NON a une debarcadere sur ile Canard Blanc?

NON a une debarcadere sur ile Canard Blanc

Domaine Dynastie & Camping Canard Blanc: Quais Illegal?

Les deux (2) quais de Camping Domaine Canard Blanc & les deux (2) quais de Domaine Dynastie, sont-ils illegal selon le Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs?
OUI!!!

Les 2 quais de Domaine Dynastie (Camping HP Servant)

Le quai de Camping Domaine Canard Blanc

Camping Domaine Canard Blanc & Domaine Dynastie

Les Québécois conscientisés par l'environnement

Les Québécois conscientisés par l'environnement
Karim Benessaieh
le 21 novembre 2009
La Presse

La crise actuelle est due au gaspillage abusif. Les entreprises qui violent les lois environnementales devraient être sévèrement punies. Le développement durable est bon pour la qualité de vie.

Ces affirmations, qui auraient été considérées comme dignes de farouches militants écolos il y a à peine deux décennies, sont aujourd'hui reprises par une majorité écrasante de Canadiens, et par encore plus de Québécois. C'est une des constatations les plus étonnantes d'un sondage Mustel Group commandé par la Fondation David Suzuki, publié aujourd'hui en exclusivité par La Presse et le Globe and Mail.

Mené auprès de 4368 Canadiens, dont 1028 Québécois, ce sondage comprend une cinquantaine de questions permettant d'évaluer leur sensibilité à l'égard de l'environnement. Premier constat : celle-ci ne s'est pas émoussée malgré le ralentissement économique.

«Certains constats m'ont littéralement jeté en bas de ma chaise, résume Karel Maynard, directeur général de la Fondation David Suzuki pour le Québec. Au total, 76% des Canadiens et des Québécois disent que la situation économique actuelle est le résultat d'une consommation et d'un gaspillage abusifs. J'ai été vraiment surpris par ça, je n'aurais pas pensé que les gens feraient autant ce lien.» PLUS >>>

Camping Canard Blanc: Destruction & Pollution?!

Camping Canard Blanc: Gravel road to gravel pit crosses smaller stream. Erosion anyone!

Camping Canard Blanc: Gravel road to gravel pit crosses smaller stream. More erosion!

Camping Canard Blanc: Sand/gravel pit excavation above chemin Tour-de-Lac. Permits?

Camping Canard Blanc: Sand/gravel pit excavation within 2 meters of stream

Camping Canard Blanc: filthy water directed to stream. Sweet!

Camping Canard Blanc: Sand pit within feet of main stream. Ever heard of the 10m rule?

Camping Canard Blanc: trees cut

Camping Canard Blanc: Adding camping sites on the lake side of chemin Tour-de-lac along the droit access.

Paradis du Campeur: Excavations forever &/or Dangerous?

Forever & infinite: When does the Destruction Stop?

Paradis du Campeur: excavations always - mountain side of chemin Tour-du-Lac

Paradis du Campeur: excavations always - Another machine lake side of chemin Tour-du-Lac.

Walls make for Dangerous Driving?

Paradis du Campeur: wall build away from chemin Tour-de-lac; a small green buffer!

Paradis du Campeur: another wall, this one built into gully (on municipal land?) along chemin Tour-de-lac; no buffer!
What are the legal implications in a worse case scenario?

Milieu Humid "Azarie" Threatened?

Who is accumulating stones next to a milieu humid & stream?

Who is accumulating stones next to a milieu humid & stream?

Do we not need to protect milieu humid & streams into lac Simon?

The stream, baie & Lac Barriere; and the clearing of land last yr?

Milieu humid & stream being destroyed?

Milieu humid & stream being destroyed?

Québec interdira l'enfouissement du papier, puis des déchets de table

Québec interdira l'enfouissement du papier, puis des déchets de table
Francois Cardinal
le 16 novembre 2009
La Presse

Visiblement peu fier de voir le Québec trôner parmi les plus grands producteurs de déchets au monde, le gouvernement Charest entend interdire l'enfouissement du papier et du carton d'ici à 2013, puis celui des matières organiques d'ici à 2020.

La ministre de l'Environnement, Line Beauchamp, a dévoilé lundi la toute nouvelle politique québécoise de gestion des matières résiduelles. Plutôt que d'avoir une date d'échéance comme les précédentes, elle est maintenant accompagnée d'un plan d'action quinquennal (2010-2015). PLUS >>>

Québec s'attaque aux déchets organiques
Louis Gilles Francoeur
17 novembre 2009
Le Devoir

Québec, qui a encore autorisé récemment des agrandissements de sites d'enfouissement, entend déposer l'an prochain une stratégie visant à y «bannir» d'ici 2020 toute forme d'enfouissement de matières organiques putrescibles, qu'elles proviennent de votre table, des hôpitaux, des cafétérias de cégep, des restaurants, des commerces ou de l'industrie alimentaire.

