Newsletter - Canton Shefford
Transcription
Newsletter - Canton Shefford
Newsletter of the Municipalité du Canton de Shefford Volume 20, No 3 - September 2015 When Will Shefford Get Its School? by André Pontbriand, Mayor Here is a brief summary of the steps taken by the Municipal Council with the competent authorities since 2012 in an effort to obtain an elementary school on Shefford territory. In October 2012, your Council, represented by current Mayor André Pontbriand, and by Councillor Donald Tétreault, officially filed a request for In This Issue Inauguration of Parc Maher 2 It’s Back to School We Go!3 The Coopérative de Solidarité Santé de Shefford completes another milestone !4 Intersection of Saxby Route 112(Denison East)5 CENS On Patrol6 A Sample of Our Avian Riches6 Recreation Activities and Events7 Reusable Diapers Buying Program7 Thinking about Volunteering?7 News from Urban Planning Department8 Important Reminder about Civic Address Numbers9 Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 201510 Need Orthopedic Equipment? 10 The Great Escape: Step-By-Step 11 The Fire Department Is RECRUITING12 Important Phone Numbers12 an elementary school with the authorities of Commission scolaire Valdes-Cerfs, represented at the time by its Director General André Messier and by Chairman Guy Vincent. At the close of the meeting, it was indicated that the school board would study our request. Following the election, on November 3, 2013, when a new council was elected, the current mayor formed a committee whose mission would be to define municipal objectives in matters of recreation, parks, families and community life. The committee was composed of councillors Johanne Boisvert and Michael Vautour, the municipality’s general manager Sylvie Gougeon, and Mayor André Pontbriand. One of the first tasks of these municipal representatives, on March 12, 2014, was to renew the request for an elementary school with the school board authorities, by filing a resolution of the Municipal Council. The board representatives at the school board meeting were Messieurs Guy Vincent: Chairman, Jean Graton: Vice-Chairman, Donald Tétreault: Commissioner, and André Messier: Director General. By the end of this meeting, we were certain that we would be on Val-des-Cerfs’ priority list. (continued on page 2) Inauguration of Parc Maher on September 9, 2015 Citizens are invited to attend the official inauguration of Parc Maher, this September 9, at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. To find out more: Visit the Municipality’s homepage at cantonshefford.qc.ca, « Dernières nouvelles ». The Municipality’s Fall Activities and Events Program will be unveiled at the same time! cantonshefford.qc.ca (continued from page 1) On May 7, 2014, a letter was sent to Mr. Yves Bolduc, then Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, with a copy to Mr. Pierre Paradis, MNA for Brome-Missisquoi and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, seeking their support for the request. school in Shefford on December 11, 2014. But, because the deadline for depositing the request was July 2, 2014, Shefford’s request would not be analyzed that year and Val-des-Cerfs would have to present a new request in time for the next P.Q.I. 2016-2026. On October 3, 2014, a meeting was held at the municipal office, between Val-des-Cerfs (Guy Vincent: Chairman, Donald Tétreault: Commissioner, and André Messier, Director General) and Shefford (André Pontbriand: Mayor, Johanne Boisvert: Councillor, Michael Vautour: Councillor and Sylvie Gougeon: General Manager). We informed them that a reliable source at the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport had reported to us that Val-des-Cerfs never applied for a school for Shefford. On April 6, 2015, our source at the MEQ confirmed that Val-des-Cerfs must resubmit its request. We immediately informed the new chairman of the school council, Mr. Paul Sarrasin. It was agreed then that our administrations will exchange information to move the matter forward. Following the school elections, the new board of Commission scolaire Val-des-Cerfs, in a unanimous vote by its commissioners, signified its acceptance of an elementary school in Shefford and mandated its director general to take the necessary steps. On March 18, 2015, the office of the new Minister of Education, Sports and Recreation, François Blais, informed us that Commission Scolaire Valdes-Cerfs had submitted the request to build a On April 7, 2015, at the regular meeting of the Shefford Council, a new motion was filed, and unanimously approved, to resubmit the request for an elementary school, and with a letter accompanying the resolution, if necessary. On June 16, 2015, Commission scolaire Valdes-Cerfs passed a new resolution mandating the interim director general to file a request for additional space and to take the necessary steps for the construction of an elementary school (2 kindergartens and 12 classrooms) on the territory of Municipalité du Canton de Shefford, pursuant to measure PQI 2016-2026. This measure will be studied by the office of the Minister, for Québec as a whole, and an answer should be sent to Commission scolaire Val-desCerfs in July 2016. Stay tuned. page 2 It’s Back to School We Go! The Municipality wishes all of its students, big and small, a safe and happy return to school and would like to remind parents and children of these safety rules issued