N EWS
THE NEWS
UCPR REJECTS NDA, DENIES ALTO ACCESS TO LANDS FOR STUDY
during UCPR’s May council session. Alto is contacting municipal governments and private property owners throughout Eas- tern Ontario and Western Quebec, seeking permission to do physical and biological surveys of both public and private lands as part of ALTO’s preliminary work to determine the final route for its high-speed rail line. The field studies are to take place during spring and summer this year. The results collected would be combined with informa- tion that ALTO has gathered about local and regional concerns and issues about
the proposed high-speed rail project to help determine the final route. All landholders who allow ALTO access to their properties for field surveys must sign a NDA. “This was not a vote against progress,” said Zanth in a video post to his social media accounts. “This was a vote for trans- parency, responsible decision making and local autonomy.” Zanth said that any infrastructure projects must be respectful to local communities. “Our residents deserve to know what is being proposed and how it is going to affect
farmlands, local roads, taxpayers, property owners and the environment before any decision is made behind closed doors,” he said.
GREGG CHAMBERLAIN news@eap.on.ca
ALTO is not allowed to send its field crews onto properties of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR). All eight mayors on the UCPR council voted against a resolution to grant property access to the Crown corporation working on a proposed high-speed passenger rail project to link Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and points in-between. The decision to deny ALTO access to UCPR lands for its route survey crews was one of the final items of business during the Wednesday, May 27 UCPR council session. The rejection vote followed after an in-camera discussion of ALTO’s request after the main public portion of the Wednesday council session. The mayors then came out of their closed-door discussion and held a registe- red vote on the resolution with each mayor declaring no support for ALTO’s request. “This message is to the CAO. Please advise Alto Corporation that this council does not want them on our territory, have refused the signing of the Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA), and access to UCPR lands,” said Mario Zanth, who is the Warden of the UCPR and Mayor of Clarence-Rockland
BRIEFS PR RESIDENCE ADMINISTRATOR
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell council (UCPR) approved the appointment of Alexandre Gorman as the new administrator for the Prescott and Russell Residence. Gorman’s appointment is effective starting in June. - Gregg Chamberlain, EAP TRASH COMPACTOR The United Counties of Prescott and Russell council (UCPR) approved a revised purchase contract with Reaction Distributing Inc. for installation of a trash compactor at the new Prescott and Russell Residence. The original agreed price in 2024 was $127,794 plus HST but there was a two-year delay to allow for building site modifications to allow installation of the compactor. The company provided a revised sale price of $134,506 plus HST, that includes a 5.3-per-cent increase to cover inflation. - Gregg Chamberlain, EAP
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) will not allow ALTO survey crews access to UCPR lands as part of the Crown corporation’s studies to determine the final route for its proposed high-speed rail project. Prescott and Russell’s eight mayors voted against a resolution to allow ALTO access during the Wednesday May 27 UCPR council session. (File photo)
THE NATION FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORING EQUIPMENT
Left to right: Deputy Fire Chief Mario Cardinal, Mayor Francis Brière, Rick Gazda of Enbridge Gas, and Fire Chief Martin Rousseau. (The Nation Municipality)
GABRIELLE VINETTE gabrielle.vinette@eap.on.ca
carbon monoxide levels in a person's blood without the need for a blood sample. The monitors use a sensor placed on a person's finger to assess potential carbon monoxide exposure directly at the scene of an emergency, providing firefighters with valuable information when responding to suspected carbon monoxide incidents. According to the municipality, the equip- ment will help firefighters make faster and more informed decisions while assisting residents during emergency situations. “We are grateful for Enbridge Gas’ support
and investment in the safety of our commu- nity,” said Mayor Francis Brière. “This equip- ment will help provide our firefighters with additional tools to better protect and assist residents during emergency situations.” The total cost of the equipment is approxi- mately $4,500. The remaining balance not covered by the grant will be funded through the Fire Department’s operational budget. Enbridge Gas stated the grant reflects its commitment to supporting local priorities and strengthening communities. “By collaborating with community leaders
like The Nation Municipality, we're Fueling Futures,” the company stated. “Together we're energizing communities through ini- tiatives that strengthen community safety, vibrancy and sustainability. Enbridge Gas is proud to support local priorities that make positive and lasting impacts in our communities.” Municipal officials say the new equipment will enhance the Fire Department’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies involving carbon monoxide exposure and contribute to overall public safety throughout The Nation.
The Nation Municipality has announced that its Fire Department has received a $2,500 Fueling Futures Grant from Enbridge Gas to help purchase specia- lized equipment designed to improve emergency response capabilities. The funding will be used toward the acquisition of carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) monitors, which are non-invasive devices that allow first responders to quickly measure
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