Sophie Demers & Cathy Fox

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

MRC PONTIAC – Jane Toller announced on July 24 at a press conference in Spruceholme Inn that she will not seek re-election as warden this November.

Standing in the living room of her ancestral home, framed by portraits of her great-grandfather George Bryson — warden in 1862 — and his wife Robina, Toller reflected on her eight years in office. She highlighted achievements such as improved internet access, the upcoming 2026 satellite cellular coverage, reopening of the Rapides-des-Joachims mill and the Pontiac abattoir, growth in agro-tourism, composting and recycling initiatives, increased tourism marketing, and municipal street revitalizations.

She acknowledged challenges including floods, wildfires, the COVID-19 shutdowns, and ongoing healthcare issues. Citing family priorities, including seven new grandchildren, growing business commitments, and her pursuit of a Doctorate in Theological Studies, Toller said it was a difficult decision to “pass the torch.” She will not endorse any candidate but remains committed to projects such as the Pontiac pool. The deadline for nominations is October 3.

Campbell’s Bay councillor Jean-Pierre Landry officially announced his candidacy for the warden’s seat. “Not much has been happening in Pontiac, especially in the last eight years. There is room for change,” said Landry, adding that his retirement allows him the time to pursue ideas he wants to implement at the MRC.

A resident since 1967, Landry attended École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from the Université du Québec en Outaouais, along with a DEP in Pulp and Paper and Firefighter 1 certification. He worked 33 years in the Quebec public service at Service Québec and has served multiple terms as a Campbell’s Bay councillor.

Landry is active on local boards, including l’Office d’Habitation du Pontiac, and has decades of election experience, most recently training electoral staff. His priorities include economic development, better communications, infrastructure improvements, road and bike path upgrades, and stronger support for local organizations. He also wants to explore agricultural niches and biomass opportunities, lamenting the stalled biorefinery project that he believes could have “put us on the map.”

Landry joins fellow Campbell’s Bay councillor Josey Bouchard in the race for the warden’s seat. Bouchard announced her candidacy earlier in July.