FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK:

Already seven years as Mayor and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It goes without saying that this satisfaction stems from the full cooperation of a dynamic and conscientious team of Council members who have the communities’ welfare at heart.

With the arrival of a Director General / Clerk, Mr. Marc Daigneault, the municipality benefits of an experienced urban and rural planner. Henceforth, Mrs Diane Thauvette, will occupy the position of Treasurer, ensuring an efficient and transparent financial path.

As I indicated upon my arrival in 2003, our large and beautiful Township is filled with challenges. Many of these challenges have been overcome and headway looms over the horizon for the remaining ones. This is a region where it is important to harmonize our infrastructure and environment, keeping in mind the potential for economic development and residential growth. In 2008, through the Investing in Ontario Act, 2008, the Ministry of Transport allocated a grant of $683,938. for partial construction of Principale street, "du Centre Street" and "du Quai Avenue " in Wendover, as well as for Lake George Road and Montée Ouellette. A portion of these funds, being $240,000., allowed an extension to the construction on Principale Street in Wendover. The remaining monies, totalling approximately $433,035. will be applied to the 2009 road and/or bridge infrastructure projects.

Our seven communities and rural regions consist of a population of approximately ten thousand. It is with pride that we invite visitors to our historical, but at the same time, modern villages, our fertile and prosperous land, and a progressively maintained road system.

Our region is envied for its quiet retreats, where individual or family gatherings can be enjoyed. The fishing enthusiast has his pick of the Ottawa and Nation rivers as well as the Jessup Falls Park area. The municipality provides cultural and recreational activities through its libraries and recreation centres.

I urge you to help us keep your municipality neat and thank those residents who proudly maintain their property in an attractive and inviting way. Our recycling program is always on the rise. Let us continue to take every necessary means to preserve our environment and that of our children, tomorrow’s adults. Keep in mind that it is our legacy that we prepare today.

I encourage you to read last year’s financial report and this year’s budget found in this bulletin. Conclusion being, there is much work and services to be rendered with the existing municipal possibilities. We remain confident in keeping and improving existing services and are aiming towards good planning for the months and years to come.

On behalf of the whole municipal team, my sincere gratitude for your confidence and cooperation.

Jean-Yves Lalonde