by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec : Getting off the bus: It is dangerous to remain too close to the bus: • Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before leaving your seat; • Stay in line to get off the bus, without pushing, and hold the handrail; • Move away from the bus quickly and never go behind the bus; • Let the driver know when an object has fallen under the bus or near the wheels. If you cannot get the driver’s attention, ask an adult to help or wait until the bus has moved away to pick up what has dropped. Getting to the bus stop: • Get to the bus stop ahead of time, and don’t run; • Use the sidewalk when going to and coming from the bus stop; if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. At the bus stop: • Wait in line for the bus, without shoving the other students; • Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before approaching it; • Board the bus in a line, holding the handrail and without shoving; • Quickly find your seat and sit down. Crossing the street: • Take 10 steps after leaving the bus before crossing; that way, you can see the driver and he can also see you; • Walk in front of the bus, then look left and right, and then left again, before crossing; • Cross quickly, but without running. On the bus: • Do not disturb the bus driver; • Remain seated and stay quiet; • Keep your head and arms inside the bus; • Keep the aisle free and put your belongings away in your book bag. Source : Autobus scolaire. Pour des écoliers en sécurité, publication of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, 5 pages. http:// www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/publications/prevention/autobus_securite.pdf School Bus Transportation. A Shared Responsibility, publication of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, 6 pages.http://www. saaq.gouv.qc.ca/publications/prevention/transport_concern.pdf page 3 The Coopérative de Solidarité Santé de Shefford completes another milestone ! by Johanne Boisvert, Secretary, Temporary Committee on the Coopérative de Solidarité Santé de Shefford To structure and document the feasibility study for starting a health cooperative in Shefford, a professional survey of the population of Shefford and environs (Bromont, St-Joachim, Warden and Waterloo) was carried out last June. - The cooperative’s service offering Here are the highlights and principal conclusions that were presented to and discussed by the Temporary Committee on the Coopérative de solidarité santé Sheford Although the citizens were surveyed about a multitude of possible health services, basic services such as medical consultation, with or without appointment, frontline nursing services (medical followup, blood drawing, screening, vaccination) and telephone follow-up by a nurse who knows your medical history, are the priority needs. - Availability of healthcare - Pricing and annual fee The persons surveyed would consider reasonable a fee of approximately $100/year for the cooperative’s services. The individuals surveyed are representative of the population in the territory, based on their age, income, schooling, and the number of persons per household. A third of the adults surveyed have a negative perception of the availability of healthcare in their community, even though the majority of respondents say they have a family doctor. The proportion jumps to 40% among the citizens of Shefford and environs. - Support for the cooperative project 90% of citizens are in favour of the project. - Market potential (number of members) Overall, 60% of respondents are very or fairly interested in becoming members of the cooperative. In the municipality of Shefford, that interest jumps to 74%. The temporary committee will therefore continue its efforts in the coming months, in order to assess the financial aspect, as well as the different possibilities for the physical implementation of the cooperative. The recruitment of medical personnel is also among its concerns, and it remains an imperative in order to open a health cooperative. page 4 Intersection of Saxby and Route 112 (Denison East) by André Pontbriand, Mayor After four accidents occurred in June 2012, the Municipal Council headed by Acting Mayor Claude Lallier passed a motion to petition the Ministère du Transport to study the causes of these accidents and to lower the speed limit to 70 km/ hr on Route 112 along the section between the Granby city limits and 1220 chemin Denison East in Shefford. On November 21, 2012, a meeting was held at the Shefford town hall at which the MTQ stated that it had taken readings of the traffic patterns at the intersection of Route 112 and Saxby (North-South) in early November, and that these readings confirm that the number and type of auxiliary lanes meet the standards. Finally, it noted that “the posted speed must be consistent with the features of the traveled area in order to be respected by the users. Given the improvements made to the intersection (turning lanes, improved visibility, lighting, etc.) and in light of the recent verifications, the MTQ is maintaining the speed limit at 90 km/hr along this segment of Route 112”. Between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015, having experienced seven accidents at this intersection, the causes of which were analyzed by our police department, a new request dated April 14, 2015 was submitted to the departmental officer responsible for our