Four municipalities to offer “participatory budgets”

Four municipalities to offer “participatory budgets”

At the MRC Pontiac council of mayors meeting on February 19, it was announced that several projects received funding through the FRR component 2, a fund provided by Quebec’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH), including “participatory budgets” in four municipalities: Otter Lake, Campbell’s Bay, Waltham and l’Isle-aux-Allumettes.

Participatory budgets have been used in several municipalities throughout the province and beyond, and involve a municipal body setting aside funding for projects that are initiated and voted on by the general public. Assistant Director General Terry Lafleur explained that each of the 18 municipalities were asked if they wanted to participate, with the MRC matching up to $10,000 contributed per municipality. Three of the four opted for the max amount, while Waltham opted to put up $5,000.

Otter Lake Mayor Jennifer Quaile explained that she thought it was a good way for the general public to offer their input on the municipality’s needs.

L’Isle-aux-Allumettes Mayor Corey Spence said that he hoped the process would bring out some good ideas and spur further participation in municipal affairs.

Both mayors said that they would be issuing a formal call for projects in the near future.