Opening Comments by Mayor Peter J. Malouf - Regular Meeting of Tuesday, June 17, 2025

"Good evening to you all. Summer seems to have finally arrived, and I'd like to thank you for choosing to spend your summer evening with us.

Circulation/Traffic

We're well aware of the traffic issues, especially through-traffic in our town. These are not easy problems to solve and cannot be done ad hoc without thought. This applies to both through traffic and traffic on Lucerne.

In order to be able to take effective and appropriate action, a study is required to better understand car movements and assess the impact of actions that can be taken.

At tonight's caucus, we reviewed a report received from our transit experts; this had been discussed in depth with the Council with a view to announcing a pilot project. The Council wanted more information, so the decision to go ahead was not taken at this time.

Traffic counts are required, and we can't do anything at the moment given the works done by Hydro-Québec on Lucerne. We plan to review the situation once the work is completed.

Community and Sports Centre (CSC)

As I have been giving monthly updates on the new CSC, I am happy now to announce that the project will start with site preparation as of July 7. This of course will mean the closure of a portion of Danyluk park and the relocation of activities. The day camps will be affected, and parents will be advised a week prior to impacts and on alternate arrangements for their specific child’s program.

We thank you for your patience and understanding. Good news, the outdoor pool will not be affected.

Please note that, unfortunately, the project will require the removal of several trees. We understand the importance of preserving our green spaces, and every effort is being made to minimize the impact. To that end, five of the existing trees will be carefully transplanted to other locations nearby.

Additionally, the Town will plant approximately 25% more trees than those being removed, contributing to the long-term enhancement of our urban canopy. Once the project is completed, the area will be thoughtfully landscaped, and new trees will be planted to help restore and beautify the environment.

Cultural Events

We often talk - and rightly so - about our many sporting activities, which play an important role in the life of our community. But our cultural activities deserve just as much attention, because they enrich our daily lives and bring citizens together in other ways.

I'd like to highlight three cultural events that took place at the end of May. Firstly, a magnificent concert presented at the United Church by Musiciens à la carte, led by Isabelle Janes, a graduate of the Pierre Laporte school. Then there was the annual ArtTram exhibition, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, showcasing the talent of many of our local artists. Finally, we inaugurated a new public piano on the parkland between the two bridges, a simple yet inspiring project that invites spontaneity and sharing.

Each of these events, with its own unique approach and scope, highlighted the essential place of culture in our town, as well as the sincere interest our residents take in it.

I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who took part in these wonderful moments, and I invite those who were unable to attend not to miss out on future opportunities.

Airplane noise

Several residents have made comments and reached out concerning the noise from airplanes over TMR. Of course, the situation always seems worse at this time of year as we all have our windows open and spend more time outdoors. In 2022, the Town adopted a resolution asking ADM to respect the curfew imposed on night flights and to review the take-off and landing corridors. We are continuing to push for noise reduction over TMR. In a recent communiqué from our federal representative Anthony Housefather, he has stated his position to continue to work on improving the noise impact from planes over the Town.

Drainage

As you can see, the Town is undergoing work in a number of areas, including roadworks, cycle paths, waterworks, and more. As part of the redevelopment work on Plymouth, we are planning to build a retention basin for around 1,000 cu. metres of water. This is a recommendation made by our consultant as the first and most feasible action, given that we already have work planned for this season in the area. This retention basin will reduce the amount of water drained into our sewers and will help upstream drainage. To give you an idea of the size of the project, this 1,000 cu. m basin is the equivalent of 17 swimming pools of 57,500 litres.

Financial statements of 2024

The financial report for the 2024 financial year will be officially tabled this evening at the municipal council meeting, as required by law. The report on the highlights of the financial report and details of the results will be made public at the July Council meeting.

However, I can tell you that the financial results are positive, with the Town recording an operating surplus for tax purposes of $9.4 million.

This surplus is mainly due to:

• higher-than-expected revenues, particularly from property transfer taxes, interest income and taxation;
• significant savings in total remuneration and reduced use of external professional and technical services.

In view of these results, a resolution concerning the appropriation of the accumulated surplus is scheduled for presentation at the July meeting.

Notes of Congratulations

I’d like to conclude my opening remarks with two well-deserved notes of congratulations.

First, a heartfelt congratulations to Frances Barakett, who was awarded the Médaille de la Lieutenant-gouverneure, catégorie aînés on April 26 of this year. This honour recognizes her selfless dedication and generous contribution of time to the seniors of our community. We are truly grateful for her commitment and compassion.

And in the realm of sports: this past April, the M11-A and M13-A MRO Banshees Girls Hockey teams brought home gold, winning the Provincial Championships in Saguenay. This marks the first time an MRO girls' team has won at the provincial level — a historic achievement!

Bravo to the players, coaches, and of course, the ever-supportive parents whose encouragement and dedication make accomplishments like these possible.

Thank you once again for joining us and we will now move on to the official council meeting".