Frampton, Que., mayor mulls stepping down after facing threats

Gina Cloutier says tensions over a community hall renovation project crossed a line

The mayor of Frampton, Que., says she is reconsidering her decision to resign, just a day after announcing she would step down because of insults — and even threats of violence — over a contentious municipal project.

"Municipal politics has become extremely difficult," Gina Cloutier wrote in a lengthy letter that was issued as a news release Tuesday.

"In our small communities, elected officials are local people," the letter said. "We are accessible, we meet citizens at the grocery store, at the convenience store, in our activities and in our daily lives.

"This proximity is one of the great strengths of the municipal world," Cloutier's letter continued, "but it should never become permission to attack the person behind the role."

Being a mayor or municipal councillor should never mean accepting being insulted, intimidated or threatened, she added.

Insults, threats linked to community hall renovation

The tensions in Frampton, a municipality located about 80 kilometres southeast of Quebec City in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, stem from a recent project to renovate the local community hall.

Over the past few weeks, the renovations sparked significant disagreement and strong reactions among residents.

Cloutier told Radio-Canada that it's a $1.7-million project, but she noted the municipality has managed to secure a lot of subsidies, so residents' taxes shouldn't be impacted much.

No 3rd link project for Quebec City in a 1st PQ term, leader says

Cloutier believes there's been a lot of misinformation about the project, though, which she says she's tried to be transparent about.

While Cloutier noted that debate, questions and opposition are a normal part of a healthy municipal democracy, she said the situation crossed a line when it escalated into targeted hostility.

"When debate gives way to insults, personal attacks, intimidation and threats, we are no longer simply in a disagreement over a municipal project," Cloutier wrote.

Émilie Ferland, a co-owner of the Miller Zoo, launched a petition to convince Cloutier to reverse her resignation, which was supposed to take effect on Oct. 31.

Ferland told Radio-Canada that she believed Cloutier was passionate and committed to changing things and moving them forward.

Online harassment against female journalists is a growing problem, UN report suggests

In an effort to counter the insults Cloutier was receiving, Ferland wanted to show her there were others in Frampton who appreciated the work she's done.

As of Wednesday morning, more than 250 people had signed the petition — significant for a municipality of 1,300 residents. Cloutier admitted to being touched by the initiative, and that the support was making her question her resignation.

"Frankly, it's really making me think," Cloutier said in a radio interview. "It's unexpected.

"Many people are calling me and telling me, 'Don't give up … You still have so much you can do.'"

'Beyond projects … there are human beings'

If Cloutier follows through with her resignation, her departure would mark the end of her five-year tenure in local government, having served for four years as a municipal councillor before taking on the role of mayor for nearly a year.

On Tuesday, Cloutier stated that stepping down was a difficult but necessary decision to protect her physical and mental health, as well as her personal safety.

Christine Fréchette stepping down as CAQ leader after searing election defeat

She added that, while she has a deep love for the community and got involved to contribute positively, she believed withdrawing would allow her to regain her peace and avoid living in a climate of confrontation and fear.

"Because beyond projects, decisions and politics, there are human beings," she concluded. "And respect should never be negotiable."

Her resignation has not yet been officially submitted; that would have to be done at the municipality's next council meeting.

Cloutier said on Wednesday that she would give herself until the end of the week to make a final decision over whether to stay or resign.

Patricia Kozicka is a digital journalist with CBC Montreal. She has previously worked in Toronto and Edmonton. You can reach her at patricia.kozicka@cbc.ca.

With files from Radio-Canada's Première Heure, and Philippe Grenier