CITY PLANNING COMMITTEE (C.C.U.)

Municipalities have the power under the Planning Act to se t up a consultative municipal planning committee (better know by its French acronym CCU). By means of such a committee, unelected citizens can participate in decisions that might affect their life style and the quality of their environment.

The main responsibility of such a Planning Committee is to make recommendations to City Council on issues relating to land use and city planning.

In Cowansville, the committee is made up of the following members: Mr. Arthur Fauteux, Mayor and Chair of the committee, Mrs Jacqueline Caron, municipal councillor, M. Jules Benoit, Mrs. Isabelle Chagnon, Mr. Alain Daigle, Mr. Jean-Jacques Hamel, Mr. Guy Patenaude and Mr. Jean Racine.  Mr. Jean-François Daigle, the city’s planning director is also a member of the committee and acts as committee secretary. He is assisted by Mrs. Manon Moreau, building inspector.

Citizens sitting on the committee hold office for a period of two (2) years and may not serve for more than two consecutive terms.  The committee usually meets monthly to review requests for minor variations to the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programme.  (P.I.I.A.)

Minor exemption request are thereafter reviewed and if appropriate approved by Council.  These exemptions refer to particular situations where a variation of a minor nature to the strict standards of the zoning or planning by-laws would be appropriate.    City Council, always conscious of the need to adapt its regulations to particular situations can, in this manner give its assent to certain changes to the planning and zoning by-laws, after having received the advice presented by the Planning Committee. 

The by-law on the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programme is a new regulatory tool which was adopted by council in 2006 and which seeks to preserve the quality of the city’s architectural heritage, integrate new construction to it in a harmonious manner, control signage as well as construction, landscaping and renovation work. Portions of rue Principale, rue du Sud, William Street and rue de la Rivière are affected by this by-law. .

Since this by-law came into effect, all requests for permits must be analysed by the Committee and thereafter receive approval from Council before the permits can be issued by the Building Inspection Department

For any additional information, please call Ms. Manon Moreau at 450.263.0277.