Special Meeting – March 4, 2025

Postponement of the Regular Meeting of March
Due to the impossibility of holding the regular meeting on March 17, it has been rescheduled to March 31, 2025.

Submission of the Certificate of Register Maintenance for Loan By-law #366-2024 Regarding the Acquisition of a 10-Wheel Truck
The General Director presented to the council the certificate from the Clerk-Treasurer, confirming the results of the procedure to register eligible voters for Loan By-law #366-2024, related to the acquisition of a 10-wheel truck. This certificate certifies and allows verification of whether the by-law is deemed approved or if a referendum vote is required, depending on the number of signatures. In this case, no signatures were obtained, indicating that the loan by-law is considered approved by the eligible voters.

Adoption of the Contract Management By-law
The council has adopted by-law (368-2025) related to contract management. This by-law aims to define the measures governing the awarding and management of contracts granted by the municipality, in compliance with the Municipal Code (C.M.). It seeks to promote transparency in the awarding of municipal contracts while respecting legal requirements for adjudication as established by laws governing municipal organizations.

Adoption of the Rules of Control, Budgetary Monitoring and Delegation of Power By-law
The council has adopted by-law (369-2025) related to rules of control, budgetary monitoring and delegation of power. The by-law defines, among other things, the rules of responsibility and operation required for any expenditure to be incurred or made by a municipal official or employee, ensuring it is duly authorized after verifying the availability of necessary credits.

Regular Meeting – March 31, 2025

Highlights

Public Accessibility Project of the Rouge River
Our request for financial assistance from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation has been accepted. This funding will help cover a substantial portion of the purchase of Hydro-Québec lands along the river and will play a key role in the development of our infrastructure. The financial goal remains unchanged, meaning that the cost of acquiring the land and infrastructure will be funded through grants, and our financial contribution will come from our dedicated reserve, as outlined in the 2025 budget.

Summary of Key Council Decisions

Financial Assistance to Improve the Safety and Security of Private Roads
As part of the financial assistance policy aimed at improving the safety and security of private roads, the council decided to grant financial assistance, in addition to the aid granted at the February meeting, to the Association of Lac Harrington.

Support for the Ville de Blainville Against the Expropriation of Protected Lands
Concerned with preserving the environment and in solidarity with the Ville de Blainville, the council has requested the gouvernement du Québec to abandon its plan to expropriate protected lands in Blainville for the benefit of Stablex, for the burial of hazardous waste.

Legal Services
The council accepted the legal services offer from Dunton Rainville Avocats et Notaires for a period of 3 years, including unlimited phone consultations, verification of municipal deeds, preparation of the annual report for auditors, sending of formal notices for the collection of unpaid taxes, as well as other minor legal services. The fee is a flat rate of $200 per month, excluding taxes, with additional charges for specific files or legal disputes.

Public Accessibility Project for the Rouge River
The council authorized the general director and the mayor to begin negotiations with the aim of submitting a purchase offer for Hydro-Québec lands along the Rouge River. The objective of this project is to provide access to the natural beauty of the Rouge River. The project will be carried out with particular attention to preserving the tranquility and integrity of the site.

Submission of the Contract Management Report for 2024
The administration submitted the report concerning the implementation of the règlement de gestion contractuelle for 2024, in accordance with section 938.1.2 of the Code municipal du Québec.

Pedagogical Radar Signs
The council authorized the purchase of four speed radar signs. The municipality is sensitive to the issue of speed on its territory and wishes to implement measures to raise awareness among road users. Displaying the speed limit serves as an effective reminder of the traffic code and encourages a culture of rule compliance among drivers, thus contributing to improved road safety.

2024 – Programme d’aide à la voirie locale – volet entretien des routes locales (ERL)
The municipality reported the total expenses related to the use of this compensation in its financial report for the 2024 fiscal year. This compensation aims for the routine and preventive maintenance of local roads, as well as bridge elements located on these roads.

2025 – Programme d’aide à la voirie locale – volet entretien des routes locales (PAVL)
The council authorized the administration to sign an agreement with the Ministère des Transports regarding the granting of financial assistance under the Programme d’aide à la voirie locale – volet entretien des routes locales (PAVL).

Contract Award for the Replacement of a Culvert on Rivière-Rouge Road
The council authorized the award of a contract, following a public tender, for the replacement of a culvert washed away by waters during the storm caused by the Hurricane Debby, on Rivière-Rouge Road. The contract was awarded to Cotton Miller Excavation. These works will be included in the municipality’s reimbursement request to the Ministère de la Sécurité Publique.

Sale of Two Used Vehicles Owned by the Municipality
The council authorized the administration to sell two used vehicles through the Centre d’acquisition gouvernementale du Québec.

