Feeling nostalgic for 2025? You’ll enjoy THE EQUITY’s 2025 Year in Review. Over the next four weeks, we’ll take some time to look back on some of last year’s most memorable stories.
Jan. 8
Pontiac’s first baby, maybe?
Davidson residents Cara-Lynne Germain and Korey Francoeur welcomed their son Kayden Francoeur at 2:43 p.m. on Jan. 1, at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, making him likely the region’s first baby of the year (no challengers have been forthcoming). The first Pontiacer of 2025 weighed 6 lbs 15.96 oz and measured 18.89 inches in length.
Robert Chartrand Memorial Tournament gives $45K to local recreation orgs
The organizers of the Robert Chartrand Memorial tournament in Chapeau announced on Jan. 1 that they had distributed the proceeds of their second charity tournament, a total of $45,000, to several community organizations. “My brother was so involved in kid’s sports,” Jean-Marc Chartrand said. “We’re trying to keep a little bit of what he loved doing going forward.” The tournament was first organized to honour Robert, a L’Isle-aux-Allumettes resident who passed away tragically in 2021 after his snowmobile went through the ice on the Ottawa River.
Jan. 15
Lotus Clinic listed for sale
Joanne Romain, the owner of the Lotus Clinic in Shawville, put the business up for sale. After opening in 2014, the clinic has expanded to house 13 family doctors, a physiotherapist, two specialized nurse practitioners, an osteopath and an after-hours care clinic. Romain said her goal was to fill a gap in the local healthcare network. “The vision was to be able to have a tool where doctors and students wanted to work, and to offer a service to the doctors so that they don’t feel overworked,” she said. The clinic was listed at $2.2 million.
CISSSO to cut almost 200 temp jobs
Outaouais health authority CISSSO announced it would be cutting nearly 200 temporary positions throughout the network on Jan. 10. The 196 positions represent around 10 per cent of the 2,000 temporary positions available throughout the region, used to fill vacancies caused by maternity leaves, and other similar situations. CISSSO director of communications Mathieu Marsolais told THE EQUITY the majority are orderlies, maintenance workers, sanitation staff, technical employees, and administrative employees.
Quebec Liberal leadership candidate tours Pontiac
Pontiac MNA André Fortin and Quebec Liberal Party leadership candidate Charles Milliard toured the Pontiac region on Jan. 15, as part of Milliard’s leadership race. A pharmacist by trade, Milliard is the former president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec and was who Fortin endorsed for the leadership. At the time, he was facing off against former federal cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez, former Montreal mayor and Liberal MP Denis Coderre, and international tax lawyer Marc Bélanger (Coderre would drop out on Feb. 7). Milliard and Fortin made stops in Waltham, Campbell’s Bay, Fort Coulonge and Shawville, discussing provincial issues such as health care, housing, agriculture and language rights.
Chatel endorses Carney for Liberal leadership
Pontiac’s federal member of parliament Sophie Chatel endorsed former central banker Mark Carney for leadership of her party. Though she had hinted at support in previous statements, her endorsement came as Carney made his candidacy official, running against former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland and Liberal House leader Karina Gould. “For me and for many Liberals in the riding, Carney brings a renewed sense of hope,” Chatel said, also describing him as an “iron fist in a velvet glove”.
Quyon kicks off 150 celebrations with time capsule, trivia night
The town of Quyon kicked off its 150th anniversary celebrations on Jan. 17 with a trivia night at Gavans, and the following Sunday, the Quyon United Church unsealed a time capsule from 25 years previous (Jan. 16, 2000). The trivia night was won by Chris and the Youngsters (Chris Provost, Kara Young, Elizabeth Young and Jillian Young). The time capsule included a message from the minister at the time, Isabel Black, as well as a copy of THE EQUITY and the Ottawa Citizen.
Jan. 29
MRC takes legal action to collect Alleyn-et-Cawood’s unpaid shares
A majority of the MRC Pontiac council of mayors voted on Jan. 22 to take legal action against the municipality of Alleyn-et-Cawood to recover its unpaid 2024 shares. Council mandated the firm Deveau Dufour Mottet Avocats to begin legal proceedings to recover the $289,148 in shares, as well as accumulated interest and the costs of legal action, at a rate of just over $200 per hour. Shares are the annual fees that municipalities pay to the MRC for services. Alleyn-et-Cawood disputed the amount it was charged, as the sale of a number of lots for over their assessed value inflated their property assessment, and by extension their shares, for the year.
