municipal council

Baseball field demolition sparks frustration at Parc-Extension council

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By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

Parc-Extension’s borough council returned from its summer break on Tuesday evening,
September 2nd, to a packed room, where residents once again pressed officials on the planned
demolition of a baseball field at Parc Prévost.


Families, children, and coaches filled the chamber, many wearing their team gear. It was a
follow-up to earlier protests over the loss of baseball space in the neighborhood.
The evening began with regular borough business. The mayor highlighted the adoption of an
urbanism plan linked to the abandoned Chinese hospital near Saint-Michel, noting: “We are
really happy about this news. Despite economic constraints, the borough continues to find a
way to develop its social housing.”


Councillor Mary Deros offered thanks to borough staff for their work during August’s many
events and festivities and reminded drivers and cyclists to be cautious with the school year
underway: “Drivers and cyclists, be careful with our kids.” She also urged residents to remember
the upcoming November municipal elections: “Please go vote.”
Councillor Sylvain Ouellet announced new signage coming to the neighborhood, while
Councillor Josué Corvil reminded the room that September 10 marks Suicide Prevention Day.

Baseball concerns dominate question period
The real focus of the night came during question period, beginning with Maxime Brossard,
president of the Jarry Amateur Baseball Association, who attended with his daughter Margot.
He argued that his association was not properly warned about the demolition of Parc Prévost’s
field and that promised solutions have yet to materialize.
Margot asked directly: “What will the borough do to meet the baseball association’s
requirements?”


Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde apologized, saying she had been under the impression that
the association had been notified, and stressed that no demolition was imminent. She added
that time slots remain available at Parc Prévost for the moment and that the borough wants to
work with the association to find solutions.


Another resident, Maeva Willard, and her mother presented a petition calling for renovations to
the field rather than its destruction. Maeva, who has played for five years, told council she has
seen her playing time shrink each season as schedules tighten.

Baseball field demolition sparks frustration at Parc-Extension council Read More »

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Chandler is calling on the Minister of Municipal Affairs to force the resignation of councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who faces multiple serious criminal charges. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche has already publicly called for the Newport councillor’s resignation, but so far, nothing has happened. Mr. Daraîche is asking the Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Catherine Blouin, to intervene with Minister Andrée Laforest. 

“I have already spoken to Ms. (Catherine) Blouin’s political attaché, who is to send a message to Ms. Blouin so that she can intervene with the Minister of Municipal Affairs,” Mr. Daraîche emphasized. 

Beforehand, the mayor asked the councillor’s lawyer about his intentions. “He may not have access to his emails. I spoke to his lawyer, who needs to talk to him about it before I can send my message. We’d like this to happen as quickly as possible to take the burden off everyone’s shoulders, even him. At some point, we have to disassociate ourselves from Mr. Godbout,” the mayor stated. 

Furthermore, the municipal council filed a notice of motion at a special meeting in April to stop the remuneration of a councillor who is absent from the municipal council. “The gentleman is no longer being paid as of today’s meeting (May 5),” the mayor noted. In Chandler, a councillor receives $2,171 per month. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout was arrested on April 15 by the Sûreté du Québec. The 36-year-old faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée de Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the victims’ identities. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec alleged that Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact his victims. On April 25, the court ruled that the accused would remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings. After deliberating, Judge Denis Paradis ruled for the Crown, finding that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence, that he faces a sentence of between five and 10 years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

On April 29, his lawyer, Ariane Cayer, asked the court to postpone the case until May 13 due to the amount of evidence in the file. 

In addition to being a municipal councillor, Mr. Godbout was employed by the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) as a physical rehabilitation therapist. 

The accused is charged with fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking of a document. The charges were filed following a UPAC investigapro-mayor of Chandler during the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the fraud at approximately $10,000. 

By mutual agreement with the Municipal Commission, he stepped down from council a year ago with pay while the case was being resolved in court. It was agreed that the councillor would reimburse the Town for the salary and legal expenses if found guilty. 

Another case involving an illegal lottery dating back to 2021 is also under review by the Office of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions. 

CHANDLER: Minister of Municipal Affairs questioned in the Godbout case Read More »

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The mayor of Chandler is calling for the resignation of Newport ward councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout, who is facing charges related to violent crimes. 

The town council also tabled a notice of motion on April 24 to terminate his remuneration. 

Mayor Gilles Daraîche says he learned of the allegations against Mr. Godbout at the same time as the public, on April 15. 

“We all agreed that we had to act and not let this drag on. In the minutes that followed, we spoke to our lawyers,” says the mayor, trying to find out how to proceed. 

“There are rules to follow. Some people are saying on social networks that the town needs to move, but you have to do things properly to avoid being prosecuted for acting in the wrong way,” explains Mr. Daraîche. 

