Sainte Anne de Bellevue council have tentative deal with MTQ for Exit 41

Mayor Francis Deroo told the assembled that an unofficial memorandum of understanding has been agreed upon by the Quebec transport ministry and that once the document becomes official, both parties will be able to openly discuss the total price tag as well as expected cost sharing between the city and the ministry.

Deroo also noted that the new structure will be a T-intersection and not a roundabout that was once discussed.

Another issue raised by residents was Hydro Quebec bringing in smart meters to the territory and the “unknown side effects” that could stem from the new meters.

The mayor responded that representatives from the provincial power company have met with council “and showed us that the new meters are safe but the city does not control the smart meters, since that is under provincial jurisdiction.

Deroo noted that while other municipalities have placed moratoriums on the new installation of meters, “that decision is not legally binding as the meters have been set up after the moratorium was set up.”

“There are those who support the new meters and those who are against it and this debate will likely keep going over time,” Deroo said. He suggested to concerned citizens that they take their issues to their respective MNAs due to Hydro Quebec being under provincial jurisdiction.

One resident had provided council, prior to the start of the meeting, with a pamphlet highlighting safety concerns over the meters and Deroo told the assembled that the subject will be on next council’s agenda for further discourse.