Fire destroys Mansfield house, police investigate
A fire tore through a home in Manfield-et-Pontefract on Jan. 23, leaving a family of eight homeless, and the police with an investigation. Mansfield Fire Chief Patrick Bertrand said that when they responded to the home on rue Graveline at around 3 a.m., the building was mostly destroyed. He said they had been called out to the same address the previous afternoon due to a smoking electrical panel. Bertrand said the cause of the incident has not been determined, but the fire is being considered suspicious and is now being investigated by the Sûreté du Québec.
Campbell’s Bay developing climate change plan
The municipality of Campbell’s Bay held a public consultation on Jan. 23 on the subject of making the town more resilient to climate change. The municipality received a $70,000 grant from the provincial government the previous summer to participate in the project, which is administered through the regional organization CREDDO. The project’s website states that it will focus on reducing the number of pavement surfaces and increasing the amount of green spaces, which “encourage the creation of urban heat islands during heat waves and cause health issues.”
Feb. 5
Pontiac municipality presents Quyon park plans
The Municipality of Pontiac presented plans for parks in Quyon at an information session hosted at the community centre. The proposal for the Quyon park, which is located on Ferry Road, includes an outdoor entertainment area, a hill for tobogganing, as well as a campground with electrical hookups and an outdoor entertainment area. Members of the public raised questions about the capacity and proximity of the parking. “This wouldn’t be ideal or practical for a family of a few kids who you’re dropping off at the soccer field and then relocate your vehicle and walk all the way back across,” said Quyon Sports and Recreation Association volunteer Matt Curley.
WQSB announces spending reduction of $1.1 million
The Western Quebec School Board announced a reduction in spending of $1.1 million after the province demanded it cut costs. Officials said the measures, which ranged from leaving vacant positions unfilled to trimming maintenance and minor expenses, were designed to reduce the impact on students. While board leaders praised the approach, they warned the cuts were one-time measures and that deeper reductions expected in the next provincial budget would be far more difficult to absorb.
Pontiac Players go all the way with Halfway There
The Pontiac Community Players staged Norm Foster’s contemporary comedy Halfway There at Pontiac High School, drawing packed crowds from Thursday through Saturday. Set in a small-town Nova Scotia diner, the two-act production featured a cast of five, portraying romantic and personal storylines. The set featured artwork by Pontiac High School students, and the Players made a donation to the school in thanks for use of the space.
Feb. 12
Good samaritan has truck stolen in Campbell’s Bay
Maurice Morin of Campbell’s Bay fell victim to a car thief who was reported to have stolen two cars in other Quebec towns on Feb. 3 and driven west. Morin said he pulled over to help a driver with a flat tire on the side of Highway 148, then returned to Morin’s shop to fetch a tool. As Morin was looking for the tool, the man stole Morin’s truck. According to the Bureau d’enquetes indépendantes (BEI) report, the truck was located sometime after 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 driving eastbound on Highway 50 near Lachute. The police then launched a pursuit, during which the fleeing vehicle collided with a patrol car and three other vehicles before coming to a stop. The BEI launched an investigation soon thereafter.
48th community bonspiel
comes to Shawville
The 48th Shawville Community Bonspiel drew crowds and 42 teams to the Shawville Curling Club, with Southwest Bristol claiming the tournament’s signature toilet seat trophy. Skip Joe Morris earned a rare back-to-back victory, crediting strong teamwork. The event also helped boost club membership and raised nearly $2,000, highlighting the continued popularity of curling in Shawville.
Shawville’s Tanguay leads Guelph to curling bronze
Shawville native Monica Tanguay helped the Guelph Gryphons secure a bronze medal at the Ontario university curling championships, earning a spot at U Sports nationals in her final season. The Gryphons won in extra ends against Queen’s University, marking their first podium finish in years. Tanguay credited team consistency and her development at the Shawville Curling Club for the success and said she was excited to compete at nationals in Lethbridge.
