Dear residents of the Pontiac,
Many people have contacted me with their concern of the high water level of the Ottawa River. I have contacted the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) and they have assured me that this is typical of the autumn season. They reassured me that the high water is being caused by an excessive amount of precipitation in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and there is a lack of water absorption due to the leaf cover on the soil. The ORRPB have stated that there is no chance of flooding, but have advised residents to remove any furniture or items that are close to the river’s edge only as a precaution. We are inviting members of the ORRPB to speak with us at our plenary meeting on November 18, 2020, and I will continue to update you.
An important topic of discussion at the Council of Mayors last week was the end of the public consultation period for our Strategic Vision Development and Land-Use Plan. Despite the public health restrictions, we were still able to hear from residents from all across the Pontiac. We greatly appreciate the suggestions and comments you have submitted to us. As we know, better internet and cellular service is at the heart of the Pontiac population’s concerns. Connecting our region with a more stable communications network is an integral part of our Strategic Vision, as better service will undoubtedly impact many of the other projects on our priority list, such as Economic Development, Tourism, Forestry and Culture. A project proposal in the name of Connexion Fibre Picanoc is currently under evaluation by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and we hope to hear the results by the end of the year.
As some of you may have heard on the news, in light of the rising second wave of COVID-19, the SQ are cracking down on larger gatherings and parties. Our local police department will also be patrolling potential gatherings until the situation stabilizes in the Outaouais. Under the current Orange-Alert Level of the Provincial order, the maximum number of people for indoor and outdoor gatherings at your private residence is 6 people. For activities planned in a public setting, the maximum number of people is 25 (i.e. Rented halls, festival events, marriages, workplace or school celebrations, barbecues, picnics, etc.) Please continue to wear your masks and keep a safe distance with others when out in public. We can keep the cases low in the Pontiac if we all work together.
Tomorrow is Halloween. The spooky season is usually a very exciting time for both the youth and adult residents of the Pontiac. Although this year’s festivities will be a bit different, I am sure that many of you have come up with creative ways to celebrate in a safe and secure way. Several municipalities are hosting COVID-friendly activities for those who do not feel comfortable trick-or-treating, such as:
- Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. – Drive-In Movie Night hosted by the Municipalities of Mansfield-et-Pontefract and Fort-Coulonge
- Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. – Distanced trick-or-treating event hosted by the downtown merchants of the Municipality of Shawville
- Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6:45 p.m. – Drive-In Movie Night hosted by the Municipality of Campbell’s Bay
I have been informed by the Pontiac Legion that they have been asked to not hold any Remembrance Day ceremonies this year, which includes the usual reception at the Legion in Campbell’s Bay. It is important to know that wreaths will still be laid in many municipalities, and we hope that everyone will observe the 2-minutes of silence to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. ‘’We will remember them”.
You can continue to look for daily updates on my Warden Jane Toller Facebook page or listen to my weekly addresses on CHIP FM Radio. Please keep the health of the Pontiac in your thoughts and prayers. Together Pontiac!
-Jane Toller
