Hearst, ON

Finance Committee

Policy Committee

Operations Committee

Planning Committee

Parks and Recreation Committee

Economic Development Committee

Regular Meeting of Council

Finance Committee

Policy Committee

Planning Committee

Operations Committee

Parks and Recreation Committee

Economic Development Committee

Regular Meeting of Council

Special Meeting of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Finance Committee

Policy Committee

Planning Committee

Operations Committee

Economic Development Committee

Parks and Recreation Committee

Regular Meeting of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

This is a standard procedural meeting with no public hearings or delegations scheduled. Council will adopt minutes from July 28 and August 11, 2026, and review a list of correspondence. The agenda contains no specific motions, contracts, or decisions to be voted on.

• Correspondence from the Solicitor General regarding 2027 OPP Municipal Policing Costs
• Correspondence from CDSB regarding a new transitional housing development in Hearst
• Correspondence from NOMA regarding dedicated funding for municipalities that do not collect development charges
• Correspondence from the Town of Kapuskasing supporting a review of a restricted towing zone for the Highway 11 Northern Corridor
• Correspondence from Township of North Stormont supporting the permanent doubling of the OCIF

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

This is the agenda for the regular meeting of Centre-ville Hearst Downtown on August 24, 2026. The board will elect a new president following the resignation of Marie-Hélène Lanoix-Verreault, discuss a potential article in Le Nord, and consider Christmas decoration proposals. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the July cheque list and a painting project with the Rotary Club.

• Election of a new president after Marie-Hélène Lanoix-Verreault's resignation
• Discussion of a potential article in Le Journal Le Nord about downtown projects and issues
• Proposals for Christmas decorations
• Approval of July 2026 cheque list
• Painting project with the Rotary Club (deferred from previous meeting)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on August 13, 2026, to receive two informational reports from the Director of Parks and Recreation: one on activities at the Claude-Larose Recreation Centre for August and September, and another summarizing the department's summer work. The agenda includes details on ice installation at the Giroux and Ndur surfaces, as well as pool transition schedules. No formal recommendations are made; items are for information only.

• Activities at Claude-Larose Recreation Centre for August and September
• Summer work summary for Parks and Recreation Department
• Ice installation at Giroux surface to be ready by August 24
• Ice installation at Ndur surface to be ready by September 21
• Hearst Minor Hockey Association camp starts August 24

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss two items: the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and an information fair for new residents. Staff recommend that the municipal council adopt Option 1 for the challenge, which would alternate between French and English schools in different years. The committee will also review a report on the information fair.

• Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge: staff recommend Option 1, alternating between French and English schools each year
• Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge includes workshops, mentors, and a final pitch to 'Dragons de Hearst'
• Information fair for new residents: administrative report dated August 11, 2026
• Meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM in Town Hall Conference Room

Planning Committee

Operations Committee

Special Meeting of Council

At this special meeting, Hearst Council will consider awarding a contract for replacing 13 windows at the Gilles Gagnon Welcome Centre to RPM Glass for $43,200 plus HST, the lowest of three compliant bids. The bid exceeds the $38,000 budget, so staff recommend an additional $5,200 allocation funded by savings from the René Fontaine Municipal Airport window project. Council will also hold a closed session to discuss confidential third-party information, then adopt a confirmatory by-law and adjourn.

• Award window replacement contract at Gilles Gagnon Welcome Centre to RPM Glass for $43,200 + HST
• Approve $5,200 budget increase, funded by favourable variance from René Fontaine Municipal Airport window project
• Closed session for confidential third-party information under Municipal Act s. 239(2)(i)
• Adoption of confirmatory by-law

Finance Committee

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will discuss three items: funding two elected officials to attend the 2027 ROMA conference, a proposal to reduce landfill operating hours to 40 per week year-round and replace two part-time staff with one full-time attendant, and an update on property standards activities from 2024 to 2026. The committee will make recommendations to the Municipal Council.

• Proposed $12,900 budget allocation for two elected officials to attend the ROMA 2027 conference (Jan 24-26, 2027)
• Landfill hours reduction from current 64 (summer) / 59 (winter) to 40 hours per week year-round, with two options in Appendix A
• Replace two part-time Assistant By-law Officers with one full-time Landfill Attendant, saving an estimated $38,112 to $48,235 annually
• Property standards activity report covering 2024-2026, including cases under By-law No. 37-2020 (yards, outdoor storage, landscaping, etc.)