Feb. 19
Samonix consults public on proposed salmon farm
Samonix advanced plans for a land-based salmon farm in Litchfield this year, hosting public consultations to address concerns about water quality and environmental impacts. Company officials said the facility would meet all provincial and federal standards, and would closely monitor effluent released into the Ottawa River. The project was referred to Quebec’s public consultation bureau (BAPE), adding at least a year to the approval timeline as further reviews and consultations continue.
Another good samaritan’s vehicle stolen
A 21-year-old Montreal man was arrested by Sûreté du Québec police in Mansfield on Feb. 13 after allegedly stealing a vehicle in Waltham. Police said the suspect took an idling car from a bystander who had stopped to help after the suspect’s vehicle went off the road. He was later found with the stolen vehicle and taken into custody, where he faced multiple theft-related charges and a possible impaired driving charge.
Feb. 26
CNL ordered to resume consultations with First Nation
A Federal Court ruling ordered Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to resume consultations with Kebaowek First Nation over a proposed nuclear waste disposal facility near the Ottawa River. The court found consultation inadequate under the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior, and informed consent. While the project approval was not overturned, the decision strengthened Indigenous consultation requirements. “Canadian Nuclear and CNSC staff are directed to continue to consult with Kebaowek in a manner that promotes reconciliation and aligns with the principles articulated in the DRIP,” said Federal Court Justice Julie Blackhawk.
MRC approves commercial kitchen lease
The MRC Pontiac approved two resolutions at its February council of mayors meeting, allowing it to lease a commercial kitchen and purchase equipment for its AgriSaveur food transformation facility in Shawville. The kitchen is intended to support local producers in creating value-added products and was expected to open by June. It is one of three prongs in the project, including the Shawville abattoir and a boutique store. “There’s been a lot of interest from producers, like vegetable growers,
[ . . . ] then the idea is they could bring it there and process it in larger quantities,” said MRC economic development officer Shanna Armstrong.
Comets’ playoff run ends in return season
The Pontiac Senior Comets’ playoff run ended after the team resumed play in 2024 after a several-year hiatus. The team posted a record of seven wins and 12 losses in the regular season, setting up a first-round playoff date with the Arnprior Rivermen. After splitting the first two games of the series, the Comets lost the series’ deciding game to the Rivermen in Arnprior on Feb. 24.
Mar. 5
PHS rugby teams travel to South Carolina
Rugby players from Pontiac High School’s (PHS) boys and girls rugby teams travelled to Charleston, South Carolina for a series of games against some of the state’s top talents. Neither the boys or girls managed to win either of their teams’ games, but both teams celebrated small successes along the way. “The girls had never even gotten a chance to work on the 15’s techniques and systems on the pitch,” said head coach Phil Holmes of the 15-a-side style of rugby played in South Carolina but unfamiliar to the PHS program. “Everyone was incredibly impressed how seriously they competed.”
Two local students receive MacLachlan nursing bursary
The Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation announced new recipients of its MacLachlan family bursary for nursing students, this year selecting Jessica Jewell of Mansfield and Annie Claude Durocher of Fort-Coulonge. The bursary provides $5,000 per year to nursing students who plan to return to work in the Pontiac, and is aimed toward addressing local nursing shortages. Natalie Romain, clinical administrative coordinator at the Pontiac Hospital at the time, said the bursary should help attract more nurses to the hospital floor. “We’re always having to pull from one service to another [ . . . ] we need nurses on the floor.”
Coffey sells rafting portion of Esprit
Esprit Whitewater founder Jim Coffey announced in a Feb. 24 Facebook post he had sold the rafting portion of his Mansfield-based business to former guides Danny Peled and Ty Smith. The pair planned to take over management of the rafting program and introduce multi-day rafting and wilderness camping experiences on the Ottawa River. Coffey said the partial sale would allow him to focus on expanding Esprit’s canoe trips, training programs, and international offerings while continuing to promote the Pontiac’s waterways.
