Already feeling nostalgic for last year? Well you’re in luck, THE EQUITY’s 2024 Year in Review is here. Over the next three issues, we’ll take some time to look back on some of last year’s most memorable Pontiac stories.
April
Clarendon revokes previous support for incinerator
The Municipality of Clarendon voted unanimously to revoke its support for the MRC’s proposed garbage incinerator project for the Pontiac. “We revoked the previous one because, when the Warden came and did her presentation last May, it was more for a solution to waste, and now it’s like the incinerator or bust, right?” said Clarendon mayor Edward Walsh at the time.
Convoy heads to Ottawa to protest carbon tax
Twenty-one people in a nine-vehicle convoy left from Shawville to drive to Ottawa and register a complaint with the federal government, which increased the carbon tax on Apr. 1. “We’re hoping a whole bunch of people will come out and speak their mind about how the carbon tax is affecting their affordability in life,” said convoy organizer Ralph Lang.
First Nations, environmental groups file third legal challenge against nuclear waste facility
A coalition of three environmental groups and a First Nation applied for judicial review of a recent federal decision to grant a species at risk permit to the proponent of the Chalk River nuclear waste disposal facility. The permit allowed construction to proceed despite the fact that it might harm or kill three species considered to be at risk: the Blanding’s turtle and two species of bats.
Norway Bay to get new docksThe Municipality of Bristol said it would purchase a new set of docks that would be installed at the Norway Bay beach to make deep-water swimming possible through the summer despite the indefinite closure of the pier for safety reasons.
There she goes: Henderson’s Store is no moreNorway Bay’s Henderson’s Store was demolished after an accumulation of snow caused the building’s structure to collapse. The Henderson family ran the convenience store for over three decades, offering all sorts of delights to cottagers and full-time residents over the years. The family closed the store for good in 2018.
Bristol withdraws support for incineratorBristol council voted unanimously to withdraw its previous support for the incinerator. The decision was met with applause from the residents in attendance at the council meeting. Bristol mayor Brent Orr said that new information that had been revealed in the year following the original proposal resulted in the council’s decision to rescind support.
Nurses reject tentative dealThe province’s largest nurses’ union voted to reject the tentative deal the union reached with the government in March. Sixty-one per cent of union members decided the agreement was not good enough. Voter turnout was 77 per cent. “We could end up losing everything we’ve already fought for so it’s kind of a tough situation and people are on the fence,” said Trish White Milford, a Shawville nurse.
MTQ highway repair includes ‘positive news’ for PontiacQuebec’s transport ministry (MTQ) announced $250 million worth of road work, including paving some of Front Street in Campbell’s Bay, work on the Highway 148 bridge between Allumette Island and Pembroke, starting to pave Highway 301 in Otter Lake between the 366 and Stephens Road, repaving Highway 148 between Westbrook Road and Kennedy Road and continuing work on the 301 bridge in Portage du Fort.
Junkyard Jaws of Life training for Bristol fire departmentEight Bristol firefighters got a chance to learn how to use two Jaws of Life tools, a spreader and a cutter tool, at the Johnson Auto Wreckers junkyard in Danford Lake. They performed a dash lift on a small silver Mazda hatchback and freed two hypothetical passengers from a turquoise Mini Cooper. This training made it possible for the Bristol Fire Department to be less dependent on the Shawville-Clarendon Fire Department.
Pontiac farmers ‘fed up’ with lack of provincial support
About a dozen Pontiac farmers hopped in their tractors and trucks to join a group of 50 agricultural producers in Gatineau in a protest demanding greater financial support from the Quebec government. “We’re as essential as the health ministry and the education ministry,” said Stéphane Alary, president of the UPA’s Outaouais-Laurentides branch and owner of Ferme Stépido. “You need to eat before you can learn or work. Everybody says farmers are essential, but where’s the money?”
ESSC hosts first student arts nightThe library at École secondaire Sieur de Coulonge (ESSC) was transformed into an art gallery and a stage for the high school’s first multidisciplinary arts vernissage. The evening was organized as an opportunity for students from the school’s visual arts, dance, and language and music classes to share pieces they had been working on with their family and friends, and the wider Pontiac community. “It’s to showcase what Sieur de Coulonge has to offer in arts, and its quality. And the quality comes from the students,” said Sébastien Beaudoin, the school’s visual arts teacher and the visionary behind the event.
May
Son of Clarendon dairy farmers takes job with CFL’s ElksThomas Beck, son of dairy farmers Kristine Amyotte and Robbie Beck, accepted a job with the CFL’s Edmonton Elks as an account executive. A self-described sports fanatic, Beck had prior experience working in sports as an intern with Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes, where he worked in sales. Beck was grateful to his parents for supporting him in his journey. “They’ve always wanted me to be my own person and do what I love,” he said.