Les Semailles d’Argenteuil
Following positive feedback regarding our participation in the program last year, the municipality is pleased to participate again this year. For more information on Semailles d’Argenteuil, click here.

Decisions on Conditional Use Requests, SPAIP, and Minor Variance Requests
The council made decisions on two conditional use requests, three SPAIP requests, and one minor variance request.

Madeleine-Marquis Park Renovation Project
Multisport Surface: The municipal council authorized the submission of a financial assistance request to the MRC d’Argenteuil under the FFR-Volet 4 program for the development of a multisport surface at Madeleine-Marquis Park.
Welcome Building: The municipal council authorized the submission of a financial assistance request to the MRC d’Argenteuil under the FFR-Volet 4 program for the development and construction of a welcome building at Madeleine-Marquis Park.
This project aims to provide citizens with high-quality sports and recreational facilities to promote healthy lifestyles, build social and community ties, encourage physical activity among both young and older residents, and reduce isolation among seniors. Click here to view the project presentation.

Special Meeting – February 11, 2025

Work Program and Submission of the TECQ 2024-2028 to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
The council adopted and submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing the work program under the Quebec Water and Community Infrastructure Transfer Program (TECQ) for the years 2024-2028, for a total grant of $702,140. In 2024, culvert replacement works were carried out on chemin de la Rivière Maskinongé for an amount of $42,620. No projects are planned for 2025 under this program. In 2026, we anticipate culvert replacement works on chemin Parker, White, and de la Rivière Maskinongé, as well as asphalt paving on the latter, totaling $421,283, including unspent amounts from previous years. For 2027 and 2028, a budget of $140,428 is allocated for each year, and further programming will follow.

Designation of Accounting Firm as External Auditor for the 2024 Fiscal Year
The council selected the firm Gariépy Bussière CPA Inc. as the external auditor for the 2024 fiscal year.

Regular Meeting – February 17, 2025

Highlights

Public Accessibility Project of the Rouge River
During the meeting, the council shared a presentation on the public accessibility project of the Rouge River. Click here to view the presentation

Summary of Key Council Decisions

Financial Assistance to Improve the Safety and Security of Private Roads
As part of the financial assistance policy aimed at improving the safety and security of private roads, the council decided to grant financial assistance to the following associations:

• Lake Agnès Association
• Blue Lake Association
• Lakeview residents’ Association
• Lac Spectacles Owners Association
• Fawn Lake Association
• Bouleaux blancs Association
• Lake McDonald Owners Association
• Association of Green Lake South
• Association Domaine du Sommet de la Vallée

Legal Services for the Year 2025
The municipality accepted the legal services offer from the firm Deveau Dufour Mottet Avocats – Outaouais. The offer includes unlimited phone consultations for all executive staff, as well as the building and environmental inspector, and the contract duration is one year.

Financial Assistance Application under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) – Section 1
The council authorized the submission of a financial assistance application under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) – Section 1, to support the public accessibility project of the Rouge River. This financial assistance would allow us to acquire Hydro-Québec lands along the river and play a key role in the development of our infrastructure.

Financial Assistance Application under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) – Section 4
The council authorized the submission of a financial assistance application to the MRC d’Argenteuil, amounting to $137,800, under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) – Section 4, to finance the necessary works for the upgrading and standardization of the kitchen and toilets at the Lost-River Community Center.

Authorization to sign a protocol agreement with the Municipality of Grenville-sur-la-Rouge for hiring a Director of Urban Planning and Environment Department
The council authorized the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Municipality of Grenville-sur-la-Rouge for the shared hiring of a Director of Urban Planning and Environment Department. Given the difficulty in recruiting part-time permanent staff and the need for a part-time director in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, both municipalities agreed to hire a full-time resource and share the position.

Purchase of a 10-Wheel Truck
The council adopted a by-law (366-2024) authorizing an expenditure and borrowing of $520,986 for the acquisition of a 10-wheel truck. This by-law allows the municipality to acquire a truck necessary for works on the territory and snow removal. The council authorized the purchase of the truck from Robitaille Équipement for a total amount of $496,236, including taxes and equipment. This acquisition, made necessary by new snow removal responsibilities for the municipal roads on the eastern side starting in the fall of 2025, also aims to improve public works efficiency throughout the year.

Contract Management By-law Proposal
The council presented a new by-law (368-2025) related to contract management. This by-law aims to define the measures governing the awarding and management of contracts granted by the municipality, in compliance with the Municipal Code (C.M.). It seeks to promote transparency in the awarding of municipal contracts while respecting legal requirements for adjudication as established by laws governing municipal organizations.

