municipal

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER: – A grassroots fundraising campaign for the 32-unit affordable housing project for people with disabilities was launched on March 18 in Chandler. 

The developer, Han Logements, must raise $400,000 from the community to complete the financial package for the project,which is estimated at approximately $10 million and will be located on Rue des Micmacs.  “We have an innovative model that involves a multitude of partners, including small and large donors from the community,” said Han Logements President and CEO Anik Roy Trudel. 

The project will consist of four eight-unit buildings, for each complex the community will need to raise $100,000.  Desjardins has already announced a contribution of $64,000, and a private contributor from Percé has contributed an undisclosed amount.  The total is already approaching $100,000, nearly a quarter of the fundraising goal.  The Town of Chandler donated the land, valued at approximately $100,000. 

“Once we have the community’s contribution, it’s the basis that allows us to go knocking on the doors of foundations and major donors, and  we tell them that the project is already supported by the Chandler community and the surrounding area; they want “We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a secthe project, and that puts their shoulder to the wheel,” notes Ms. Roy Trudel. 

“We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a second phase,” adds Ms. Roy Trudel.  The goal is to begin construction this year once the financial package is complete. Initial studies had detected contamination on the chosen site, but further studies resolved the problem. 

“It took time, but we had the Town’s support. We conducted additional studies and, with the ministry, were able to determine that it was natural contamination. We can move forward,” explains Ms. Roy Trudel, who points out that this constraint has added minor delays. 

The units will accommodate people with physical or intellectual disabilities, those living with autism spectrum disorders, as well as seniors with certain physical limitations.  “We’re targeting people living with disabilities,” she says. The units are designed to make life easier for tenants, such as the absence of a door step for people with reduced mobility. 

For the mayor of Chandler, this project represents the culmination of a long process.  “We’ve been waiting for this day. Work should begin in April or May, with delivery within a year. We’re very happy,” says Mayor Gilles Daraîche. “We donated $100,000 worth of land, and that was our starting point for the project. We were very happy to contribute to it so our residents could benefit from it,” added the mayor. 

Phase 2 of the project will be built on the same lot. 

Boosting construction in Chandler 

This initiative is driving increased construction activity in the town of Chandler. “We see that people are starting to come. It’s just one start, and it’ll get the others going,” believes the elected official, who estimates that some 80 housing units will be built in his municipality by 2025. 

Another priority is expanding daycare spaces. 

A 71-spot daycare centre was built and opened last year, and a project for a 12-spot community daycare is currently being developed in the former printing plant. 

However, demand remains high. “We can never have enough (daycare spots). We hope that more people will settle in Chandler. We always need more daycare spaces, we always need more housing. We hope to have another mandate to do it,” notes the mayor who will be running for mayor next November. 

Other projects are progressing 

Construction of 32 housing units in Gaspé is progressing. “We’re aiming for early August, August 1, to welcome the first tenants,” emphasizes Ms. Roy Trudel. Construction on the Forest Street extension began in June 2024. “There’s also potential for a phase 2 there. The mayor would like us to start quickly. There’s space on the same lot. It’s being evaluated,” she says. 

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the municipality has donated land, and the project is now in the financing phase and in Haute-Gaspésie, plans are underway for a 48-unit, housing project valued at $15 million. 

New Richmond has been mentioned as the next development site. “I don’t want to comment, but it’s something we’re evaluating very seriously. We’re working with the municipality, but we’ll see about the timeline. There’s a lot of interest in the Gaspé Peninsula. Han Logements is continuing its momentum, and it’s important to meet the needs of the population,” says Ms. Roy Trudel. 

In Avignon, no projects are under development. “We’re always open. We go wherever there’s a community or a municipality that wants a project,” says the president and CEO. 

 Han Logements Confirms establishment in Chandler and launches fundraising campaign Read More »

Percé: No permanent director general before 2026

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The Town of Percé does not intend to fill the position of director general of the municipality before 2026. Instead, the town will rely on an interim director due to the number of files that need to be resolved quickly. 

