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Relief.
That is the best word to describe the feeling among council members when the $2.5 million municipal water project was finally allowed to proceed, after being sidetracked in October by the Commission de protection du territoire agricole Quebec (CPTAQ).
Mandated to protect agricultural land, the agency gave its blessing last week to the plan to construct the plant and wells needed to supply the new system with water.
The site – located between Pembroke and Demers Centre – designated as agricultural and falls under the CPTAQ’s jurisdiction.
While that was being straightened out, the project was held up, and what was to have been done in December was put off until the early summer.
Coun. Jerome Sallafranque, president of the water and sewer committee, told council Tuesday evening it was wonderful when they received word everything was a go.
“Work will resume in the spring as soon as weather conditions permit,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll have the water turned on by the end of June.”
Coun. Neil Fleming, head of the finance and administration committee, said he is also happy this issue has been settled.
“I feel fundamentally relieved to get the good word, as I was also concerned like council has been about this,” he said, adding this has been a big learning curve when it comes to dealing with major projects.
Mayor Brian Adam said it has been a lesson for all of them.
“We were very concerned about the project, and very concerned about the delay,” he said. “But we are delighted by this good news.”
Allumette Island has been mandated to construct a new water system by the province, in order to meet tough new drinking water regulations.
The project, which will supply the village of Chapeau and municipal facilities with water, is estimated to cost $2.5 million, with 80 per cent of the cost being covered by Quebec.
Mayor Adam said with the CPTAQ giving its approval, the project should proceed smoothly once spring arrives.
“It is a clear green light to proceed with no restrictions,” he said. “We’re looking forward to this.”
suhler@thedailyobserver.ca