Opening Comments by Mayor Peter J. Malouf - Regular Meeting of Tuesday, August 25, 2026

OPENING REMARKS

"Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us on this late-summer evening.

TOWN CENTRE WORK

I would like to begin tonight with some good news about the work in our Town centre.

After a summer of significant construction work, we are now in the final stage. I know these projects have disrupted travel and the daily lives of many residents, and I sincerely thank you for your patience.

The scope and sequencing of this project, combined with the configuration of our Town centre, made the work challenging. But the result will be renewed infrastructure and, most importantly, a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and our schoolchildren.

On the east side, a few adjustments remain, including the final programming of the smart traffic lights. On the west side, north of Connaught Park, paving is now underway and should be completed by Thursday, before the start of the school year.

We realize this project has affected the daily lives of many residents. Thank you again for your understanding. I hope that, as the work is completed, everyone will appreciate the improvements and the safer Town centre we have created together.

2027 BUDGET

As I have mentioned previously, the Town ended 2025 with very positive financial results. Tonight, Council will adopt a resolution regarding the use of the surpluses generated in 2025.

We have also begun the 2027 budget process. These positive results give us greater flexibility to fund actions and priorities that residents have told us are important, while continuing to manage the Town’s finances responsibly.

We are already working with the administration to ensure that the next budget reflects, as much as possible, the priorities and concerns we have heard over the past several months.

ENVIRONMENT

Our efforts to make the Town more resilient to climate change are also moving forward. We recently awarded a contract to EXP to study and plan resilient public spaces in Dakin, Schofield and Towle parks, with Dakin as the first priority.

The objective is to better capture and manage surface water in order to reduce pressure on our sewer system and, consequently, the risk of sewer backups. Following the analysis and preparation of the plans, we expect work at Dakin Park to begin in 2027. The other parks will follow.

On the same theme, I am pleased to announce that our resilient properties inspection program is now open to all residents, not only those who have experienced water damage.

I encourage residents who would like to verify the compliance of their property and plumbing system to register for the program or contact our Engineering Department. All relevant information is available on the Town’s website.

MAJOR PROJECTS

Work continues to progress well on our two major construction projects: the new Sports and Community Centre and the new fire station and municipal offices. Both projects remain on target with respect to schedule and budget.

In the coming weeks, Council members will have the opportunity to visit both construction sites. I think I can speak for my colleagues when I say that we are all very much looking forward to seeing the progress firsthand.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Finally, with the start of the school year upon us, I ask everyone to be particularly vigilant on our streets and in our school zones.

For many young children, these will be their very first days of school. They may be less familiar with traffic and their new surroundings. I therefore ask all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution.

A few extra seconds of patience can make an important difference. Let’s work together to make the return to school safe for every child and every family in our community.

I wish everyone an excellent start to the school year, and thank you again for listening.

We will now proceed with the regular Council meeting. Thank you."

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