Chris Judd receives National Assembly medal for contribution to the PontiacClarendon dairy farmer Chris Judd was awarded a Medal of the National Assembly by Pontiac MNA André Fortin for what Fortin called “tremendous contribution” to the region. Judd served as president of the Pontiac chapter of the UPA, the Quebec Farmers Association, and as a municipal councillor for the town of Shawville. Fortin said Judd is well known across the province, and that people always speak highly of him. “To me, Chris Judd represents a lot of what the Pontiac is about,” he said, listing hard work, traditions, entrepreneurship and farming as examples.
Shawville and Chichester rescind incinerator supportThe municipalities of Shawville and Chichester rescinded their support for the incinerator project. The two municipalities had originally supported the project in 2023 but withdrew their support at their respective council meetings in May. Shawville mayor Bill McCleary said the harms of the project outweighed the benefits. “There could possibly have been some jobs in this, but is it worth risking the environment and the health of your residents for a few jobs? Probably not,” he said
Alleyn and Cawood evaluations increase by up to 370 per centAbout 60 residents filled Alleyn and Cawood’s municipal hall at its May council meeting to hear from the municipality on what it planned to do about the inflated property evaluations residents had received as part of their 2024 tax bill over the winter. Some property evaluations increased by as much as 370 per cent, and director general Isabelle Cardinal said they have a right to be concerned. “Ratepayers are clearly shocked and scared about this, which I completely understand,” she said, adding that the increase was likely caused by the sale of 120 lots over the past few years to a developer.
Paschs celebrate quarter-century at the Ladysmith HotelCathy and Ernie Pasch celebrated 25 years of ownership at the Ladysmith Hotel, a historic building built by Ernie’s uncle Theo Bretzlaff in 1918. Cathy, originally from Charteris, and Ernie, originally from Ladysmith, bought the property in 1999 with no prior restaurant background, and they said the tourism potential of the Pontiac is looking upwards. “The area is really expanding with the cottagers [ . . . ] there’s more and more people moving up here,” Ernie said.
Invasive plant species found in local lakesOtter Lake council hosted a forum to inform the public of the presence of Eurasian water milfoil, an invasive plant species, in two local lakes. The species, found in Farm Lake and Petit Lac Cayamant, is a perennial plant that grows profusely in summer and dies in the fall, using up oxygen as it decomposes, choking the lake and killing native plant species and fish. Councillors outlined a range of strategies to eradicate the milfoil, which also has effects on the lake’s human residents, including difficulty boating, the reduction of waterfront property values, and lost tourism revenue.
Shawville sidewalks get liThe municipality of Shawville installed 12 solar-powered street lamps along Main Street’s northern sidewalk, thanks to a collaboration with Jill McBane, then-owner of Shawville Shooz. McBane organized street markets over the years that doubled as fundraising events for the lights. The town’s existing streetlights are meant to be maintained by Hydro-Québec, but they are often out of order, said councillor Richard Armitage. “The sidewalk is dark, and we have a lot of issues with the hydro street lights not working,” he said. “Thank goodness these solar lights work.”
Quyon’s Barbotte supper makes a comebackQuyon locals enjoyed a community feast of barbotte and homemade french fries, an annual tradition last held in 2009. The event saw 120 pounds of potatoes and over 130 pounds of catfish, which were fried and served to attendees at the Legion. The event was formerly put on by the owners of an old chip wagon in Quyon, and had been requested so often over the years that Darlene Morris, whose parents owned that chip stand, decided to bring back the tradition.
MRC buys Shawville abattoir assetsThe MRC Pontiac successfully purchased the assets of the Abattoir les Viandes du Pontiac, ensuring the survival of the region’s only provincially licensed slaughterhouse after it filed for bankruptcy earlier in the year. Using over $1.5 million in provincial funding initially allocated for a food transformation initiative called AgriSaveur, the MRC said it planned to collaborate with a group of local farmers to create a cooperative that will eventually manage the facility. While the immediate priority was to reopen the abattoir, the long-term vision includes expanding the site into a regional food processing hub to benefit local producers.
PHS holds memorial basketball tournament for former coachPontiac High School students and staff honoured the memory of longtime teacher and coach David Holmes with a three-on-three basketball tournament. Organized by the school’s leadership class, the event featured six student teams competing for the inaugural David Holmes trophy, as well as activities like frisbee and spikeball to engage the broader school community. Holmes, who taught at PHS for over 30 years and was remembered for his deep contributions to sports and the community, was celebrated by family, students, and staff in what organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
Fortin urges government officials to witness Outaouais healthcare crisis firsthandPontiac MNA André Fortin urged Quebec’s health and social services commission to visit the Outaouais region to witness firsthand the “catastrophic” staffing crisis affecting its healthcare system. Highlighting year-long waits for mammograms and the exodus of workers to Ontario due to better pay and conditions, Fortin criticized the provincial government’s bonuses for urban hospital staff, which he said exacerbated rural hospital shortages.
