Action Pontiac

The National Capital Commission has been studying proposals to protect watercourses and forested areas adjacent to Gatineau Park from development, as these form natural corridors for movement of wildlife between Adirondack Park in the United States and Algonquin Park in Ontario. The intention is not to maintain pristine parkland, and the NCC is not planning to buy land, but hoping to persuade municipalities to protect these areas for recreation and future generations, as well as for the ecological benefits, thus making the municipality more attractive to current and future residents. (It is already against the law to cut trees in buffer strips next to streams and rivers, or in wetlands.)

Wide corridors could allow the use of ATVs and snowmobiles, if owners agree (according to the NCC).

Five of the twelve proposed corridors are at least partly within the municipality of Pontiac:

the Breckenridge Creek watershed (part of which already belongs to the Nature Conservancy of Canada);

the Luskville corridor, which consists of the forested area on the shoreline west of Baie Noire, between ch Parker and ch de la Baie, and three watercourses that enter the Ottawa in this area (Ruisseau Bradley, Crique Chartrand and Crique Alarie leading from Luskville Falls);

the Ottawa River shoreline from the mouth of the Quyon River downstream to Pointe Cornu (includes Plage Taber, Pontiac AirPark and Plage Stanley), and the forested areas extending north and then east to Gatineau Park, including the Mohr watercourse (the Pontiac corridor);

Chats Falls park and the forested area north of 5th Concession and west of ch Alexander, each side of the Quyon river, connecting to Gatineau Park north of Steele Line (most of this corridor is in the municipality of Bristol);

the forested areas north of Onslow Corners extending north and west from the west boundary of Gatineau Park, into Thorne and La Pêche (the North corridor).

Council feels that “these corridors will discourage development of the municipality”, and is against anything that “will be a brake on development”. It decided unanimously at its 17 January meeting to inform the NCC of its disagreement with any procedure leading to setting up ecological corridors.

What kind of development do residents of the municipality want? Wall to wall housing? Clear-cutting of forests? Tourism? Local markets? Some residents and visitors may prefer countryside, with trees and bushes on either side of winding streams and rivers, and wetlands teeming with wildlife, as well as farmland. At the moment the only protection against rampant housing development is the CPTAQ (Commission to protect farmland), which is not interested in protecting woodland unless the trees are sugar maples.

Why do residents want to live in the municipality of Pontiac? For low taxes, for the beautiful landscape, or both?

What do you think?

Reports of Council meetings

2012-02-08T22:09:00.005-05:00

The web address has changed for my reports of recent Pontiac council meetings.

They are now in pdf (format) at http://www.heritagepontiac.ca/Municipality

I know this is complicated, but you can bookmark it.

I had to make this change as Appleworks (old word processing software) wasn't working with an OS update. It is now working again, and I've added the html versions, but I'm assuming that at some point this software will be totally incompatible. (The advantage of Appleworks is that I can save files in html format - no work required.)

Arts fundraiser

2012-02-02T16:24:00.000-05:00

“Art vivant dans le Pontiac” – Soirée bénéfice

L’Association des artistes du Pontiac organise une soirée bénéfice au profit de l’association. Toute la population du Pontiac sera invitée à célébrer à l’école de Portage-du-Fort le 14 avril 2012. Le coût de la soirée sera de 8$ et inclura café, thé, desserts et musique. Le groupe de musiciens d’Ottawa, le « HURRY UP AND WAIT », accompagné de ses invités Phillip Holmes, Erica Vezeau, et Kate Morgan réchauffera l’ambiance. Scott Judd sera MC pour la soirée.

Nous vendrons de la bière et du vin.

En plus de la musique et des rafraîchissements, nous comptons présenter un encan d’œuvres d’art.

Tous les profits de la soirée serviront à défrayer les coûts d’opération de l’école de Portage-du-Fort qui abrite la Galerie et l’école des arts et accueille le projet de résidence d’artistes.

Vous pouvez aider de plusieurs façons :

Premièrement, nous vous demandons d’offrir une œuvre pour vendre à cet encan.

Deuxièmement, nous comptons sur vous pour promouvoir l’évènement et vendre des billets à vos amis et connaissances, surtout à ceux qui apprécieront d’acheter des œuvres d’art à bon prix.

Réservez la soirée du 14 avril sur votre calendrier et venez avec vos amis et votre famille célébrer la richesse culturelle de notre coin de pays.

Communiquez dès maintenant avec Chantal Auger latnaq@hotmail.com, ou Valerie Bridgeman, val@valeriebridgeman.com pour confirmer votre intention d’offrir une œuvre pour l’encan. Il sera important de préciser la valeur de l’œuvre et le prix de départ des enchères.

Merci de votre participation.

“Art Lives in the Pontiac” Fundraising Party

The Pontiac Artists’ Association is planning a community-wide party as a fundraiser for the PAA at the Stone School in Portage-du-Fort on the evening of April 14, 2012. We plan to sell tickets for $8 which will include desserts, coffee, and tea. Live music will be provided by the Ottawa band, “Hurry Up and Wait”, with additional guests, Phillip Holmes, Erica Vezeau, Kate Morgan, and Scott Judd as MC.

Beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Besides the delicious snacks, beverages, and entertainment, we’d like to feature an art auction.

All proceeds from the event will go to pay operating costs for the Stone School which houses the Gallery, Pontiac School of the Arts, and is home base for the Artists’ Residency Project.

There are a couple of ways you can help:

Firstly, we are asking for donations of fine crafts or art works for this auction.

Secondly, we will be counting on you to promote the event and to sell tickets to your friends and colleagues, especially those who love to purchase art, possibly at great prices!

So mark April 14^th on your calendar and come celebrate with your friends and family that our small rural population has such a vibrant cultural center!

Please contact Chantal Auger latnaq@hotmail.com or Valerie Bridgeman, val@valeriebridgeman.com to donate to the art auction. It is important to include a value and a starting bid for your donation.

Thanks for participating!

March break horse riding camp

2012-02-02T16:19:00.002-05:00

Luskville's Venturing Hills Equestrian Centre is offering a

March Break horse back riding camp

from March 5th to 9th, 8.30 am to 4 pm each day.

$350 for the week, plus taxes.
Call Debbie Bradley for information or to book your place:

819 455 2574.

Teenage Mental Health

2012-02-02T16:15:00.001-05:00

The following link leads to a short film made on Teenage Mental Health with DIFD (Do it for Daron) and The Royal Ottawa Hospital.

Five inspiring people share their story about depression, suicide and youth mental health.

Very inspirational: "Our Kids Matter and it's worth talking about." by Stephanie Richardson - Mother of Daron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCBcN0st_e4&feature=youtube

Please pass it along to help spread the message.

Final season for snowmobiling on Curley Lake road

2012-01-30T09:38:00.003-05:00

Translation of article in Le Droit, 30 January 2012, (original in post below)

Snowmobilers can travel on ch Lac Curley, through Gatineau Park for a final season, unless the courts decide otherwise.

The mayor of the municipality of Pontiac, Eddie McCann, confirmed that agreement was reached on 11 January with the National Capital Commission (NCC) on the passage of snowmobiles in this area, near Lac La Pêche.

Last December, however, the NCC announced its intention to close down the trail, while the municipality stated its wish to open it.

"We agreed that snowmobiles can move this season on the trail. But if we have no agreement for next season or if the cause is still before the courts, we can not open the trail in 2012-2013. Each party has given in a bit to reach this agreement. For our part, we maintain that Curley Lake Road is a municipal road, even if not used by cars, and located in the heart of Gatineau Park, and even if the NCC claims that it owns the road", said Mr. McCann.

An agreement for now
The Senior Vice-President, Environment, Capital Lands and Parks, at the NCC, Michelle Comeau, confirmed the signing of an agreement, even if snowmobiles have no place in Gatineau Park. "Snowmobiling is not an activity consistent with the plan of Gatineau Park, or its conservation plan. We've been trying since 2005 to encourage snowmobilers to find another route for their traill, but it did not work. We still hope to come to an agreement with them," said Ms. Comeau, saying it is too early to discuss a possible legal battle in this case.

The dispute is reminiscent of that which opposed the NCC and the municipality of La Pêche for several years, about the use of a portion of Kennedy Road, which passes through Gatineau Park, between Wakefield and Masham. Closed for decades, and converted to a cross-country ski trail, Kennedy Road had been reopened by the municipality as a snowmobile trail. The NCC challenged this in court and, ultimately, won the case. The old road is again a cross-country ski trail.

Ultime saison pour la motoneige sur le chemin Curley

2012-01-30T09:34:00.005-05:00

• 30 janvier 2012 • Le Droit • CHARLES THÉRIAULT ctheriault@ledroit.com

Les motoneigistes pourront circuler sur le chemin du lac Curley, à travers le parc de la Gatineau, pour une dernière saison, à moins que les tribunaux en décident autrement.

Le maire de la municipalité de Pontiac, Eddie Mccann, confirme qu’une entente est intervenue le 11 janvier dernier avec la Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) sur le passage des motoneiges dans ce secteur, à proximité du lac La Pêche.

En décembre dernier, la CCN annonçait pourtant son intention de fermer définitivement le sentier, alors que la municipalité affirmait sa volonté de l’ouvrir.

