This week we are publishing the fourth and final instalment of our annual Year In Review feature – our look back on some of last year’s most formative stories.

Oct. 1

Calumet cemetery revitalization enters home stretch 

A group of volunteers that has been working on revitalizing the Sainte-Anne cemetery on L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet since 2018 announced the third and final phase of the project –  the construction of panels in the cemetery’s recently built pavilion on which will be printed the names of yesterday’s Islanders buried at that site. These 1,500 names were collected over hundreds of hours of research done by the group. In this final phase of the project, the volunteers will be crowdsourcing every last piece of biographical information that can be gathered from anybody who might know some of those names, before they’re memorialized on the panels. 

St-Cyr joins warden race 

Davidson sawmill owner Bruno St-Cyr threw his name in the race for MRC Pontiac warden, joining already announced candidates Josey Bouchard, Jean-Pierre Landry and incumbent  Jane Toller. Originally from the Quebec City area, St-Cyr said he has a background in health care administration, and worked as a vice-president at the research arm of the CHUL hospital in Quebec City. He said that he would make an effective warden  because he has connections in the provincial government. 

 Toller to buy Baie Inn

THE EQUITY learned MRC Pontiac warden and local business owner Jane Toller would be buying the Baie Inn in Campbell’s Bay. The bar’s closure was announced in a Sept. 19 post to its Facebook page. Owner Mike Stanton said that since inheriting it from his father Brian Stanton in 2017, it was hard to keep customers coming through the doors. Toller said her vision was to turn the building into a hotel and restaurant.

Oct. 8

Oktoberfest turns 40

Weeks of meatball making, sauerkraut soaking and potato mashing – to name but a few of the many labours of love performed by the team of volunteers behind Oktoberfest Ladysmith – all came to a head over the weekend as the 40th annual celebration of the town’s German heritage took centre stage at the community hall. Hundreds of people, some dressed in traditional German outfits, filled the hall and surrounding grounds beginning Friday evening for three days of celebrations.

Election races take off

The nomination period for the Nov. 2 municipal election closed on Oct.3. There were four candidates for warden of MRC Pontiac, with two Campbell’s Bay councillors, Josey Bouchard and Jean-Pierre Landry, and Mansfield businessman Bruno St-Cyr facing off against two-term incumbent Jane Toller. Five of 18 mayoral seats (27.7 per cent) and 57 of 102 council seats (55.9 per cent) were acclaimed for a total (including the warden’s race) of 62 of 121 seats (51.2 per cent). This is down from the races in the 2021 election, where 73 of 125 seats were won unopposed (58.4 per cent). According to THE EQUITY’s reporting at the time, the acclamation rate was 40 per cent in 2017 and 55 per cent in 2013. 

Oct. 15

Shawville Pontiacs return 

Some 500 fans flooded the Shawville arena on Oct. 10 for the Shawville Pontiacs’ first home game since the team was revived earlier in the year. Darcy Findlay, a Bristol native who played and coached the Pontiac Senior Comets in Fort-Coulonge in 2024-2025 decided to buy the team and move it to Shawville. The team’s home opener was well received by the crowd as it held off their Ottawa Valley opponents the Arnprior Rivermen with a score of 7-1. 

A sixth MRC Pontiac mayor was been elected unopposed after one of two candidates in Swisha dropped out of the race on Oct. 9. Roger Peter Lafond has won the mayor’s seat in the far-flung municipality of Rapides-des-Joachims after his opponent, Joe Lance, rescinded his candidacy Thursday afternoon. With five incumbents elected already (see last week’s edition), this makes an even third (6/18) of the council of mayors who have been selected for the next four years. 

Three new wildfires ignite

Three new small wildfires ignited in the Pontiac on Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 13) – one on chemin du Devonshire in Mansfield, one just north of Thorne Lake, and the third on MacCreadie Road in Otter Lake. By the afternoon of Oct. 14, the Mansfield fire (0.4 Ha) had been extinguished and the Thorne fire (10.5 Ha) was categorized as “being held,” meaning it was no longer spreading, with SOPFEU firefighters working to extinguish it throughout that day.  Between Oct. 1 when the Outaouais-wide fire ban was put in place, and Oct. 13, there were 10 wildfires in MRC Pontiac covering a total of 31.6 Ha, and a majority of them were caused by human activity. 

