Citizens of the municipality of Portneuf denounce a project to build a 40-unit building, pleading in particular the appearance of a conflict of interest when one of the developers is the son of the mayor.
A petition was also launched on November 14, inviting citizens to comment on the project which would take place at the current bowling alley, on Avenue Saint-Germain.
The authors of the petition are concerned about significant consequences on the quality of life in the neighborhood, such as the increase in traffic in front of the primary school and the saturation of “already aging” rainwater and sanitation infrastructure.
The bowling alley in Portneuf where the project should be carried out is located near Des Sentiers primary school. Many citizens are concerned about seeing traffic increase near children.
Photo MARTIN LAVOIE
But what is most worrying is the appearance of a conflict of interest between Mayor Mario Alain and his son Jean-Philippe Alain, who is one of the promoters of the project.
On October 15, during a municipal council meeting, a draft regulation concerning the possible construction of the building in question was unanimously adopted.
The mayor did not withdraw during the vote
The minutes do not mention the mayor’s withdrawal during these exchanges. According to the Code of ethics and professional conduct of elected officials of Portneuf, adopted in 2022, it is prohibited for any member of the council to act, attempt to act or omit to act in such a way as to favor, in exercise of his functions, his personal interests or, in an abusive manner, those of any other person.
The mayor maintains that he did not participate in the discussions.
“These are unanimous votes, he should not have participated in them, otherwise it would be mentioned that [le maire] withdrew,” laments a citizen, Esther Savard, also a former elected official.
Danielle Pilette, associate professor at UQAM and specialized in municipal management, agrees and notes a potential breach of ethics on the part of the mayor.
“This is a case that should be denounced and arbitrated by the Quebec Municipal Commission,” she observes.
He pleads “good faith” error
Mr. Alain defends himself by pleading an “in good faith” error.
“It seems to me that I withdrew, but maybe that wasn’t the case,” he lets fall.
The situation is all the more delicate as the mayor and his son are shareholders in a construction company, Alain M&M ltée, located in Portneuf. Mr. Alain, however, wanted to be reassuring by confirming that this company was not linked to the project.
The 40-unit building is rather linked to another company, Ô Saint-Germain inc., run by his son and two other people. According to the Business Registrar, it is located at the same address as the mayor’s company.
The regulatory amendment to allow the project to move forward was to be adopted during the regular meeting on December 9. However, given the mobilization of citizens – the petition obtained several hundred signatures – the mayor announced the postponement of it and the City will hold an additional public consultation on December 18.
