The investigation into the exposure that took place in Val-des-Sources in the eastern townships last summer revealed major shortcomings in the handling of complaints that affected the health and safety of citizens.
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This is the conclusion reached by the Commission Municipale du Québec on Wednesday, whose report recommends the development of a better framework for dealing with complaints from the population.
The document suggests that “the formal framework developed by the city provides accountability for complaint management and follow-up to allow the municipality to develop intervention strategies for continuous improvement.”
The organization also finds “difficult to understand” the lack of follow-up on complaints after the inspection service intervened to ensure that the owner of the garage has actually ceased its activities.
Earlier, the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) concluded that owner André Vachon operated a propane gas distribution business at his home without the necessary permits.
As a reminder, on July 29, 2022, a violent fire at non-compliant facilities used to fill propane cylinders had forced the evacuation of the entire neighborhood where two apartment buildings on rue Letendre had been completely destroyed.