By Francine Bastien

Benoit Bourgon is a litigation lawyer. He worked for 40 years in large Montreal law firms. He now specializes in pro-bono cases. He is a permanent resident of Brome Lake since 2021.

Zoning and Village Character

If there is one priority for candidate Benoit Bourgon, it is “…to review the zoning regulations so as not to repeat the mistakes of the previous administration. Preserving Brome Lake’s bucolic aspect is what attracts people to our village, it’s what makes it so charming.”

How can this be achieved? First, by imposing a moratorium on the construction of multi-unit dwellings throughout Brome Lake (not just in Knowlton as the municipality plans) so as to take the time to review the regulations in place, to include stricter criteria for architecture, construction, and materials in order to preserve the New England inspired style of our village.

It is also necessary to have more proactive inspectors who will go out into the field to tell owners and developers what is wrong with their projects, to review and improve them. The Urban Planning Committee (CCU) would also benefit from slimming down and hiring a consulting architect paid by the town to guide it in its recommendations and give them more weight.

TBL–Québec Communication and Major Projects

In terms of the environment, the lake needs more attention, says Bourgon. To do this, “we need to seek funding from the Quebec government and, above all, improve the communication channel between the town administration and Quebec.”

As for major projects already on the agenda such as the renovation of downtown Knowlton and the library, a Bourgon administration would go ahead with them. However, the town could not proceed alone with the fire station project, now estimated at nearly $12 million.

Funds to Revitalize the City Center

How can we attract restaurants, shops and other amenities to the town center?

Bourgon believes a development corporation funded by tax incentives offered to wealthy residents of Brome Lake would be a good start. This corporation would be controlled by the town for the development of promising projects in all sectors. “They could also serve to beautify the village, to make it more beautiful than what it is becoming.”

More Transparency

In the past, Bourgon sued the town for what he believes was a lack of transparency when it avoided holding a referendum on short-term rentals.

“If I were mayor, I would invite all citizens to participate and come to Council and tell us what they find unacceptable when it comes to important bylaws. Right now, everything is decided in advance, in caucus, at Council meetings.”

Rapid-Fire Questions

Improve police services? “Yes, by putting more pressure on Quebec to obtain joint coverage with Bromont.”

TBL Bilingual status? “Yes, it’s part of our heritage and it must remain so.”

In conclusion, Bourgon emphasizes the inclusive nature of his candidacy. “I hope that the electorate will vote for ideas and not for the candidate’s language or because he is a ‘weekender’ or ‘homegrown’.