Hearst Planning Board

The Hearst Planning Board will hold a public meeting on consent applications C04-26 and C05-26 by Yves Bastarache to create two new rural lots. The board will also receive correspondence on the Martison Site all-season access road and provincial parkland regulation amendments. Business in progress includes updates on pending consent applications and preparations for the 2027 comprehensive review of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law.

• Public hearing for consent applications C04-26 and C05-26 – Yves Bastarache – creation of 2 new rural lots
• Correspondence from Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on Martison Site All-Season Access Road
• Correspondence from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on parkland regulation amendments
• Preparation for 2027 Comprehensive Review of Official Plan and Zoning By-law
• Discussion on RVs and Trailers in Seasonal Residential (SR) Zone at Lac Ste-Thérèse

Special Meeting of Council

This special meeting of Hearst Town Council is procedural with no substantive items listed. The agenda covers routine opening, conflict-of-interest declarations, and adjournment, with no ordinances, contracts, or public hearings proposed.

Regular Meeting of Council

The regular meeting will consider two operations committee recommendations: an agreement with Villeneuve Construction for applying granular material on Blais, Roy and McNee Roads, and a contract for the supply of screened sand. Council will also file correspondence from various ministries and municipalities on topics including forest industry, emergency preparedness, hospital funding, and physician shortages. No public hearings or delegations are scheduled.

• Agreement with Villeneuve Construction for granular material application on Blais, Roy and McNee Roads
• Contract assignment for the supply of screened sand
• Filing of correspondence from Ministry of Northern Development, Ministry of Natural Resources, ROMA, FONOM, and multiple municipalities on issues such as forest industry, emergency evacuations, hospital funding, physician recruitment, and road safety

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is reviewing a request to provide free use of La Limite Hall for youth hockey events. The body is also receiving progress updates on recreation center improvements and annual pool maintenance.

• Proposed free rental of La Limite Hall for Hearst Minor Hockey Association (estimated value: $1,424.78 + HST)
• Update on $904,200 Claude Larose Recreation Centre project including elevator modernization and bathroom renovations
• Progress report on replacement of 17 exterior doors at Claude Larose Recreation Centre
• Information on annual maintenance closure of the Stéphane-Lecours Swimming Pool

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee received a mid-year air traffic summary for the René Fontaine Municipal Airport, presented for information only with no staff recommendation. The report covers January to June 2026 and compares activity to the same period in 2025. No decisions were made; the committee discussed the data.

• Air traffic totaled 1,021 movements in H1 2026, up 55% from 658 in H1 2025
• Passenger traffic reached 1,758, a 282% increase from 460 in the prior year
• Fuel stopovers were the largest category at 22% of movements (228), up 48%
• Wildlife survey flights accounted for 20% (207), up 184%
• This was the busiest first half-year recorded in 16 years of continuous tracking

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee is reviewing a proposal to apply for the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund. The body is also receiving updates on local street improvements and water system operations.

• Proposed NORDS funding application for road projects: Route 583 Sud ($1.35M), Chemin Gaspésie ($750K), or Chemin Marchildon ($575K)
• Progress update on the Mongeon and McManus Streets Local Improvement Project
• Water and wastewater systems operations reports for April and May 2026
• Report of elevated trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA) in the drinking water system for April 2026

Planning Committee

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will vote on amending By-law No. 28-91 to add a Facilities Attendant role classified at Pay Band 3 with an hourly rate of $23.99 to $30.85. It will also consider appointing Sonia Coll as Deputy Treasurer to provide backup for the Acting Treasurer. Additional items include a draft update to the Municipal Procurement Policy and a mid‑year review of 2026 revenues and expenses.

