Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for your vote of confidence in electing me by acclamation for a second mandate, which starts off my fourth year at your service.

Substantial projects have been realized over the last three years throughout our beautiful municipality of Alfred and Plantagenet, notwithstanding major projects currently under way which are proof of good planning and sound resource management.

For a properly balanced residential, commercial and agricultural development and continuing to respect our environment, we aim for the provision and expansion of efficient water and sewer services. The infrastructure installation for water supply service to the Village of St. Isidore in the Nation municipality continues and should be completed in 2008. This project will allow for quality drinking water and will facilitate the future expansion of the service to our communities.

Subsequent to numerous funding applications to the federal and provincial governments over the last few years, we have been allocated a $1.3M grant from the Public Infrastructure Ministry to improve the Wendover water distribution system. A $67,000. grant and a $1.1M loan at a preferential rate have also been awarded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to cover the costs to complete this project.

Our economic development is healthy and in full growth. Congratulations to our local contractors and business owners for their residential and commercial accomplishments. New housing projects are being developed in both the eastern and western parts of our municipality.

In an effort to preserve and improve our environment, we are continually striving for good management and initiatives. Recycling has almost doubled in the last year, thanks to you. We encourage your constant cooperation in order that we may continue to be efficient in this on-going commitment to divert waste, through reuse and recycling.

Throughout the year, new projects will be introduced and current initiatives will be completed. In an effort to encourage non-motorized sports, improvements continue to be made to the United Counties of Prescott & Russell’s recreational trail which crosses our municipality. As a result of the study and public survey, as well as ongoing discussions between concerned municipalities, the public transit system from Hawkesbury may be modified.

Over the summer, the Jessup Falls bridge on County Road 17 will be refurbished, at a cost of approximately $1.7M. The responsibility and financing of the renovation of the bridge, located in our municipality, lies with the United Counties; its renovation will improve the scenic route for the thousands of visitors travelling through our midst.

The Township of Alfred and Plantagenet municipal Council and the team of administrative personnel and departments who are continually striving to offer the best services to its population, both existent and future, take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence and collaboration.

Jean-Yves Lalonde