Consult the video of the council meeting.

I note that quorum has been reached and declare the meeting open.

Please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live. While I will provide my opening remarks in English, you are welcome to address me in French or English, and I will respond in the language of your choice. If at any point you would like a response translated, simply raise your hand.

Veuillez noter que cette séance est enregistrée et diffusée en direct. Bien que je fasse mes remarques d’ouverture en anglais, vous êtes invités à vous adresser à moi en français ou en anglais, et je vous répondrai dans la langue de votre choix. Si, à un moment donné, une réponse est donnée dans une langue et que vous souhaitez qu’elle soit traduite, il vous suffira de lever la main et de me le faire savoir.

Before turning to the agenda, I would like to take a few minutes to speak about continuity.

Municipal governance is often perceived through visible moments — elections, resignations, consultations, new committees. The deeper work of a town, however, lies in how it manages those moments without losing direction.

I want to acknowledge the resignation of our District 3 Councillor. His departure comes only a few months after the November 2, 2025 election, where he and three colleagues were acclaimed. Serving is demanding, and public office is ultimately a personal commitment.

Our responsibility now is procedural and institutional. The Cities and Towns Act provides the framework, and we will follow it carefully. The byelection will take place on the first Sunday of May, May 3rd, 2026. Until then, District 3 residents will continue to be represented, and Council’s work continues.

I would also like to speak briefly about participation.

The call for applications to the Economic Development Committee and the Ad Hoc Horticulture and Public Landscape Design Committee generated strong interest. That response matters. It shows that residents are prepared not only to comment on decisions, but to contribute to the work itself.

The Economic Development Committee is intended to provide structured advice as we align merchants, community organizations, events, and regional partnerships within a coherent vitality strategy.

The Horticulture Committee reflects a complementary priority — improving the quality and ecological integrity of our public spaces. Landscape design is not cosmetic; it shapes how a town is experienced. The expertise among applicants is encouraging.

Finally, Sandy Beach.

Last Thursday’s public information meeting marked another step in a process that began last summer with acquisition and financing decisions. We received 560 survey responses, with 57% expressing support for accepting the CMM’s $2 million Trame verte et bleue subsidy.

Beyond the percentage, the written input was substantive. Residents raised questions about autonomy, access, parking capacity, equity between residents and non-residents, and long-term management. Those concerns are legitimate and will inform Council’s deliberation.

Our task is to weigh financial prudence, conservation permanence, and local control within a metropolitan framework. The decision this evening will be grounded in facts and in our Conservation Plan.

Before we proceed, I would simply note that tonight’s agenda includes routine planning decisions, the formal creation of two advisory committees, consideration of the Sandy Beach subsidy resolution, the statutory notice of a District 3 vacancy, and several financial and administrative matters necessary to the Town’s operations. We will address each in turn.

I would also remind residents that Coffee with the Mayor will take place this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Halcro Cottage.

In the coming weeks, Seniors’ Movie Mornings continue tomorrow on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Community Centre, with this month’s feature being The Pelican Brief. Seniors’ Bingo is held every second Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Seniors’ Trip to the Sugar Shack will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sucrerie de la Montagne; space is limited and tickets are $5. Teen Night is scheduled this week, for February 27 at the Community Centre, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for ages 9 to 12, and from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. for ages 12 and over. And on March 21, the annual St. Patrick’s Parade will once again take place along Main Road.

Full details for these and other activities are available on the Town’s website.

Thank you.