La nouvelle politique, dévoilée hier à Candiac par Line Beauchamp, ministre du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs, commence par bannir «au plus tard en 2013» l'enfouissement du papier et du carton. PLUS >>>

Quebec moves to rid dumps of food, glass, leaves
New waste-management plan; People could face fines for putting recyclables in their garbage bags
Monique Beaudin
November 17, 2009
Montreal Gazette

MONTREAL – Environment Minister Line Beauchamp wants to put Quebecers on a garbage diet.

To do it, she wants to prohibit "green" waste from landfills and give municipalities money to build compost-treatment centres around the province.

People who don't separate their trash properly could have their garbage checked by inspectors, and be fined for putting recyclables like glass and paper in their garbage bags. MORE >>>

Camping Canard Blanc & Domaine Dynastie

Camping Domaine Dynastie (Camping HP Servant): trees are being cut

Camping Domaine Dynastie: trees are being cut

Camping Domaine Dynastie: trees are being cut

Camping Domaine Dynastie (formally Camping Hp Servant)
***************

Camping Domaine Canard Blanc: one of three (3) drainage pipes empting into Tour-du-lac gully

Camping Domaine Canard Blanc: two of three (3) drainage pipes empting into Tour-de-lac gully

Camping Domaine Canard Blanc: trees being cut; walls being erected

Camping Domaine Canard Blanc

Le Fer de Cheval Boat Ramp in Baie L'ours Reinforced?

Pourquoi le Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs ont donner des permits pour une debarcadere pour Le Fer de Cheval dans Baie L'ours?

NON au debarcadere au
'Le Fer de Cheval', Baie L'ours

See October 24, 2007 post for my initial warning/complaint on the shoreline destruction in Baie l'ours!
NON au debarcadere!

Guard Rail Removed along Rang 4 Sud!

A resident removes a portion of the municipal guardrail to access a dock they place on municipal property!
What are the legal implications in a worse case scenario?

Zebra Mussels Invading Great Lakes!

Zebra Mussels (and Lots of Other Species) Invading Great Lakes and No One Can Decide What to Do About It: TreeHugger

Municipal Composting Program?

Ottawa's "Green Bin" Municipal Composting Program is About to Take Off: TreeHugger

Composting Already a Success in San Francisco: TreeHugger

Should fireworks be banned?

Should fireworks be banned?
Millions of people are planning to attend fireworks displays celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. But given the environmental damage they cause, should fireworks be banned by the government?
Harriet Alexander
05 Nov 2009
Telegraph

Fireworks produce brilliant coloured displays, but they also create a shower of toxic chemicals.

Aluminium produces the bright white colours, while antimony sulphide produces the glittering shimmers. The bright blues are created by copper compounds, while the green colours are produced by barium nitrate. The red colours are manufactured using strontium.

Scientists have linked a number of these with health disorders.

When people living near Disneyland – famed for its nightly fireworks spectaculars – begun complaining about breathing problems, scientists in New Mexico found a way of replacing the chemical accelerants with compressed air. But this is too expensive to be commercially viable.

Opponents claim the displays also cause considerable disruption to wildlife and household pets.

In addition to the environmental problems, the health and safety risks – or at least the bureaucracy associated with them – have caused many organisers to cancel their traditional celebrations. MORE >>>

Election09: Vote for Change!

Election 2009 (Sunday November 1): A clean sweep! New maire & 6 new councilors for municipality of Lac Simon. (1) Paul Malouf 549 - 224; (2) Gilles Robillard 501 - 292; (3) Robert Johnson 432 - 369; (4) Louise Houle Richard 468 - 328; (5) Pierre Paquin 515 - 276; (6) Richard Crete 490 - 219 - 84; and for maire Denis Papin 531 - 270.

Note: We will be sworn in on Friday November 6. That same day we will review the various portfolios with the dg & assistant dg. On Monday November 9 we will have our 1st council meeting; Hope to see many a Simonets there!

UPDATE (Saturday October 31): Correspondence: 26 more votes cast (received as of Friday night). Total correspondence: 15 + 96 + 20 (refused: 6 votes) = 131 . Total votes: 450

Note: It would have been 467 as of Saturday, but for the 17 refused.

UPDATE (Wednesday October 28): Correspondence: 96 more votes cast (received as of Wednesday night). Total correspondence: 15 + 96 (refused: 11 votes) = 111. Total votes cast: 430

Note: It would have been 441 as of Wednesday night, but for the 11 refused. Why? Because some Ontario citizens used driving licenses without photo. Should have been a Canadian passport!

UPDATE (Sunday October 25): advance poll: 319 votes cast. Correspondence: 15 votes cast (received as of last Friday). Remember: The electoral list has grow from around 800 (2005) to around 1200 (2007) to around 1500 (2009). Participation records will be broken! Get out & vote!!!