area. In this letter, we communicated the possible causes identified by our police department and asked whether it would be appropriate for the MTQ to consider lowering the speed on route 112 to 70 km/hr at the approach to Saxby Road (North-South) and/or installing flashing lights. We have received no answer, not even an acknowledgment of receipt. After a few more accidents, on May 29, 2015, a new request was submitted to the director of the Est-de-la-Montérégie directorate, with cc to Mr. Robert Poëti, Minister of Transport, to Ms. Lise Thériault, Minister of Public Security and to Mr. Pierre Paradis, MNA for Brome-Missisiquoi and Minister of Agriculture. The political attaché for Mr. Paradis promptly confirmed to us, that following a conversation with the officer in charge of the matter, the latter had confirmed that engineers have been appointed to conduct a study of the situation and that the results should be known around September 2015. page 5 CENS On Patrol by Denise Papineau, Municipal Councillor The friendly patrollers of Parc des montagnards got together last June 29 to share their patrolling experience. Sponsored by Conservation Espace Nature Shefford (CENS), the patrol maintains a visible seasonal presence on the trail, as they sport their new orange T-shirts emblazoned with the CENS logo. The mission of education and awareness and respect for the Nature Reserve is upheld by some committed and passionate volunteers. Left to right, top row: François Houde, Richard Evoy, Sophie Beauvais, Thank you for your generous Richard Lachance, Martin Morin, Hervé Miniou, Gérard Lavoie and Normand involvement! Gagnon. Bottom row: Yvon Ginchereau, Denise Papineau, Yves Beaulieu and Carole Clermont. A Sample of Our Avian Riches by Denise Papineau, Municipal Councillor The Club des observateurs d’oiseaux de la HauteYamaska (COOHY) birding club held its first official field trip in Parc des Montagnards on the morning of June 12. Normand Fleury, a COOHY board member, is the one who applied to the provincial organization Québec-Oiseaux to have Parc des Montagnards recognized as a public interest site for birding. Ten bird and nature lovers participated in the threehour outing. Delighted with their visit, they especially commented on the quality of the forest and the landscape and the birding opportunities that it offers. The group fully intends to continue its exploration of the territory’s wealth in order to improve the documentation on the presence of breeding birds and birds of passage during migrations. Over the course of the morning, 28 bird species were observed: three woodpecker species, three thrush species and eight warbler species; Vireos, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, a Great Crested Flycatcher, Chickadees, a Wren, Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Blue Jays, Dark-Eyed Juncos, Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks were among the species identified. its evolution over time. Their work enriches the knowledge of the area and provides essential data to track You can consult the list of birds that were observed at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/ checklist?subID=S23881259 page 6 Recreation Activities and Events Watch for the forthcoming release of the all-new 2015 Fall Activities brochure, jam-packed with sports and recreation activities, as well as a few novelties, such as a special Halloween event! We remind you that it is now mandatory to fill out a reimbursement request form for all your sports and recreation reimbursement requests. The Politique sur les loisirs - Formulaire de demande de remboursement is available on the Municipality’s website, as well as at the Town Hall reception desk. The full text of the recreation policy/ Politique sur les loisirs, is also available on the website, with all the clauses and exclusions. -cantonshefford. qc.ca/citoyen/ formulaires/ demande-deremboursement/ -cantonshefford. qc.ca/affairesmunicipales/politique-sur-les-loisirs/ Reusable Diapers Buying Program How to obtain reimbursement? The policy aims to lessen the pressure on ligneous (woody) matter, reduce the amount of waste in landfills, and opt for production and merchandising processes that are less harmful to the environment. Families may apply for the funding by submitting an invoice for the purchase of reusable diapers. • Buy a set of reusable diapers (minimum of 18 diapers); • Submit to the Municipality the original invoice for all of the reusable diapers, along with proof of the birth and residence of the child concerned. Who is eligible for the reusable diaper buying program? The child must be under six (6) months old to benefit from the financial aid. Thinking About Volunteering? by Chantal Rioux, Centre d’action bénévole de Waterloo You’d like to volunteer but don’t know where to start? It will be our pleasure to inform you about our different services and our volunteer needs. There are many possibilities open to you in the following services: Popote roulante (meals-onwheels), Dépannage alimentaire (food assistance), La chaudrée (soup kitchen), etc. If any of these interest you, the first step is to stop by our office and request an application form. The Centre d’action bénévole de Waterloo is located at 107 Lewis St. W., Waterloo. Telephone: (450) 5392395. Everyone is welcome! page 7 News from Urban Planning Department Documents Required for a Construction or Expansion Project