Dear residents of the Pontiac,
The summer weather is finally here, and so we kindly remind everyone to continue keeping our communities safe by following all safety precautions in regards to COVID-19 (i.e. physical distancing, avoiding non-essential travel, hand washing and wearing a mask or face covering when out in public).
Earlier this week, the Provincial government made announcements about the gradual resumption of outdoor sports and leisure activities. Starting June 8, supervised activities carried out individually or in a group, such as soccer, yoga or guided outdoor excursions, are permitted. Sports team practice sessions may also resume, provided members can practice outdoors. Private swimming pools and lessons are permitted to resume activity as well.
COVID-19 has made this season unlike any we have experienced before. We, at the MRC, recognize the importance of returning to some sense of normalcy in these trying times. Our staff is working hard, both from home and at the MRC office, on moving forward with many exciting projects for the Pontiac. Even though our offices remain closed to the public, all of our staff can be reached by email or telephone during work hours.
We recently submitted an application through Connexion Fibre Pontiac to fund a plan to provide excellent high-speed internet and eventual cellular service to all parts of the Pontiac. We expect to receive the decision from the CRTC on this funding before the end of the year.
Another exciting initiative is the Ottawa River Waterway project. This project was very popular a number of years ago, and last winter we began plans to bring it back in service. It will be possible for boaters to eventually travel, through the use of our boat moving service where necessary, from Ottawa to Mattawa on the Ottawa River. We have noticed exceptional levels of boating activity since April, and we recognize that this summer more people are trying to stay in the region and enjoy our waterways. This project will be great for tourism and will also be a great benefit to our Pontiac residents. I enjoy working with our committee members and want to thank them for their hard work. The committee includes Donald Gagnon, Mayor of Chichester, Jim Gibson, Mayor of Rapides-des-Joachims, MRC staff members Chantal Lair and Kim Lesage, and myself.
A quick reminder that all cottage rentals and Airbnbs must be rented to one household at a time. Outdoor gatherings of a maximum of 10 people are permitted and are limited to 3 households at a time. Please continue to practice physical distancing, vigorous hand washing and wear a mask when out in public places.
Let’s continue to keep the Pontiac safe and healthy while enjoying all the benefits and outdoor activities that our beautiful region has to offer!
Together Pontiac!
-Jane