• Amend By-law No. 28-91 to create a Facilities Attendant position (Pay Band 3, $23.99‑$30.85 hourly).
• Appointment of Sonia Coll as Deputy Treasurer (no new position, no direct cost).
• Draft Municipal Procurement Policy update (by‑law and delegation of power).
• Mid‑year review of 2026 revenues and expenses with budget variance reports for Operational and Capital Funds.
• Adoption of Facilities Attendant job description and related staffing documents.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is reviewing a proposal to allow the Chief Administrative Officer to renew existing commercial leases at 801 George Street if terms remain substantially unchanged. The meeting also includes informational reports on the 2026 Bike Rodeo and the 2026 Pitch-In cleanup campaign.

• Proposed amendment to Delegation of Powers By-law No. 11-2025 for 801 George Street leases
• 2026 Bike Rodeo report involving 260 students and 26 local business sponsors
• 2026 Pitch-In Campaign report with $70.15 spent on supplies
• Ontario Ombudsman 2025-26 Annual Report
• Discussion on rebranding the Pitch-In campaign as a local municipal initiative

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

The Centre-ville Hearst Downtown council met on July 20, 2026 to adopt the agenda, approve the May 2026 cheque list, and adopt prior minutes. It approved the use of CFA funds to pay $250 for a dance session with Hearst Dance & Art Studio on July 9, 2026, and approved a $300 payment to CINN FM plus $150 in cash for the "Balade sur la rue George" radio event on July 23, 2026. The council also approved closing George Street and municipal parking between 8th and 9th streets on August 29, 2026 for the sixth car exhibition. A mural painting project was discussed, and holiday decoration items were deferred to the next meeting.

• Approval of $250 fee for Hearst Dance & Art Studio activity on July 9, 2026 at Parc des Nations
• Approval of $300 payment to CINN FM and $150 cash for the "Balade sur la rue George" radio event on July 23, 2026
• Approval to close George Street and municipal parking between 8th and 9th streets on August 29, 2026 for the 6th car exhibition
• Adoption of the list of cheques for May 2026
• Proposal of a $5 registration fee for participants in the car exhibition

Special Meeting of Council

Council is discussing a request to waive the municipal Procurement Policy to accept late bids for airport services. Staff recommend a four-year agreement with IDS North America Ltd. for Instrument Approach Procedures.

• Proposed four-year agreement with IDS North America Ltd. for $20,300 + HST
• Request to waive provisions of By-law No. 78-04 (Procurement Policy)
• Development and maintenance of Instrument Approach Procedures for René Fontaine Municipal Airport

Special Meeting of Council

The Town of Hearst Council will vote on staff recommendations to appoint Michel Blais as interim fire chief and Kory Hautcoeur as community emergency management coordinator. These temporary appointments ensure continuity of fire protection and emergency response services while permanent positions are filled or roles are reassigned. The agenda also includes amending an existing by-law to streamline future emergency coordinator appointments and a closed session for human resources matters.

• Appoint Michel Blais as interim fire chief on a part-time contract at $400 per week for up to eight weeks starting July 13, 2026
• Name Kory Hautcoeur as community emergency management coordinator and Éric Picard as alternate on a temporary basis
• Adopt By-law No. XX-2026 to formalize the interim fire chief appointment and repeal By-law No. 77-22
• Amend By-law No. 86-17 to allow future emergency management coordinator appointments by council resolution
• Hold a closed session for human resources matters under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act

Regular Meeting of Council

James Bay OPP Detachment Board 1

The James Bay O.P.P. Detachment Board 1 will adopt its 2026 budget as presented. It will review ongoing work on Highway 11 road closures and discuss hydro‑related emergency closures. New subjects include a postponed helicopter blitz on Highway 11 and clarification of OPP directives for local traffic during closures.

• Adoption of the 2026 budget for the Detachment Board (Resolution no. 04‑26)
• Update on work in progress: road closures on Hwy 11
• Discussion of hydro power outage and emergency road‑closure procedures
• Clarification that no blanket authorization will be given for local traffic during closures
• Helicopter blitz on Hwy 11 postponed to the next meeting

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will receive two information-only reports: the relaunch of AGRIVA markets at Hearst Place Pavilion and an update on Canada Day celebrations. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the committee is informed for discussion.

