Council

Quite a few years ago now, I decided to devote my time and my energy as Mayor, to continue the work of previous genearations of mayors and councillors, and to protect the future of our small town and the vitality of our community and our lake. I do not regret this decision at all: it allowed me to meet so many fascinating people who share my love for Bark Lake. Together, with our amazing team of councillors, and with the help of our devoted employees, we will continue to protect our heritage, to pass it down to the future generations of Barklakers, as perfect as it was passed to us.

I am a third generation Bark Laker who is passionately committed to and proud of our community. Barkmere is a jewel that we all appreciate. Through my work in business, law, and on the boards of many non-profit organizations, I have been fortunate to develop a skill set which is helpful in contributing to a solid and equitable governance of our Town.

In the last mandate of Team Trépanier, we succeeded in updating our urban plan and the key elements of our by-laws, after much public consultation and discussion. I now look forward to continuing the process of making sure that the “rules of our community” continue to reflect the consensus of our population and that these rules serve to preserve and protect our pristine and precious Barkmere setting.

Please feel free to reach out at any time with your input and thoughts on how we can make Barkmere better!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chantal Baron. It was thanks to my father-in-law, a vacationer since the early 1960s, that I discovered the wonders of Barkmere. Following in his footsteps, my husband and I built a cottage here 20 years ago. Without even realizing it, we became permanent residents. We love the activities the region has to offer and the oasis that is Barkmere.

An opportunity to join the town council arose, and I enthusiastically joined the team. I hope to represent the interests of all Bark Lakers in their similarities and differences, some being residents of the “village” and others vacationers, but all having chosen and loving Barkmere.

My professional background in the healthcare system has allowed me to develop skills in project and budget management, continuous improvement, and construction, among other things. I want to put my energy into projects that will ensure our quality of life. I look forward to working with members of the municipal team and citizens to preserve what makes Barkmere such a special place so that our grandchildren can one day enjoy it too.

Thank you for your trust. I look forward to discussing with you.

To avoid any possible confusion, I'm the one sitting in the back! 😊

As a relatively new resident of Barkmere, I am deeply grateful to the lake's residents who, for generations, have preserved its natural beauty and maintained a sense of community with shared values that encourages mutual support. This is rare and precious.

Living on the lake year-round, “off the grid” and without road access, gives me a relatively unique perspective on the challenges of living here in winter (it's beautiful, but complicated!), including the desire (not yet achieved!) to try to live “net zero.” It has also deepened my gratitude to the lake's residents, who are always there to help those in need.

In addition to wanting to continue to protect the lake and its surroundings, I would also like to promote “community,” inclusion, active listening, and transparency. On behalf of my wife Valérie, our daughters Chloé, Anaïs, and Magalie, our dog Albert, and our two cats (Simone and Gaspard), I thank you for your warm welcome. I hope that I can be of service to you and look forward to seeing you at the municipal dock!

I am honoured to serve as a Town Councillor for the Town of Barkmere, a place where I have been privileged to spend my summers as a third-generation resident.

Through my years of volunteering with the Bark Lake Sailing Club, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, cooperation, and community spirit that make Barkmere so special. As councillor, my goal is to preserve that strong sense of community while supporting thoughtful, sustainable improvements that respect both our traditions and our shared vision for the future.

I am committed to representing Barkmere with care, transparency, and enthusiasm, and to ensuring that our town continues to be a welcoming and vibrant place for all who call it home.