Francine Bastien

Merchants unhappy with the move of the public market

Around thirty citizens attended the session chaired by Mayor Richard Burcombe, all the councillors as well as the general manager and the Town clerk. The mayor presented in detail the rules of civility relating to question period. They were more or less followed during the session.

Questions – A citizen complained about loud music emanating from the Pub on weekends. He offered to find a solution with the elected officials. Dirt roads are heavily damaged by heavy truck traffic clearing land. A citizen asked if this is allowed during thaw periods on dirt roads. Councillor Patterson responded that the provincial law on this issue affected all asphalted or unpaved roads.

A petition was presented by a group representing 35 merchants unhappy with the market’s move back to Maple Street. They argued that this will discourage people from frequenting businesses in the village centre. They complained of not having been consulted. They were surprised by the development cost of $150,000. (Editor’s note: this amount was provided for in the TBL budget submitted last December.) The mayor responded that the location on Maple Street met the needs of exhibitors and users of the market as well as the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture on public markets.

Rentals at 399 ch. Knowlton: There have been evictions and there is less intervention from the police and firefighters.

Administration – A new Chief of the Fire Department was appointed: Kevin Robinson. He previously held a similar position in Marieville. TBL will no longer share this service with the Town of Sutton. However, two municipalities will continue to cooperate on a regular basis. Nicholas Brien was appointed director of the leisure department for a period of 16 months, replacing Cynthia Brunelle who is on maternity leave.

Regulations and notice of motion – Adoption of the regulation concerning the obligation to wash all boats before using them in Brome Lake.

Washing certificates: $5 for resident and tenant; $20 for a non-resident.

Sticker: motorboat, resident: $40; for a mooring tenant it will cost $100. A $5 fee will be required for a non-motorized boat.

An advertising campaign will inform citizens in detail about the new measures.

Town planning and environment – A minor exemption was refused to a new construction which exceeded the dimensions fixed by regulation and which was erected without a permit. The structure must be modified at the owner’s expense before it can be approved by Council.

Leisure, culture, tourism, community life – Granting of financial assistance of $15,000 for the organization of Canada Day celebrations; The Brome Lake Tour was awarded $10,000.

Next session: Monday June 3, 7 p.m. CLB