Mar. 12
Two Pontiac women win King Charles III medal
Two Pontiac women were among 30,000 Canadians awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medals for their community contributions. Chapeau Agricultural Society president Gene O’Brien and SADC Pontiac director Rhonda Perry received the honour during a ceremony in the House of Commons recognizing recipients from the Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi riding. O’Brien was cited for decades of volunteer leadership, while Perry was recognized for her work supporting local businesses and community organizations.
Pontiac beef, forestry sectors brace for U.S. tariff impact
Producers in the Pontiac’s beef and forestry sectors faced uncertainty after U.S. president Donald Trump promised 250 per cent tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products to be applied on Apr. 2. Clarendon beef farmer Steve Hamilton reported lower cattle prices and rising input costs. “The price that [my Cargill buyer] gave me was roughly 10 per cent lower than it would have been two weeks ago,” he said. Local forestry representatives warned tariffs and expiring subsidies could threaten already fragile private wood producers across the region.
Shawville actor Moore appears in Ottawa theatre production
Shawville actor Grant Moore appeared in Ottawa Little Theatre’s presentation of The Shawshank Redemption. He played Tommy Williams, one of the show’s main characters, whose story follows imprisonment, educational aspirations and death. A recipient of the Toronto Film School’s Best Actor award, Moore’s performance drew attention as the production received strong reviews and sold out its remaining dates.
Mar. 19
CISSSO cuts 727 permanent positions
Outaouais health authority CISSSO announced it would cut 727 permanent positions to meet Quebec’s requirement to balance its budget by month’s end. CISSSO said the cuts included 127 filled jobs and 600 vacant positions, largely administrative, with some clinical roles affected. Four positions were cut in the Pontiac. Union leaders and advocacy groups warned the reductions would impact frontline care and reflected chronic underfunding, while CISSSO said further cuts were still needed to reach savings targets.
Mansfield fire department unveils new backcountry rescue truck
Mansfield-et-Pontefract’s fire department unveiled a new wildland rescue truck funded largely through community donations and fundraisers. The $140,000 F-250 is equipped for backcountry, water, and off-road rescues across the Pontiac. Fire officials said it would improve regional emergency response and eliminate reliance on personal vehicles. Local sponsors, the MRC Pontiac, and elected officials praised the project, calling the truck a necessary investment in public safety.
Shawville approves rezoning on John Dale Road
Shawville council approved a rezoning on John Dale Road to allow four six-unit apartment buildings proposed by developer Maisons PAJ. The decision followed two public consultations held under provincial Bill 31, which makes it possible for municipalities to accelerate the process of zoning changes to build affordable housing. Residents raised concerns about safety, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic, which the developer and town said they would address. Each building will include one affordable unit. Construction began in fall 2025.
Mar. 26
Pontiac High School announces new firefighting elective
Pontiac High School announced a new firefighting elective for Grade 10 students, following an MRC Pontiac resolution to seek funding to expand an existing training program. The two-year course, already offered at École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge, allows students to earn Firefighter 1 certification while still attending high school. “In Bristol, we have about 22 firefighters and just even a couple of extra would make such a big difference,” said firefighter Matt Lottes, who teaches at PHS and is an instructor in the program.
Hydro-Québec consults on new Quyon-Wyman lines
Hydro-Québec held a public consultation in Quyon on plans to rebuild a 10-kilometre section of transmission lines between the Quyon and Wyman substations. According to Hydro-Québec the aging lines, built in 1929, were nearing the end of their lifespan, with construction of new lines expected to begin in 2027. Pontiac MNA André Fortin welcomed the investment and said further upgrades, including in the Upper Pontiac, were anticipated to improve reliability and reduce outages.
Council of mayors rejects Alleyn-et-Cawood request to pause legal action
The MRC Pontiac’s council of mayors rejected a request from Alleyn-et-Cawood to pause legal action over unpaid 2024 municipal shares. The MRC was seeking nearly $290,000 plus interest after the municipality withheld payment due to what it called a flawed evaluation process. Several mayors said pausing proceedings risked setting a precedent, and that it lacked a clear timeline. Alleyn-et-Cawood said it was awaiting possible compensation from Quebec’s municipal affairs ministry.
Check out next week’s issue of THE EQUITY for the next three months of the 2025 Year in Review.