********
Municipal elections ~ Lac Simon
Advance poll: Sunday October 25, 2009 12:00 – 20:00
Poll: Sunday November 1, 2009 10:00 – 20:00

These past four years we Simonets have witnessed an administration that has made far too many poor decisions. Fortunately, we Simonets have helped save our lake and our community several times. The current administration has unanimously:

• Voted for the 2007 merger referendum. The population voted 76.6% against!
• Raised taxes by approximately 40% during their 4-yr mandate. The maire has publicly stated that he wants to raise taxes even more during the next mandate!
• Increased spending from $1,911,246.00 in 2007 to $2,822,451.00 in 2008. By increasing spending by $911,205 in 1 year, the council created a huge deficit and nearly erased our accumulated surplus!
• Cancelled in 2008 the issuance at council meetings of the monthly cheques being issued by our government. What are they hiding?
• Cancelled in 2008 the first of two question periods at council meetings. Why are they afraid of our questions?
• Approved roads & projects in 2 sensitive areas without plans. The environmental degradation of sensitive areas like Ile Canard Blanc & Baie L'ours must be stopped!
• Allocated less funds in 2009 to protect the environment than in 2006. The council even refused a $57,000 grant in 2008 from the MRC Papineau!
• Voted for the construction of a $2.0 million new town hall and a $500,000 caserne expansion in spring 2009. The citizens registered 436 signatures against, double the required 216 on an early spring day June 2!
  

We Simonets have stood together and have pushed back several times. The journey has been long. Clearly, this comedy of errors must end!

I, like many of the people I have spoken with these past 3 years, love this lake. We need a government that has that same passion ~ our passion! My promise is to provide: integrity, honesty, transparency, sound judgement, and of course damn good government.

It is time for change!

The objectives are clear. We must:

• protect our lake & respect our environment & ecology;
• create a superior quality of life for our community;
• have more efficient operations;
  
• have solid financial discipline; and
• institute proper planning & sound objectives.
  

To achieve these goals, I have joined L’equipe Papin. For maire: Denis Papin. For counselor: Paul Malouf, Gilles Robillard, Robert Johnson, Louise Houle Richard, Richard Crete and Pierre Paquin. All seven have homes on the lake!

A final thought: I propose that although the arc of our journey towards better stewardship of Lac-Simon has seemed long & somewhat tumultuous these past 3 years, it will bend slightly more (an understatement) towards our destination, if on November 1 we, as a community, act in unison and elect me, Paul Malouf (you're independent editor/activist) and the entire Equipe Papin. Then instead of constantly reacting to horribly poor management we can act and build that healthy & happy community in harmony with nature we so richly deserve.

The moment is now for we Simonets to create that change. We need Change! We need a clear majority! We must exercise our rights as citizens: vote on October 25 and November 1!

*******

lacsimon.blogspot exists because this fragile Lake deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action.

Election09: Attentes face aux Élus Municipaux - APLS

ÉLECTIONS 2009- ATTENTES FACE AUX ÉLUS MUNICIPAUX

NOTE: Lac Simon Property-Owners’ Association Municipal Elections 2009 - LSPA Priorities is available in English on their site.

Vision du développement global du lac

• Réaliser une étude de capacité de support du développement résidentiel et touristique du lac Simon
• Planifier rapidement des règlements concordants avec les résultats de l’étude pour encadrer le développement touristique et résidentiel de deuxième et troisième ligne (En cours à Duhamel)
• Se donner les moyens pour développer un tourisme de plein air sur quatre saisons
• Maintenir les frais d’accès au lac pour les non résidents
• Contrôler l’accès au lac des bateaux non-résidents par les propriétés privées ou camping
  

Protection de l’environnement

• Élaborer un plan stratégique à long terme en matière de protection de l’environnement et de la qualité de l’eau du lac
• Maintenir et accélérer le programme d’inspection des fosses septiques
• Établir un programme de suivi de vidange des fosses septiques
• Établir un plan revitalisation des berges
• Établir un plan de gestion des eaux de ruissellement (sédiments) tant pour les infrastructures municipales que pour les propriétés privées
  

Réfection du réseau routier

• Planifier les interventions sur 5 ans
• Allouer les ressources nécessaires pour l’expertise d’un technologue afin de planifier des aspects environnementaux, particulièrement pour les eaux de ruissellement
  

Transparence

• Améliorer la rapidité de la circulation de l’information aux contribuables
• Faire le suivi des dossiers soulevés par les contribuables aux séances du conseil municipal
• Faire connaître l’information et les arguments menant aux propositions déposées aux séances du conseil municipal.
  

Gestion et application des règlements municipaux

• Agir de façon proactive et non seulement après les faits.
• Allocation de ressources financières et humaines pour agir de façon préventive
• Avoir une procédure facilitant le suivi auprès des contrevenants pour perception des amendes et remise en état
  

Amélioration de la sécurité (vitesse, vol, etc.)

• Mettre en place des mesures améliorant la sécurité, 12 mois par année

Planification budgétaire

• Présenter une planification budgétaire pour les 4 prochaines années et établir les priorités
• Présenter les modalités pour atteindre l’équilibre budgétaire sans hausse de taxe excessive
• Allouer un pourcentage suffisant du budget pour atteindre les objectifs reliés à la protection de l’environnement
  

Nous vous invitons à vous informer des programmes des différents candidats et si vous partagez cette vision, vous pourrez appuyer les candidats qui selon vous répondent le mieux à ces attentes.