« Nous nous sommes entendus pour que les motoneiges puissent circuler cette saison sur le sentier. Mais si nous n’avons pas d’entente pour la prochaine saison ou si la cause est devant les tribunaux, nous ne pourrons pas ouvrir le sentier en 2012-2013. Chaque partie a cédé un peu pour en arriver à cette entente. Pour notre part, nous maintenons que le chemin du lac Curley est un chemin municipal, même s’il n’est pas utilisé par les automobiles et qu’il est situé au coeur du parc de la Gatineau, et même si la CCN prétend que le chemin lui appartient », a déclaré M. Mccann.

Une entente pour l’instant
La vice-présidente principale de la direction de l’environnement, des terrains et parcs de la capitale, à la CCN, Michelle Comeau, a confirmé la conclusion d’une entente, même si la motoneige n’a pas sa place dans le parc de la Gatineau. « La motoneige n’est pas une activité conforme au plan directeur du parc de la Gatineau, ni à son plan de conservation. Nous tentons, depuis 2005, d’inciter les motoneigistes à trouver un autre endroit où faire passer leur sentier, mais ça n’a pas fonctionné. Nous espérons encore nous entendre avec eux », a commenté Mme Comeau, précisant qu’il est trop tôt pour évoquer la possibilité d’une lutte judiciaire dans cette affaire.

Ce litige rappelle celui qui a opposé la CCN à la municipalité de La Pêche, durant plusieurs années, à propos de l’usage d’une partie du chemin Kennedy, qui passe dans le parc de la Gatineau, entre les villages de Wakefield et Masham. Fermé depuis des décennies et converti en sentier de ski de fond, le chemin Kennedy avait été rouvert par la municipalité qui y faisait passer un sentier de motoneige. La CCN a contesté devant les tribunaux et, au bout du compte, a gagné sa cause. L’ancien chemin est redevenu un sentier de ski de fond.

Art school seeks teachers

2012-01-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

The Pontiac School of the Arts is currently seeking instructors from the Western Quebec or Eastern Ontario area who would like to present a course at the school this fall or winter (2012). We are looking for anyone with expertise in any form of visual art or the creative arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printing or textile art.

In the past we have have held classes in disciplines as diverse as twig furniture building, writing, dance and instrument making.

The "Stone School" in Portage du Fort is rapidly becoming the cultural heart of the Pontiac. With our mission for the School to inspire creativity in everyone, finding teachers who are knowledgable and passionate about their art is vital.
Go to www.artpontiac.com for all details about becoming a instructor at the Pontiac School of the Arts.

Life drawing classes in Portage du Fort

2012-01-26T22:14:00.001-05:00

Go to www.artpontiac.com for all information on the current series of life drawing classes being held in Portage du Fort this spring. Available to be undertaken both and without an instructor, learning to draw the human form is one of the most intruiging and helpful methods of gaining significant artistic skills.

See the article in this weeks Equity (January 22) or contact the Pontiac School of the Arts via the artpontiac website.

Oiseaux, birds, région de Quyon-Shawville

2011-12-24T14:04:00.011-05:00

Preliminary results of the first Quyon-Shawville Christmas bird count, 21 December 2011.

Resultats préliminaire du Recensement ornithologique de Noël Quyon-Shawville, le 21 décembre 2011.

Click on table to enlarge.

Point central sur le ch Sixth Line O, Bristol, 1 km à l'est du ch de Maryland.

Centred on ch Sixth Line O, Bristol, 1 km east of ch de Maryland.

Click on map to enlarge.

The "Dunrobin-Breckenridge" birdcount is on 29 December 2011. This area includes also Aylmer, around ch Perry, and the Luskville beaches. Map.

Contact Garry McNulty for more information: gmcnulty@videotron.ca

More information on the Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais website.

Code d'ethique / Code of ethics for Council

2011-12-19T16:31:00.004-05:00

Québec requires municipalities to adopt a code of ethics and professional conduct applicable to elected officials.

Code of ethics bylaw (pdf)

Règlement code d'éthique (pdf)

This bylaw was passed by a majority of council on 13 December 2011.

Industry Canada OKs Vidéotron tower

2011-12-07T10:39:00.004-05:00

According to the Ottawa Citizen, Industry Canada quietly granted Vidéotron a licence to build the 25 storey telecommunications tower on ch Elm, early in November. An official of Industry Canada referred all questions to the FAQ section of their website. (I could find nothing on this particular tower or decision.)

The Citizen article.

If you have any more information or better links, please comment or add them. Thanks.

See also the March 28, 2011 post in this blog (search for "tower").

Pontiac teens win trip to Korea

2011-12-05T09:40:00.002-05:00

TatiAna and Tsukimi won the KPop dance contest and will be going to Korea!

Here is the link to the girl's entry for the Korean Dance Contest;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifa0dZ-lkLo&lc=azzOx0_uv_2gchv_9ehysD55VfG4mjpqbzNwhK5Txgg&feature=inbox

L'Entrep'rendez-vous

2011-11-17T09:45:00.004-05:00

Foire de services aux entreprises

Ateliers performance, CLD des Collines-de-l'Outaouais

le mercredi 7 décembre 2011, de 8 h 30 à 16 h

à Wakefield.

Inscription avant le 25 novembre.

Info.

Workshops for small business owners

2011-11-17T09:24:00.003-05:00

Business services trade fair

The CLD des Collines is holding workshops for small business owners on

Wednesday December 7 from 8:30 am to 4 pm

in Wakefield. For more information see here.

To take part you must register before November 25, see the website.

Death, Councillor Jim Coyle

2011-11-02T14:44:00.003-04:00

Ward 3 councillor, Jim Coyle died on October 29th, 2011 at the Shawville Hospital at the age of 62.

The funeral will be held in St Mary's Church, Quyon, Pontiac on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10:30 am. Reception to follow in Quyon Lions Club.

Concert at Venturing Hills

2011-10-28T17:44:00.002-04:00

The next concert at Venturing Hills is on November 26.

Postcards from Paris.

Piste cyclable, Bicycle trail, La Route verte

2011-09-28T11:25:00.002-04:00

• 27 septembre 2011

• Le Droit

PROLONGEMENT DE LA ROUTE VERTE
La Route Verte, le plus grand réseau cyclable en Amérique du Nord, prend de l’expansion. La députée Charlotte L’Écuyer et le ministre responsable de la région de l’Outaouais, Norman MacMillan, ont dévoilé hier une aide financière de 32 000 $ à la municipalité de Pontiac, pour la réalisation de deux portions du sentier, qui relieront le réseau cyclable de la région à celui de Gatineau, et donc au reste du Québec. Les travaux doivent commencer dès cet automne dans le premier secteur (Quyon), et au printemps dans le second (Breckenridge). La Route Verte est un réseau de 4 700 km de voies cyclables, traversant 321 municipalités et 16 régions du Québec.

LA ROUTE VERTE EXTENSION
La Route Verte, the largest cycling network in North America, is expanding. Charlotte L'Écuyer MNA and the Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Norman MacMillan, yesterday announced a grant of $32,000 to the municipality of Pontiac, for the construction of two portions of the trail that will connect the cycling network in the region to that of Gatineau, and the rest of Quebec. Work should begin this fall in the first sector (Quyon), and in the second (Breckenridge) next spring. The Route Verte is a network of 4,700 km of bike paths, across 321 municipalities and 16 regions of Quebec.

Auction Sale, 611 ch Crégheur.

2011-09-20T10:55:00.006-04:00

Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

For Mrs. Francine Faucher-Overton

Viewing Fri. Sept. 30/11 2-4 p.m. & Sat. Oct. 1/11 8 a.m.

Sale to be held at 611 chemin Crégheur, Pontiac, Que.

On-site auction in the Pontiac. (In case of rain, sale will take place inside the buildings)

Travel Hwy 148 towards Luskville to ch. Crégheur to #611. Watch for signs.

Wonderful opportunity: Antique business closing down. Property is sold and everything must go! Many years of collecting a variety of interesting items.

The owners, Mrs. Francine Faucher-Overton and the late Mr. Wayne A. Overton were especially fond of antique furniture, collectibles, china/glass and objects from the Victorian era, to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, as well as country antiques from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, including cast iron objects and Beauceware etc.

Furniture

Pine blanket box (boards 16 and 17 inches wide); several carpenters’ tool chests (an exceptional large oak one in pristine condition complete with inside dividers); tables of various sizes; rustic fire wood box; glass door oak bookcase sits on top of oak desk; German traveller’s wood trunk red in color; 1900’s travelling desk; oak cash register drawer base; “Mission style” oak double desk; assortment of antique chairs; coffee/end tables; several iron beds.

Excellent assortment of glass and china

Dishes, tableware, serving pieces and household objects from the Victorian era, to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries; country life pieces from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s; Pattern Glass; kitchen glassware of the Depression years; old Pyrex; collectible glassware from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Children toy dishes from the 30’s.

