High speed Internet, assistance to local businesses and projects of economic scope

High speed Internet, assistance to local businesses and projects of economic scope

Pontiac MRC warden Jane Toller addressed residents on Tuesday evening in a letter posted on the MRC website. She talks about high-speed Internet access, help offered to local businesses and projects of economic scope in the region, such as the forest industry and the waste recovery project.

Here is the content of her message :

[(« Dear Pontissois and Pontissoises,

Despite the closure of MRC offices due to COVID-19, rest assured that MRC staff are actively working on many important initiatives.

For example, we are currently working on a proposal for high-speed Internet, which is an absolute priority for the revitalization of the MRC of Pontiac and the attractiveness of the territory for future residents and businesses.

Our economic development team works tirelessly with the investment committee and the SADC to ensure the survival of as many local businesses as possible. Any business in need of financial assistance can contact our agents or visit the website MRC requesting emergency funding of up to $ 50,000.

Regarding potential forestry operations, a lot of work has been done on the MRC Fiber Pontiac project and we hope to learn more about its progress this summer. I worked closely with the mayor and council of the municipality of Mansfield-et-Pontefract, as well as with the promoter, Bruno St-Cyr, in the hope of opening Energie Davidson as a cogeneration facility and a white pine sawmill. I am also active in the Outaouais Forestry Crisis Committee and the FQM Forestry Committee, and we are focusing a lot on forestry work for this year.

Another excellent initiative is the proposal for a waste recovery project, in which the MRC of Pontiac is ready to accommodate an installation of energy from waste. In addition, the MRC has been a leader in Outaouais and the Ottawa Valley in promoting such an installation. By allowing us to end the transportation of waste to Lachute, Quebec, this initiative will save the budget one million dollars and create 50 local jobs.

We must consult you as part of Vision 2030, which we will do as soon as we are no longer required to practice social distancing. You will play an essential role in planning our vision for the next 10 years.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we are all thinking of doing things differently in the future. Buying local, supporting our businesses and reducing travel are issues that concern many of us. As far as food is concerned, I recommend everyone who can afford to do a vegetable patch. Many people planted Victory Gardens after WWI and WWII, because planting a garden can be very beneficial for your wallet, your food supply and your mental health!

Be careful, Pontiac together!

Jane »)]