“The council contacted the municipal associations of Quebec – the Fédération québécoise des municipalités and the Association des directeurs municipalités du Québec – which have banks of experienced candidates who could come in the interim to manage all the upcoming files in Percé in 2025,” emphasizes the mayor, Daniel Leboeuf. 

Among these files, the mayor cites the negotiation of the collective agreement, the organizational diagnosis, the recruitment of new people and the municipal elections in November. 

“(We have to) take advantage of the experience of a director general for the municipality to help us set this up and then recruit a permanent resource,” says the mayor. 

The organizational diagnosis will contain recommendations. “We must continue the recovery and once advanced, perhaps in 2026, we will recruit permanently. We will find someone who wants to make a career in our beautiful town with a municipality that functions well and that has all its directors,” says Mr. Leboeuf. 

Now four months into his term, the mayor believes harmony has returned to the Town Hall. “The discussions are much more cordial during public meetings. I avoid controversy. It reflects the climate at the town hall. It’s friendlier,” says the mayor, who emphasizes the work of the civil service to keep the town up and running. 

Recruitment continues to fill vacant positions. The position of director general will become vacant on March 6. The incumbent, Michel Fréchette, resigned on February 4, a few moments before the start of the public council meeting. He had only been in the role for seven months. 

Percé: No permanent director general before 2026 Read More »

Gaspé Strategic Development Plan has four major components 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Four major components were retained in the report aimed at providing Gaspé with a Strategic Development Plan for the next 10 years. 

The territory, the social component, the economic component and the internal component of the municipal organization are the elements that emerged following the consultations conducted online and in person during the months of October and November. 

The consultations engaged nearly 1,000 people online, including 250 young people, as well as more than a hundred participants in the various workshops organized throughout the Gaspé area. 

Several workshops were also held with elected officials, the municipality’s administrative staff and other socio-economic partners in the community. “The population contributed enormously to the activity, much more than I could have expected,” says Mayor Daniel Côté. 

An ongoing online consultation invites residents to provide feedback on the proposed priorities. 

“There aren’t any big surprises: people are generally satisfied with the work accomplished and the way we are developing this town. Where there are pitfalls is the issue of housing, intra-urban and inter-urban transportation, the commercial offer where the municipality can’t do much. These are the elements where people have put big reservations. We will have to emphasize these elements,” explains the mayor, who notes that the population’s satisfaction rate is close to 80%. 

The online survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help prioritize what is presented to the population. The town hopes to adopt the final strategic plan by mid-March. 

“There will also be time objectives. Among other things, in the next steps, we will modernize urban planning,” emphasizes the mayor. Internally, efforts will also be made to improve communication between the town and its citizens. To address this, a communications officer position has been created. 

The 10-year planning horizon was also intended to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival in Gaspé. 

“All sorts of ideas emerged. People wanted more civic activities, but given Gaspé’s place on the national stage, there will be elements of national history that will have to stand out. It is still the first meeting place between Indigenous communities and European communities. The beginning of the Francophonie in America was in Gaspé,” maintains the mayor. 

Residents also expressed interest in infrastructure legacies and maintaining strong relations with First Nations. 

A 500th anniversary celebration committee will soon be formed. “We don’t want to do it at the last minute. We want to train it as far in advance as possible so that we can already start looking for funding, work with the First Nations, with Saint-Malo, which is our twin city in France because of our ties to Jacques Cartier, who left Saint-Malo in 1534. We have several long-term projects,” he adds. 

Gaspé has chosen to complete its strategic planning before launching consultations on the future of the land of the former Ministry of Transport service centre downtown and that of the arena. 

“We were supposed to launch the consultations at the beginning of the year, but we chose to do them one after the other to avoid people being inundated with surveys,” the mayor explains. 

The demolition of the former Minister of Transport (MTQ) buildings was completed in January, with decontamination still to be carried out. 

