"Summary Report": Clarence-Rockland Municipal Council Meeting (24/03/2021)

In this new show by TVC22 journalist Thomas Stockting gives you a short round-up of the local Council Meeting.

In this week's meeting:

New volunteer firefighters

Following a written and physical test, the City of Clarence-Rockland announced that there will be 9 new additions to the local fire department. 

To find out a little more about the process so far, as well as what would inspire someone to answer the call of duty, giving up their spare time at great potential risk, TVC22 reporter Bruce de la Cruz spoke with Patrick Labreche... 

Rent relief for non-for-profits

As we know, the pandemic has lead to serious financial difficulties across the board, but this week the local Council took some steps to try and help.

All councilors voted in favor to reimburse non-for-profit organizations that haven't had the opportunity to use the buildings they have been paying for due to the pandemic.

This move came following letter's written into Council by the Optimist Club and the Rockland united Soccer Club and Councilor Don Bouchard praised the move.

These organizations will be credited back to April 2020 and will not have to make any further payments until activities resume again.

Changes to the "Performance Deposit Reimbursement Criteria"

There were also some modifications made to the performance deposit reimbursement criteria for building permits issues during the pandemic. We spoke to the Director of Infrastructure and Planning and the City of Clarence-Rockland, Mr. Julian Lenhart, to find out a little more.

Multiuse pathway update

Earlier in the meeting a motion was proposed by Councillor Mario Zanth, and seconded by Councilor Grimard, to help improve safety for pedestraian crossings along Highway 17.

4 upgrades were proposed, at Cumberland St., Manoir Rockland Entrance, Edwards St. & Caron St.

The changes would need to be implmented by the United Counties of Prescott-Russell and Mayor Guy Desjardins said he had received complaints about those sections himself and will be bringing it up during the United Counties meeting.

If approved, the new crossing lights would turn green for pedestrains before the lights for vehciles turn green, a system know as Leading Pedestrian Intervals.

SNC Community Tree Planting

At the start of the meeting the council spoke about the South Nation Conservation Tree planting program, which has been a raging success in the region in the past.

We spoke to Taylor Campbell from SNC to find out a little more about what is set to be a record breaking year...

Buy Local Campaign

The buy local Campaign received another boost last week as the council approved a further $4000 to be allocated to the Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce.

The #CRLocal launched in October last year and, alongside a multiplatform advertising campaign the initiative was set up to help small "mom and pop" shops in the region...

& upcoming changes to the way we vote?

And, casting our minds towards the future, the council discussed the proposed changes to the voting system for next year's municipal election.

Although the province, much like the rest of the world, continues to move everything online, there was support for alternative voting methods by the Council members.

Madame Ouelette, of the City of Clarence-Rockland did reassure the councilors and the residents that, even if all votes were moved electronically there will still be in person voting booths where help will be provided.

This show is a summary of the meeting and, not make sure you don't miss anything that was said you can find the links to the live broadcasts & agenda below.

Part 1: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=500014390993312&ref=watch_permalink

Part 2: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=352364296090141&ref=watch_permalink

Part 3: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=442934470345334&ref=watch_permalink

Agenda can be found here