Before the work begins - - - construction permit application: • fill out and sign the form; • submit the building plan(s) (prepared by a recognized professional): plans, elevations, cross-sections, details, specifications and/ or necessary documents; • supply a project layout plan (prepared by a land surveyor); • tree cutting permit, if necessary; • if not served by a municipal drinking water and/or wastewater system: - soil characterization studies (recognized engineer or technologist) - scale plan of the facilities; - all in compliance with the requirements of the Québec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks; Approval of the permit application by resolution of the Municipal Council, following the positive or negative recommendation by the CCU. Issuance of permit. After the work is completed - Submit location certificate within 30 days following the end of the work (prepared by a land surveyor) Sight Triangle, Article 35 of Zoning Regulation #2005-419 Any property located at a street intersection must have a sight triangle that is unobstructed by any bush, tree, fence, supporting wall or other structure, more than 75 cm (2.5 ft.) in height. Two sides of the sight triangle are formed by the right-of-way lines of the two streets. Each side of the triangle must measure a minimum of 8 m. (26 ft.) in length, from the point where the two right-ofway lines intersect. The third side is formed by the straight line joining the extremities of the two rightof-way lines. In the near future, a municipal inspector will be inspecting all properties with trees, bushes and other structures located within the sight triangle. He will measure heights and advise citizens of any problems in this regard. Numerous interior and exterior renovations, the installation of a swimming pool, fence, or outbuildings all require a renovation permit. If you submit a permit application that is incomplete, i.e. you are missing documents necessary to the analysis of your project, unfortunately, the office clerk and/or inspector will be unable to accept your application. If you have any queries about the regulations, don’t hesitate to contact the Urban Planning staff. They will be happy to answer your questions. (continued on page 10) page 8 Important Reminder about Civic Address Numbers: Please Make Sure You Are Compliant by Éric Salois, Manager, Urban Planning On December 2, 2014, the Municipal Council passed a new bylaw, Règlement 2014-515 concernant la numérotation des immeubles, notably to establish regulatory standards for the installation of civic address number signs. The bylaw gave one year, namely until December 2, 2015, to comply with its rules. Installation zone for civic address number signs on properties Civic address number signs on properties must be installed at a maximum distance of 1.5 m (5 feet) from the driveway giving access to the traveled main road, and between a minimum of 2.5 m (8.2 feet) and a maximum of 3 m (10 feet) from the edge of the travel lane on the main road, except in particular cases. See the illustration below: The minimum height of signs shall be 1.5 m (5 feet) and the maximum height shall be 1.9 m (6.2 feet). Furthermore, the signs must be installed perpendicular to the traveled main road. The civic address number must be legible at all times, both day and night, from the public or private road; it must be reflective. The civic address number sign on a property must be installed as soon as the building is occupied and inhabited for the first time. Every property owner shall ensure that the civic address number identification sign on his/her property is well-maintained and is not obstructed by vegetation, such as a tree, shrub, flowers, etc., or other obstruction, such as snow, or any type of permanent or temporary signage. Mailboxes If the civic address number is on a mailbox, the mailbox must be installed as follows: If there is a ditch, the maximum distance for installation of the civic address sign is one (1) metre beyond the ditch. a) one mailbox shall be authorized per address; b) the front of the mailbox must be positioned a minimum distance of: i. 5.25 m from the center line of the roadway; ii. 0.2 to 0.3 m from the outer edge of the shoulder. c) the bottom of the opening must be 1.05 to 1.15 m above the ground. (Source: Ministère du Transport du Québec (MTQ) page 9 Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2015 by André Cadorette, Fire Chief As with every year, your Fire Department will be actively participating in Fire Prevention Week. This year, the theme is a returning one: « Sitôt averti, sitôt sorti! » [Smoke alarm goes off, you get out!] and on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, the Fire Department will be targeting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenue neighborhoods for “THE GREAT ESCAPE”. “THE GREAT ESCAPE” is an event in which all the citizens of Québec, especially families, are invited to conduct a fire drill, on the same day, at the same time. On page 11, you’ll find a document prepared by the Ministère de la sécurité publique in support of the event. Even if your neighborhood is not targeted this year, it is still highly relevant to prepare an evacuation plan. (continued from page 9) You should know that placing signs anywhere except on the actual property for sale is prohibited. Installing signs at the road’s edge is an offence liable to a fine and we are empowered to