Robert Fisher
Staff Reporter
PALMER RAPIDS – Citing insurance concerns, acting mayor Sheldon Keller told Marilyn Musclow, who was representing the Quadeville Community Centre, that the township would not plow the parking lot at the community centre.
Keller chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Valerie Jahn and said the answer, he expected, would be the same as it was two years ago when the community centre made the same request. “At that time, our insurance had said, in short it says that we would be taking on risk that the township likely does not want to take on. And that we should abide by the current contract that is in place.”
Keller asked if any councillor viewpoints had changed since then and got no response. He asked staff if they could review the situation. Deputy Clerk Tammy Thompson said she would contact the insurance company to see if anything has changed.
Musclow said she has also submitted bills for septic pumping at the community centre. Her comment was met with silence by council. She cited the contract which states the municipality will, “at its expense, engage and pay a septic contractor or hauler to pump out the septic tank,” as requested by the community centre.
The community centre has a contract with the township to provide public washroom facilities.
Thompson referred to a report from April 2025 which, she said, recommended the community centre have its leeching bed inspected to ensure it is working properly and, if not, to address the issue.
Council agreed to pay the $450 septic pumping bill.
“This is a formal complaint about things that have been handled by public works,” said Kelly MacLeod, speaking for residents on River Road. “For starters, you spelled my name wrong on the agenda.” The group submitted a petition signed by 45 people including all year-round residents and other users of the road.
All signatories, MacLeod said, agree that, “River Road is in worse condition than any of the other gravel roads in the area.” One resident was stuck on the road for more than an hour on Nov. 11, “less than one kilometre from this township yard.” Others, she said, reported damage to their vehicles. MacLeod said she had more than 70 visitors during the autumn Madawaska Valley Studio Tour, many of whom remarked about the road condition.
“Grading has been non-existent since June,” except for one corner and calcium applications to keep dust down have been ineffective. MacLeod also said brushing hasn’t been done and two culverts “need attention.”
Inquiries from residents to township staff were met with “a dismissive attitude” and people were told staff was “off hunting.” She also said Operations Manager Jordan Genrick, apparently, said that a large tax increase could address the problems.
“For Mr. Genrick to suggest the road is in better condition now that before it was ripped up is an insult. We all know what your duties are and we know how our tax dollars are spent. So, we’d like to see something for it.”
The resident said she saw that BLR will receive an additional $135,000 under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund for 2026. The BLR increase is approximately $105,000, according to provincial figures.
Genrick said the 2026 budget will include approximately $500,000 for River Road which for brushing, culverts and paving.
Township holiday closures
The township will close the municipal office from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2 and re-open Jan. 5. Municipal waste sites will close at noon on Dec. 24 through Dec. 26, be open Dec. 27 and 30, close at noon on Dec. 31 and re-open Jan. 2.
Christmas bonus
Council voted to provide a $100 bonus to staff.
robert@thevalleygazette.ca
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