Effective January 1st, 2006, the MRC Pontiac has exclusive jurisdiction of watercourses on its territory under Sections 103 to 110 of the Municipal Powers Act (L.Q. 2005, Chapter 6). By-law Number 138-2008 to regulate all matters relating to the flow of watercourses within the MRC Pontiac was adopted in 2009, in order to better govern watercourses under this jurisdiction.
In order to effectively manage watercourses over its large territory, the MRC has signed an agreement with 16 of 18 municipalities to ensure proper water flow and to establish a framework for watercourse maintenance and improvement project procedures.
By adopting and following these regulations, we are providing protection and safety to our residents, as well as preserving the health of rivers and streams and their surrounding habitats. The MRC Pontiac is also a tourist destination renowned for our recreational water activities. Let’s preserve this natural resource!
In order to further protect our rivers, streams, and lakes, we need your help too!
Guide to sustainable boating on the Ottawa River
Guide to sustainable boating – Ottawa Riverkeeper – 9.13MO
Protect against blue-green algae:
- Fight against the proliferation of blue-green algae
- Protecting our Lakes and Watercourses: Essential to Fighting the Proliferation of Blue-Green Algae! (CRÉ-O – 5.5 MG)
- Living at the Water’s Edge – Fisheries and Oceans Canada 570 KB
- Circulaire – English
Maintain your septic tank:
Quebec residents are required by regulation to empty their tank every two (2) years for permanent residents and every four (4) years for seasonal residents. See the Government of Quebec’s Regulation respecting waste water disposal systems for isolated dwellings.
How to Maintain Your Septic Tank – MRC Pontiac 167 KB
Agricultural producers can help too:
Cultivating at the Water’s Edge – Fisheries and Oceans Canada – 820 kb
For more information, contact your municipality or Kari Richardson, Environment Coordinator at 819-648-5689, ext. 235.