In addition to working with the municipality’s prosecutors, the mayor consulted with the Ministère des Affaires municipales and the Commission municipale du Québec. 

“A few hours after learning of the events, I asked for Mr Godbout’s resignation,” continued the mayor. 

On April 24, at a special meeting, a notice of motion was tabled to amend the regulations governing the remuneration. of elected representatives. 

“To ensure that in order to be paid, you have to be seated at the council table for the monthly meeting. This is very important. We’re going to stop paying people who aren’t there,” says the mayor. Currently, councillors earn $2,171 per month. 

“That’s the only way we can avoid paying people who are absent,” explains Mr. Daraîche, even though the by-law makes no exception for justified absences. 

“We don’t have much room to manoeuvre. People have to understand. Asking for the resignation and amending the law on the remuneration of elected representatives are the only things that can be done. These are important actions,” maintains the mayor. 

The amended bylaw is expected to come into effect on May 1, although legal delays may push its adoption past the next council meeting on May 5. 

Regarding legal fees stemming from a separate 2021 travel expense lawsuit, when Mr Godbout was pro-mayor, the bill amounts to $9,500, according to the mayor. 

Mr Godbout had been absent from council since April 2024, following a voluntary withdrawal under an agreement reached with the Municipal Commission. That agreement allowed him to continue receiving his salary while awaiting further developments. 

Another agreement, between Mr. Godbout and the Town of Chandler stipulates that the town will be reimbursed for legal fees if he is acquitted of the charges. 

Mr. Godbout is facing charges of fraud, forgery and use, possession or trafficking of a document. UPAC has estimated the fraud at around $10,000. Reimbursement of legal costs is guaranteed. 

“At the Town of Chandler, there is a severance bonus. There are signed agreements,” points out the mayor. Even if Councillor Godbout no longer had any assets, the severance package would allow the Town to pay itself back. 

“At least for the legal fees. As for the salary, we’ll check with Municipal Affairs, because they’re the ones who came to an agreement. He did not sit on the council, but was recognised as a councillor of the Town of Chandler because he was temporarily withdrawn. We’re in touch with the Municipal Commission. If he had been completely withdrawn, we wouldn’t have had to pay his salary, but as he is temporarily withdrawn, we’re going to check with Municipal Affairs,”says Mr Daraîche. 

The mayor also clarified that any legal fees related to Mr. Godbout’s arrest on April 15 are not being paid by the town, as the alleged victims are not elected officials. 

As SPEC went to press on May 2, Bruno-Pierre Godbout had not submitted his resignation. 

CHANDLER: Councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout called to resign Read More »

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

PERCÉ – Chandler town councillor Bruno-Pierre Godbout will remain in jail for the duration of legal proceedings. That was the verdict of Quebec Court Judge Denis Paradis during the bail hearing held on April 25 at the Percé Courthouse. 

The defence and the Crown presented their arguments in the morning during a hearing that lasted two-and-a-half hours. The defence requested that Godbout be released since he did not pose a danger to the victims or the public, and since he would be subject to numerous conditions if granted bail. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout testified, guaranteeing a $2,500 deposit and an equivalent amount without a deposit. A relative of the accused also promised a $2,500 deposit for his release. 

For its part, the criminal prosecution argued that the charges are very serious, including the aspect of violence and control toward the victims. It called a Sûreté du Québec investigator who indicated that the investigation is still ongoing. At the time of his arrest on April 15, police indicated that there may be additional victims. 

After taking the decision under advisement, the judge ruled at the end of the day on the side of the criminal prosecution, considering that the accused’s release would undermine public confidence in the justice system, that he faces a sentence of between five and ten years in prison, and that the evidence presented during the bail hearing appeared credible. 

The 36-year-old man faces 12 charges related to sexual assault, assault with a weapon, assault, unlawful confinement, and criminal harassment following an arrest warrant. 

The events allegedly occurred between 2010 and 2025 in Bonaventure, Gaspé, Newport, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse, and Montreal. A publication ban was issued to protect the identities of the victims. 

At the time of his arrest, the Sûreté du Québec stated that Mr. Godbout allegedly used his notoriety to contact the victims. 

In addition to being a municipal councilor, Mr. Godbout works as a physical rehabilitation therapist at the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS). 

Being remanded in custody represents a new setback for the individual, who is already facing charges of fraud, forgery, and using, possessing, or trafficking in a document. These charges were filed following an investigation by the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) while the councillor was pro-mayor of Chandler following the suspension of former mayor Louisette Langlois in 2021. 

UPAC estimated the amount of fraud at approximately $10,000. In addition, a case dating back to 2021 related to an illegal sports betting lottery remains under review by the Crown. 