Rules of Control, Budgetary Monitoring and Delegation of Power By-law Proposal
The council presented a new by-law (369-2025) related to rules of control, budgetary monitoring and delegation of power. The by-law defines, among other things, the rules of responsibility and operation required for any expenditure to be incurred or made by a municipal official or employee, ensuring it is duly authorized after verifying the availability of necessary credits.

Renewal of the Service Agreement with Edilex
The council approved the renewal of the service agreement with Edilex for the management of the municipality’s public tender processes, for a duration of three years. This platform ensures the preparation of tender documents that comply with legal and regulatory requirements while offering legal support and consulting services.

Decisions on PIIA Requests
We reviewed and made decisions on three PIIA requests.

Regular Meeting – January 20, 2025

Summary of Key Council Decisions

Closure of the Henri-Raby Bridge in Brownsburg-Chatham
The council wishes to support the City of Brownsburg-Chatham in its efforts with the Ministry of Transport of Quebec to obtain a formal commitment regarding the repair or replacement of the Henri-Raby Bridge. The bridge has been closed since December 2024, disrupting school bus routes and traffic.

Public Accessibility Project to the Rivière-Rouge
The council submitted a request for financial assistance to the MRC d’Argenteuil under the FRR-Volet 4 program for Phase 1 of the public accessibility project to the Rivière-Rouge. Phase 1 of the project involves the acquisition of land being sold by Hydro-Québec. It is important to note that the goal of this project is to allow access to the natural beauty of the Rivière-Rouge. The project will be carried out with particular attention to preserving the tranquility and integrity of the site.

New Regulation on Fees and Required Documents for Building and Sanitary Facility Permit Applications
The council adopted a regulation primarily aimed at modernizing permit fees to reflect actual costs, as well as adding required documents for building and sanitary facility permit applications.

New Regulation on Property Transfers
The council adopted a regulation on property transfers that will allow the municipality to collect a 3% fee on the transfer of any property whose taxable base exceeds $500,000.

New Regulation on Taxation and Compensation for the Year 2025
The council adopted a regulation establishing the tax rate for 2025, including general property taxes, specific taxes for the Sûreté du Québec, the MRC d’ Argenteuil contribution, fire protection services, and debt service. This regulation also includes compensation for waste management services as well as special taxes for certain sectors. As always, property owners will be able to pay their taxes in one or three installments, depending on the total tax amount, with interest applied in case of late payment.

To view the 2025 budget, click here.
To view the by-law, click here.

Acceptance of Service Offer from DWB Consultants
The council accepted the service offer from DWB Consultants, for an amount not exceeding $15,400, taxes excluded, for monitoring services, plan updates, and provisional and final acceptance visits, related to the installation of a 3,000 mm culvert on Chemin de la Rivière-Rouge.

Composting Contract with Mironor
Following cost analyses and the proximity of compostable waste treatment facilities, the municipality concluded that Mironor is the most suitable choice. The council authorized the municipality to sign a contract with Mironor for the reception and processing of compostable materials. The composting service will be implemented during 2025, and further information will be provided on this matter.

Special Meeting – December 16, 2024

2025 Budget
During the special meeting on December 16, the council presented the 2025 budget and the three-year plan for the years 2025-2026-2027. The council is proud to present a balanced budget that addresses the significant increase in the assessment roll. Click here to view the 2025 budget

Regular Meeting – December 16, 2024

Highlights

Signing of the Collective Agreement
It is with great pride that the municipality proceeded with the signing of the collective agreement for the next 6 years.

Vidéotron Telecommunications Tower
The consultation process for the installation of cellular towers is still ongoing by Vidéotron representatives following a recent site modification.

Confirmation of Grants for Harrington Road
Great news: the municipality has received confirmation of 3 grants for roadwork on Harrington Road amounting to $8,030,944. Planned for the spring of 2025 and expected to finish in 2026, these are large-scale works for which the municipality will receive a provincial government grant covering 70% of the expenses.

Projects at Community Centers

• The HVCC renovation project is now complete.
• The roof renovation project at the HGAC is underway and will be completed shortly.
• A renovation project for the LRCC will also be proposed and is expected to begin in early 2025.

LRCC Park Improvement Project
The municipality is currently working on a major improvement project for the LRCC park. The goal is to build and install a multi-sport field that can accommodate an ice rink in winter and pickleball and basketball courts in summer. The project also aims to set up a modest welcome building for changing.

Land Purchase Project Near the Rivière-Rouge
The municipality is actively working with Hydro-Québec representatives to acquire portions of land in order to make them accessible.

