%. A 2022 study by La Côte-de-Gaspé indicated that the MRC would need to build 551 new housing units and provide 421 adapted housing units for seniors by 2026.

Assuming 320 housing units are built on the land, the first phase of the project could represent a value of $65 million in new construction value.

The chosen location is also one of the few that can accommodate new homes connected to the water and sewer systems without too many problems.

“It’s a strategic location,” Daniel Côté explained in May. “The only area where we had a possibility of expansion in terms of the water and sewer systems was here around the town hall. We have space for our pipes, our treatment plant, and our drinking water wells. We’re also close to services.”

Green light given to largest residential development in the history of Gaspé Read More »

Vehicles on the beach: Gaspé cannot intervene

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Theoretically, the Town of Gaspé cannot prohibit motor vehicles from driving on local beaches.

In response to concerns about the presence of a few 4x4s on Douglastown Beach, the Town explained prior to July 23 that a provincial regulation permits fishermen to drive in these areas, creating a regulatory grey zone that limits municipal intervention.

However, the Town notes that barriers are installed when abuse is observed.

Both the Sûreté du Québec and municipal inspectors have spoken with some campers on the beaches to remind them that camping is prohibited.

The Town is urging those who still venture into these areas to stay on designated trails in order to avoid damaging these fragile ecosystems.

Sand couch grass is being planted this year in both Haldimand and Douglastown to protect the shoreline.

However, the context changed on July 25 when the Town of Gaspé issued an update about the situation. The message on the Town’s Facebook page read as follows.

ZERO TOLERANCE ON OUR BEACHES

In response to recent disturbances and blatant disregard for the rules—especially at Douglastown Beach—the Town of Gaspé is tightening controls.

We even discovered that the barrier installed in Douglastown for several years (used in case of overcrowding and left open this year) was removed in the past few days. This is a regrettable act of vandalism.

After an urgent meeting with our partners from the Sûreté du Québec and the Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg, a joint decision was made: the awareness period is over and it is not enough.

Effective immediately, SQ officers and our municipal inspectors will issue tickets for any infractions of the regulations.

To be perfectly clear, here’s a reminder of the key prohibitions:

NO CAMPING

Our beaches are not campgrounds. Fines ranging from $200 to $2,000 apply under our bylaw for repeat offenders. For nature stays, campsites are available at official campgrounds in Greater Gaspé: https://zurl.co/X HCZc

NO VEHICLES ON THE SAND

Motorized traffic destroys beach grass, the plant that holds our beaches together and protects them from erosion. This is a fragile environment, not a highway. While some exceptions are allowed under provincial regulations, tickets may be issued outside of those cases.

NO LITTERING

The rule is simple: take back everything you brought with you. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.

These rules are not meant to bother you but to PROTECT our natural heritage. We count on the cooperation of residents and visitors alike to enjoy our beaches responsibly. Thank you for helping preserve the unique beauty of Gaspé.

Vehicles on the beach: Gaspé cannot intervene Read More »

The train at the cement plant in early fall

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

NEW RICHMOND – After several delays, the train will finally reach Port-Daniel-Gascons in early fall, according to the president of the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie.

In 2017, Quebec announced $100 million to upgrade the rail line between Matapedia and Gaspé. In 2020, an additional $135 million was added to the budget with a promise to reach Port-Daniel–Gascons by 2022.

However, in February 2022, another delay pushed the timeline to 2024. Then last fall, yet another postponement was announced, as some bridges were not quite ready and an issue had arisen with the tunnel near the cement plant. Since the plant itself was not yet ready to receive trains, the delay to spring 2025 was not perceived as a setback at the time.

One of the last remaining obstacles was the bridge in Caplan.

“The rails have been laid on the bridge. The ballast still needs to be installed on the approaches. Normally, we should be 100% operational by next week at the latest,” said Éric Dubé, president of the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie.

Even though the infrastructure is new, it must still undergo inspection to ensure compliance.
As for the tunnel, the Ministry of Transport has informed the company that the work should allow trains to pass through it to reach the cement plant this fall. Work on the approaches could continue even while trains are running nearby.

“We are hopeful, along with the department, that by early fall we will be able to reach the cement plant, which has been our goal since the beginning of the year,” said Mr. Dubé.

All infrastructure between Caplan and Port-Daniel-Gascons will be inspected before the train is given the green light to travel to the cement plant.

Even if all preparations are not yet complete, the plant will still be able to load cement.
“We have plenty of ways to load cars even if the work is not finished. Our goal is to be operational as soon as possible. The day the rail allows us to get to Port-Daniel, you can count on us to load cement,” said Mr. Dubé.

“I can’t wait to make the news that the first cement train is leaving Port-Daniel,” said the president after these multiple delays.