Household and Collectibles

Mr. Overton’s personal collection of: carpenters’ tools: 20 old planes and cutters, mostly Stanley’s; levels; panel gauge etc. ; Old tin boxes: cookies, cigars/cigarettes; Medalta Pottery crock and bowl; Tole painting; mirrors; wicker baskets; antique sad irons and trivets; cast iron and forged kitchen utensils; old radios; old bottles and flasks; vintage beer trays: Black Horse, Molson, Dow and Kuntz, bar items: whisky glasses, stirring sticks, ashtrays with beer Co. names; old desk fans; checkerboard with marbles in original box; copper kettles; kitchen scales; sewing basket and related items; drugstore bottles and period labels; Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine 221k; Old typewriter.

Collections of: Spoons; marbles; RCMP souvenirs circa 30’s, 40’s, 50’s; Felt pennants circa 50’s/60’s; Quantity of insulators; Salt & Pepper shakers; Cast iron items (small parlor stove; Stag tobacco cutter; can & bottle openers; muffin pans; German cake mold; miniature stove; rare tooth extractor etc.); license plates: Quebec and Ontario from 1933 on.

Miscellaneous

Wooden shovels; old garden tools; cast iron tractor seats; Magazines: Airplane: Flying 1951, Airplane ideas. 1969-70, Air Power 1980’s, Air Progress 1950s, 1960s, Skyways, Aircraft Spotter, 1943. Photography: Kadakery 1928

… and many items not listed.

Visit www.revelstewart.com for listing and pictures.

“Hope you can be with us!”

Terms: Cash or Pre-printed cheques with ID.

Refreshments available.

Firefighters receive their Pompier 1 certificates.

2011-09-14T13:33:00.004-04:00

At the Pontiac council meeting on13 September 2011, ten firefighters received their Pompier 1 certificates from the mayor, Eddie McCann. To pass Pompier 1 requires 150 hours of practical instruction and 150 hours in the classroom. In the photo from left to right:
Daniel Groleau, Fire Chief Mario Allen, Chris Davis, Patrice Leblond, Francis Madore, Denis Martineau, Daniel Duval, Tyler Coté, Daniel Leblond, Trevor Martelock, Evan Prest, and Instructor Pierre Blais..

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Fête d'antan 2011 Yesteryear's fest

2011-09-01T23:08:00.003-04:00

Du 9 au 11 septembre. Programme

Entrée gratuite pour la famille!

From September 9 to 11. Program

Free admittance for all the family!

Porte ouverte à la Sucrerie Alary

2011-09-01T13:15:00.006-04:00

le 11 septembre de 10h à 16h
adresse : 3242 Route 148

Luskville Qc

ACTIVITÉS

Visite de l’installation Visit the sugar shack
Dégustation de produits d’érable Taste our maple products
Beurre, tire Maple butter, taffy

Prix de présence Door prizes

Marche dans les sentiers Walk the trails

Activité pratique : Practical activity:
rinçage de la tubulure rinsing the piping

Animation pour enfants : Animation for kids
TIPI TEPEE
BRICOLAGE CRAFTS

Autres plaisirs à découvrir Other fun things to discover

Apporter votre lunch et cerf-volant Bring your lunch and a kite to fly...

www.sucreriealary.ca

Newspaper coverage of Savour the Pontiac

2011-08-26T16:09:00.005-04:00

The Pontiac Journal has a brief but accurate article by Louise St. Laurent.

The Equity has a much longer article, and mentioned that MP Mathieu Ravignat attended, but accuracy leaves something to be desired.

For example:

"Despite the rain, tents were set up..." It didn't rain till the afternoon.
"trying to spread the event throughout Pontiac by holding it in a different municipality every year." Luskville and Quyon are both in the municipality of Pontiac, which put on the event.
"Action Pontiac is responsible for putting on the event." Councillor Inès Pontiroli organised it for the municipality, with the help of volunteers from Action Pontiac.
"great diversity and technical efficiency of the artists here," should be "technical proficiency" !
"A band (Patches of Old Times) played live music in the parking lot." Another band, Larry and friends, played on the Jamfest stage behind the "Elvis building" near the Elkburger stand.
"Pontiac is a depressed area." Not compared to the MRC Pontiac - click on "Collines" in the right-hand column to see other posts on the two Pontiacs.
"This was the third year." or 4th? In previous years it was billed as a business fair/ open house.

More photos of Savour the Pontiac

2011-08-23T07:56:00.004-04:00

Some more photos of Sunday's event. Thanks to all the people who came out.

Savour the Pontiac, open house

you don't have to be a member of Facebook to see these.

Savour Pontiac 2011

2011-08-22T01:18:00.000-04:00

Despite some torrential rain mid-afternoon, the 2011 “Savour Pontiac” event in Quyon, Québec was a big success. If you didn’t manage to make it this year, these pictures will give you a taste of some of what you missed — and be sure to watch for the event next year!

Porte ouverte : Savourer le Pontiac

2011-07-27T11:59:00.009-04:00

2011 Porte ouverte : le terroir du Pontiac et ses saveurs

Quand : Dimanche, le 21 août de 11 h 00 à 16 h 00

OÙ : au parc du Club Lions à Quyon, sur la berge de la magnifique rivière des Outaouais (2, rue Ferry, municipalité du Pontiac (Quyon), Québec)

Au menu : des stands des commerçants, des artistes et des organismes locaux et régionaux; des produits frais du terroir; question de faire fonctionner vos papilles gustatives des échantillons de l’excellente cuisine pontiçoise, de la musique, du plaisir pour toute la famille, activités pour les enfants, des animaux et plus encore ...

Notre but : «Acheter localement». Faire connaître nos gens d’affaire, nos producteurs et nos artistes de 11 h 00 à 16 h 00.

Vous aimeriez vous joindre et participer à cet évènement avec votre cuisine, vos oeuvres d’art, votre commerce ou simplement pour exposer votre organisme, veuillez contacter Conseillière Inès Pontiroli à 819-455-9667 ou

Mme Anne Beeton, comité de planification du groupe Action Pontiac, au

819-455-9175 ou courriel à : anne.beeton@sympatico.ca

Nous tenons à remercier M Cliff Bellis de la compagnie Pioneer Wireless qui offrira généreusement les services internet sans fil à toute personne qui en fera la demande dans le cadre des activités de cette journée, aux autorités de la municipalité de Pontiac et aux membres du club Lions de Quyon.

Il n’y a aucun coût pour les exposants ou participants sauf le dépôt de 100$ pour réserver un espace de stand sur le terrain. Ce dépôt est entièrement remboursable en fonction de votre participation confirmée sur le terrain à la fin de la journée. Aucun remboursement ne sera fait à un participant qui aura réservé mais qui ne s’est pas présenté.

Vous désirez une vie plus active dans votre municipalité de Pontiac, alors impliquez vous.

Traduction par Gérard Desjardins.

Pontiac open house, Savour the Pontiac

2011-07-27T11:54:00.006-04:00

This year, Action Pontiac takes the helm on the community open house, bringing it from the Luskville Community Centre to the Quyon riverfront and morphing it from ''strictly business'' to something for absolutely everyone..

Date: August 21st 2011

Place: Lions hall and playground, Ferry Rd., Quyon
Time: Sunday 11-4, rain or shine.

Featuring: Live music, fresh locally sourced breakfast, games and activites for kids, samples and info on all local businesses, booths by geologists, naturalists, community groups and and regional organisations...

Plus more! People from both the Municipality of Pontiac and the MRC de Pontiac are getting involved with this by the day ...

Expect to see original art, local alpacas, sweet honey, down home fiddles, comic clowns, heritage canoes, native birds, explanatory maps----- it's all here for you on August 21st, and it'll be big!

Keep in touch here at actionpontiac.blogspot AND get involved yourself!

Call Anne Beeton at 819-455-9175
OR councillor Inès Pontiroli at 819-455-9667 for more information.

Hey Pontiacers! GET INVOLVED!

Antiques and Golden Oldies sought

2011-07-26T17:16:00.000-04:00

Are you a hoarder?

Are old and ancient things cluttering up your house and barns?

Would you possibly like to see some of them preserved and begin a new life as museum artifacts?

The Symmes Inn Museum in Aylmer may be able to accomodate some of your pieces.

Being a regional history museum, we are always on the lookout for original pieces to add to our

collection or to showcase directly.

If you have any free old, used or vintage items that are no longer of any use and would like to donate them call 819 455-1125 or email at alain.david@rocketmail.com

Alain David

Festival Pontiac Enchanté at Venturing Hills Farm

2011-07-23T14:13:00.006-04:00

Festival Pontiac Enchanté brings together seasoned professional players and advanced music students from the Ottawa area, including Carson Becke (piano). This year two young artists from Europe, Hinrich Alpers (piano) and Lauren Steel (cello), as well as Nathaniel Frank-Anderson from Toronto, and bass-baritone Robert Pomakov join the performers.

The 100 mile Gala dinner and concert was last weekend, and last night's program included romantic piano trios by Mozart and Beethoven, and a Schubert nocturne. After the concert a Whip-poor-will could be heard nearby.

There are still five concerts - this weekend (23 and 24 July) and next (29, 30 and 31 July). The concerts on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 pm, those on Sunday start at 2:30 pm.

For the program see the Venturing Hills website.

Review in the Ottawa Citizen by Steve Mazey.