Oct. 22

Ranger acclaimed in Sheen

Sheenboro mayor Doris Ranger claimed her third consecutive term by acclamation (her fourth total) after former councillor Shamus Morris rescinded his candidacy on Oct.15. In a message to THE EQUITY, Morris said he wanted to help out the community, but is selling his property in Sheen and didn’t want the possibility of triggering a by-election.  Ranger served on council before being elected mayor in a by-election in 2014, a position she’s held ever since. 

Fiery car crash sends man to hospital

One man was sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after his vehicle went off the road engulfed in flames on Rte. 301 Saturday morning. The accident occurred on the west side of the highway just north of Portage-du-Fort. Campbell’s Bay-Litchfield Fire Department captain Alain Dubeau said when his department responded to the call around 9:30 a.m., the man had already been extracted from the vehicle.  “The occupant of the vehicle was already taken out by some bystanders, and the vehicle was totally on fire. We put it out, and the occupant was taken away in an ambulance with [ . . . ] burns to his body,” he said. 

Oct. 29

Surgical wing named after Dr. Potvin 

The surgical wing of the Pontiac Hospital was named after Dr. Earle Potvin to honour the 57 years of service he gave to the community. Following the unveiling of the new wing’s new name on Oct. 26, a reception was at the Little Red Wagon winery where dozens of Dr. Potvin’s friends and family gathered to tell stories and reminisce about the mark he left on local health care.

Chapeau hosts third annual Chartrand tourney

Family and friends of the late Robert Chartrand organized the third annual hockey and ball tournament in his memory over the weekend of Oct. 25. Chartrand, a 30-year-old Chapeau resident, passed away in 2021 after his snowmobile went through the ice on the Ottawa River. The tournament raises money for local youth sports, of which Chartrand was a big supporter.  

Quyon car rally lives on under Lions

Teams came out en masse for the first annual Quyon car rally organized by the Quyon Lions, which sent teams zooming across the Pontiac in search of clues. The car rally had previously been organized by the Quyon Lionettes for many years, but since the organization folded in 2024 the Quyon Lions took on the event. Former Lionette and current Lion Hollie Leach said the amount of teams entered this year was about the same as it has been in the past, with about 160 participants.  

Nov. 5

Pontiac elects seven new mayors 

Pontiac residents voted in seven new mayors in the municipal elections held on Nov. 2, along with incumbent MRC Pontiac warden candidate Jane Toller. Several long-standing mayors were ousted by new challengers, including Brent Orr of Bristol (defeated by Valerie Twolan-Graham), Lynne Cameron of Portage-du-Fort (defeated by Kevin Murphy) and Carl Mayer of Alleyn-et-Cawood (defeated by Sidney Squitti). “It’s great to have new blood, new ideas. It’ll be interesting,” said Shawville mayor Bill McCleary, who was re-elected in convincing fashion over challenger Linda Davis. 

MacLachlan family bursary funds three more nursing students

The three latest recipients of the MacLachlan family nursing bursary for Pontiac students were announced by CISSSO on Oct. 29. Brandon Ladouceur, Léa LaSalle and Sarah Bouchard each received up to $5,000 toward their nursing studies, with the stipulation that they intend to work in the Pontiac’s healthcare facilities. CISSSO announced that former bursary recipient Annie-Claude Durocher had completed her nursing studies and started working full time at the Pontiac Hospital, making her the first MacLachlan bursary recipient to complete her studies and begin work. 

Trio arrested in Bristol meth bust 

On Oct. 29 police intercepted a vehicle on Hwy. 148 in Bristol, seizing more than 1,000 methamphetamine tablets and making three arrests. A statement from the Sûreté du Québec notes that while the driver and the front seat passenger cooperated, the rear passenger refused to cooperate, kicked the door of the vehicle, and was placed in the patrol car. The driver and the front passenger were released at the scene with a date at the Campbell’s Bay courthouse where they could face “drug-related charges”.

Nov. 12

PHS celebrates grads 

Over sixty graduates from Pontiac High School turned the page at their grad ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium. Over 50 awards were given out to the graduating students, and awards for academic achievement, leadership, school spirit and athletic achievement were also handed out. Isaac Graham was named the class’ valedictorian. Nearly one third of the class averaged 80 per cent or higher – something principal Luke McLaren was especially proud of. “It demonstrates that not only are students achieving ministry certification, but our students are excelling,” he said. 

