Like the Town of Coteau-du-Lac, the Municipality of Saint-Polycarpe has passed a resolution asking the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges to reconsider its choice of site for the composting facility. 

The resolution, presented by councillor Patrice Schoune, was unanimously adopted and warmly applauded by the citizens in attendance. During the reading of the resolution, the municipality's mayor, Jean-Yves Poirier, had to withdraw from the discussions due to his title as president of the MRC's Residual Materials Management Corporation (RMMC).

As soon as he returned to the table, Mr. Poirier made it clear that he would not comment on the project, precisely because of his position with the RMMC. That said, Mr. Poirier reiterated that the project would be managed by an NPO and that an oversight committee made up of citizens and elected municipal officials would be formed.

"Wherever it's going to be, that's what it takes (a composting platform). I think that's what we need..." he commented. 

At the moment, organic waste collected in Vaudreuil-Soulanges is sent to Lachute. Mr. Poirier went to Lachute to see how the private company manages organic waste. 

"In my opinion, it's simply disgusting. It's huge, there's a lake of a color I can't even name, and right now, that's where we're going to dump our organic waste... We're not going to leave it in the hands of a private company," he added, referring to the fact that the project developed by the MRC would be managed by an NPO.

Increased trucking

During the meeting, a number of Saint-Polycarpe residents voiced their concerns about the increase in truck traffic, particularly on chemin Saint-Philippe. 

Dozens of heavy trucks currently use Chemin Saint-Philippe on a daily basis, mainly because of the sand pits established in the area. 

According to the estimates presented by Mr. Poirier, in the first few years, the composting platform would add about ten trucks per day. However, this number is expected to increase over the years, particularly due to the growth of the population. 

"At present, we have an average of 10,200 tonnes of organic waste in the MRC. The target is to reach 23,000 tonnes. It's obvious that if people cooperate more with the collection, there will be more trucks," says Mr. Poirier.

Asked whether the municipality had the necessary funds for road maintenance, Jean-Yves Poirier preferred not to elaborate on the subject.

"I'm not going to elaborate on the strategy, but I must admit that it did cross my mind. I've talked about it a bit with my colleagues here, and I think it would be a good idea to talk to you about it at the next meeting".

Water, a major concern

As for the citizens of Saint-Télesphore, the presence of an esker running some 23.2 kilometers through the municipalities of Saint-Polycarpe, Saint-Télesphore and Rivière-Beaudette is a major concern.

In the absence of a water supply system, many residents draw their water from the esker.

"How come you didn't stop the project when you realized there was an esker right underneath? I'm all for the platform project, but put it somewhere else. It's frightening that no more thought was given to it than that," lamented one citizen, speaking into the microphone.

"What recourse would citizens have if the water became contaminated?" As was the case in Saint-Télesphore, Jean-Yves Poirier was unable to answer. "I have no idea. We'll have to ask the question at the information meeting". 

Citizens want to be heard

Like their neighbors in Saint-Télesphore, Polycarpiens want to make their voice heard at the MRC.

"I understand, Mr. Poirier, your position, but if we rally with a petition, if you see that social acceptability is not there, can you, as mayor of Saint-Polycarpe, represent us at the MRC and say that the choice of site is not good?" asked a young father and farmer.

"I understand your frustrations. I've asked all the questions you're asking. It also raised concerns about water, odors, distances and trucking. Of course it raises questions, and that's normal. But let's start by getting informed. After that, if you're still not happy, you know what you have to do," says the mayor.

However, Jean-Yves Poirier was keen to reassure citizens that a meeting for the entire population of Vaudreuil-Soulanges would be held shortly.