Picnic in the Park

2011-07-23T14:02:00.003-04:00

hosted by the Waterfront Revitalization Committee

at the Quyon Lion’s Club

Saturday July 30, 2011

1:45 pm Entertainment kicks off

4:00 – 6:00 pm BBQ Chicken Dinner, Tickets $20.00 (Kids under 12 $5.00)

Sunday July 31, 2011

9:00 am - Mayor’s Breakfast

All Proceeds go toward the Heritage Boardwalk Committee and the Waterfront Revitalization Committee

Afternoon and evening festivities are free which include music and entertainment, displays from local artists, etc. Latest news on the Waterfront Revitalization Project which includes plans for a new Community Centre and a Historic Waterfront Boardwalk.

For tickets or information please contact:

Kerry-Lynn Campbell Tel: 819-458-1780

Email: waterfrontrevitlatization@bell.net

FREE ROUGH CAMPING AVAILABLE

Please join us for entertainment by:

House Band – Lorne Daley Band, Friends in Harmony, Daley Family, Johanne Dubeau, Gail Gavan, Mick Armitage, Mike Fahey, Ronnie Trudeau, Dennis Alexander, Cal Cumming & Friends, Joe Teevens

Art displays by Cheryl Dolan and Shannon Purcell.

Route 148 is now reopened.

2011-07-18T15:16:00.005-04:00

Culvert repairs on route 148 near Nugent's were completed by August 30 (before then there was a 3 km detour by way of Parker, McKibbon and Curley).

Updated 1 September 2011.

Ministry of Transport link.

According to LeDroit, 30 July, the washout on 24 June made a hole 3.6 metres wide and nearly 20 m deep, cutting highway 148. Repairs are expected to cost $2 million.

Le glissement de terrain survenu le 24 juin a créé un trou de 3,6 mètres de diamètre et d’une profondeur de près de 20 m, emportant avec lui un morceau de la route 148. Les travaux sont évalués à 2 millions $.

Parc du Sault-des-Chats de Pontiac, Chats Falls Park

2011-07-15T17:24:00.004-04:00

Sommaire exécutif (une page, pdf)

Executive summary (one page, pdf)

Élaboration d'un concept d'aménagement - Rapport final (285 Mo, tres long pour télécharger)

(The full report is in French apart from Executive summary.)

Following this report, the seven partners (Municipality of Pontiac, Municipality of Bristol, MRC des Collines, MRC Pontiac, CLD des Collines, CLD Pontiac, and Conférence regionale des élus (CRÉO) aim to do an economic feasibility study in 2011/12. If the results are positive an Environmental Assessment will be done as well as other studies.

Plus d'informations:

Marc Fortin

Agent de développement culturel et touristique

Centre local de développement des Collines-de-l'Outaouais
1694 Montée de la Source
Cantley, Qc J8V 3H6

sans frais: 1 877 457 2121
tél. : 819 457 2121 poste 225

mfortin@cldcollines.org

Action Pontiac vous invite à une activité populaire

2011-06-29T18:53:00.002-04:00

2011 Porte ouverte : le terroir du Pontiac et ses saveurs

Quand : Dimanche, le 21 août de 11 h 00 à 16 h 00

OÙ : au parc du Club Lions à Quyon, sur la berge de la magnifique rivière des Outaouais (2, rue du traversier, municipalité du Pontiac (Quyon), Québec)

Notre but : «Acheter localement». Faire connaître nos gens d’affaire, nos producteurs et nos artistes de 11 h 00 à 16 h 00.

Vous aimeriez vous joindre et participer à cet évènement avec votre cuisine, vos oeuvres d’art, votre commerce ou simplement pour exposer votre organisme, veuillez contacter Mme Sandy Saint-George, responsable, comité de planification du groupe Action Pontiac téléphone au

819-455-2726 ou courriel à : sandy_stgeorge@pioneerwireless.ca

Vous désirez une vie plus active dans votre municipalité de Pontiac, alors impliquez vous.

Traduction par Gérard Desjardins.

Route 148 à Luskville

2011-06-28T10:51:00.002-04:00

28 juin 2011 Le Droit LOUIS-DENIS EBACHER ldebacher@ledroit.com

Six semaines pour réparer la route 148

Le ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) prévoit six semaines de travaux pour réparer la route 148 à Luskville, complètement défoncée à la suite des importantes averses de la fin de semaine. Le glissement de terrain a créé un trou de 3,6 m de diamètre et d’une profondeur de près de 20 m, emportant avec lui un morceau de la route 148. Aucune circulation n’y sera permise jusqu’à la fin des travaux. Un détour de 3 km, via les rues Parker, McKibbon et Curley, a été prévu afin de permettre aux automobilistes de passer de l’autre côté de la 148.

Photos of 148 washout

2011-06-27T23:03:00.005-04:00

Photos contributed by Gordon Jenkins. (click on photo to enlarge)

Feedback on the 148 detour

2011-06-26T20:26:00.001-04:00

This is on Facebook:

Rhonda Sharpe Morrison
Is the 148 open? I read it but I am just checking....

7 hours ago · ·

- Julie Kirkham I am wondering the same thing so I know which way to go home tonight
  6 hours ago ·
- Rhonda Sharpe Morrison I think there is a new detour that is not as bad as the other one.
  6 hours ago ·
- Kim Wilson the hwy wasn't open last night at 10pm... but the a lil detour around it.. We were up at shawville for the grad last night. And the way bk home we took the detour.
  6 hours ago ·
- Helen Routliffe I understand it will probably be closed until next Wednesday, that is what the radio said.
  5 hours ago ·
- Rhonda Sharpe Morrison Thanks Kim. So it isn't that bad to take the "lil detour" then.
  5 hours ago ·
- Kim Wilson lil detour is good to take
  5 hours ago · · 1 person
- Heather Egan Duggan Took the detour today and it only takes a couple extra minutes. The washout on the highway doesn't look any where near fixed.
  2 hours ago ·

More on highway closure

2011-06-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

Further to Kate's post below, this is what the Route 148 washout looked like on Saturday afternoon:


Washout on Hwy 148 at Therrien Rd after heavy storm on June 24, 2011.

It looks like a beaver dam in Gatineau Park burst to create a sudden surge of water that was too much for the culvert.

The Eardley-Masham road was still open at 14:30, but quite deep water was flowing over the pavement at the Masham end. Vehicles with good clearance could make it through, but a small car might have trouble.

Water flowing over Eardley-Masham Road on N side of Gatineau Park.

When we returned later from Wakefield, the road was closed at the bridge in Masham, and vehicles were being detoured through Lac Des Loups.

Highway 148 closed, difficult detour in place

2011-06-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know what else has happened to our dearly beleagured highway this week, but the heavy rains on June 23rd and 24th have completely decimated the culvert and bridge at the intersection of the 148 and Ch. Therrien in Luskville, past St. Luke's on the hill from the east, and just past Nugents machinery depot from the west.
There is now a 30 foot deep gap where the road used to be, and that's not something that's going to be fixed overnight, I can tell you.
To re route traffic, there is a detour set up along the very muddy narrow and twisting Parker Rd, leading to the tiny McKibbon, leading back to the highway up poor old Ch. Curley, where the Depanneur Pontiac is. People, please give yourselves a LOT more time to get around this difficult situation.
Those in cars and small vans, please slow down!
Those driving trucks and busses, pulling boats or trailers, you guys are in trouble.
Those on bikes, forget it.

Good luck.

Taken Friday evening before the whole thing went down.

Vision & Mission Statement

2011-06-26T13:49:00.000-04:00

These statements were written some time ago when the group was re-inventing itself and honing and defining its function. Got something to add? Don't agree with this? Write your comments below and get involved.

ACTION PONTIAC VISION

To see the Pontiac thrive as a hidden treasure in the eyes of residential/commercial dwellers and newcomers.

ACTION PONTIAC MISSION

To serve as a vehicle for the Pontiac community to communicate and grow as one by:

o encourage community development

o attract tourism and potential new residents

o enable cohesiveness in the community

o enhance communication within the community

o promote local services/businesses

o facilitate resource sharing

OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 21st 2011

2011-06-24T17:34:00.001-04:00

Big, big, big!
This year, Action Pontiac takes the helm on the community open house, bringing it from the Luskville Community Centre to the Quyon riverfront and morphing it from ''strictly business'' to something for absolutely everyone..

Date: August 21st 2011

Place: Lions hall and playground, Ferry Rd., Quyon
Time: Sunday morning, rain or shine.

Featuring: Live music, fresh locally sourced breakfast, games and activites for kids, samples and info on all local businesses, booths by geologists, naturalists, community groups and and regional organisations...

Plus more! People from both the Municipality of Pontiac and the MRC de Pontiac are getting involved with this by the day ...

Expect to see original art, local alpacas, sweet honey, down home fiddles, comic clowns, heritage canoes, native birds, explanatory maps----- it's all here for you on August 21st, and it'll be big!

Keep in touch here at actionpontiac.blogspot

AND get involved yourself!

Call Kate Aley
at
819 455 2601

OR
Sandy St. George
at
819 455 2726

OR councillor
Ines Pontiroli
at
819 455 9667

for more information.

Hey Pontiacers!
GET INVOLVED!

Two Pontiacs

2011-06-17T14:22:00.003-04:00

Click on image to enlarge.

The municipality of Pontiac is the bottom left (south-west) corner of Les Collines-de-L'Outaouais, the lime-green area on the map. There are 7 municipalities in the MRC des Collines.