remove the offending sign immediately. House for Sale Sign In many municipalities, there is a veritable explosion of House for Sale signs lining the roads. Our municipality is no exception. We have noted that both real estate agents and clients of Proprio Direct, among others, are putting up directional as well as open house signs on roadsides, in particular at the intersection of Saxby South and Jolley roads. A letter will be sent to the real estate agents, as well as to the clients of Proprio Direct, and if there is a recurrence, we will be obligated to enforce the bylaws, and offenders will be fined. Need Orthopedic Equipment? by Chantal Rioux Centre d’action bénévole de Waterloo The Centre d’action bénévole de Waterloo operates an orthopedic equipment lending service. You can borrow a wheelchair, crutches, a walker, or other type of equipment, in exchange for a cash deposit that will be returned to you. This lending service is for residents of Waterloo, Warden, Shefford and Saint-Joachim de Shefford. For information, talk to Chantal Rioux, who is responsible for orthopedic equipment loans, at (450) 539-2395. We are located at 107 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, Québec. Our hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone: (450) 539-2395. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook/CABWATERLOO page 10 Your Fire Department, is joining with the Ministère de la sécurité publique, to invite you to take part in The Great Escape. Find out more by contacting your municipality. 3 minutes To this end, check your smoke detectors, prepare your evacuation plan and practice it. If you know how and where to evacuate, you have every chance of escaping in time. - That’s how long it can take for smoke to asphyxiate you. - Are you prepared to evacute in under 3 minutes ? Be ready! Your local firemen will fan out on the streets of your neighborhood with fire trucks, sirens and flashing lights to remind you that it’s time to practice your evacuation plan with your family. http://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/securite-incendie/ prevenir-incendie/semaine-prevention-incendies/grandeevacuation.html The Great Escape: Step-By-Step 1. Make a home evacuation plan with your family. To prepare your evacuation plan use the pamphlet Préparer un plan d’évacuation, c’est rassurant! 2. Choose an evacuation exercise scenario and explain it to the family. For inspiration, look at the different scenarios described in the pamphlet. 3. Check all your smoke detectors before the exercise. If they are connected to an alarm company server, let the company know your plans and follow their instructions. 4. On Great Escape Day: When you see the fire truck coming along your street, set off the smoke detector closest to where your imaginary fire starts. The clock starts running as soon as the alarm sounds. 5. Start evacuating according to your evacuation plan and your chosen scenario. 6. To make it more real, crawl on the floor as if there was smoke, or cover your mouth with a wet cloth, hugging the walls, until you get to the exit. 7. Rendezvous at the rally point identified in your plan. WARNING! Be careful. Avoid crossing the street. 8. Share your experience with your family. Talk about it with your neighbours as well, and even with your local emergency services team. page 11 The Fire Department Is RECRUITING by André Cadorette, Fire Chief We are updating our bank of candidates in order to fill vacant positions in the Fire Department. If you have time to give and would like to get involved in your community, either as a firefighter or first responder, we would like to meet you. We invite you to express your interest by sending your resume to the address below, or simply stop in to meet us at the fire station to learn more about what the job involves. Email me at: cadorette.andre@ cantonshefford.qc.ca Your newsletter is published by the Municipalité du Canton de Shefford Important Phone Numbers Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) Town Hall André Pontbriand, Mayor . . . . Administration Sylvie Gougeon, General Manager/ . Secretary-Treasurer Sharon Forand, Assistant Treasurer . Francine Larose, Office Clerk, Administration Jackie Lavigne, Secretary-Receptionist . Nancy Meese, Executive Secretary Events and Recreation Lyn Ouellet, Coordinator . . Fire Department André Cadorette, Fire Chief . . Luc Couture, Fire Prevention Inspector and Deputy Fire Chief . . Fire Station . . Public Works Chantal Morissette, Manager . . Urban Planning and Environment Éric Salois, Manager . . Marie-Michelle Prévost, Municipal Inspector Manon Chalifoux, Office Clerk . 911 Coordination: Nancy Meese 539-2258 ext. 236 Contributors: Johanne Boisvert, André Cadorette, Luc Couture, Lyn Ouellet, Denise Papineau, André Pontbraint and Éric Salois. Translation: Carol O’Donoughue Photos: Canton de Shefford, Google Image, Ministère des Transports and Denise Papineau ext. 401 Production: Sylvain Audet, MBA ext. 402 ext. 403 450 920-1258 Produced and printed in Shefford on Rolland Environ100 paper ext. 224 ext. 222 ext. 235 ext. 221 ext. 228 ext. 239 manufactured in Québec by Cascades ext. 303 ext. 234 ext. 225 ext. 223 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.cantonshefford.qc.ca RETOURNEZ TOUTE CORRESPONDANCE NE POUVANT ÊTRE LIVRÉE AU CANADA À : Municipalité du Canton de Shefford 245, chemin Picard, Shefford (Québec) J2M 1J2 40 036 953 page 12