The investigation into the exposure that occurred last summer in Val-des-Sources, in the Eastern Townships, brought to light major shortcomings in the management of complaints that had consequences for the health and safety of citizens.
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This is the conclusion reached on Wednesday by the Commission municipale du Québec, which recommends in its report the development of a better framework for the handling of complaints from the public.
The document suggests that “the formal framework developed by the City provides for accountability relating to the management of complaints and follow-ups, in order to allow the municipality to develop intervention strategies for continuous improvement”.
The organization also considers “difficult to understand” the lack of follow-up of complaints after the interventions of the inspection service to ensure that the owner of the garage has effectively put an end to his activities.
Previously, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) had concluded that the owner André Vachon operated a propane distribution business at his home without holding the required permits.
As a reminder, on July 29, 2022, a violent fire in non-compliant facilities used to fill propane cylinders had forced the evacuation of the entire neighborhood where two residences on rue Letendre had been completely razed.