The MRC Pontiac is the large orange area marked "Le Pontiac", and is made up of 15 municipalities, 2 villages, a township and an unorganized territory. See also the entry "MRC des Collines map" in this blog.

Route 148 in Breckenridge, major work in 2012

2011-05-31T19:35:00.004-04:00

The ministry of Transport is expecting to completely reconstruct 2.5 km of route 148 between Terry-Fox and Maple, in Pontiac in 2012, to bring it up to provincial standards. This should improve the safety of users and improve drainage problems. This section is narrow and bumpy, with poor visibility, and water runs onto the road from driveways.

In order to carry out this project, land on either side of the highway will be acquired, to increase highway safety, visibility, and allow space for trees, posts, fences and street lights. Residents affected will be informed.

In June 2011, Transport Quebec teams will mark the limits of the required right-of-way with stakes. Individual owners will meet with a TQ representative to discuss acquisition procedures for the parcels of land and the amount of compensation.

In summer 2011 a Hydro-Québec agent will contact certain residents, for example if new hydro poles need to be installed.

The Ministry of Transport of Québec thanks everyone for their cooperation, and reminds us that investment in highways increases safety and contributes to regional economic development. You can call 819-772-3849 or email dto@mtq.gouv.qc.ca for more information.

(The above is a summary of the leaflet in French that affected residents should have received.)

Local gasoline prices

2011-05-23T12:24:00.002-04:00

Aylmer gas prices.

As of this minute, no prices were reported for Luskville, Quyon or Shawville. Anyone can update the information on this site.

Municipality of Pontiac flag

2011-05-23T11:31:00.005-04:00

Charlene Brennan and Sonia Dagenais helped design the flag in 1992, when they were in grade 6. Their two winning designs were combined into this flag by a graphic designer. Here's a photo from The Equity. There are a few more on the Facebook page:

"Le Pontiac en Outaouais:"

(click on photo to enlarge)

Pontiac federal electoral district

2011-05-20T10:10:00.006-04:00

As well as the municipality of Pontiac and the MRC Pontiac, there is also the electoral district of Pontiac - larger even than the MRC (or old "County").

This Wikipedia article has a list of the members of Parliament since 1867, and election results 1867 to present. Some election expenses are listed too. It seems to be accurate - the source is the Library of Parliament. There's even a small map.

Pontiac electoral district.

Plant Sale, June 4, Aylmer Heritage Association

2011-05-16T11:13:00.002-04:00

Click on image to make it larger.

St. Vincent de Paul

2011-05-02T17:37:00.001-04:00

Little known fact!
Luskville has a St. Vincent de Paul second hand shop at 23A Ch. du Village!

That's right beside the Catholic church high up on the hill-- St. Dominiques -- you can see it from the highway -- and just across and down a bit from the elementary school, Notre Dame de la Joie.

Usually open on Saturday mornings,and sometimes open on Tuesday afternoons 1--3 pm, the shop is kind of hard to find but very well worth it, with very very low priced clothing which is, in general, very very high quality.

There is also a donation box in which you can leave good clothes, shoes and small house wares.

Please, no large furniture or broken and out of date electronics.

Toys and games and music and skates welcome.

Saturday May 7th:

There will be a large community yard sale at the St. Vincent site, including BBQ food and snacks for sale, and a table run by the 6th graders from Notre Dame to raise funds for their graduating year's trip.

Call Lorraine Cousineau for more information on this event or for any questions regarding the St. Vincent: 819 455 2543.

Volunteers are always sought!

May 2011 election

2011-05-01T16:00:00.005-04:00

Elections Canada website.

Birdwatching in Pontiac

2011-04-20T08:55:00.001-04:00

When birdwatching in the Pontiac don't forget to bring your copy of the Guide to Birdwatching Sites of the Outaouais which includes a Frequency Chart of the Birds of the Outaouais. To purchase a copy, please contact the Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais (info@coo.qc.ca).

And further more, we wish to hear from you, about birds you see in your backyard or out in the Pontiac wilderness. This information will help us better follow and understand the population fluctuations of different bird species. Many thanks and have a pleasant outing in the Pontiac natural wonders.

Gérard Desjardins
Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais

A taste of the Pontiac - showcase for local businesses

2011-04-18T23:16:00.005-04:00

The Action Pontiac group is forging ahead to organise an open day for Pontiac businesses, artists and all residents, on behalf of the municipality of Pontiac, under the stewardship of Councillor Inès Pontiroli. This year the event will be held on Sunday August 21 from 11 am to 4 pm, in and around the Lions Hall in Quyon. The theme will be "A taste of the Pontiac" and to that end local food producers are encouraged to book a spot and enthusiastically show us their wares: from local honey to local beef, not forgetting alpacas, cider and corn producers. Other businesses and services are also most welcome (contact Sandy St. George for details and to book a spot sandy_stgeorge@pioneerwireless.ca).

There will be music, food tasting, and an art display. We are working on having a corn roast and/or bacon-on-a-bun. Beer and wine and soft drinks will be available in the Lions Hall. Come and find out what is planned to rejuvenate the waterfront in Quyon, and about the future Parc du Saults-des-Chats de Pontiac, which is a shared project with Bristol, and other local projects. Maybe we can persuade all members of council to come and meet the people in a relaxed setting. Let's make this a memorable day!

Special needs equipment, wheelchairs etc

2011-04-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

The municipality administers the Kelly Fund, set up by Eddie Kelly, to supply equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds to residents in need. Contact the municipality at 819-455-2401 for more information.

Get email notification when there's a new post

2011-04-12T10:34:00.003-04:00

If you want to be informed when there's a new post on this blog, go to the very bottom of the page where it says Subscribe to, and click on Posts (Atom). Then, on Feeds/posts page, find where it says "Subscribe in email" over in the column on the right near the bottom, and click on this, and that's it. You will get an email when there's a new post, so you don't have to remember to keep checking here!

Council meetings

2011-04-11T21:26:00.005-04:00

The next regular meeting of Pontiac municipal council is on Tuesday 10 May 2011 at 8 pm. It will be held in the Breckenridge Fire Hall at 1491 route 148.

Meetings are usually held at the community centre in Luskville, next to the municipal offices (Town Hall, Hôtel de Ville) at 2024 route 148.

The meeting on the 10 August 2011 will be held in the Quyon Community Centre (Lions Hall/Beach Barn) at the end of Ferry road.

In general meetings are on the second Tuesday in the month, except in January (third Tuesday).

Birdwatching, Club des ornithologues

2011-04-11T21:21:00.002-04:00

New website for Club des ornithologues de l'Outaouais:

"Nous vous invitons à visiter le nouveau site Web au http://www.coo.qc.ca ou au http://coo.ncf.ca/index.php et à nous faire part de vos commentaires pour nous signaler les erreurs, les suggestions et les omissions toujours possibles."

Pontiac Equestrian Association

2011-04-07T14:14:00.006-04:00

The Pontiac Equestrian association website is at: http://www.pontiacequestre.com/.

New members are welcome. Contact: pontiacequestre@gmail.com, 819-319-9633.

There are plans to extend the trail east of Pilon (as far as Luskville Falls park).

Get ready to ride the trails!

Fundraiser for Japan

2011-04-05T11:42:00.003-04:00

Aylmer's Japanese community will be holding a bake sale / fundraiser this Friday at the community kiosk at Les Galeries Aylmer between 10:00 and 8:30 pm.

Please come and encourage us if you can.

If you have time to bake and want to donate some goodies, you can drop them off directly at the kiosk that day or at our house Thursday evening.

If you can't come and and have no time bake, all prayers ,no matter how small, are accepted!

Thank you so much for your support,

Alain David and Mayumi Sakamoto

1652 Rte 148

Breckenridge, Pontiac,

J0X 2G0

819 455-1125

Designer lives in Luskville, from the Pontiac Journal

2011-04-05T11:42:00.000-04:00

Brand new threads

Kate Aley

LUSKVILLE - Trading the high end fast life of Toronto’s fashion district for some bucolic riverside Pontiac real estate, designer and fashion artist Wendy Ratcliffe has launched a new career path, producing unusual and practical bags and children’s gear from home. The Journal caught up with Ratcliffe as she prepares to launch her new spring season designs.

Q: What is your design background?

I attended Ryerson Polytechnic University's Apparel Design and Production program and spent eight years as Head Designer and Production manager for a Toronto clothing manufacturer.
I also taught a number of courses myself including 18th century corset making.

Q: What materials do you like to work with?
     My favourite material is vinyl: it’s durable, versatile and comes in a vast variety of colours and finishes, plus it can stand up to anything our Canadian climate throws at us.  Marine vinyl is perfect for kids backpacks which always take a serious beating, while the soft hand of ‘leather look’ vinyl makes excellent shoulder bags.
I am a big fan of cotton prints and snap up the funky ones when I see them. Once layered with vinyl, these cotton fabrics make great pencil cases and messenger bags.

Q: How did moving to a rural area affect your business?
     It was a love/hate relationship! I hated that I could no longer walk out my door and immediately get whatever supplies I required. But I love that my studio space now looks directly onto the river and that the sounds of the birds and slapping of beaver tails drifts in though the windows as I work.

Q: How do you juggle a young family and a small business?

