Priorities and Projects
Core Priorities
Commuting Options
Through work with municipal, regional and provincial partners, Marc supports and advocates for the widening of Regional Road 174 / County Road 17. This highway serves not only Clarence-Rockland but the entire region. It must be stressed that the maintenance and repair of this 60-kilometre stretch of highway has a major tax burden on a population of barely 110,000 inhabitants.
Widening this arterial road will allow for a more efficient public transit system to be implemented, and enable the city to continue its growth. It would be possible to establish a shuttle service between the City of Clarence-Rockland and the light rail station on Trim Road.
It must be demonstrated that widening Regional Road 174 / County Road 17 is beneficial to the City of Ottawa.
In 1985, when the population of the Town of Rockland was barely 4,500 inhabitants, a market study showed that residents of the Prescott and Russell area who commuted to and worked in Ottawa contributed $200 million per year to the economy of the region of Ottawa.
Imagine that amount today, when the City of Clarence-Rockland’s population alone is over 31,000 residents?
If Regional Road 174 / County Road 17 is not taken back by the government, what are the alternatives?
Baseline Road brings back the traffic to the 17/174 through Canaan Road and Russell Road is a long detour to reach the 417. Carpooling and public transport become the only viable options, but this requires that the light rail east line be operational and that users have regained confidence in the efficiency and sustainability of this means of transportation.
The next stage of growth for the City of Clarence-Rockland’s urban area is connected to the improvement of 17/174.
Affordable Housing
Marc supports the development of affordable and accessible housing for young families, seniors, and residents looking to remain in our community. The City of Clarence-Rockland has known strong and sustained growth.
The City has expressed its commitment to supporting growth and increasing housing options. To achieve that goal, policies and approval processes must align with that vision by reducing unnecessary barriers and making it easier for local builders to create housing, including additional dwelling units, in established neighbourhoods.
For over three years, Marc has been assisting the Rockland Housing Corporation in its efforts to develop a
25-unit senior housing project. Marc has also acted as a consultant for local developers who are undertaking or wish to develop residential projects in existing areas.
These projects are examples of densification that comply and align with the principles set out in the Provincial Planning Policy and the policies listed in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell’s Official Plan and the City of Clarence-Rockland Urban Area Official Plan.
Budget and Tax Management
Has anyone considered the taxpayers' ability to keep up with the rate of tax increases?
Since 2021, taxpayers have faced increases in their municipal property taxes of 2.95%, 2.95%, 3.89%, 3.56%, 7.9% and 6.98%, respectively.
These increases are in addition to those imposed by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, which were 1.5%, 2.5%, 4.0%, 7.1%, 3.33%, and 5.05% for the same years and with a rate of inflation that reached 3.4%, 6.8%, 3.8%, 2.4%, 2.1% et 2.6% respectively for the same period.
When combined, the cumulative impact of municipal tax increases, county tax increases, and inflationary pressures since 2021 has exceeded 100%.
It should be noted that these increases do not include user rate increases for other municipal services such as the management and operation of the water and sewer systems.
Marc will advocate for concrete actions to limit the tax burden on residents and businesses of Clarence-Rockland. Further, Marc will challenge current budget allocations to promote fiscal responsibility and ensure municipal resources are used effectively and efficiently.
Infrastructure Projects
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Water & Sanitary Sewer
Marc is committed to optimizing our Potable Water and Sanitary Sewer systems by evaluating our partnership with the current manager and collaborating with neighboring municipalities. He will explore transitioning to internal management or establishing a regional commission to gain local control. By combining these essential services, we can achieve significant economies of scale, reduce overhead costs, and ensure sustainable, high-quality infrastructure for every resident.
Road Networks
Marc will advocate for targeted road improvements, including the addition of turning lanes and other safety measures at high-traffic locations to improve traffic flow and reduce risks for drivers and pedestrians.
Local roads require consistent maintenance. The City must promote timely repairs, including pothole repairs and resurfacing projects, to improve road conditions throughout Ward 1 and the City Clarence-Rockland.