Herbicide on the railroad

The ZICO Conservation Society of Baie-de-Gaspé is once again denouncing the use of chemical herbicides to control vegetation along the railroad.

The organization has been fighting against these methods for years, pointing out that alternatives exist, and is once again calling for an end to spraying, as it endangers the health of citizens and the environment, noting that the railroad runs alongside residences with artesian wells, wetlands, salmon rivers, and the Chaleurs and Gaspé bays.

The organization points out that Switzerland and Sweden use hot water to control vegetation, and the White Pass and Yukon Railway, between Skagway, Alaska (United States) and Whitehorse, Yukon, has relied on mechanical means since 2016.

The organization emphasizes that other non-chemical methods are possible and should be prioritized.

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Gasoline: A difference that the mayor of Gaspé cannot explain

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The mayor of Gaspé says he cannot explain the eight-cent-per-litre difference in gasoline prices between his town and nearby Chandler following a drop in prices at the pump on July 17 in the area between Chandler and Cap-d’Espoir.

In that region, a litre of regular gasoline was selling for $1.47, while in Gaspé, no change had been observed, with the price still at $1.57 as of July 23.

“It’s inexplicable to have an eight-cent difference between Gaspé and Chandler, and it’s just as inexplicable that everyone changed their prices at practically the same time,” said the mayor of Gaspé Daniel Côté.

The price drop spread quickly through the Rocher-Percé MRC on July 17.

According to data from the Régie de l’énergie, as of July 21, retailers in that MRC were earning an average profit margin of 11.3 cents per litre—similar to last year’s average.

In contrast, retailers in Gaspé were charging a 19-cent margin, compared to an average of around 12 cents last year.

“This is a sign that there is a lack of competition. That’s why we’ve been calling on the Competition Bureau for years. We are asking them once again to do their job and demonstrate that there is a lack of competition, which is causing all sorts of abnormal, even absurd things to happen, and it is ordinary people who are paying the price,” commented the mayor.

Last September, the Competition Bureau concluded that there was no collusion in the Gaspé Peninsula to fix gasoline prices.

At the time, the bureau stated that “combating anti-competitive behaviour in the gasoline sector is a priority for the Bureau. It is for this reason that our investigators visited several regions of Quebec to better understand how gasoline prices are determined. These visits took place in eastern Quebec, including the Gaspé Peninsula, on July 18, 2024.”

“To date, the information obtained has not allowed us to demonstrate the presence of anti-competitive activities in the retail gasoline sector,” the Bureau added, reiterating that its role is to investigate price-fixing and other anti-competitive practices.

As an enforcement agency, the Bureau does not have the authority to regulate gasoline prices. This falls under provincial jurisdiction, the federal agency emphasized.

Since the Quebec government abolished the minimum price floor, no price adjustment has been observed in Gaspé, which continues to rank among the most expensive sectors in the province for gasoline.

Only the regions of Northern Quebec and the Magdalen Islands have higher prices than Gaspé.
Some gas stations in Gaspé have adopted similar lower prices, but the trend is far from widespread.

Gasoline: A difference that the mayor of Gaspé cannot explain Read More »

The 73-place daycare centre in Gespeg will not open until January 2027

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The second daycare centre project approved in the summer of 2022 in Gaspé, at the CPE des Butineurs by the Ministry of Family Affairs, will not open until January 2027.

Several technical issues have delayed the development process.

The application was submitted in January 2022, and 73 places were approved, 80% of which are reserved for members of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg.

The construction of the facility, initially planned for Nation land near the Saint-Majorique administrative centre, has proven complicated.

From the beginning of the proceedings with the Town of Gaspé in the fall of 2022, two different maps emerged, raising concerns about a potential unmarked watercourse and wetlands on the selected parcel of land.

“We had to have everything evaluated and characterized. In the end, there was no watercourse, but there were two wetlands. We had to discuss it again and select a new location,” explains Mylène Côté, director of the CPE des Butineurs and project manager.

Once the second site was selected, still on Nation property, but behind the administrative centre, further testing was required.

“We had the issue of the well and septic tank in that area. We had to conduct characterization tests to see what kind of treatment system would be possible. Each study had to be approved by the Department of Family Services before moving on to the next one. That’s what caused the delay,” continues Ms. Côté.

All these tests had to be conducted during the summer season.

Once these steps were completed, the feasibility study was submitted in January, and the CPE now hopes to open the new facility in January 2027.

“We will need the ministry’s approval to continue. We have hired architects and engineers. Everything is proceeding as normal. Each step is taking a little longer than expected,” notes Ms. Côté.

The facility will be a traditional construction, unlike the CPE Le Voyage de mon Enfance near Carrefour Gaspé, which is currently under construction as part of a pilot project using prefabricated buildings.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026.

