THE TOWN OF TEMISCAMING REFUSES TO LET ITS PRIORITIES FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS!
7 PRIORITIES. CONCRETE ACTIONS. RESULTS EXPECTED.
Temiscaming's future cannot wait.
With Quebec's new government taking office, Mayor Alain Gauthier has formally reached out to the new provincial representatives to bring attention to seven major issues affecting our community and the entire southern Temiscamingue region.
In a letter sent on October 29 to Ms. Diane Dallaire, Member of the National Assembly for Rouyn-Noranda-Témiscamingue, and Mr. Sébastien D'Astous, Minister responsible for our region, the Mayor outlines the challenges, the steps already taken, and the action expected from the government.
Here are the 7 priorities.
1. HEALTHCARE | AN AGREEMENT WAS SO CLOSE!
After more than 40 years of access to healthcare services close to home in Ontario, our residents lost access to these services in 2025 following an administrative decision.
A draft agreement was already under review, and we were just weeks away from a solution.
What we're asking for: Resume discussions where they left off and restore access to healthcare services. Starting over is not an option!
2. RYAM | IT'S TIME FOR DECISIONS
RYAM's future is about much more than jobs. An entire industrial and economic ecosystem that supports our community is at stake.
The company has submitted its recovery plan. The provincial government must now demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset.
What we're asking for: A prompt response to RYAM's proposed plan and the announcement of concrete measures to support the future of our industry.
3. BÉARN SAWMILL | TIME TO UNLOCK ITS POTENTIAL
Our region has the forest resources, businesses, and investors needed to develop its forestry industry. The potential for reopening the sawmill is real.
What we're asking for: Government action to help move the reopening project forward and support the development of our forestry industry.
4. HOUSING | OVER 40 YEARS WITHOUT A NEW MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
Not a single residential building with three or more units has been constructed in Temiscaming in over 40 years. This housing shortage makes it harder to attract workers, families, and new investments.
The Town has proposed an innovative financing model, but progress has been painfully slow.
What we're asking for: The government to demonstrate its own willingness to innovate and finally help move this project forward.
5. INFRASTRUCTURE | SERVICES FOR EVERYONE, BUT TÉMISCAMING FOOTs THE BILL
Our sports, recreational, and cultural facilities serve residents from several communities.
However, more than 30% of the local population served does not contribute directly to their funding through Temiscaming's municipal property taxes. The financial burden therefore falls on our taxpayers.
What we're asking for: The necessary tools to distribute costs more fairly among the communities that benefit from these services.
6. WILDLIFE PROTECTION | 4 POSITIONS, ONLY 1 OFFICER ON DUTY
Of the four permanent wildlife protection officer positions based in Temiscaming, only one is currently filled, despite the vast territory that must be covered.
The Town is concerned by the lack of concrete efforts from the regional administration to fill these vacancies, as well as the lack of responses to its access-to-information requests.
What we're asking for: Answers, active recruitment efforts, and the restoration of adequate wildlife protection officer coverage throughout our territory.
7. GAS PRICES | ONE BORDER, TWO PRICES, UNEQUAL COMPETITION
Just a few kilometres from Ontario, differences in gasoline taxation put our local gas stations at a competitive disadvantage.
When consumers cross the border to fill up, our local businesses feel the impact.
What we're asking for: Tax measures adapted to our border community's reality, allowing local businesses to compete more fairly with those in Ontario.
A CLEAR MESSAGE TO QUEBEC'S NEW GOVERNMENT
These issues are nothing new. Several have required months, if not years, of discussions and collaboration with various government departments.
Temiscaming is not asking the government to do the work on its behalf. We are asking that the work already underway continue and that the proposed solutions finally become a reality.
Mayor Alain Gauthier has also invited Ms. Dallaire and Mr. D'Astous to visit Temiscaming and continue these discussions directly in our community.
Because behind these seven priorities are workers, families, businesses, and an entire community whose future is at stake.
The Town of Temiscaming will continue to defend its interests and keep residents informed as these files move forward.