Les rivières du Canada en «péril» selon WWF

Les rivières du Canada en «péril» selon WWF
Agence France-Presse
La Presse
Montréal

Le réchauffement climatique, l'expansion des zones agricoles, industrielles et urbaines, ainsi que la construction de barrages hydroélectriques mettent «en péril» les grandes rivières du Canada, a estimé jeudi le Fonds mondial pour la nature (WWF). PLUS >>>

Election09: Nos Besoins ~ Planification

What the Municipalité de Lac-Simon needs NOW!

In regard to "strategic town planning & objectives", the Municipalité de Lac-Simon needs:

1. Formulate an Overall Development & Capacity Plan PAE;
2. Establish an independent Consultative committee on Town Planning CCU;
   
3. Formulate an Environmental Master Plan (areas to protect & green themes);
4. Beef-up the municipal policy for Regulation of Construction; and
   
5. Establish a basic Architectural Integration Plan PIIA (plage-marie-marina-manoir district)

...stay tuned for more ideas!

Paul Malouf :)

lacsimon.blogspot exists because this fragile Lake deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action.

Election09: Nos Besoins ~ Environment

What the Municipalité de Lac-Simon needs NOW!

In regard to Ecosystems, the Municipalité de Lac-Simon needs:

1. The Lac Simon Ecosystem should be maintained and as necessary restored or enhanced to support self-reproducing diverse biological communities.
2. The presence of contaminants shall not limit the uses of fish, wildlife, and waters of the Lac Simon basin by humans and shall not cause adverse health effects in plants and animals.
3. We as a society shall recognize our capacity to cause great changes in the ecosystem and we shall conduct our activities with responsible stewardship for the Lac Simon basin.
   

Objectives

• Aquatic Communities: the waters of Lac Simon shall support diverse and healthy reproducing and self-sustaining communities in dynamic equilibrium, with an emphasis on native species.
• Wildlife: the perpetuation of a healthy, diverse, and self-sustaining wildlife community that utilizes the lake for habitat and/or food shall be ensured by attaining and sustaining the waters, coastal wetlands, and upland habitats.
• Human Health: the waters, plants, and animals of Lac Simon shall be free from contaminants and organisms resulting from human activities at levels that affect human health or aesthetic factors.
• Habitat: Lac Simon waters and surrounding tributary, wetland, and upland habitats shall be of sufficient quality and quantity to support ecosystem objectives for the health, productivity, and distribution of plants and animals in and adjacent to Lac Simon.
• Stewardship: Human activities and decisions shall embrace environ-mental ethics and a commitment to responsible stewardship.

...stay tuned for more ideas!

Paul Malouf :)

lacsimon.blogspot exists because this fragile Lake deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action.

Election09: Candidat à la mairie de Lac-Simon, Denis Papin

Quatre priorités pour le candidat à la mairie de Lac-Simon, Denis Papin
Jessy Laflamme
le 18 septembre 2009
La Petite Nation

Les réparations de routes, l’environnement, le contrôle du bruit et la création d’activités sont les quatre priorités du candidat à la mairie de Lac-Simon, Denis Papin.
«Mon but principal est d’investir dans nos chemins. Certains contribuables possèdent des maisons de 500 000 $ et paient des milliers en taxes municipales, mais ne peuvent profiter de belles routes, c’est illogique», affirme-t-il.

Côté environnement, M. Papin désire vider les fosses septiques des résidents tous les deux ans. «Une année, on viderait le côté est du lac et l’année suivante, le côté ouest. De cette façon, on assurerait un suivi adéquat», souligne-t-il. Il désire également protéger les berges des lacs et effectuer du contrôle sur la coupe des arbres.

Il désire aussi appliquer des règlements sur le bruit. «Présentement, on ne remarque pas le lac Simon par sa beauté, mais par des sons d’enfer que produisent certains engins avec de bruyants pots d’échappement», mentionne-t-il. Pour régler ce problème, M. Papin désire organiser une consultation publique en 2010. PLUS >>>

*************

Serge Thivierge se représente à Lac-Simon
Jessy Laflamme
le 5 septembre 2009
La Petite Nation

Le maire de Lac-Simon, Serge Thivierge, sollicite un deuxième mandat.

«J’aime beaucoup m’impliquer dans ma communauté, c’est pourquoi je désire continuer à représenter les citoyens», affirme M. Thivierge.

Le maire habite dans la Petite-Nation depuis 20 ans. Il a travaillé pour le Canadian National pendant 20 ans comme gérant de projet. Il siège au conseil municipal depuis 18 ans. «J’habitais auparavant à Saint-Bruno, puis j’ai éprouvé le désir de changer d’air. J’ai opté pour Lac-Simon à cause de sa beauté.»

