City council meets in Masson-Angers

Citizens target city paperwork, zoning, flood repair funds, and public safety

In opening remarks, Councillor Richard Bégin congratulated l’Orchestre symphonique de jeunesse de l’Outaouais for its concert celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. He added that Outaouais en fête will be held at Aylmer’s Parc des Cèdres again this year over the fête nationale long weekend.

Councillor Mike Duggan, using visual aids, blew a trumpet decorated with the Québecois flag, also urging Gatineau residents to celebrate Quebec culture in Aylmer over the weekend; he stressed the ecological parade (“Walking for Quebec”), a mass, and various concerts.

Sporting a maple leaf pin, Mr Duggan added, “Thanks to the leadership of Aylmerites, there will also be a parade on July 1, beginning at 10 am at Front and rue Principale, for the national holiday and Canada’s 150th birthday.” He thanked the sponsors -- local businesses, the federal government and MP Greg Fergus, the Bulletin d’Aylmer and the West Quebec Post.  The Snowbirds have scheduled a fly-by during the parade.

Public question period 

A Madame Ladouceur questioned paperwork and city regulations for a garage. “We asked for a permit to build a garage that was within the (zoning) limits. The city sent out a notice of infraction, and we were told that we needed a (special) permit for the garage entrance.” Apparently, the city wanted a tree, plus grass, added, but, she said, the CCU made this decision without having all of the information, despite meetings with city officials. “We want it bigger than 7.5 metres.” Councillor Cédric Tessier answered, “The entrance wasn’t marked; you don’t have the right to (automatically) increase the size of the entrance,” but he promised to work for a solution.

Germaine Lorraine brought up permits and the recent floods. “We’re grateful to Councillor Marc Carrière and emergency services. We would like permits to elevate our homes, or move them to align with our neighbours’ homes, so we are all protected. We’re in a 25-year flood zone; we want to be in a 100-year flood zone. We’ve been working over a month, day and night, to protect our houses. Will the city help us with provincial money to become 100-year zones?”

The mayor replied, “The province will be announcing its policy (on funding) before St-Jean-Baptiste. We’ve talked about exceptions (to the requirements of) these provincial programs. Some people won’t be able to rebuild. Premier Couillard visited; he understands that many homes have been in families for generations. Exceptions will be determined with great precision.”

Luc Desjardins told the assembly, “I will be running during the next election, and on the issue of public safety. I have been attacked in front of my own business; I need protection for my business and for my campaign -- to protect democracy.” Councillor Daniel Champagne replied, “If you suggest that you have been mistreated (by council), follow the legal and necessary procedures,” adding, “but we cannot use council meetings as a place to campaign.”

Following the public questions, councillors proceeded with the agenda of the day.