The town is expected to take possession of them at the end of the year or early next year. “The arena property will be fine when there is a financial assistance program that will accept us to build a new arena. We still have a few years before the land is available,” he notes. 

The consultation will address both properties. “We don’t want to duplicate. If people choose to build a citizen space on land x, there won’t be two citizen spaces,” explains the elected official. 

The survey on the strategic plan is available online until February 28 on the town’s website. 

Gaspé Strategic Development Plan has four major components  Read More »

Langlois-Chandler saga exceeds $400,000 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CHANDLER – The saga surrounding the Town of Chandler’s claim against former Mayor Louisette Langlois has cost the Town more than $400,000 in legal fees to date, while no date has yet been set for the case. 

For the period from October to December 2024, the total legal costs amounted to $29,984.95. The firm GBC Avocats, to which Charles Caza, the attorney for the former mayor is part, billed $16,542.67. The Town’s representation, Morency Avocats, issued an invoice for $13,442.28. 

The Percé courthouse clerk’s office issued the certificate of completeness on January 7. 

The parties are now awaiting a hearing date for the application. 

In January 2021, the council adopted a resolution leading to the filing of the claim by the Town, emphasizing in particular that the accusations against Louisette Langlois resulted from serious or intentional misconduct, by giving precedence to her personal interest, by having committed actions intentionally and premeditatedly, all to achieve her ends. 

The argument was repeated in the motion for an originating application for reimbursement of defence costs filed in January 2022, which sought $230,411 in reimbursement. 

Chandler’s attorneys mentioned in particular that “The decision rendered (…) on December 21, 2020, is damning concerning the defendant and establishes that the defendant’s acts or omissions are serious and/or intentional and/or separable from the exercise of her functions.” 

They added that the former mayor “Has multiplied the procedures, some of which are unnecessary, unfounded and truncated in light of the evidence presented before the CMQ (Commission municipale du Québec).” 

In December 2019, Louisette Langlois was cited for 21 breaches of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of Chandler Elected Officials. After hearings in July 2020, the Commission concluded that the former mayor was guilty of 20 breaches, including conflicts of interest, in December 2020. Before the sanction hearing, Ms. Langlois attempted to obtain a stay of proceedings, and contested the notice of sanction issued against her, going so far as to ask to reopen the investigation, requests that were rejected by administrative Judge Sandra Bilodeau. 

The former mayor went to the Superior Court, where she was dismissed in July 2021, and suffered the same fate in October 2021 before the Court of Appeal. 

In addition, the motion accused her of having multiplied the procedures thereafter. 

The Town has adjusted its claim to more than $300,000 and is now including the costs incurred in the ongoing legal proceedings.  The total bill for this saga has now reached $404,786. 

Langlois-Chandler saga exceeds $400,000  Read More »

Percé budgets for its Tourist Information Office for 2025

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – The Town of Percé is putting funding for the Tourist Information Office back into its budget in 2025. Funding for the Tourist Information Office was removed when the 2024 budget was tabled, a position that council had revised to keep it open thereafter. 

“Last year, funds were taken from the unallocated surplus to maintain the service. Council learned its lesson and put the budget back into a new operating mode with an additional person and a little less promotional budget. We are continuing discussions with merchants to transfer part of the management of tourist information to them. It targets their customers, but it’s not over yet,” explains Mayor Daniel Leboeuf, who emphasizes that this is a transition year. 

The town adopted a budget that increased by 6%, bringing the total to $8 million. 

Percé is seeing its equalization and QST transfers increase by 166%, reaching $519,000. This helps save taxpayers despite the filing of a new assessment roll that increases the municipality’s real estate wealth by 52% for residential properties. 

For example, the average home has had an increase in value from $117,000 to $178,000, but the overall increase in the tax bill is only 2%, since the tax rate was lowered from $1.34 to $0.90 per $100 of assessment. 