In 2022, the Quebec government allocated a budget of $3.3 million for the project.

“We’ll see when construction will take place. There is always a small indexation. For the moment, that’s the budget we have,” calculates the director.

By comparison, the CPE project under construction near Carrefour Gaspé will cost $6 million, after several delays pushed back its completion.

The shortage of educators in the job market remains a major challenge.

“It’s a big and exciting challenge. It’s a real concern. We’re working on it every day. We hope that the beauty of the project will attract people to the region,” says Ms. Côté.

About 15 educators and three support staff will be needed. “We hope to have members of the Nation (filling these positions),” she says.

The 73-place daycare centre in Gespeg will not open until January 2027 Read More »

11 major infrastructure projects in Gaspésie

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Jounalist

GASPÉ – Eleven construction sites are currently active in the Gaspé region as part of the Quebec Infrastructure Strategy.

This information comes from a new interactive map put online by Quebec City on June 19. However, some of the map’s elements are questionable.

For example, the map shows that section 2 of the rail line between Caplan and Port-Daniel-Gascons is in service, even though over the third week of June, the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie indicated that a bridge in Caplan had not yet been completed.

Rehabilitation of this section has now cost $299.7 million.

Section 3, on the other hand, is in the planning stage, with the budget to be announced once the project is formally approved.

Other transportation projects include the $27.3 million Petit Pabos river bridge in Chandler and theplanned refurbishment of the Matapédia bridge.

In terms of public buildings, the Maison des aînés in Chandler ($75.6 million), the Carrefour de l’innovation des pêches in Grande-Rivière ($31.2 million) and the English elementary-secondary school in New Carlisle ($30.3 million) are on the agenda.

Finally, there are two social and collective housing projects in the planning phase: the 84-apartment Havre district in Gaspé and the 36-apartment Villa Mgr Bourdages in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
Notably absent from the interactive map is the emergency and intensive care renovations project at the Maria hospital.

11 major infrastructure projects in Gaspésie Read More »

Formal board of directors for Centre artistique de Cap-aux-Os

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The Centre artistique de Cap-aux-Os now has a formal board of directors since June 17, which will enable the project to convert the village church into a creative venue to be finalized.
Six people have been appointed to the board, with a seventh member to be named soon.

“We were a provisional committee since 2021, when we created it to have a registered committee to solicit bids, sign contracts with funders. We were a committee of what I called founding members registered as a non-profit organization. As soon as we had confirmation from all the funders, we called a special meeting to elect the directors,” says president Daniel Bernier.

The project involves transforming the village’s former church into a modern, dynamic and inclusive arts centre.

The Centre artistique will be a creative hub dedicated to artists, and will become Gaspé’s first Maison de la culture.

This emblematic site, once the heart of the community, will regain its role as a gathering place thanks to a complete renovation that respects its heritage while embracing innovation.

Planned renovations include replacement of doors and windows, improved insulation, redesigned interior cladding and new staircases.

At the same time, special attention will be paid to universal accessibility: adapted toilets, a barrier-free entrance and modernized exterior staircases will be integrated to ensure that this space is truly open to all.

The installation of an artesian well, a septic tank and the replacement of oil heating with a more ecological option also mark the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental standards.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to encourage community participation, with a target of $30,000.

“Right now, it’s difficult. We’re still optimistic. We’re going to appeal to the public because right now, we’re only 11% of the way to our goal. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re confident,” says Mr. Bernier.

The total project was estimated in 2022 at $4.1 million.

“Exterior work is starting and we’re in the plans and specifications process to receive them with estimates for the construction vacations or right after. This would allow us to go to tender around the end of August for interior work during the fall, winter and early spring,” says Mr. Bernier.

If all goes according to plan, the facility is expected to open in May 2026.

Funding includes $1.6 million from the federal government, $2 million from the provincial government, $155,000 from the Town of Gaspé and $50,000 from the MRC de la Côte-de-Gaspé.

Formal board of directors for Centre artistique de Cap-aux-Os Read More »

New framework for the Rural Areas Fund penalizes Gaspésie

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – The terms and conditions of the Rural Areas Fund are now known, and the Table des préfets de la Gaspésie deplores the fact that the rules have been changed, which will ultimately harm the region’s development.

The most significant irritant is the limitation of resources dedicated to MRC staff who supported the community in developing projects. Previously, up to 20% of the budget could be used to pay salaries. The percentage is now limited to 5%.

“What this means is that we can no longer pay a large portion of our employees with these budgets. We will have to turn to municipalities for contributions,” said Mathieu Lapointe, president of the Table of préfects.

Another major change involves the funding disbursement schedule.