Chatel discusses federal budget 

The federal government unveiled its first budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney, outlining $81.8 billion in new investments in housing, infrastructure and defence. The budget projected a $78.3 billion deficit this year, with promises to gradually reduce it by reducing operational spending via 40,000 federal job cuts. The Liberals said the strategy will strengthen Canada’s long-term economy by prioritizing capital investment. Items affecting the Pontiac include a permanent national school food program, housing supply initiatives and new funding for municipal and health infrastructure.

Construction begins on new Shawville daycare

Construction began on the new public daycare slated for the corner of Clarendon St. and Isabella St. in Shawville. The new facility, which will be operated by the Pontiac-based 1-2-3 Picabou Child Care Center, will have 60 spots for kids, including 10 for infants and 50 for children between the ages of 18 months and five years old. Picabou director Carole St-Arnaud said despite delays in the construction process, she remains optimistic about their ability to meet the final goal – a late fall 2026 opening. “We have deadlines, but it’s mother nature who controls all of that. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we cannot advance like we want to,” she said. 

Nov. 19 

Shawville 4-Hers celebrate Royal wins

Thirteen members of the Shawville 4-H club travelled to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto after spending months preparing for the competition. Key performances came from

Amy Sheppard, who was a semi-finalist for the senior division of showmanship, and Tyson Childs, who placed first in the conformation class in the Angus yearlings division of the Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Competition. Nine of the 13 members also took part in the club’s first go in the Royal’s square dancing competition in quite some time.  

Toller sworn in for third term 

MRC Pontiac warden Jane Toller was officially sworn in for her third term, surrounded by her supporters and campaign volunteers. She laid out the priorities for her next term, including modernizing Hydro-Quebec’s infrastructure, increasing trade education, protecting the healthcare system, public transportation, sharing intermunicipal services, protecting agricultural land and supporting wood producers. She also added that she would work to “keep taxes and property evaluations affordable”.

Kitigan Zibi seeks Aboriginal title for large portions of western Quebec

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg launched a major new legal challenge, filing a Quebec Superior Court claim seeking Aboriginal title to eight areas of its unceded ancestral territory, including the Gatineau Park, the Baskatong reservoir, ZEC Pontiac, as well as Allumette Island and several of the smaller islands at its eastern end.   The First Nation is also seeking $5 billion in damages for violations of its constitutionally protected Section 35 rights it says have been perpetrated by both the Crown, Québec, and Hydro-Québec.  The First Nation emphasized it is not looking to displace private property owners, rather to receive some kind of recognition from the government for this historic wrong. 

Nov. 26

Gas station greenhouse finally bears fruit

Bryson Ultramar owner Jian Zhang and nephew Ryan Zhang celebrated the first produce they put out for sale grown in the greenhouse they built behind the gas station. They started selling tomatoes and cucumbers, both grown in the greenhouse that Jian designed to be powered by sustainable energy sources. Jian said that passive solar energy and energy generated from composting organic matter allow the greenhouse to be used year-round, a technique not commonly used in Canada but common in his home country of China. Jian said he intends to look at growing other kinds of vegetables and will continue to sell fresh eggs from his chickens. 

Fortin promoted to parliamentary leader amidst QLP crisis

A series of controversies erupted within the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP). Parliamentary leader Marwah Rizqy was suspended after firing her chief of staff without consulting party leader Pablo Rodriguez, prompting a leadership reshuffle that saw Pontiac MNA André Fortin promoted to parliamentary leader. Later in that same week, there were also allegations of vote-buying in Rodriguez’s leadership race, now under investigation, which Rodriguez claimed he knew nothing about. 

Restaurant owner to appeal sexual assault conviction

The owner of Lello’s Pizza & Shawarma in Shawville, who was found guilty of one count of sexual assault against a former employee, announced he would appeal the decision. Court documents from a Jan. 2023 testimony showed a number of incidents throughout the tenure of the employee, who was a minor at the time. While the accused was later sentenced to 18 months house arrest for the crime, he is still expected to pursue an appeal of the decision. 

Dec. 3

Students brave the cold for Bouffe 

A group of students from École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge completed a 60-kilometre walk across the Pontiac to raise money and collect food donations for local food back Bouffe Pontiac. Teacher Martin Bertrand said 17 students completed the full walk, adding that the harsh weather and heavy snow accumulation led others to stop early. He said all students are to be commended for their efforts in pushing their limits, and also for raising over $2,500 for the food bank. “It’s pretty amazing what these kids just did. They surpassed their limits, and all that to raise money for people in need. It’s pretty incredible,” said Bouffe Pontiac director Kim Laroche. 