“It’s good for someone who wants to sell their home, but not for paying taxes. That’s why we adjusted the rate,” explains the elected official. 

Only the rates for wastewater treatment are increasing from $295 to $350, while the citizens of Cap-d’Espoir see the bill increase from $350 to $400. 

A reserve of $300,000 has been created for personnel management. “Also for recruitment. There is a shortage of managers in key positions. Our clerk is going to retire. We need to recruit a new one. There are resources that will come to help us with recruitment. It is better to plan for more than less,” notes the mayor. 

The town must also renew the collective agreement of its unionized employees and conduct an organizational diagnosis as requested by the Quebec Municipal Commission in its devastating report on municipal management. 

The unallocated surplus is $750,000, but the town would like to see that surplus increased. “Ideally, it should be increased by about $300,000 or $400,000. Last year, we used it several times for some $360,000. It made us fall below the waterline. We have to go back above the waterline,” says Mr. Leboeuf. 

The three-year capital plan includes expenses totalling $8.4 million, including $4.2 million allocated for road network maintenance and $1.5 million for the renewal of the pipes on Biard and Mont-Joli streets, starting in 2025. 

“The council presented its resolutions last year, and some projects were abandoned. We are focusing on preserving our infrastructure while improving others,” justifies the mayor. 

Percé budgets for its Tourist Information Office for 2025 Read More »

Gaspé budget increases 5.5% to $38.2M

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – During a special meeting on December 16, the Town of Gaspé tabled a budget of $38.2 million for the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting a 5.5% increase over 2024. However, taxpayers will face an additional average burden of 2.39%. 

For an average property valued at $240,100, the increase will be 2.39%, which is below the annualized inflation rate of 2.7%. 

“Municipal expenses often increase faster than inflation. For example, the Sûreté du Québec bill is increasing by 3.6%, and Hydro-Québec’s by 6.1%. Bills are increasing, which explains the increase in the budget. On the other hand, the increase in the average tax bill is 2.3%, below inflation. This is a political commitment that I made 12 years ago. We are meeting the objective,” says Mr. Daniel Côté. 

The total surplus is $10 million and the Town of Gaspé is drawing $1.2 million from its accumulated surplus to balance the budget. 

The surplus is down by $3M. Other amounts taken from the surplus consist of $867,000 used for unexpected expenses, $1M to balance the 2024 budget, and $160,000 to replenish certain reserve funds. 

“It’s still a good cushion, but a good cushion where we can’t go crazy. We have to be reasonable in our approach. Having such a cushion gives us free rein to deal with several unforeseen events,” says the mayor. The town’s overall debt is $48 million, representing a little over $2 per $100 of assessment. “Our finances are very healthy,” says the mayor. 

Among the new revenues, the growth in the QST generates an additional $546,000, and compensation in lieu of Quebec taxes increased by $301,000, notably with the addition of the Maison des aînés de Rivière-au-Renard last year. 

The residual materials rate will be frozen at $260. 

The rate for the water supply and sewer will increase from $595 to $615 and the rate for emptying and treating septic tank sludge will increase from $175 to $200. 

Housing construction continues with nearly 300 rental units since 2020, including 176 private units, 66 social or affordable units and 56 units built by the CISSS via the Maison des aînés and modular homes near the CHSLD Mgr Ross. 

At the same time, 238 single-family homes or cottages have been built. The vacancy rate has increased from 0% to 1%, but there is still a long way to go to achieve a balanced market, which is considered a rate of 3% according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 

Several other projects are underway, including the Habitations de la Montagne, where 84 affordable units are under construction in Sandy Beach, as well as the second phase of Han-Logements for a possibility of 16 to 32 additional units in Sandy Beach as well. Other discussions are ongoing with developers, including Gestion Bourgade near Ruisseau Dean Street, near downtown, which represents the creation of an entirely new neighbourhood. 