Bruno-Pierre Godbout is remanded in custody Read More »

CMQ observer satisfied with progress in Percé

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The Town of Percé is demonstrating a clear commitment to improving its governance. This is the key take away from the report published on February 20 by Minister of Municipal Affairs Andrée Laforest. The report was prepared by observer Mélanie Robert, who was appointed following last July’s damning finding by the Commission municipale du Québec (CMQ). 

Mélanie Robert’s mandate was to verify whether the measures put in place by the town, in response to the CMQ’s recommendations were effectively addressing the identified issues. 

The final report was presented to council members and the general management team on February 19. 

Throughout her mandate, Ms. Robert noted a clear desire to rectify the situation, both on the part of the town’s employees and the members of the council. 

She notes that the town has already taken serious and significant steps to remedy certain problems, including the active participation of its staff and council members in information sessions, and the invitation extended by senior management to various bidders to carry out an organizational diagnosis. 

The council ensures that it has all the information necessary for decision-making, in particular by introducing decision summaries for more complex or extensive files. 

Ms. Robert also notes that the town is in good financial health and the main internal control and monitoring mechanisms are in place. 

However, she recommends that the Regulation decreeing the rules for budgetary control and monitoring be updated, in particular to specify the areas of jurisdiction for which each delegation applies and to update the amounts thus authorized. The undersigned also recommends that these mechanisms be accompanied by work tools that promote a better understanding of the budget management process among teams while ensuring sustainability in the transmission of best practices in this area. 

It should be noted that this recommendation could also be enhanced by those, where applicable, of the human resources representative who will issue an organizational diagnosis. 

The observer reiterates the importance for the town to ensure complete management and appropriate monitoring of sensitive or difficult labour relations files. She points out that specific training in conflict management exists and that specialized support resources are available. 

She suggests that the town update its Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Incivility and Violence in the Workplace. 

The administration must continue its efforts to ensure sound management of the town. 

The Minister of Municipal Affairs is confident that other actions will be deployed to this end, in the interest of the entire community. 

The ministry is also closely monitoring the situation and remains available, particularly through the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regional Directorate, to help and support the town in carrying out its duties. 

“The seven recommendations of the Commission’s investigation department have almost been completed. We still have a few small tasks to complete before the rest of the year,” says Mayor Daniel Leboeuf. 

One of these is the organizational diagnosis ordered in February and which will be completed in the spring. 

In July 2024, the CMQ report concluded that wrongdoing had been committed in the Town of Percé. 

The Commission’s president, Jean-Philippe Marois, noted a worrying culture regarding compliance with applicable rules within the town. 

This culture is reflected in a flagrant lack of internal control measures and monitoring mechanisms. This is the main problem identified by the investigation. 

Thus, the situation in which the town is currently immersed is caused by numerous dysfunctions, which are only the symptoms of this serious case of mismanagement and for which the responsibility cannot be attributed solely to the general management. The commission noted that significant disagreements persist within the administration and have led to the resignation of several employees. As for the town council, it does not seem to realize the extent of the situation or show any desire to rectify it. 

CMQ observer satisfied with progress in Percé Read More »

Maria unsuccessful on two attempts at the MRC level

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

MARIA – The municipality of Maria suffered two setbacks at the MRC of Avignon Council of Mayors on February 12, regarding the election of a prefect by universal vote and the regionalization of the Carleton-sur-Mer arena. 

The mayor of Maria, Jean-Claude Landry, considered it relevant to get a new start on a prefect elected by the population, considering the responsibilities devolved to the MRCs at the end of the years have become important. Prefect Mathieu Lapointe, recalls that discussions have taken place five or six times since 2021. 

The issue was settled in June 2024. “After much thought, everyone was unanimously in favour of the current elective method, i.e. the prefect elected by his peers. What we did was simply adopt it by resolution, so that the position would be clear. We went back over the arguments that had been discussed. In the end, the elected officials wanted to maintain the current method,” says Mr. Lapointe. 

According to the prefect, everyone is playing their part well. “Things are going well. We are developing. We are on a good run. Avignon is doing better than ever. We wanted to maintain the current ways of doing things. What will it be like in a year, two years, five years? We will see,” he says. 

The other debate ended with Avignon elected officials refusing to regionalize the Carleton-sur-Mer arena. 

On February 10, Carleton adopted a resolution imposing a $1,200 fee on minor hockey and figure skating users residing outside of Carleton-sur-Mer to help cover the arena’s operating deficit. 

Maria wanted to see the infrastructure taken over by the MRC. “The MRC council quickly closed the door. The MRC does not want to interfere in the management of sports and leisure infrastructure and does not want to interfere in issues between municipalities. The debate does not concern the municipalities of the West,” said the prefect. 

