Dear Editor,
Thank you to everyone who attended last Thursday night’s meeting in Campbell’s Bay. The room was packed with 350 people and we sent a strong message to Quebec City. André Fortin, our mayors and MRC staff made it a priority to be there to stand up for the Pontiac. The next day in Gatineau I was proud to hear that “the Pontiac came out in force and we were well mobilized.”
André and I will meet this week to strategize on the next steps to ensure the provincial flood lines and requirements are realistic for the Pontiac to move forward. The mayors are anxious to be in a position to give building permits as soon as possible (at least after July 15.)
The flood of 2019 was unpredicted and unacceptable. There are calls for lawsuits and investigations which sounds good but take time, cost money and may produce nothing. With nine months remaining until next spring — let’s find solutions that will make a difference. I learned at a recent Pembroke flood meeting that the last time a new reservoir or dam to control the Ottawa River was considered was in 1980. A lot has changed with our weather in 39 years. I propose we ask for an assessment of the current holding power with improvements and we request the addition of a 14th reservoir on the Quebec side perhaps between Rapides and Temiskaming. I also support a return to local dam management.
The Pontiac region has plans for revitalization and we need to keep everyone here and draw more people. We need to protect the investment of our citizens. We are all in this together — Quebec and Ontario. Keep up the fight!
Please check the proposed map at www.cehq.gouv.qc.ca and submit the discrepancies and your comments to zis2019@mamh.gouv.qc.ca by August 19. Thank you.
Jane Toller
Warden-MRC Pontiac