Parmi les réalisations des quatre dernières années de M. Thivierge et du conseil municipal, on retrouve beaucoup d’ententes. «Nous avons renouvelé le contrat de service sur la sécurité incendie avec Chénéville, nous avons élaboré une entente avec Chénéville, Duhamel et Montpellier pour l’établissement d’un bureau d’accueil touristique, nous avons aussi convenu une entente avec Chénéville pour le projet de relocalisation et l’agrandissement de la bibliothèque et nous avons élaboré une entente avec le CREDETAO pour la création d’un jardin de plante aromatique et médicinale, sans oublier l’entente avec Chénéville et Duhamel pour l’instauration de la cueillette des ordures à la suite de la fermeture du dépotoir», énumère M. Thivierge. PLUS >>>

Election09: 'Rottenest city on the continent'

...Et la municipalité de Lac-Simon?

'Rottenest city on the continent' Pattern of history suggests municipal election will be fought under the taint of corruption
September 18, 2009
By Linda Gyulai
The Montreal Gazette

You could say the ethics and "time for a cleanup" theme already evident in the Montreal municipal election campaign, which officially debuts today, was ordained by history.

Every 30 years or so, for more than a century, a tale of corruption has prompted an official probe. The probe, in turn, has led to a report damning the municipal administration. The report then spawns calls for a broom to sweep out city hall.

It happened after the conclusions of the provincial inquiry into the 1976 Olympic Games cost overruns were made public in 1980, and it happened with the release of corruption probe results in 1954, 1925 and 1905.

"Montreal is the rottenest city on the continent," Justice Henri Taschereau wrote in a 1905 report to city council that attacked the Montreal police force's tolerance of vice, according to William Weintraub's 1996 book, City Unique: Montreal Days and Nights in the 1940s and '50s.

So forget the controversies that have rocked Mayor Gérald Tremblay's administration over the last year. Forget that the Sûreté du Québec arrested a former civil servant and a contractor two weeks ago for defrauding the city and is running four other investigations into municipal boondoggles and conflict of interest allegations.

And never mind that Montreal's auditor-general is to release a report Monday that is widely expected to attack the city's $355.8-million water-management contract just as strongly as an auditor's report in April criticized a slew of municipal real-estate transactions that are the subject of one of the SQ investigations.

The pattern of history indicates this election's theme was generations in the making.

The Olympic Games inquiry, headed by Justice Albert Malouf, placed most of the blame for the $1-billion deficit on Mayor Jean Drapeau. It also led to the filing of corruption charges against the No. 2 person at city hall, Gérard Niding, who was chairman of Montreal's executive committee. MORE >>>

More Ugly Monday Morning Pollution?

How clean is you're water?

Another Project w/out Permits?

A 1500-foot road (along chemin Tour de Lac) was built in July, apparently without any municipal permit (permit no; knowledge yes). Several citizen reports have stated that the waters of Lac Simon, where the local streams empty into the lake, were murky.

Again, several citizens asked questions at the municipal office & at town council; but few answers were forthcoming. Was the maire & council aware? Was the project officially approved? Or was the project simply given a verbal go-ahead without permits? Denials all around.

Verdict: undemocratic, ecological stupidity & managerial incompetency.
Looking up from chemin Tour de Lac.

Looking down the new 'road', about a 1/3 of the way up.

Looking down the new 'road', about a 2/3 of the way up.

Lots of mud.

Erabliere Lac Simon Parking! ...& Expanded Operation?

The Erabliere Lac Simon has expanded its parking lot!
Does the Erabliere want to expand its operation as well?
Why is there no culvert under the access road?

The gravel was bulldozed right to the stream; the very stream that nourishes the maple streams.
One can see the blue piping for the maple syrup in the background.

The stream, with lots of cut branches; looking down towards the parking expansion & chemin Tour de Lac

Lac Barriere Soap Glaciers?

"At 8 am Saturday, August 8th, these pictures were taken in front of our cottage on Lac Barriere. The white stuff which is floating looks like an iceberg in the lake; it is not ice but dirty soap. I was quite astonished at the size of the one large piece of this soap-like iceberg but also of the other smaller pieces. Someone or something has been dumped or washed into the lake illegally and this is unacceptable.

I thought I would forward these pictures along in case you want to bring this to the attention of anyone who would care to listen or perhaps post them on your blog. I know that my Mom had reported this sighting once last year and the inspector had come to take a sample of some soap which landed on our beach but nothing was ever reported back.

Thanks for your attention to this and kind regards." ~B

Highlights From The Auditor Report

My predictions were off ...I under estimated the municipality's incompetence!

Basically, the operating loss was not $300,000 (blog prediction - see links below) in 2008; it was more like, at least $500,000! In private I even mused that the 'loss' could approach $400,000 (including our annual operating surpluses); still I was off...

...$500,000 operating loss in one year, VOW!

And the situation would have been worse if not for the insurance money for the collapsed warehouse; over $60,000 used to cover general operating expenses!

...Over $560,000 operating loss in one year, double VOW!