Pontiac rallies against Law 2

Over 100 people gathered outside the Pontiac Hospital to protest the province’s Law 2, which was intended to tie doctors’ pay to performance metrics including the number of patients they see and how vulnerable they are. The law had been met with widespread criticism from those who deemed it “fast food medicine”, prioritizing volume over the quality of care. Hundreds of doctors had applied for permits in neighbouring provinces. At the rally, Pontiac GMF coordinator Danielle Romain said six of her doctors were considering leaving, leaving her concerned about the future of those patients. 

Quebec to offer $35K to nurses relocating to Pontiac

Quebec’s ministry of health announced its intention to offer bonuses to nurses and cardiorespiratory professionals who will relocate to the Outaouais for work, including a $35K bonus for those relocating to the Pontiac service network. The bonus was to be available to those who signed on for three years of full-time work. The Pontiac service network saw 24 nursing positions unfilled at the time. The bonus is not available to prospective nurses who already live in the Outaouais region. 

Dec. 10

Food drive raises $12K

Bouffe Pontiac’s annual Christmas food drive raised over $12,000 for the food bank on the morning of Dec. 4. Forty-nine volunteers set up at four different collection points across the country called on commuters to donate for the food bank’s annual Christmas basket program. Director Kim Laroche said she was pleased with the result of the drive. “It shows again how a whole community, in just three hours, can help. It’s pretty generous.”

Larivière passes torch after 30 years as St-Joseph president 

Friends of St-Joseph Manor president Denis Larivière officially passed the torch to his replacement Pat Shea at a wine and cheese event hosted at the manor. Larivière was part of a community push to keep the manor in the community, after in 1995 the Quebec government announced its intention to close the facility. He and others founded the non-profit to own and operate the senior’s residence, investing over $1.5 million in renovations and additions to the building throughout his tenure. “Together these achievements rebuilt the manor into a model of excellence, strengthened its operations and ensured comfort, safety and dignity for all who call this their home,” said general manager Colleen Larivière, also Denis’ sister. 

Quyon archaeology digs yield clues to fairgrounds’ past

Archeo-Pontiac, a wing of the Friends of Chats Falls, delivered the results of its fall 2025 digs at the Quyon fairgrounds. After digging for two years at Pointe-à-L’Indienne, the group shifted this year to the Quyon fairgrounds, a site it hoped could yield some clues about a summer home once used by Philemon Wright, along with other information about the town’s history Archaeologist Jean-Luc Pilon, who volunteers with the project, said the heels of four or five clay pipes found could date from the early 1800s, and the fact that there are several of them could suggest there were homes near the site. He said more digging is needed to discover if there are any structures or additional artifacts underneath.

Dec. 17

Pontiac cup wraps up at ESSC 

Senior volleyball players from across the Pontiac and beyond descended on ESSC for the final day of Pontiac Cup action. Boys and girls teams from ESSC, Pontiac High School, Dr. Wilbert Keon School, as well as teams from Maniwaki and Gracefield competed for the title.  On the boys’ side, Dr. Wilbert Keon School fell short in the final, losing to Gracefield two sets to one. The girls’ final saw ESSC fall two sets to one to the Maniwaki team. 

Natalie Romain retires after 35 years at Pontiac Hospital

The Pontiac Hospital’s clinical administrative coordinator Natalie Romain retired after a 35-year career as a nurse and manager at the hospital. After working in obstetrics for years, Romain became an assistant head nurse in 2013 and then rose further up the management chain in 2018. She said she enjoyed sharing her wealth of knowledge with younger generations of nurses. Colleagues expressed how much she will be missed, including CISSSO’s Pontiac network director Nicole Boucher-Larivière. “Nat’s been a little bit the heart of the hospital, so it’s going to be a big adjustment for everybody,” she said.

Figure skating club celebrates Christmases around the world

The Shawville Figure Skating club represented Christmases around the world in its annual Christmas performance at the Shawville Arena. Over 100 skaters performed festive numbers based on traditions and colours from the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, China and more. “I think all the skaters skated beautifully. I appreciate all the hours of work that go into it from the coaching side [ . . . ] and the executive for taking their ideas and making sure they happen,” said club president Shelley Heaphy.