With great difficulty and lots of patience. I constantly remind myself that the boys will only be young once and that my business has years to grow. Everything I create is %100 made by me, and this requires time. Our family are not a big fans of winter, so I spend the cold months sewing like a mad woman, allowing us to spend the summer outside together.

Q: What’s new for you this season?

Drawing inspiration from the Victorian Era, this spring/summer's line incorporates more supple vinyl, natural colours and softer appliques, such as swirls, wings and copper flowers.
Currently I am expanding my line of whimsicle reusable lunch sacks to include sandwich wrappers and snack packs.

Q: Where can people purchase your products?

A variety of products can be found in Shawville, at Studio L'Artizan In Shawville; at Flock Boutique in Ottawa on Wellington St. West; and at the Workshop Studio and Boutique on Dalhousie.

An even wider selection is available at the local artisan shows I participate in, and through the website: www.liebchendesigns.com

Luskville nuisance bylaw, from the Pontiac Journal

2011-04-05T11:40:00.000-04:00

Nuisance laws hassle Pontiac residents

Kate Aley

Retired Luskville farmer Georges Whelan has won his case against the Protection du Territoire Agricole du Quebec (CPTAQ), instigated by an infraction report on his farm property in 2008, as reported in the Pontiac Journal in August 2009.

After selling 101 acres of farmland on Smith Leonard Rd., the sale was deemed null by the CPTAQ, who claimed he had made an unauthorized separation of one part of the land, despite that subdivision having taken place in 1973.

Whilst removing farm equipment and personal effects from the property, Whelan received a notice from the inspector of the Municipality of Pontiac ordering him to clean up the debris. As a result of this notice, the CPTAQ became involved and the seemingly inconsistent separation was noticed.

At the final hearing in Gatineau on March 16^th, Whelan’s property separation was legally recognised. “I am very happy and relieved,” remarked Whelan, but added: “The Municipal inspector exercises too much power. He can visit anyone’s property, looking around and taking photographs, without permission; rights not even a police officer has.”

Currently a call is circulating through the Municipality of Pontiac for an amendment to Bylaw 04 – 07, following several incidents where nuisance notices were served by an inspector without any complaints from neighbours. A couple have been ordered to remove a working freezer, operating on their deck but imperceptible from the road. Another man has been warned for storing viable building material son a lot following extensive renovations to his home.

As it stands, the bylaw defines a nuisance as ‘material and/or object which, by its nature or its illegal or abusive use, cause serious inconveniences or that can endanger public safety and/or security, the wellbeing of the community or the aesthetic of the building.

The description also includes an accumulation of earth, stones or other similar materials, or a building left in a dilapidated state.

The community is asked to attend the April 12 Pontiac council meeting to support the call for the amendment. An online petition may be viewed at www.sites.google.com/site/nuisancebylaw0407/home

Youth Group

2011-04-05T11:36:00.001-04:00

Groupe Action Jeunesse is a remarkable organisation, offering activities and, I think, employment opportunities to young people from Luskville and Quyon.
Contact them at 819 208 2789 or go to http://www.gajluskville.com/ for details of events.

Coming up:

A youth dance, for those in 6th year grade school to those 18 years old.
On 17 June from 7 pm -- 11pm.
Cost: $2 per person.
Parents and volunteers are sought to help, and a canteen will be available.

---

A summer day camp, for school age children.
An information and sign up evening is on Thursday 28 April at the community centre in Luskville, next to the town hall.
Bring your payment in cash and your childs health care card.
The camp will be $60 per week and runs from 9 am -- 4 pm.
For another $20 per week, you can drop kids off as early as 7 am and pick them up as late as 5.15 pm.

The camp runs from Monday to Friday for 7 weeks: 27 June to 19 August, with a break from July 1 to July 29.

---

[I have translated all of this from the sheet my kids got from school, and so should stress this is all offered in French; if you are concerned about how anglophones will fare at camp, call the number and ask.]

---

A skate and bike evening will be held for all ages every Thursday, starting from May 5th at the Recreation Park in Luskville (3206 Hwy 148). From 6 -- 8 pm.
Parents need to supervise.

A "roller day" (journee roulette) will be held at the Recreation Park in
Luskville (3206 Hwy 148) on Saturday June 4th from 1.30 to 4.40pm. with a BBQ, a DJ and prizes offered!
Bring your protective gear and your bikes, in-line skates or skateboards.

[I can tell you that the surface of the arena is incredibly smooth, so it's terrific for younger riders.
The park also owns a number of skate/bike jumps and ramps!]

No charge!

Top seven reasons to visit Pontiac

2011-04-04T22:01:00.003-04:00

Katharine Fletcher's article in Canadian Living on how and where to enjoy nature in Pontiac.

Local wonders in Pontiac

Venturing Hills Farm

2011-04-01T20:21:00.005-04:00

Brahms and Chocolate was the subject of the concert on 16th April. A feast for the ears was followed by a tasting of amazing spicy chocolates.

Check here for upcoming events: the 100 mile dinner on July 16 (a fundraiser) and Festival Pontiac Enchanté, July 22-31, 2011.

Venturing Hills.

Venturing Hills Farm is also an Equestrian centre - see their webpage.

Bicycle trail, Route verte

2011-04-01T12:26:00.004-04:00

At the last council meeting (8th March) a route for the bicycle trail was "finalized", I think for the third time. I mentioned this in my report of the meeting and on the heritage pontiac webpage, and today the news got into Le Droit. I've added that report (en français) to that page. There's also a crude map.

Local food

2011-03-31T10:55:00.001-04:00

Shonagh McCrindle has a blog on local food in Pontiac:

http://foodfromhere.ca/blog/

Rural Tourism Marketing Tips and Tricks

2011-03-30T12:12:00.004-04:00

A friend on Facebook just recommended this website:

http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2011/03/what-to-cut-from-your-marketing-budget-in-an-age-of-austerity/

It is a collection of articles, website links and success stories about small town and rural tourism marketing.

Great examples of themed trails for tourism such as this Craft Trail in Sligo Ireland.

Check it out for inspiration...

Thefts in Breckenridge

2011-03-30T10:16:00.003-04:00

"Residents in Breckenridge sector having been a victim of theft in a shed or in a vehicle are asked to inform us," said the officer Fournel, MRC des Collines police.

Here's the link to the article, 30 March 2011 (en français)

http://pontiacal.blogspot.com/2011/03/thefts-in-breckenridge.html

Literacy tutoring

2011-03-29T22:55:00.000-04:00

If you want to improve your English language or numeracy (numbers) literacy, or know someone that would like to, contact the West Quebec Literacy Council (based in Shawville) for FREE one - on - one tutoring.

The WQLC is always seeking volunteer tutors too. All training and books are free.

Western Quebec Literacy Council

P.O. box 266, Shawville, QC, JoX 2G0

819 647 3112
1888 647 3112

http://www.wq-literacy.org/

Animal welfare

2011-03-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

Aide Animal Pontiac, a non profit organisation supporting animal welfare in the Pontiac region.

"Our mission is to improve the animal quality of life for animals suffering from neglect, abandonment or cruelty."

This group of incredible volunteers from Bristol and Shawville undertake both fund raising and awareness raising in order to care for the lost and abandoned dogs and cats that are such a issue around here, especially in the fall.
Particularly important is the education of people about sterilizing pets.

Donations of time, food or money are very welcome.

Contact them via C.P. Box 1107, Shawville.

Quyon Lionettes Duck Race Event

2011-03-28T21:14:00.004-04:00

The Quyon Lionettes Club have been organizing the "Duck Race / Course de canards" event in Quyon for over 20 years. This fundraiser helps support local charities. This year, the Duck Race proceeds will be used to purchase visitor chairs for the Shawville Community Hospital. The Duck Race will be held on May 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The Duck Race starts at the Quyon River Bridge, Egan St in Quyon. Prizes: 1st $1,000 2nd $500 3rd $250 Duck Race ticket cost $5 per ticket. Only 1,000 tickets printed. To purchase tickets, please contact Krissie Beaudoin at 819-458-2347 Get'em now, they're going fast !

Who wants an 82m tower?

2011-03-28T15:13:00.002-04:00

The red bar shows the location and height of the proposed tower.
(If you have Google Earth installed, click here to see it on your computer.)

Update: Videotron proposal to Install an 82m tower on Elm Road

Many of you may have already seen the public notice on page 46 of the Pontiac Journal (March 23) where Videotron proposes to erect an 82-meter tower on Hurdman Heights Farm near the corner of Elm Road and Highway 148. This proposal has been re-published because the federal government determined that in their September 8, 2010 notice Videotron did not adequately identify the site. If you recall, Videotron identified the proposed site with the lot number.

Since the September 8 proposal by Videotron the following has taken place:

1. On September 10, 2010, Municipal Council passed a unanimous resolution opposing the installation of the tower on the proposed site. The resolution states: “That the Municipality of Pontiac notify Videotron of its firm opposition to the installation of a telecommunication tower in the Breckenridge sector as requested by this company.”

2. A number of local people wrote letters to Videotron stating their reasons for opposing the installation of the tower on the proposed site.

3. An article was published in three newspapers calling citizens to action in opposing the installation of a tower with a height equivalent to a 25-storey building that would be constructed in one of the most valuable landscapes in our community, “The Gateway to the Pontiac”.