The three-year capital expenditure program includes $152 million in projects, with the largest being the Rivière-au-Renard aqueduct and sewers, estimated at $58.9 million, which has been a recurring item over several years. 

“It is moving through phases. It is a fairly complicated file with the various ministries. In wastewater, several resolutions have been adopted for future aerated ponds. All that is missing are a few final studies. We have a good idea of the site. The file continues. As for drinking water, the search for groundwater is proving inconclusive. We are heading towards a water filtration plant, probably near Lac d’Amour where the current water intake is located. It takes the financial aid that comes with it to absorb that,” notes the mayor. 

The other main issue is the sports complex near the C.-E. Pouliot High School, estimated at $34 million. This project initially suffered a refusal of funding from the Quebec government. 

Gaspé budget increases 5.5% to $38.2M Read More »

UPAC requests report on administrative investigation into Ghislain Pitre

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) is asking the Town of Percé to lift professional secrecy surrounding the administrative investigation that led to the dismissal of former urban planning director Ghislain Pitre. 

The request, sent by UPAC on December 2 to the Town of Percé, asks for access to the report following a request for disclosure from prosecutors from the Bureau of Serious Crimes and Special Affairs of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP). 

In the resolution’s recitals, UPAC committed to using the report only for the specific purposes of the request and will keep the document confidential until criminal charges are filed, should the investigation lead to that outcome. 

While the report remains protected by professional secrecy, the request aims to facilitate UPAC’s work. 

On December 3, the municipal council unanimously adopted the resolution lifting professional secrecy for the investigation after consulting with Therrien, Couture, Jolicoeur, the firm mandated by the Town to investigate the allegations. 

In July, the council dismissed Mr. Pitre in a special meeting by a vote of five to one following the filing of the law firm’s 340-page administrative investigation report on labour law. 

The council adopted a resolution a few minutes after learning of the document ordered during his suspension with pay on October 30, 2023. 

Since the case could go to court, the municipal council did not make any further comments regarding the resolution adopted to validate the dismissal. 

Mr. Pitre filed a complaint with the Administrative Labour Tribunal on August 13. In response, the council adopted a resolution in September to mandate a law firm to defend the Town following the complaint. 

Serious allegations against the former Director of Urban Planning led to his suspension which, in turn, prompted the administrative investigation. The cost of the investigation amounted to $131,250. 

Furthermore, following a question asked by a citizen, the public learned that the council hasn’t taken any steps to recoup the compensation paid between the time of the suspension and the dismissal of the former employee. 

The Director General, Michel Fréchette, mentioned at the public meeting that a reflection was underway, but since there was no trial, no decision has been made. A claim could be possible, depending on the outcome of any criminal proceedings against Mr. Pitre. 

On another note, the letter asking the Minister of Municipal Affairs to intervene with the Municipal Commission in order to force a meeting between the commission, elected officials, the Town and citizens was sent to the Minister. 

The mayor applied his veto at the November council meeting, which was subsequently overturned in a special session. 

The Town received an acknowledgement of receipt from the Minister’s office. Citizens would like to know the content of the letter sent to the Minister. However, before doing so, the Town is checking with the Access to Information Commission to see if such a request can be accepted. 

The Town has also requested a legal opinion on this issue. On October 8, Quebec Municipal Commission (CMQ) President Jean-Philippe Marois sent a letter rejecting the Town’s request to clarify certain elements to discuss the never-declared accountability. 

Director Michel Fréchette stated that the report mentioned the effects of the issue, without mentioning the cause, which is what the Town was seeking to know in a request sent on October 1. 

In a report released in July, the Direction des enquêtes et des poursuites en intégrité municipale (DEPIM) concluded, based on paragraph 4 of section 4 of the Act to facilitate the disclosure of wrongdoings against public bodies, that there was a serious case of mismanagement in the Town of Percé. 