Campbell’s Bay hosts second Beauregard memorial tournamentCampbell’s Bay hosted its second annual Maurice Beauregard memorial softball tournament, honouring the late former mayor and firefighter. Beauregard’s wife, Kelly McMahon-Beauregard, organized the tournament on their anniversary weekend to celebrate his legacy. Funds were raised to support local initiatives, including park improvements and scholarships for community-minded students. This year, over 100 volunteers contributed, and a new horseshoes competition added extra fun. “Mo would have loved this,” McMahon-Beauregard said.
Connexions hosts Alzheimer’s doctorThe Connexions Resource Centre hosted an information session on Alzheimer’s, focusing on its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies. Dr. André Moreau explained how factors like genetics, hearing loss, and diet influence the disease, while emphasizing prevention through healthy habits. Outreach coordinator Shelley Heaphy highlighted the importance of such information for both seniors and caregivers in the Pontiac community.
June
PHS girls win regional rugby championshipThe Pontiac High School girls’ rugby team won their second consecutive RSEQ regional championship, capping off an undefeated season. The Panthers bested the D’Arcy McGee High School Gee Gees from Gatineau in a hotly contested affair led by standouts Hannah Twolan and Kira Paulin. Head coach Phil Holmes was proud. “It has been an awesome journey from the first practice with 10 girls who had never touched a rugby ball,” he said.
Local farmers tell minister they need more supportForty people aired their concerns about the topics of agriculture, food security and rural development at an event hosted by Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel and federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Little Red Wagon Winery. Some attendees expressed concerns over passing their farm down to the next generation, while others were focused on the uptick in mental health issues among farmers. UPA Outaouais-Laurentides head Stéphane Alary said he wants the government to invest more money toward agriculture. “It is less than one per cent of the federal [and provincial] budget,” he said.
Judd soft-launches Shawville B&BShawville’s Emma Judd officially opened her bed and breakfast on Main Street. The B&B, called Circa, is the result of thousands of hours of renovations and updates Judd made since purchasing the home in 2019. Judd said the B&B fills a need for overnight accommodation in the area and is looking forward to finishing all of the renovations.
Three Clarendon dogs die suddenlyThree dogs living no more than a few kilometres apart died on June 1 and 2, with no obvious cause of death. Phil Holmes found his family’s dog Betty lying comatose on the ground, while Andrew Simms and Donna Courchesne’s two dogs were found in the same condition. Holmes, who took Betty to the veterinarian, said the blood work suggested there didn’t seem to be any malintent.
Hoffman announces federal PPC candidacyLocal business owner Todd Hoffman announced he will be the People’s Party of Canada’s candidate for the Pontiac riding at an event hosted at his brewery, Brauwerk Hoffman. He said he intends to support local farmers and producers, and hopes to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Invited guest and PPC party leader Maxime Bernier discussed hot topics such as immigration, taxation and gun control.
Mansfield, Fort Coulonge win award for joint tourism effortsThe two Pontiac municipalities won a provincial award in recognition of the towns’ recent renovation of their outdoor rest area along Highway 148, as well as for the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand covered bridge. In June 2023 the municipalities were accepted as a village-relais, a provincial designation for towns that meet specific requirements, including having sufficient infrastructure to accommodate travellers. “It was very unexpected,” said Fort Coulonge mayor Christine Francoeur of the victory.
Four local nursing students first recipients of new bursaryKayla Legault, Julie Soucie, Sarah Jewell and Marie-Pier Dufour were the first recipients of a new bursary from the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation, granting them $5,000 for each year of nursing study they complete. The award is given under the assumption that the students will return to nursing positions in the Pontiac once they graduate. CISSSO’s Nicole Boucher-Larivière said the award should help fill a void for healthcare in the Pontiac. “We need new nurses from the area,” she said.
Shawville installs safe crosswalkThe Municipality of Shawville installed a new signalled pedestrian crosswalk where the PPJ crosses Centre Street near Pontiac High School. There has been concern over safety at the crossing for a few years due to the high volume of cars that use the road, a provincial highway. Last year the MRC’s youth council requested the province’s transport ministry install a sign with flashing lights at that crosswalk, but this did not happen. Mayor Bill McCleary said the municipality greenlighted the purchase and installation of the equipment, saying the safety concerns around waiting were too grave.
Chapeau market building opens ahead of scheduleThe new farmer’s market building in Chapeau opened ahead of schedule, offering vendors a regular space to sell products three days a week. The market features local produce, crafts, and food, and aims to be a community hub for Allumette Island. At the time the building, was still being completed, and held its grand opening Aug. 1.