“The disbursement is now a three-year agreement. Initially, we will receive 30% of the amount and 70% at the end of the three years. The MRCs will have to advance the amounts through lines of credit or credit facilities. It will be the same for the projects we support. We will have to ask organizations to financially support the MRC’s contribution for the duration of the project,” explains Mr. Lapointe.

The impact will be significant, particularly for community organizations.

“We can provide up to $150,000 to support a project. If we tell the organization that we will give them $150,000 but that they will receive 30% of the funds upon signing and 70% when the project is completed, we are putting significant pressure on these organizations, which may not have the financial cushion to absorb these amounts. This will lead to several issues,” says the president.
The operation of organizations can no longer be supported through the Rural Areas Fund.

“This also limits our interventions in the community and weakens organizations,” continues Mr. Lapointe, who notes that the amounts have already been agreed upon, with each MRC receiving approximately $1 million per year.

Organizations that may no longer be eligible for support include Stratégie Vivre en Gaspésie, Place aux jeunes, and local chambers of commerce.

“With the new terms and conditions, based on the information we have, we will no longer be able to support them,” said Mr. Lapointe, who is also the prefect of the Avignon MRC.

He questioned the Quebec government’s decision to restrict the fund’s use, which had previously been praised for its agility and flexibility.

Mr. Lapointe believes that the Gaspésie is paying for other regions that have not managed their budgets well.

“That’s what we understand from these decisions, that there may have been abuse in certain regions. That is not the case for us. What we are saying to the ministry is that if regions or MRCs have not complied with the old criteria, enforce them and don’t crack down on those who did follow the rules,” says Mr. Lapointe, who remains hopeful that he can convince the Quebec government to change things.

The first signs of this change were received last December for this fund, which is the MRCs’ main development tool.

At the time, Mr. Lapointe even discussed the issue with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, demanding that the fund remain unchanged.

New framework for the Rural Areas Fund penalizes Gaspésie Read More »

A few temporary layoffs at Forillon Shipyard

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Less than ten employees have voluntarily chosen to take longer vacations at the Forillon Shipyard in Gaspé due to circumstances beyond their control, according to company management.
Rumours were circulating in the community that there would be several job losses over a longer period of time at the shipyard located near Sandy Beach wharf.

The shipyard is currently in a transition period. The Canadian Coast Guard’s 10-boat search and rescue contract is nearing completion, with the Baie-de-Gaspé scheduled for delivery in October to the port of Rivière-au-Renard. At the same time, construction is set to begin on the first hybrid diesel-electric semi-offshore fisheries research vessel for the Coast Guard—a $55.5 million contract awarded in fall 2023.

Combined, these two contracts represent $157 million in orders, securing the shipyard’s place among the major players in small- and medium-sized vessel construction.

Without giving an official interview, President and chief executive officer Jean-David Samuel explains that the engineering component of the semi-offshore contract took longer than expected, which disrupted the construction schedule.

Faced with this situation, the shipyard suggested that employees take extended vacations this summer using employment insurance. Less than ten of the facility’s hundred or so workers accepted the proposal, which is not a layoff, insists Mr. Samuel.

Other employees remain on site, performing alternate tasks while awaiting the delivery of steel, expected in August, which will kick off assembly of the new vessel.

Looking ahead, the shipyard anticipates needing about 15 additional workers this fall, driven by this major contract and a growing order book. Several bids for new shipbuilding projects have already been submitted.

Meanwhile, the Bouchard Shipyard, acquired by Forillon last September, is operating at full capacity in Rivière-au-Renard.

A few temporary layoffs at Forillon Shipyard Read More »

Agreement reached for financing of Demeure Toi in Gaspé

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The president of the Demeure Toi organization in Gaspé is satisfied with the agreement reached with the CISSS de la Gaspésie.

On July 15, the organization announced that, following two weeks of discussions with the regional health authority, it had secured $275,000 per year in funding for the next three years.

“We discussed each other’s understanding and perception of the client profile. We realized that we had a common understanding of the needs of this clientele,” says president Claudine Dupuis.
The agreement will be re-evaluated in three years.

“We have no guarantees, but I remain very confident that with the collaboration we have with the CISSS, everything will go smoothly,” Ms Dupuis adds.

The $8.9 million building is scheduled to be delivered at the end of July, with interior work to follow in preparation for welcoming the first tenants, people living with autism, by mid-September. Of the 11 spots available, a few remain open.

Hiring of staff will begin shortly, although the organization has not yet finalized its operating budget. Calculations are still underway.

An open house is planned, possibly in August, to allow the public to visit the facility.

Earlier this year, a dispute over funding had led Demeure Toi to consider delaying the opening of the building. At the time, the organization cited a promised $318,000 in funding from the Quebec government, while the CISSS was offering only $50,000.

Agreement reached for financing of Demeure Toi in Gaspé Read More »

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