Funny thing is, the accumulated surplus at December 31, 2007 was $383,185. With 2 more operating surpluses in 2008 & 2009 we could have approached $600,000. If we had earmarked that amount in a special fund (provincial law), accumulated another surplus in 2010, we could have built our new town hall with little or no debt in, say 2011 or 2012. But I digress...

Finally, some have suggested that I am being too conservative, or rather too kind. Expenses did increase (by about 50%) $911,205.00 in 2008, ($1,911,246.00 to $2,822,451.00);

• My spring prediction had been that our 2008 expenses increased from $1,954,162 ($2,009,820 revenues - $55,658 surplus) to $2,703,000, thus $755,658.

Hence there could be almost $1,000,000 of "loss &/or waste"! ...Municipal incompetence indeed!!!

~ Paul

Spring 2009 predictions...
Financial Review 2008
December 2008 financial letters...
Letter to Ministère de la Sécurité publique
Letter to Affaires municipales et des Régions

****************
$$$ Highlights From The Auditor Report $$$
July 2009

Cash: The December 31, 2008 balance sheet had a cash advance from Caisse Populaire of ($351,978) (decouvert bancaire). On December 31 2007, we started with cash $167,521 (encaisse). This represents a $519,499 negative change in fortunes in 2008.

Cash Flow

• Acquisition immobilisations: increased from $43,423 (2007) to $521,631 (2008).

Expenses: Expenses for 2008 were $2,822,451. They were $1,911,246 in 2007. This represents a $911,205 increase in 2008; while revenues increased only $539,538 from 2,019,434 (2007) to $2558,972 (2008). "Expense" highlights include:

• "general administration" increased by $196,694; from $521,472 (2007) to $718,166 (2008)
• "transport" increased by $572,637; from $427,023 (2007) to $999,660 (2008).
  

Net income: Operating deficit for 2008 was a loss of ($263,479) (deficit de l'exercice) as compared to an 2007 operating surplus of $108,188 (surplus de l'exercise). This represents a $371,667 negative change in fortunes.

Accumulated surplus: Accumulated surplus at December 31 2008 was $135,307. The accumulated surplus at December 31, 2007 was $383,185. This represents a ($247,878) loss.

Conclusion du coroner, 50 ans plus tard

Conclusion du coroner, 50 ans plus tard
le mercredi 8 juillet 2009
Radio Canada

Le bureau du coroner a déposé, mercredi, son rapport sur les circonstances de l'écrasement d'un hydravion dans les eaux du lac Simon il y a plus de 50 ans. L'enquête du coroner, menée à la suite de la découverte des restes de l'appareil en novembre 2007, n'apporte aucun éclairage nouveau sur les causes de l'écrasement. PLUS >>>

Écrasement d'avion: l'identité des victimes confirmée 52 ans plus tard
le mercredi 8 juillet 2009
Ariane Lacoursière
La Presse

Plus de 50 ans après l'accident d'avion qui a coûté la vie à quatre hommes dans la région du Lac Simon, la coroner Catherine Rudel-Tessier confirme aujourd'hui l'identité de trois des victimes.

Le 21 novembre 1957, un petit groupe de chasseurs a quitté le Lac du Diable dans la région de Mont-Tremblant à bord d'un avion de marque Seabee. Philippe Ouimet, Phillipe Hamel, Tony Chiavazza, le pilote Gaétan Deshaies et un chien se trouvaient dans l'appareil qui se rendait au Lac Schryer près de la municipalité de Montpellier.Mais l'avion ne s'est jamais rendu à destination. Alors que les conditions météorologiques étaient médiocres, l'appareil s'est écrasé dans le Lac Simon. Dans les jours qui ont suivi l'écrasement, des recherches n'avaient permis de retrouver que le corps du chien et une pagaie. PLUS >>>

Bad weather likely downed plane over Lac Simon, coroner finds — 52 years after crash
Dave Rogers
July 8, 2009
Ottawa Citizen

The Quebec coroner’s office has identified heavy snow as the main cause of the crash of a Republic RC-3 SeaBee float plane that went down in Lac Simon 75 kilometres northeast of Ottawa on Nov. 21, 1957.

The bodies of pilot Gaetan Deshaies and hunters Philippe Ouimet and Louis-Philippe Hamel were recovered from the lake in May 2008, but the body of a fourth man on the plane, Antonio Chiavazza, has not been found. MORE >>>

Financial Review - Analysis & Prediction

Update June 24: Reports suggest that the auditor will be at the municipality Friday July 3.

The Macro (financial accounting) View

As of December 31, 2007 the municipality of Lac Simon had enjoyed 4 years (2004-2007) of accumulated surpluses: $383,185.

In 2008 the municipality of Lac Simon reversed this trend and acknowledged at year end, an operating deficit of $175,500. The 2008 net deficit was $75,500 because the municipality took $100,0000 from the previous years’ accumulated surpluses. Thus the surplus has been reduced to $283,185.

Why such a large deficit? Not because of falling revenues. Revenues have grown from $1,450,000 (2004), $1,585,651 (2005), $1,692,792 (6.8% increase in 2006), $2,009,820 (10% increase in 2007), $2,388,520 (18.8% increase in 2008).

