Quebec Saint-Julien reports on mistakes made by mayor

In March 2022, Mayor Richard Desormiers agreed to the full municipal council. Houses were built without permits On the grounds of Camping Domaine La Fierte, which he has owned since 1998. On the same evening, he candidly admitted that he had authorized the felling of trees at the same site without permission.

His confession to the Municipal Integrity Investigations and Prosecutions Branch (DEPIMCommission Municipal du Quebec (CMQ) investigation results revealed that most, if not all, of the buildings in the estate were without permits, in violation of the municipality’s planning regulations.

Evidence shows that tree felling was also done without permission. All these manipulations took place within the meaning of the zoning plan and in the conservation area outside the boundaries of urbanization.

According to CMQ, elected officials knowingly turned a blind eye

The investigation stated that the irregularities of the Camping Domaine La Fierte were well known to the elected municipal officials and the administration from the first works undertaken in the early 2000s. Terms

The trees on this land at Camping Domaine La Fierte have been cut down.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Aude Garachon

We can read in the investigation report that it is impossible to demonstrate or explain why everyone tolerated the situation without asking questions or trying to find out the developments that were taking place. Everyone seemed happy to collect municipal taxes without worrying about compliance.We will read.

More than 160 dwellings were constructed without permits

According to the report, the mayor has authorized the construction of more than 160 residences on his land over time, with assessed rolls varying between $5,600 and $255,000. All these residences are built on the undivided Domaine La Fierte.

In addition, according to the report, the registration on the assessment roll of many residences was not in compliance with the municipal tax law. Actually, a parallel approach Those in charge of the estate will inform the assessors’ firm directly about the construction of the new building so that the character can be modified.

However, as per the procedure in force in Saint-Julien, the assessment body must revise the assessment roll after submitting proof of issuance of a building or renovation permit.

The mayor, elected in 2021 and previously a municipal councilor since 2013, said the estate’s condition violated municipal regulations if the municipality refused to grant building permits, the investigative report pointed out.

of Corrective Actions It is expected

The DEPIM Makes several recommendations to the municipality: Apply its urban planning regulations Necessary corrective and/or punitive measures And make sure of it The entries in the assessment roll are in accordance with the law relating to municipal taxation. She called on the Director General to follow the corrective measures in place by October 1, 2022.

This report has also been published It is not about exposing wrongdoings related to public institutions and the moral standing of the elected official.Thus the mayor of Saint-Julianne is referred to.

Domaine La Fierté is located on Monte Hamilton in Sainte-Julienne.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Aude Garachon

Any violation of town planning regulations will result Violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 per violation, said Isabelle Revol, spokeswoman for the Commission Municipal du Québec. When it comes to violations of subdivision and zoning regulations they are cumulative and daily, she recalled.

According to Ms. Rival, other remedies are also possible. High Court can At the request of the Attorney General, a municipality or interested party Order the cessation of land use or construction that is contrary to the zoning or subdivision by-law and, If there is no other useful remedyOrder to demolish the structure or restore the land.

Municipal administration No longer accepting the status quo

Both the director general and the mayor of Saint-Julianne are expected to present their versions as part of the inquiry. They were also apprised of the conclusions and recommendations of the report. Mayor Richard Desormiers declined to comment.

The new general management, effective from March 2021, was notified of the situation in the summer of 2021. Communications strategist Jeanne Polloni explained that her firm was tasked by senior management with managing the crisis. The municipality is aware of certain urban planning issues and treats them as any file would be treated.

A trailer park occupies part of the estate.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Aude Garachon

He will carry out general management as mentioned in the report No longer accepting the status quo And she undertook Actions for the last two years To enforce municipal regulations on Domaine la Fierte.

A report from MRC Montcalm will be published soon

During the municipal council of April 11, Councilor Joel Rickard, who was not part of the mayor’s team, proposed a resolution to comply with municipal regulations and environmental standards for Domaine La Fierte.

The resolution proposed that the council order the general management of the municipality to look into the situation in the domain. A quorum could not be reached as the mayor and members of his team abstained from voting to avoid conflict of interest. The resolution was therefore transferred to the Regional County Municipality (MRC) Council in Montcombe.

This is one To complete a report on the situation by the municipality and its intervention plan in the context of the Domaine de la Pride file, Mr. Polonini reported. This report will then be presented to the MRC de Montcalm Council.

In the meantime, the next meeting of the Saint-Julianne Municipal Council will be held on August 8.