but only 525 metres accessible to the public

By : Conservation Lac Brome.

In Quebec, bodies of water are an essential part of our landscape and our collective identity. Yet accessing them is not always as simple as one might think. Although the Civil Code of Quebec guarantees all citizens the right to navigate and swim in any navigable body of water, this right often remains theoretical. Most lakes in the province are completely surrounded by private property, making access difficult. A study published by Fondation Rivières even reveals that “at least 98% of lakes and rivers in southern Quebec are inaccessible to the public.”

Access to Brome Lake

At Brome Lake, thanks to a donation from the Carke Foundation, the town was able to develop a third public boat launch. Boaters can now access the lake via Douglass Beach, Tiffany Park, and the Carke Terrace. However, this is still not enough.

Unfortunately, reversing the trend toward shoreline privatization is nearly impossible. Some more realistic solutions, however, deserve to be explored. While provincial laws support collective use of lakes, the government leaves it to municipalities to ensure public access. Conservation Lac Brome therefore urges the new administration of the Town of Brome Lake to continue efforts to acquire new land and create new access points to the lake, so that this natural heritage can truly be accessible to all.

Facilitating watercraft use

Another challenge for citizens is launching their watercraft. Transporting and placing a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard into the water each time can be difficult for many. Installing public racks that residents could rent annually would greatly facilitate navigation for those without direct lake access and would encourage a more equitable use of this natural environment.

Call to action

The town must take action to improve access to Brome Lake: acquiring land, creating new access points, and implementing solutions to make launching watercraft easier. These measures would allow all citizens to fully enjoy the lake and the activities it offers.