In 2007 while revenues were $2,009,820 we managed a surplus of $55,658 (despite the referendum expense). In 2008, when revenues increased yet again to $2,388.520 we managed an operating deficit of $175,000.

2008: I argue that the reason for the 2008 historic deficit was a horrific rise in expenses, not a shortfall of revenues. Thus, despite an 18.8% increase in revenue in 2008, the growth in 2008 expenses (estimated at 35%) far outpaced revenues, driving the municipality of Lac Simon into deficit.

Moreover, while revenues increased 18.8% from $2,009,820 (2007) to $2,388,520 (2008), our 2008 expenses increased from $1,954,162 ($2,009,820 revenues - $55,658 surplus) to $2,703,000 (outgoing cheques & expenses given out at monthly council meetings), thus $755,658 in ONE YEAR! Note: there are some provincial transfers to compensate the increase in expenses (perhaps road paving).

Surely the municipal bookkeeper, directeur general and/or maire could have raised the alarm issuing an order to cease unnecessary spending in the second half of 2008. They did not. Clearly, as the numbers reveal, excessive expenses actually increased in the final quarter, even into December.

2009: Gross revenues for 2009 are $2,583,539 (7.4% increase in 2009). However net revenues for 2009 are $2,507,989 = ($2,583,539 - $75,500). I argue not only that the municipality

• wasted up to $300,000.00 in 2008;
  
• carried forward $75,500 net deficit into 2009;
  
• Missed the bibliotheque expense (see point #10 below) in the 2009 budget;

but also suggest that:

• Expenses in 2009 will continue to rise because of useless purchases, leases & ententes and general mismanagement;
• Revenue increases will slow; and as a result
• There is the potential for another operating deficit in 2009.
  

Caisse populaire de la Petite-Nation: As per (380-12-2008) la municipality of Lac Simon has requested that the “marge de credit” at the Caisse populaire de la Petite-Nation be increased to $750,000.00. An increase of $450,000 in one year! Was not the previous credit margin of $300,000.00 renewed last July (197-07-2008)?

Our only hope is that the department of Affaires municipales et des Régions curtail our council's spending before 2009 mirrors 2008.

December 28, 2008 Letters
Letter to Ministère de la Sécurité publique
Letter to Affaires municipales et des Régions

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The Micro (managerial accounting) View

I document (below) some of the most glaring 2008 excessive financial outflows. As of December 2008 the municipality of Lac-Simon stopped including “cheques written” at the monthly council meetings.

What have they got to hide?

Will this systemic pattern of spending continue unabated into 2009? Are contracts, leases, ententes being signed that will bleed hundreds of thousands of dollars from our financial ledgers?

Here are some 2008 examples:

1) Competition Pompier: On July 18, 2008 Municipality of Lac Simon issued a cheque (#1726) for $8,000.00 to Cheneville for Cheneville to hold the “Competition Pompier 2009”. What are the economic benefits to Lac Simon? What percentage of the true costs is divided between Cheneville and Lac Simon?

2) Bureau Touristique: In December 2008, Lac Simon passed a motion (381-12-2008) to form “Corporation de development touristique du nord et de la Petite Nation”. What are the real costs of this new “entente”? In April Lac Simon wrote cheque #1532 that included an amount of $5,251.66 to Cheneville for the bureau touristique. In August another cheque #1858 was written for $6,803.40. The December amount is still unknown to citizens.

3) “Premier repondeur”: As per (55-02-2008 ) in February 2008 and (114-05-2008) in May 2008 “mise en place du project” premier repondeur. Are there not provincial subsidies available? Why did Lac Simon never request any? Moreover, in council, the total costs estimated by the maire was $20,000. In reality the costs were probably over ~$100,000.

Has "premier repondeur" been canceled?

4) Pompiers: In October the municipality bought a camion Freightliner 1996 for $25,715.18. Why?

5) Fraternite des Pompiers: The municipality even approved (32-02-2008) in February an “avance de fonds – vehicule” for the Fraternite des Pompiers for $8,772.50. Has the sum been paid back?

6) Travaux publiques: In February (408-12-2007) the municipality bought a Camion Dodge Ram 2008 for $30,326.45. Why? In December (382-12-2008) Travaux publiques bought a camion GMC C5500 2005 for $55,986.46 at a monthly cost of $1,495.00/mois. Why? Why did the buyer (us) pay a $2,000.00 commission?

7) "Architect" Consultant: As per (65-03-2008) the municipality hired an architect as a consultant in March 2008 for “mandat etude centre administrative” for the proposed town hall. Cheques in 2008 to the architect (#1542, #1779, & #2082) total $19,199.45. The proposed march budget was for $16,000.00. What amounts continue to be paid to the architect in 2009?

8) "Human resource" Consultant: As per (53-02-2008) the municipality hired a human resources consultant under the description “assitance au niveau de l’embauche de personnel administrative”. The first cheque (#933) in December 2007 was for $2,506.90. Cheques in 2008 to the human resources consultant (#1374, #1539, #1796, #1900, #2018) total $6,885.39. What amounts continue to be paid to the human resources consultant in 2009?