UPAC requests report on administrative investigation into Ghislain Pitre Read More »

Percé zoning: Former mayor says she is the victim of revenge

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

PERCÉ – A request for a zoning change made by Fumoir M. Émile in Percé was denied by the municipal council on December 3, leading former Mayor Cathy Poirier, co-owner of the business, to say that elected officials acted out of revenge against her. 

The request filed by Alain Méthot, consisted of amending the zoning by-law in effect in the Anse-à-Beaufils sector to increase the maximum occupied surface area from 250 square metres to 420 square metres. This amendment would have allowed the installation of a smokehouse on Bonfils Street. The company’s goal was to move the facilities closer to Highway 132 rather than maintain operations on Chemin d’Irlande. 

“We are extremely disappointed with the municipal council’s decision, considering that Fumoir M. Émile is a company that has been based in Percé for 19 years, that hires 10 employees and that we operate year-round. We want to have a slightly more efficient plant, but especially in a much busier location,” said Cathy Poirier. 

According to the entrepreneur, the zoning allowed for the operation of a smokehouse. However, the mayor questioned the sector councillor, Yannick Cloutier, who justified the council’s decision. 

“We are talking about a request to increase the area from 250 metres to 420 square metres. The Apur firm recommended having 1.8-metre fences on each side. Mr. Méthot’s request concerns a bylaw amendment. We consulted and came to the conclusion that with Apur’s recommendation, we were asking you to go back to the drawing board and see if there was a way to make it smaller,” said Mr. Cloutier. 

Mr. Cloutier provided Fumoir le paternel as an example. That smokehouse has a surface area of 250 square metres and is located not far from the coveted site. Mr. Cloutier, the shareholder and president of the historic Anse-à-Beaufils store noted that its surface area is 469 square metres. 

Ms. Poirier also provided examples that are nearby including the hardware store and the Pit Caribou microbrewery, which have larger surface areas. 

“What could the smokehouse change? There is no smoke. We are talking about an architecture that will be compliant. You, yourself (councillor Cloutier), are the neighbouring owner of something that is even bigger than what we’re asking for. Visually, I don’t think the ‘too big’ argument holds water,” says Ms. Poirier, who points out that the land belongs to her daughter’s grandfather. The young woman has just invested in the company. 

“I invite you to go back to your drawing boards and make us an offer of 250 square metres or 300 square metres,” suggests Councillor Cloutier. 

“The firm didn’t say no. It just suggested putting up screens,” replies Ms. Poirier. 

“If we have to rebuild a shop, we’re not going to do it to the size of what we have. We’re going to do it according to our needs,” says Ms. Poirier, who suggests that at worst, she will build her new smokehouse in another municipality. 

Turning to councillor Doris Rehel, Ms. Poirier asked for an explanation. “Ms. Rehel was called last week by my colleague Mr. Alain Méthot to get an update because our request is dated April 2. Ms. Rehel responded to Mr. Méthot, surprisingly, that the Town needed to know if he still owns Fumoir M. Émile because it would go down better at the town council,” said Ms. Poirier. 

“I won’t answer,” said Ms. Rehel. “It would go down better if Cathy Poirier didn’t own Fumoir M. Émile,” the businesswoman reiterated. “I never said that,” replied the elected official. 

Faced with this response, Cathy Poirier turned to the mayor, Daniel Leboeuf. “Please know that I am extremely disappointed and I would like to ask you a question: do you think that, perhaps, there would be a form of relentlessness or a certain vengeance from the town council?” asked Ms. Poirier. 

The mayor echoed Councillor Cloutier’s response, so to speak. 

“We wanted to do something good in a convenient environment,” she said. Mr. Leboeuf indicated that the areas had to be taken into account. 

On December 4, Ms. Poirier mentioned to SPEC that the towns of Grande-Rivière and Gaspé would be ready to welcome her business with open arms. 

The mayor of Grande-Rivière, Gino Cyr, confirmed that he contacted the businesswoman on the morning of December 4 to offer her land in the industrial park and near the airport, which would allow her to export her products more quickly. 