4. A petition opposing the tower on the proposed site was signed by the majority of residents on Elm Road and nearly every household along Highway 148 for 1.5 km in each direction of Elm Road.

5. The Mayor of the Municipality of Pontiac informed Videotron that municipal council could support the tower on another, more isolated, site.

6. There has been a technological breakthrough that can make traditional towers obsolete. (See article entitled: “Cell “cubes” could replace cell phone towers” page 35 of the Pontiac Journal). The Pontiac could be one of the first communities to have the new technology installed rather than the last to have the old, soon to be obsolete, tower technology.

Despite all the opposition and the opportunity of new technology, Videotron continues to press its case to install the tower on the proposed site at Elm Road.

What happens next: The public has 30 days to respond to the proposal and Videotron has 60 days to reply to questions and concerns. Videotron must also ask the Municipality for approval to proceed to the Quebec Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land (CPTAQ) for a change of zoning from agricultural to commercial. (The CPTAQ has rejected many requests by local people for changes to zoning from agricultural to residential and to commercial on properties near the proposed site.) In the end, it is likely that Industry Canada will make a final decision based on available information, including your written concerns. That is what happened in Aylmer.

What you can do: Write to Videotron stating your concerns about the impact this proposal would have on our community. Videotron now has an email address to which your comments can be sent: CPC_GA612@videotron.com

Please note that you must send your concerns within 30 days of the notice which means before April 22, 2011.

[Content for this article was provided by a group
of local residents in opposition to the tower.]

Acting locally - recommended tradespeople, etc

2011-03-27T14:05:00.004-04:00

I have created a blog for the ACTING LOCALLY list of personal recommendations for tradespeople, etc that was formerly sent out by email.

http://pontiacal.blogspot.com

If you are looking for a service or have personal recommendations or warnings about suspicious activity, this is where to go...

Daycares and children's playgroups

2011-03-25T16:57:00.004-04:00

New daycare!
Little Stars Daycare

Contact Jennifer or Sasha at

819 791 9295

Opening in April, it's in the same place as the the pizza restaurant
at the intersection of the Eardley/Masham Rd. and the 148 in Luskville..

---

There is also another very very nice day care here:
CPE (Centres de la Petite Enfance)

Univers Bambinos

1955 Mountain Road
Luskville

819 455 9697

---

One of the best features in Pontiac is the Maison de la Famille ("Family Centre") in Quyon, with a childrens playgroup, a second hand clothing and furniture shop, a women's craft night and more services and courses than I can describe here. The Maison was one of the first places I learned about when I moved here with young kids and I am still friends with the women I met in the playgroup.

Can't say enough about this remarkable place.
Please drop in.

Mon --Fri: 8.30 to 12.30 and 1 pm to 4 pm.

1074 Clarendon St.
Quyon

819 458 2808

mfdquyon@bellnet.ca

---

A free drop in playgroup, called Pontiac "Pirate" Playgroup, operated 2006 - 2009 at the community centre in Luskville.

Jump started by local mothers Danielle Samuar, Adraina Saenz and Brigitte Bonneau, the playgroup was a terrific place to run preschoolers around in a space where nothing could be broken. However, attendance gradually dropped until it seemed all the mothers coming were from Shawville! As a result, the playgroup was officially moved to Shawville early 2010, where I believe it still goes on at 'the Garage', the youth centre on King St.

If you are interested in starting the PPP back up, be my guest. There are still some toys at the community centre and Wednesday mornings are free!

Contact the Municipal office at 819 455 2401 to be sure.

Rock on, Pirates.

MRC des Collines map

2011-03-25T13:05:00.009-04:00

(click on map to make it larger)

The MRC des Collines is the regional grouping (county) of seven rural and suburban municipalities around the Ville de Gatineau, formed in 1991. Its area is 2088 square km, and population over 46,000. The seven mayors represent municipalities with from 800 to over 10,000 people. The municipality of Pontiac is in the lower left (south west) of the MRC des Collines on the map above, demarcated by a purplish line; area 447 square km and population 5,700. Over 60% of Gatineau Park (green on the map) is within the municipality.

Why are there two Pontiacs?

The origin for the name is of course Chief Pontiac or Obwandiyag (1720-1769), famous for his role in an American Indian struggle against the British military occupation of the Great Lakes area.

Pontiac village was an early European settlement/logging operation located south west of Quyon, (near the Tim Horton's camp) that gave its name to the County of Pontiac when it split off from the County of Ottawa (Outaouais) in 1853.

When the townships of Eardley, Quyon, and North & South Onslow amalgamated in 1975, Pontiac was also the name chosen for the new municipality.

Don't confuse the municipality of Pontiac with "The Pontiac".

The MRC Pontiac is a regional grouping (county) of 15 municipalities, 2 villages, a township, and an unorganized territory covering a huge area of nearly 14,000 square km, with a population of just over 14,000. It is situated west and northwest of the MRC des Collines and the MRC la Vallée de la Gatineau, and has its offices in Campbell's Bay.

Eighteen mayors, each representing from 166 people (Sheenboro) to 1978 people (Mansfield et Pontefract) sit on the regional council.

From 1853, Quyon and N & S Onslow were in the county of Pontiac, and there seems to be some nostalgia for this grouping, particularly among those living in the west of the municipality of Pontiac.

The MRC Pontiac is now a very poor area, with an average yearly income per head of less than $19,000. Its seat of government at Campbell's Bay is much further from all parts of the municipality of Pontiac than the MRC des Collines offices in Chelsea.

Breckenridge, Pontiac

2011-03-25T11:54:00.016-04:00

Breckenridge residents may feel left out of the information below on CLSCs, Post Offices

and English elementary schools, and those of us south of Elm have phone numbers

beginning 682, 684 or 332 rather than 455 (Luskville) or 458 (Quyon).

The CLSC in Aylmer is at 425 rue Leguerrier, Aylmer (Gatineau) (behind the Galeries

d'Aylmer). You can get a blood test without an appointment if you go in the morning.

Perhaps best to phone first: - (819) 966-6540 ext 0. (no charge for blood test).

There's a postal outlet in the far back of Jean Coutu (in the Galeries d'Aylmer), and

you can mail anything that will fit, in the out-going slots at community mailboxes.

If you are lucky enough to have your own rural mailbox, the mail person will pick up

mail from it.

The Western Québec School Board has three English elementary schools that accept

children from the Luskville and Breckenridge areas of Pontiac (the former Eardley

township, east of Kennedy road).

French immersion is available.

The three elementary schools are: Eardley Elementary (on North Street),

Lord Aylmer (on Frank Robinson) and South Hull School (on Crescent Drive).

Symmes Junior High and D'Arcy McGee High School are on du Plateau,

close to chemin Vanier.

Medical centres, health information

2011-03-24T23:34:00.002-04:00

There is a CLSC (a kind of clinic you can get injections and your kids get the one and three-year evaluations) in Quyon, but you can't just walk in for medical help-- you have to have a referral or appointment, I think.

But there is a lot of health information available there, so it's a good place to visit all the same.

CLSC de Quyon
1164 rue Clarendon
819 458 2848

The info health line (Info Sante) for Quebec is 811.
It's a good place to go for advice before heading to the hospital.

Hopital du Pontiac Hospital
200 Rue Argue
Shawville
819 647 2211

There is a doctors office in Quyon -- Dr's Lamarche, Crouteau and Bazil, I think. You can call to see if they are taking patients if you need a family doctor, but I don't advise you to get your hopes up.

111A rue Clarendon
819 458 2397

Archives and History

2011-03-24T23:23:00.000-04:00

There is a wonderful place on Shawville--- the Pontiac Archives --which dwells in the basement of the library building, staffed by marvellous volunteers, history buffs and people that enjoy filing.

If you are looking for information about your family or this area, this is a fantastic place to start...

But just as importantly, if you have a bought an old house here, or you are just clearing out the top of your barn, and you find family trees, old books, photographs, negatives, newspapers, birth certificates or anything like this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not throw them away, or leave them where they can be injured or destroyed.

Everything like this is of so much importance. Call the Archives and see if you can bring it in.

Archives du Pontiac Archives
358 Main Street.
Shawville.

819 647 7013

pontiacarchives@295.ca

http://www.pontiacarchives.org/

The Armstrong Heritage Farm, also in Shawville, might be interested in any larger items of historical significance.

Or they might not. They have a lot of stuff, including a small real train.

But call them and check. Just don't throw anything out until you've asked around.

Ferme Patrimoine Armstrong Heritage Farm
Route 148, Shawville.

819 647 2117
ahf@persona.ca

http://www.armstrongheritagefarm.com/

Elementary schools

2011-03-24T23:08:00.002-04:00

FIRST: VERY IMPORTANT:
the phone numbers for both Notre Dame de la Joie in Luskville AND Ste. Marie in Quyon have changed!

Now both schools can only be reached at: 819 503 8808.

A automatic prompt will guide you from there. Write this down, and mention it in conversation now and again, because the old numbers have been around forever, and people still don't know about the change.

LUSKVILLE
Notre Dame de la Joie
French language, elementary

14 ch. du Village, near the Catholic church, St. Dominique's.
819 503 8808.
Teachers have extentions you can leave messages on now, too.

