MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR: Municipalité d Alfred Plantagenet

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK:

Already year five into my term of office, and every day, in my role of mayor, I think about what can be done to improve our beautiful municipality, to make it welcoming and a great place to live in. My availability for you is my priority and demands a continuous presence on the municipality’s roads and at the town hall.

After ten years of fusion, the municipality of Alfred and Plantagenet starts the year 2008 with accomplishments. The amalgamation of two villages and two townships was certainly not an easy achievement. It was certainly difficult not to be drawn into discussions regarding our own living environment rather than considering ideas for municipal planning and future development. All my gratitude to the people in office at the time and employees for the work which I am certain was difficult to achieve.

The achievements this year are based on good thoughts and a serious analysis of future needs of our municipality. Projects from previous years are in progress and new ones are under development. The water distribution system towards St-Isidore through Lefaivre will bring great changes to water treatment for the Plantagenet community. This network should be completed by the end of June of this year. This is a good example of partnership between the neighbouring municipality of the Nation and us. The improvement of the water distribution system in Wendover should be finished, as anticipated, for the fall of 2008. This project will allow a better performance of the system and improved service to the actual residents while providing possibilities for future developments. The arrival of natural gas in the communities of Alfred, Plantagenet and Wendover will provide additional energy choices to residents and businesses of these sectors.

The concerted work between mayors of the Prescott-Russell municipalities and our Member of Provincial Parliament, Jean-Marc Lalonde, enabled us to receive a sum of almost $700,000.00 for our infrastructures. This amount, added to our annual budget for road paving provides for an unprecedented budget of more thatn $1.1 million. We hope this financial assistance becomes an annual commitment from the government.

Economic development in the region is healthy. Residential and business projects are growing, from east to west. Our contractors and tradesmen are congratulated for their confidence in the municipality and assured of our full collaboration.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some projects and achievements in each of our communities. The village of Alfred experienced the filming of La Petite Séduction; the event was a huge success, thanks to the numerous volunteers and the participation of the residents. With the collaboration of the Alfred Optimist Club, the exterior swimming pool at Larocque Park adds a special touch to recreation and to the participants of the annual country festival. Curran’s main street will be improved thanks

to the collaboration of the United Counties. Lefaivre and the area profit from a renovated community hall which will meet the needs for growing events, as well as constant improvements to the marina. Pendleton and its agricultural area are a great example of rural economy in constant evolution. An expansion to the village of Plantagenet library and adjacent community hall will help meet present and future needs. Road 21, Treadwell’s access road from the west, will be resurfaced and the entrance road and parking to the dock and boating ramp will be improved. Principale Street in Wendover will be completely refurbished once digging works are finalized. With the collaboration of the Wendover Optimist Club, a shelter has been installed at the recreation centre for skating rink users.

The municipality pursues its efforts by encouraging recycling, and continues its implication towards the provision of public transport and high-speed internet communication in the rural areas. Progress in these areas allows us to preserve and improve our environment.

A recent study by specialized consultants has provided a better vision of our current and future administrative assets. Based on a comparison with similar-sized municipalities, results show that the actual number of employees and their respective job descriptions are good and that services need to grow simultaneously with the municipality. The actual space at the town hall is far from sufficient to respond to actual and future employee needs. In order to offer better municipal services, it is necessary to expand the actual space and provide comfortable work space for employees. A municipality’s strength is in its reception to the public and the efficiency of its employees.

The municipality of Alfred and Plantagenet’s main goal is to offer the best services to the population. The members of Council, administrative personnel and the various departments wish to thank you for your cooperation.

Jean-Yves Lalonde