Marc Bisaillon, a resident and property owner in East Hawkesbury since 2006, is running for deputy mayor on a platform focused on transparency, development, community safety, youth involvement, and fiscal responsibility. Bisaillon said one of his priorities would be residential development around the township’s remaining school, saying that bringing new families into the area would help support the school and strengthen the community.
He also wants to encourage commercial development, including the possibility of a convenience store and a cash machine in St-Eugène. Bisaillon said attracting local services would reduce the need for residents to travel elsewhere and could contribute to the local economy.
Bisaillon said he would favour arrangements in which developers assume the costs of infrastructure associated with new residential projects, including streets, drainage, and related work. He said this would allow the township to eventually assume responsibility for maintenance while gaining additional property-tax revenue without requiring taxpayers to fund the initial infrastructure.
Bisaillon also identified job creation and attracting visitors as priorities. He said more people need to visit and spend time in East Hawkesbury, and that greater attention to tourism could help create employment opportunities.
Transparency is another central part of his platform. Bisaillon said he would like to restore a question period during council meetings, allowing residents to ask questions and receive answers directly from council. He also called for clearer information about municipal decisions, spending, and the budget.
On community safety, Bisaillon said he would support greater visibility of authorities in the township, including in response to speeding in Chute-à-Blondeau. He also wants improved signage warning motorists about agricultural machinery on local roads.
Bisaillon said the issue of road safety has personal significance following the recent death of a close friend in a road accident. He said existing tractor signage does not always provide enough warning to motorists and suggested more prominent signs could improve awareness.
Bisaillon additionally wants to increase opportunities for young people to participate in the community. He proposed that the municipality help students complete their mandatory volunteer hours by providing opportunities to work with municipal services and local community organizations.
Bisaillon said the township should respect and protect buildings and places that contribute to the identity of East Hawkesbury’s villages while allowing the communities to continue developing.
On municipal finances, Bisaillon said council should carefully review spending, listen to municipal employees about their working conditions, and make decisions based on the township’s financial capacity.
“My goal is to offer strong leadership, greater transparency, and responsible development for our township,” Bisaillon said.