Summary of Key Council Decisions

2025 Schedule for Regular Municipal Council Meetings
The council adopted the schedule for the regular municipal council meetings for the year 2025. Click here to view the schedule

Purchase Offer for Lots East of the Rivière-Rouge
Following discussions with Hydro-Québec representatives, the council authorized the municipal administration to submit a purchase offer for all the lots owned by Hydro-Québec, located east of the Rivière-Rouge. The goal is to develop infrastructure as part of a river accessibility project. The municipality wishes to seize this unique opportunity to enhance the Rivière-Rouge, a true gem for our community. The council is still in talks with Hydro-Québec regarding other lots to the west, and the municipality is actively seeking grants to make this promising project a reality for Harrington.

Update on Fees and Required Documents for Building and Sanitary Installation Permit Applications
The council proposed a change to the permit and certificate by-law, which will be adopted at a future session. The new by-law primarily aims to modernize permit fees to reflect actual costs, and to add required documents for building and sanitary installation permit applications.

New Regulation on Property Transfers
The council proposed a by-law regarding property transfers, which will be adopted at a future session. The new by-law will allow the municipality to collect a 3% fee on the transfer of any property with a tax base exceeding $500,000.

Loan for the Purchase of a Truck
The council authorized a loan request of $505,238 for the acquisition of a 10-wheel truck for operations within the municipality.

Awarding of Contract for the Replacement of a Culvert on Rivière-Rouge Road
The council authorized the awarding of a contract, following a call for tenders, for the replacement of a culvert washed away by floodwaters during the storm caused by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, on Rivière-Rouge Road. The contract was awarded to David Riddell Excavation/Transport. These works will be included in the municipality’s reimbursement request to the ministère de la Sécurité Publique.

Location of a Telecommunications Tower
The council authorized the proposed location by Vidéotron for the installation of the third telecommunications tower on our territory. It should be noted that the municipality is working closely with Vidéotron to minimize visual impacts as much as possible, while respecting the technical requirements that the developer must comply with, and ensuring a reliable cellular network to maintain the safety of all.

Ice Rink at the Lost-River Community Center
The council authorized financial support for the construction and maintenance of the ice rink at the Lost-River Community Center.

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Lost-River Community Center
The council authorized financial support for the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Lost-River Community Center.

Regular Meeting – November 18, 2024

Highlights

Volunteer Appreciation Brunch
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Volunteer Appreciation Brunch was held at the Auberge Val Carroll. This event allowed us to thank and highlight the valuable involvement of volunteers from the three community centers in our area: Lost River Community Center, Harrington Valley Community Center, and Golden Age Community Center.

Public Safety Interventions Report
In October, the municipality’s public safety services conducted 10 interventions, including 5 related to fires and 5 first responder interventions, one of which involved a search requiring the intervention of the K-9 patrol.

Telecommunication Tower
The municipality continues to work closely with Vidéotron to install three new cell towers in order to minimize visual impacts while ensuring a reliable cellular network for the safety of all.

Rivington Bridge Status
Following an inspection by the ministère des Transports, the Rivington Bridge was completely closed to traffic for several hours and later reopened with a weight limit of 3 tons. This restriction raises concerns for emergency services (ambulances, fire trucks), school buses, waste collection, and commercial deliveries. We will keep you informed of any developments.

Meetings and Work Sessions
Three work meetings were held at the MRC d’Argenteuil and two at the town hall with the municipal council members. The MRC budget has been finalized and will be adopted soon. On the municipal side, we are currently working on the budget, which will be adopted at a special meeting in December 2024. A public notice will be published in the coming weeks regarding this.

Summary of Key Council Decisions

Collective Agreement
Following the guidance of the council, the municipal administration reached a collective agreement with the union for the renewal of the collective agreement, which will last for six years.

Work on Rivière-Rouge Road
The council authorized the fifth payment to Inter-chantier, general contractor, for the work on Rivière-Rouge Road. The next phase of the project is scheduled for spring-summer 2025, including the application of the second layer of asphalt, granular recharging for the section north of the nursery, and the replacement of 5 culverts.

Increase in Sûreté du Québec Service Costs
The council requested that government authorities review the method of calculating the allocation of Sûreté du Québec service costs to municipalities across Quebec.

Sale and Acceptance of Offers
Following the sale of two properties by public tender, the council accepted both purchase offers in accordance with the established criteria.

Tender for the Purchase of a Truck
The council authorized the administration to proceed with a public tender for the eventual purchase of a 10-wheel truck with snow removal equipment.

Decisions on Minor Variance and PIIA Requests
We reviewed and made decisions on one minor variance request and three PIIA requests.

Financial Assistance to Lost River Community Center
We granted financial assistance to the Lost River Community Center for the distribution of Christmas baskets.