“It’s disappointing. I admit it. However, it is a decision made by the MRC representatives,” said Maria Mayor Jean-Claude Landry. “There will be discussions at the Municipality of Maria on the follow-up to the responses received by the MRC,” the elected official mentioned following the meeting with his colleagues. 

Further discussions on all municipal infrastructure may take place. 

“The response was negative. Is there a need to come back to the charge? We will discuss it again at the municipality,” continued Mr. Landry. 

Maria unsuccessful on two attempts at the MRC level Read More »

Former director of urban planning for the Town of Percé faces charges

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The former director of urban planning for the Town of Percé, Ghislain Pitre, is accused of fraud and breach of trust following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commissioner. 

The Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) investigation tends to show that, between 2009 and 2023, Mr. Pitre allegedly used the services provided by municipal employees under his direction for his own benefit. 

In addition, between 2021 and 2023, the accused allegedly took advantage of subsidies awarded under the financial assistance program for heritage restoration of the Ministry of Culture and Communications, for which he was responsible, for personal purposes. 

He would have benefited from more than $5,000 of public money for the renovation of his house, depriving other citizens of subsidies. The Municipal Commission’s report from last July mentioned some $80,000. He will appear on March 10 at the Percé Courthouse. 

In December 2024, UPAC asked the Town to lift the professional privacy surrounding the administrative investigation that led to Mr. Pitre’s dismissal. 

The organization requested access to the report following a request for disclosure from prosecutors from the Bureau of Serious Crime and Special Affairs of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions. 

UPAC had committed to using the report only for the specific purposes of the request and to keeping the document confidential until criminal charges were filed if the investigation were to come to that point. 

On November 14, 2023, UPAC went to the Town Hall to meet with the then Director General, Jean-François Coderre, and various municipal employees in connection with the suspension of the former executive. 

At the time, the executive was the subject of allegations of fraud, theft of large sums of money and falsification of documents. 

An administrative investigation was launched to verify these allegations, with the Town indicating at the time that the suspension, with pay, followed a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in order to respect the presumption of innocence. 

On July 17, 2024, the town council dismissed the former executive following the filing of the 340-page administrative investigation report in labour law, by the law firm Therrien, Couture and Joli-Coeur. The council adopted a resolution a few minutes after learning of the document ordered during his suspension with pay on October 30. 

Since the case was at risk of being brought to court, the municipal council had made no further comments on the resolution adopted that validated the dismissal. 

The former executive is contesting his dismissal, and the hearing before the Administrative Labour Tribunal was postponed several times. The bill for the administrative investigation amounted to $131,250. 

The mayor of Percé is reserving his comments following the announcement by the Anti-Corruption Commissioner. “This is a judicial matter. We will not comment. We will wait with you for the judgment,” Daniel Leboeuf said simply on the sidelines of the February 4 municipal council meeting. 

Former director of urban planning for the Town of Percé faces charges Read More »

Fréchette steps down as director general of Percé 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – Michel Fréchette, who has been the director general of the Town of Percé since July 29 surprised the municipal council when he submitted his resignation a few minutes before the start of the February 4 public meeting. 

Once the council was seated, Michel Fréchette handed the mayor and each of the councillors a four-page letter in an envelope, explaining the reasons for his resignation. 

The decision of the town’s top civil servant is surprising, as he had signed a five-year contract, which included a one-year probation period and required two evaluations before he could become permanent in his position. 

Moreover, the initial agenda of the council included the hiring of an external resource to conduct “a summary mid-term evaluation of the general management,” an item that was removed after Mr. Fréchette’s letter was submitted. 

“I am as shocked as you are. We knew from the start in his letter of intent that he did not intend to make a career at the Town of Percé. He came to bring back a certain stability.

I have not read his letter of resignation, which is quite long. We will study it in council and we will take note of it,” comments the mayor, Daniel Leboeuf. 

The announcement of this departure, which will be effective March 6, creates another gap in the organizational structure, considering that currently there is no clerk or director of public works and urban planning in the public administration. 

“One complication does not wait for another,” the mayor commented. 

The Town had ordered an organizational diagnosis in January. The work began the same day his resignation was announced. 

“They’re coming to give us tips on how to get organized. We really need them. They’re going to help us with the process of hiring a director general. Maybe it’s coming at the right time to question everyone’s responsibilities,” says Mr. Leboeuf. 

Mr. Fréchette’s hiring was not a unanimous decision within the council. He replaced Jean-François Coderre, who left the position by mutual agreement on June 21. 

Mr. Fréchette declined to comment on February 4, giving the council time to review his resignation letter. 

Fréchette steps down as director general of Percé  Read More »

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