I am very pleased with the results obtained in 2011.
We continue to deliver results, answering the needs of our residents.

Basic Needs – Water and Safety
First, it is important to get the basics right. Water is a basic service. The water-shortage crisis we experienced during the first days of our mandate has been addressed in 2011. Amongst actions taken:

On the Sainte-Angélique network:

• Wells number 1, 2 and 3 were completely reconstructed, authorisation certificates were obtained and all 3 wells we set into operation in 2011;
  
  
• The des Sablières well was repaired and upgraded. We are now awaiting authorisation from the environment ministry for its eventual hook-up and operation in 2012;
  
  
• Looping of the water network in the Sainte-Elisabeth area is also nearing completion;
  
  
• The optimization plan for the water treatment plant system is being reviewed for an eventual increase of the network’s “pumping-out” volume;

• Construction of the Saddlebrook water treatment reservoir system is underway. This will allow for the treatment of the water coming from the new Woodbine well, whose hook-up is scheduled in 2012.

These significant investments in 2011 into providing safe and bountiful amounts of quality drinking water reduce, though not eliminate, the possibility of water shortages in the summer. Water conservation during the summer months remains an obligation placed upon residents. Towards this end, we also subsidized rain water recovery barrels for residents who want to make this ecological choice.

Safety is everyone’s daily concern. We have met the long-felt need to take ownership of the last portion of the Chemin Sainte-Angélique road which is still under Transport Québec’s jurisdiction. A transfer we successfully negotiated in 2011. This allowed us to not only rapidly remedy the long-standing Grand-Pré intersection security issue, by installing a stop sign, but also enables us to remove the greatest hindrance to the development of this artery. We are now planning to address other pedestrian safety issues in the village’s core, especially for the elderly and those with young children trying to cross Sainte-Angélique, this much to the satisfaction of all.

Still in the safety theme, since 2011 Saint-Lazare residents are also able to count on a rapid integrated medical and firefighting service for 24-hour peace of mind.

In 2011, we studied the issue of train vibrations in Saint-Lazare. Residents can now turn to federal institutions with facts. These facts empower residents to act at the federal level.

Green – By Choice
Little things can make a big difference. Last May, we brought fresh local products closer to you on a weekly basis by implementing a farmers’ market in the Town Hall’s parking lot. Purchasing local products makes good sense on an environmental, economic and health point of view.

Waste management has become, more than ever, a pressing environmental issue and social responsibility as Quebec continues to put financial pressure on municipalities to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Council has proactively responded to the province’s imposed limits by:

• Establishing a 3-year plan to help you reduce the volume of garbage;
  
  
• Distributing 240-L garbage bins to limit waste quantities;
  
  
• Distributing 60,000 compostable paper bags for leaf composting (to collect 300 tons of leaves); and
  
  
• Distributing 50 subsidized backyard composters to residents.

In 2011, we took some real steps to preserving our country heritage. We:

• Increased the size of La Pinière’s park by more than 30% by purchasing a total of 82 hectares of forested land for a total of over 220 hectares;
  
  
• Successfully defended our legal right to expand the Bordelais Bog area by conserving the neighbouring forested area of high ecological value; and
  
  
• Established a tree cutting bylaw aimed primarily at ensuring that developers respect the importance of trees to Saint-Lazare resident.

• Our cycling network: we completed work on St. Robert and work is well underway for the newly renovated Sainte-Elisabeth stretch (amongst other plans);
  
  
• A public transit which allows residents to leave their cars at home and for students to go to CEGEP and university by bus and train;
  
  
• Improved existing recreational trails for pedestrians and equestrians as well as planning a trail network.

We are also looking to the future by making subsidy requests for the planned indoor aquatic complex and for a synthetic field surface to alleviate the overcrowding problem of our local soccer and football organisations.

In order to responsibly serve our residents’ needs and to properly manage the city, we must work within a vision and with proper planning. Planning is central to proper management of resources. We also believe in delivering results because that is what residents expect, not excuses.