Why do we need an organizational chart? Why do we need help hiring staff?

and notwithstanding the fact that these 2 expenses were known at the end of 2007:

9) Two severance packages (2008)
How did municipality plan for the approximately $100,000.00 in severance packages to be paid in 2008? The municipality knew in advance that two long time staff were leaving! The bookkeeper received $33,312.35 (313-11-2008). The director general received a severance package of ~$70,000.00 (including “conges et les vacances” package of 300 hours) (94-04-2008) (126-04-2008) and/or (66-03-2008) after her retirement.

10) Biblioteque de Cheneville (2009)
What about the new proposed biblioteque de Cheneville? As per Le Petite Nation last week, the total budget for the building is $494,856.00. The Quebec provincial government is providing a subsidy of $231,732.00. That leaves the municipalities of Cheneville & Lac Simon with a balance of $263,124.

How is the municipality of Lac Simon going pay for its 50% share of the $263,124? Why is there no mention of this amount in the 2009 budget or no request for debt? Moreover, the sum of $8,000.00 was allocated for “bibliotheque” under “Loisirs et Culture” in the Budget 2009, deposited on December 22, 2008. Does that not seem inadequate?

Regarding the budget forecasts of municipalities, the law provides that the council must prepare and adopt a budget and provide revenues at least equal to the expenditures. However, in light of the “bibliotheque”, I would argue that the municipality has not.

Des projets à réévaluer?

Update June 8: 2 registres defeated ~ 436 signatures (mairie) & 427 signatures (caserne); double the required 217.

Des projets à réévaluer
le lundi 8 juin 2009
Radio Canada

La municipalité de Lac-Simon présentera de nouveaux projets pour la construction d'un hôtel de ville et l'agrandissement de la caserne de pompier et du garage municipal.

Les résidents ont signé en grand nombre, samedi, un registre pour s'opposer aux deux règlements d'emprunt de la Ville pour ces projets, totalisant 2,5 millions de dollars. PLUS >>>

Un nouvel hôtel de ville pour Lac-Simon?

Update June 7: 2 registres defeated ~ 436 signatures (mairie) & 427 signatures (caserne); double the required 217.

2 registres: Le 6 juin 9h00-19h00
au Mairie / at the Town Hall
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Les citoyens de Lac-Simon pourront se prononcer
Le jeudi 28 mai 2009
Radio Canada

Les contribuables de la municipalité de Lac-Simon pourront faire valoir leur opposition à deux règlements d'emprunt la semaine prochaine. Le premier projet, de 2 millions de dollars, servira à construire un nouvel hôtel de ville. Le second, de 450 000 $, permettra d'agrandir la caserne d'incendie et le garage municipal.

Il y aura ouverture d'un registre à ce sujet le samedi 6 juin. Si le nombre de signatures recueilli est suffisant, les citoyens se prononceront par voie de référendum sur ces règlements d'emprunt, qui représentent des dépenses importantes pour cette petite municipalité.

Une association de résidents de la municipalité, qui regroupe 300 personnes, veut s'assurer que l'argent soit bien dépensé dans ces projets. « Nous, comme association, ce qu'on veut dans le fond c'est qu'on respecte le processus. Que les gens soient informés », explique Lise Leduc, vice-présidente de l'association de propriétaires. PLUS >>>

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Un nouvel hôtel de ville pour Lac-Simon
Yves Soucy
le 24 avril 2009
Le Droit

La municipalité de Lac-Simon va de l'avant avec son projet d'investissement de 2 millions $ pour la construction d'un nouvel hôtel de ville comprenant une salle multifonctionnelle.

L'hôtel de ville actuel ne répond plus aux besoins et l'édifice ne rencontre pas les normes du bâtiment.

« Nous avons fait faire une étude pour savoir s'il était plus avantageux de rénover l'immeuble actuel ou en construire un nouveau. La différence de coûts entre les deux options n'était que de 100 000 $. Comme c'est toujours plus compliquer de rénover que de construire à neuf même si ça coûte presque le même prix, nous avons donc décidé d'aller de l'avant avec un nouvel hôtel de ville », indique le maire Serge Thivierge. PLUS >>>

Lac-Simon Devra se Trouver un Nouveau D.G.

Jacques Leblond quitte son poste apres 18 mois
Lac-Simon devra se trouver un nouveau d.g.
Le 12 mai
Yves Soucy
Le Droit

La municipalité de Lac-Simon devra se trouver un nouveau directeur général à compter du 19 juin.

En poste depuis janvier 2008, Jacques Leblond a fait savoir aux élus municipaux qu’il poursuivra sa carriere professionelle à la direction généralle de la municipalité de Compton, en Estrie.

M. Leblond tient a précisier que sa decision n’a absolument rien à voir avec les remous que connait l’administration municipale de Lac-Simon depuis quelque temps. (PLUS >>>)