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 (Rockland, Wednesday, January 19, 2011) Six residents turned out for what may become a regular gathering
for Ward 2 Councillor André Henrie. He and Mayor Marcel Guibord met them at the Chamberland Center to discuss
their ward concerns.
( Before the discussions began, the mayor asked this reporter to explain why he was in attendance.
I replied that I was interested in covering the meeting so that I could offer information on this website to members
of the ward who could not attend. City of Rockland Communications Officer Julie Chartrand took notes.)
Councillor Henrie outlined the reason for the meeting as did Mayor Guibord adding that the intent
was to hold meetings every two months, keeping the constituents informed on what they are doing and giving people
an opportunity to express their concerns.
If there is a question, he said, it will go to the correct person, for example a question on
taxes would go to Councillor Choinière. The replies will come back through Mr. Henrie. Each councillor has
a responsibility (being on the committee they are on).
The mayor's goal is to make "les orde de jour" (agendas and other council material)
available in advance, either on the City's website or in local libraries. These would be the same as what council
gets allowing people to know what is happening and what to ask.
Councillor Henrie added that this should give people an interest in participating in meetings.
Other topics discussed (in chronological order):
- Local authority - The role between the City of Clarence-Rockland,
the United Counties of Prescott Russell and the Province Of Ontario.
- Community Cable Television (TVC22) - There should be a link on the City's website. The mayor has had a meeting with Robert Pilon, manager
of TVC22 and the results will be forthcoming. (Editor note:
TVC22 has limited programming on their site now, with plans to increase the content if the City of Clarence-Rockland
approves the cost. 1) Click on the "Video Portal" link at the top of the page; 2) then under "Video
Menu", click on "Town Council Regular". You will see the regular meetings
going back to October 2010.)
- Unblocking rue Lalonde - (to make it easier to get to the medical
center) They would have to look at what is planed for that area vis-à-vis development, private property,
what parcels of land are left, etc. Councillor Henrie will have to investigate.
- Genealogy - Where to get information on local families? There are
a variety of websites available on the Internet, including the Library and Archives Canada (genealogy resources), as well as through our local historian,
Gilles Chartrand.
- Public lectern in council chambers - The lectern and microphone
are too high for short people to reach. There should be some accommodation made for them.
Noted.
- Long Distance Telephone calls - Long distance phone calls should
be free throughout Clarence Rockland. An apparent look into this matter suggests that a ruling made by the Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) cannot be changed easily, if at all.
- Un brin d'histoire - With the closing of la boutique Un brin d'histoire, Rockland needs a place to drop of
items (used clothes, articles, etc.). Can we start something?
- People without cars - For people who do not have cars, where can
they get a ride if needed (for medical appointments, in Ottawa, etc.)?
- What about taxis? - Taxis from Rockland are too expensive to take
into Ottawa and they are not permitted to pick up fares in Ottawa to come back to Rockland. (NOTE: Ottawa taxi regulations. From the regulations page:
Taxi service in the rural areas of the city is currently not regulated, and this
does not present any noticeable problem. Service is generally provided by licensed cabs from the urban area and
a small number of operators, generally part-timers involved in other activities. Including the rural areas in the
taxi licensing by-law would jeopardize the service of the part-timers, so it is recommended that the rural areas
not be included in the taxi licensing by-law until a need is evident.
- Tucker House - More people from Ottawa seem to know about Tucker House than
people from Rockland.
- Trucks on Edwards Street - A complaint was raised about trucks
using Edwards Street (the noise they make and the fact that they make the houses tremble when they pass) (This
is a tough situation to regulate because Edwards Street is a main route for trucks to take from Highway 17. The
only other way in is via the east or west entrances to Laurier. (This may change when Caron Street is opened and
extended to the Highway.)
- Lights at Edwards and Laurier - The lights change too quickly for
vehicles turning on to Laurier from Edwards. This is a function of the old equipment. It does not have the technology
to be programmed? (In a related suggestion, it was said that the "walk/don't walk" lights are too short
in duration for people to cross.)
- Snow from properties on Laurier Street - Some property owners are
pushing the snow off of their properties on to the sidewalks.
- Vehicles turning in to Potvin Construction - Vehicles turning left
into Potvin Construction traveling from the west on Highway 17, are creating a traffic hazard because there is
no right-side passing lane. There have been several accidents over the years, and passing on the right (under certain conditions) is actually
illegal under the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. (NOTE: This highway is under the jurisdiction
of the United Counties and it is they who should be contacted on this matter. Mayor Guibord sits on that council
and may look into the matter.)
- Snow from properties on Laurier Street - Some property owners are
pushing the snow off of their properties on to the sidewalks.
The evening ended with informal talk around a table full of "delightful snacks" as
one person was heard to say.
(NOTE: similar meetings have
been held in Clarence Creek (Ward 5) with Councillor Guy Félio, Bourget (Ward 8) with Councillor Diane Choinière
and in Hammond (Ward 7) with Councillor René Campeau. They were open to all residents.) (The Canaan Connexion should have the results of these meetings
shortly.)
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Ward 2 News
By Patrick Meikle