• AGRIVA markets relaunch: Thursdays Aug 20, 27, Sep 3, 10 from 4-7 PM at Pavillon Espace Hearst
• Vendor table/tent fee: $150 per market; $600 budgeted for social media promotion
• Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2026, with budget of $43,415 revenue and $43,020 expenses (surplus $395)
• Canada Day activities include bingo, inflatables, washer tournament, musical evening with Les Bilinguish Boys, and fireworks ($13,100)
• Resolutions 90-26 and 136-26 previously authorized coordination and activities for Canada Day

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee is meeting to consider a resolution renewing the appointment of volunteer firefighter Michel Blais, who took a pause in October 2025, and to receive a building permit activity report comparing June 2025 and June 2026 totals. The committee's recommendations will be forwarded to the Municipal Council for final decision.

• Renewal of volunteer firefighter Michel Blais (resolution to Council)
• Building permit comparison report: 38 permits worth $7,766,775 year-to-date June 2026 vs 69 permits worth $13,534,238 in same period 2025; total permit fees $33,316.20

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee will receive information-only updates on three public works projects: the purchase of a used pickup truck, the Front Street rehabilitation (Connecting Link), and the Mongeon/McManus local improvement project. No decisions are being made at this meeting.

• Front Street rehabilitation (Connecting Link) between 6th and 15th streets: contract $1,940,460 + HST, provincial funding $1,652,512; work underway since June 2026 including new asphalt, curb repairs, and drainage improvements near Super 8 Motel and fire station.
• Mongeon and McManus local improvement project: contract $2,868,868.30 + HST to Villeneuve Construction; includes water valve replacement, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, and storm sewer installation; 75 properties affected, 18 property owners petitioned but did not meet threshold to stop.
• Purchase of used GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck for Parks and Recreation: $49,410.95 + HST (budget $55,000), single compliant bid from Expert Chevrolet Buick GMC; truck will later receive a dump body and the current truck will be reallocated.
• All three items are presented for information only; no committee recommendations or decisions are required.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will discuss four items, including a request for a municipal letter of support for the Corridor Voice Project, a bilingual online news cooperative for the Highway 11 corridor. The committee also recommends appointing Chief Administrator Éric Picard to the North Cochrane Provincial Offences Act Management Board, and amending the delegation of powers by-law to let the CAO authorize administrative or operational changes to parking meters. Additionally, the committee will discuss and then appoint directors to municipal boards.

• Letter of support for La Voix du Corridor project (bilingual online news cooperative)
• Appointment of Chief Administrator Éric Picard to North Cochrane Provincial Offences Act Management Board
• By-law amendment to delegate parking meter change authority to CAO
• Appointment of directors to municipal boards (discussed in closed session, appointed in open meeting)

Special Meeting of Council

At this special meeting, council will discuss the proposed sale of a portion of municipal land at 1317 Edward Street. The discussion will be held in closed session as permitted under the Municipal Act. Council will also adopt a confirmatory by-law to formalize any decisions made.

• Proposed disposition of municipal land – part of 1317 Edward Street (closed session)
• Adoption of confirmatory by-law

Finance Committee

The Hearst Finance Committee will consider adopting a by-law to establish a tax rebate program for the Hearst Curling Club's land and building. It will also vote on a $5,704.22 tax write-off for Custom Sawmill properties and discuss a cost-sharing request for legal drafting of physician incentive agreements. A report on the Centre Éducatôt Hub childcare centre is presented for information only.

• Resolution to adopt a tax rebate by-law for the Hearst Curling Club
• Property tax write-off of $5,704.22 for Custom Sawmill for 2026
• Cost-sharing request: Town to cover half ($1,000) of legal drafting costs for physician incentive agreements
• Committee recommends postponing the physician agreement cost-sharing request for further review
• Activity report on Centre Éducatôt Hub childcare centre (information only)

Centre-ville Hearst Downtown

The Centre-ville Hearst Downtown business improvement area holds its regular meeting on June 22, 2026. The agenda includes adopting the minutes from May 25, discussing flowers downtown, and considering new business: summer activities (dance event on July 9 and radio event on July 23 sponsored by Sigouin Financial Group), a painting project with the Rotary Club, and winter banners.

• Flowers for downtown (item 5.1)
• Summer dance activity on July 9 with Hearst Dance & Art Studio
• Summer radio event 'Balade sur la rue George' on July 23, sponsored by Sigouin Financial Group
• Painting project in collaboration with Club Rotary
• Winter banners