Chambly placed under trusteeship following UPAC raids

Given the many recent controversies involving Chambly,Que., the province'sminister of municipal affairs says the municipality southeast of Montrealis beingplaced under trusteeship.

Andre Laforest made the announcement Wednesday, hours after the province's anti-corruption unit began executing search warrants at Chambly City Hall and two other municipal buildings.

"For me, there is no doubt that the bond of trust between the citizens of Chambly and their municipal administration is broken,"Laforest stated in an email to CBC.

The city hall and the administrative centre are bothcordoned off with orange, UPAC-branded tape. The municipal garage, where public works is headquartered, is also being searched.

Investigators were seen carrying folded cardboard boxes into city hall. UPAC has not confirmed what investigators are looking for or what they have found.

Opposition Coun.Alexandra Labb told Radio-Canada that she was "shocked" and "intrigued" by the operation.

"We can't wait to know, and for the citizens to know, what is really happeningat the city."

The raids are just the latest issue inChambly,about 30 kilometres southeast of downtown Montreal.

In November, a Radio-Canada report brought to light allegations of a hostile work environment at city hall. Then, a historical landmark was demolished despite a promise from Mayor Denis Lavoieto save it.

Lavoie has been on sick leave since November.

City spokesperson MichelineLeRoyer said shespoke to Lavoie, who is out of town,earlier Wednesday.

Lavoietold her he wassurprised by the events, and he will collaborate with investigators, she said.