The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, also confirmed that he spoke with Ms. Poirier suggesting a potential site in Rivière-au-Renard, the fishing capital, in the rue du Banc sector. 

Percé zoning: Former mayor says she is the victim of revenge Read More »

Gaspé Municipal Update: Town Hall renovations higher than expected

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ: – Steps are still being taken to potentially file a legal appeal against the architects and engineers who designed the plans for the ongoing work at the Town Hall.

“It’s still in the process. I can’t go into it any further,” said Mr. Côté.

When asked whether the parties are in discussions or if a formal notice has been served, the mayor once again remained cautious. “We’re at the legal level, so I’m going to keep a big reserve on my comments. We’ll let the legal specialists chat among themselves. I don’t want to interfere in the process,” replied the mayor, who is a trained lawyer.

The contractor in charge of the project had discovered a problem between the design of the building’s façade wall and what had been agreed upon during planning, a surprise that should have been noted by the engineers and architects when designing the renovation plans, Mr. Côté indicated in July.

The additional costs amount to $700,000. The Town had adopted a $4.3 million borrowing bylaw, which included plans and specifications, and the work contract was initially set at $2.9 million, representing a savings of $1 million.

“It had pleasantly surprised us, but the million has melted like snow in the sun. One of the issues we have is that we have no guarantee that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will extend the missing amount. The ministry pays 65% of the bill after the call for tenders but now they do not want to go back up to the amount initially planned. It’s not our fault if there were errors in the plans and specifications,” said the elected official.

Rue des Touristes

Work to protect Rue des Touristes, located in the Anse-à-Valleau sector of Gaspé, will not be done until 2026. The street, which has been highly vulnerable since a devastating storm in December 2016, will face a ten-year wait before it receives adequate protection but, even then, the solution may not resolve all the problems, according to the mayor.

“It required financial assistance from Civil Security and it took a long time to agree on the principle of compensation in he case of bank erosion. It was a very long and painful process, from ministry approvals to everything. In short, it was endless,” comments the mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté.

Once this step was completed and a financial agreement was reached, in which Quebec pays 75% of the estimated $4 million cost, plans and specifications were ordered in June at a cost of $644,000.

“If we didn’t need environmental studies, the work would have been done before the end of 2025 but we know that environmental studies always have delays of a year, a year and a half, two years, which means that there will be no potential work until 2026,” calculates the elected official.

He hopes that work will begin in early 2026 to be completed by the end of the year. “The high tides have been around for eight years, and there is still about a two-year delay left. I understand the exasperation of the people in the area,” says the mayor, who considers himself lucky that no new storm has hit the area.
However, the battle to protect the coastline is far from over.

The Ministry of Public Safety only wants to pay for the riprap for the area affected by the 2016 storm, leaving the ends of the planned work vulnerable.

“We fear the end effects. When the water hits the riprap, it will affect the sides of the riprap and create new erosion zones. We fear this effect, our specialists have these fears, but the ministry does not want to pay. We will continue to make the ministry see reason,” says the mayor, who indicates that approximately 20% of the work remains to be completed.

The plans and specifications address this end effect, which is defined as the turbulence caused by water striking the ends of a structure and eroding the soil of unprotected neighbouring properties. Severe erosion zones could emerge, potentially leading to significant land loss for neighbours.

“If we let nature take its course, it would take away the road and relocate dozens of houses. In short, we would have had to practically close the village if we had listened to what the people from the ministry told us at the beginning. No one had noticed that the road was the next to disappear and right after that, it was houses. It took them a while to realize that it didn’t make sense to let nature take its course unless we decided to condemn the village of Anse-à-Valleau. As a town, we weren’t ready for that,” says Mr. Côté.
In the event of another storm causing further damage, the mayor believes that an emergency decree could be issued to bypass environmental regulations and allow for the street’s reconstruction.

Gaspé Municipal Update: Town Hall renovations higher than expected Read More »

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