QUYON
Ste. Marie's
French language, elementary

19 Rue Church
819 503 8808
Both these schools have actually been officially under the one name of Ecole de la Vallee des Voyageurs for quite a while, but still almost no one knows this or cares.

Onslow Elementary School
English language, elementary

850 Rue Clarendon
819 4582375

onslow@wqsb.qc.ca

There are no high schools in the Municipality of Pontiac. English speaking kids will go to Aylmer or Shawville; Francophones go to Aylmer, Hull or Fort Coulonge.

Post offices

2011-03-24T23:00:00.003-04:00

LUSKVILLE

Within the Station T. Levesque depanneur within the little strip mall on the highway, between the Autopro (hi Gaetan) and the gunshop.
Phone number: 819 455 2222
Open hours:
Mon- Fri: 8 -- 4 pm
Sat: 8 -- 12 noon.

If you are lucky, you'll run into Mike the Mailman picking up his deliveries here, and he'll find your letters for you on the spot!
Cheers, Mike!

QUYON

A 'real' Canada Post outlet, best for sending weird parcels and overnight stuff. Post office boxes also available here.

1102 Clarendon Street.
819 458 2002.

I can also tell you that this outlet closes for 2 hours every day to clear the incoming mail, so between noon and 2 pm: forget it.

Quite often you can buy ordinary letter stamps at depanneurs-- just ask -- and you can post a letter in any of the red giant "super boxes" that you see around, like at the corner of Ch. Braun and the 148, or the intersection of the Eardley Masham Rd./ Ch. Curley and the highway.

What do you mean when you say Pontiac?!

2011-03-24T22:54:00.001-04:00

I know, I know, it's a question that still confuses and annoys all of us, sometimes simultaneously.

All I can tell you is this.

Living in Luskville and Quyon, you are in the Municipality of Pontiac, but this Municipality is included within the MRC des Collines, which follows the Gatineau Valley, i.e. northwards, to Chelsea, Wakefield, Danford, Kaz. etc.

The rest of the towns that we feel closest to: Bristol, Shawville, Fort Coulonge: these guys belong to the MRC Pontiac, which follows the Ottawa River valley. But we share such an identity with these places, as well as so many resources and community orgainsations, that many feel the MoP should come over to the MRC of Pontiac and save us all the headache.

In fact our mayor, Eddie McCann, intends to do just this. Has for many a year, in fact.

We still belong to MRC des Collines in the meantime, which means that although we go to the CLSC in Quyon --affiliated with the Shawville hospital-- you will get the MRC des Collines police when you call 911 for an emergency, rather than the SQ, which the MRC de Pontiac uses.

Am I helping?
Oh ever so much.

Oh, and we are supposed to put "Pontiac" on our return addresses but no one does. Just say "jocks to go", (J0X 2G0), and look at the river and mountains and breathe deeply for a moment.

Libraries

2011-03-24T22:45:00.001-04:00

LUSKVILLE
In a small grey building beside the Community Centre, close to the Luskville fire station and the Municipal offices; on the turn off to the Lusk Falls.
There is no sign whatsoever, so hunt for the blue 'book return' box by the front door.

2024 Route 148
Luskville
Phone: 819 455 2370.

I did know the times of opening out of my head, but I will double check later!
Mon and Wed: 6 -- 8pm
Sat. 2 --4 pm.

There is free internet access and a surprising amount of music available, but most of the books are in French, although the librarian (Louise Ramsay, I think) can order from any other BiblioOutaouais library for you.

admluskville@crsbpo.qc.ca

QUYON
A beautiful and really very stylish building on John Street: the one with the Legion hall and the Catholic church on it. Unusual circular design in the gable of the roof.

12 John St.
Quyon
Phone: 819 458 1227

I wrote down the hours last time I went past to see if it was open at a time useful to me! It isn't.

Mon, Wed, Thurs: 6 -- 9pm
Sat: 1--4 pm.
A bright and cheerful place with an excellent selection of childrens books, both stories and reference, in both languages. Plenty of computers. Librarian Berenice is very friendly and sweet.

adm@crsbpo.qc.ca

Both libraries should have several free passes for Ottawa Museums -- certainly the Museum of Civilization and Museum of Nature-- available to lend out, so if you have a bunch of kids and a spare day, go and get one.

Nuisance bylaw

2011-03-24T21:40:00.003-04:00

I received a flyer in my mailbox today - a few people are stirring up opinion about the nuisance bylaw - which is intended to clean up the municipality by getting rid of dead cars, dangerous piles of "material" and so on.

If you'd like to read the text of the bylaw it is here in English:

http://www.heritagepontiac.ca/Nuisance%20bylaw.pdf

and here en français:

http://www.heritagepontiac.ca/Reglement%20nuisances.pdf

(thanks to Julie at l'Hôtel de Ville).

By the way the FULL English text of my report on March council meeting is here:

http://www.heritagepontiac.ca/mop110308.htm

(the French version in the Journal was complete).

Will an emergency responder be able to find your address?

2011-02-27T14:49:00.012-05:00

We all have municipal street addresses, and most residents have the numbers posted at their laneway. One reason for the expense was to enable emergency responders to find an address with more accuracy than something like "RR2".

But does it work in practice?
Read more... »

Pontiac seeks Fire Chief, from Pontiac Journal

2011-02-23T22:50:00.004-05:00

Fire Department seeks chief, direction, stability

Kate Aley
Luskville -

The Pontiac Fire department, which serves Luskville, Quyon and Breckenridge, finds itself without a fire chief as of February 28, 2011.

Long time fire chief Tom Howard resigned his position at the last council meeting and neither the names of his replacement or the interim chief were available at press time.

Read more... »

Quyon Waterfront Revitalisation Project from Pontiac Journal

2011-02-23T22:48:00.008-05:00

Life long volunteer gets community Revitalisation under way.

Kate Aley

Quyon – Rolly Bernier was never someone to ‘blow his own trumpet’, much preferring to play guitar on stage. But on February 12th 2011, Bernier was called up on stage to be honoured as a lifelong volunteer at a banquet held at the Quyon Lions Club hall.

“He just won’t, he can’t say no; it’s not in his vocabulary,” related Betty Kennedy, MC for the evening. “He’s someone we think represents the best of us.”

Quyon Lions Club president Glen Leach described Bernier’s 20 years of involvement from parades, parties, and playing Santa Claus. Charlene Graham of the Quyon Lionettes made Bernier an honorary member. Plaques were presented by Eddie McCann of the Municipality of Pontiac , MNA Charlotte L’Ecuyer and Gerry Phillippe for MP Laurence Cannon.

Bill Hamilton, owner of Mountainview Turf Farms and a long time volunteer himself, brought the room to another focus of the evening: a renewed call to government and community to show support for the exciting developments planned for the waterfront area of Quyon dubbed the Waterfront Revitalization Project. “Based on current costs, Phase One will cost 1.3 to 1.5 million. We as a group are committed to raising half the Municipalities share, and our funds now stand at $30 000 tonight.”

Improvements to the dock area will coincide with the new ferry project. A historic boardwalk with information signs, benches and lights will lead visitors to the entirely rebuilt Lions Club, which will serve as a function room and community centre as well. An enlarged and refurbished children’s playground by the new building will be named after Bernier.

Champion dog from Pontiac, from the Pontiac Journal

2011-02-23T22:46:00.004-05:00

Kate Aley
Luskville -

‘Cataraqui Indian Summer’, a three year old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog known simply as Indy to her family, competed at the prestigious the Westminster Kennel Club Show on February 14, 2011.

As a one-year-old, she became the number one Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch in Canada and number two in the breed. By her second birthday, she became an American Champion and later that same year, she won a Best in Specialty Show award and became the number 1 Ridgeback in the country, only the second time in Canadian history that a female has taken the top spot.

While spending most of her time on Ferme Cataraqui on Mountain Road in Luskville, either running through the woods with her siblings or hanging out with the goats, Indy took her first trip to New York City and the most prestigious dog show in North America in her stride.

“We didn’t go expecting to win,” related breeder and owner Valerie Michaud after Indy failed to win a place at Westminster. “There’s a no show in the world that so many great dogs are defeated. It was such an honour to simply compete there, and a treat to see such beautiful dogs... sometimes I got goose bumps. I was so proud to see Indy, a Pontiac dog born and raised, on her first trip to a colossal show like Westminster, not cringing once.”

Newly pregnant, Indy will take on a new challenge of motherhood in early April. Meanwhile Michaud’s attention turns to Thomba, Indy’s brother, who also shows every sign of being a champion.

“At the end of the day, what matters to breed great dogs,” she emphasises. “To give them great minds and bodies and find them families that love them.”

Action Pontiac is here

2011-02-22T19:01:00.001-05:00

Okay, you wanted a blog... here it is! Now we just need content.

Questions arising from Blogspot settings available:

Other authors? (It is also possible to blog via email)
Comment handling: who can comment? (anyone, registered users, members only?) We might want to consider using comments from members as a way to add information to a blog post.
What strategy to use for blog post tags

No doubt there are a number of other details to be sorted out.

The visual appearance can be altered fairly easily--this is the default "simple" layout--but it would be best to keep it fairly standard and focus on content rather than flash.