Francine Bastien
A 76 housing units project refused The surplus melts away
Around thirty citizens attended this session chaired by Mayor Richard Burcombe in the presence of five councillors, the clerk and the general manager.
DG Gilbert Arel drew up a first portrait of the financial year which is ending. From $2M at this time last year, the budget surplus has fallen to less than $900,000 this year. Transfer taxes (Welcome Tax) are responsible for $750,000 of this sum, although the town rather expected to receive $1.2M thanks to this tax. It is a direct impact of the rise in interest rates which increase the town’s borrowing costs and the decline in the real estate market. “Snow removal costs have increased by almost $300,000”, said the mayor.
Questions – Expected this fall, the TBL’s five-year strategic plan will not be tabled until early 2024. Several citizens are complaining about heavy traffic and speed on Bondville Road since work was undertaken on Lakeside Road. Mitigation measures seem difficult to put in place quickly. Asked about the changes made by the federal government to the Merchant Marine Act, which governs navigation on the lake, Councillor Louise Morin explained that the adoption of a bylaw on navigation on Brome Lake is an option on the table.
Closure of the Caisse Desjardins branch on chemin Knowlton. The building will be sold, explained the mayor. ATMs could be retained if the new owner agrees.
Agreements and contracts – TBL is spending $26,270 to study the development of the public market site towards its initial location on Maple Street.
Human resources – Three new employees were hired in recreation, public works and parks.
Urban planning and environment – The council said no to a development project of 76 housing units in 10 buildings on Highland Street. “Too much densification, poor integration into the built heritage and strong increase in local traffic” are the reasons given for this rejection. Council approved the renovation project for the building which formerly housed the “Le Shack” on Lakeside.
Council is asking the Agricultural Land Protection Commission (CPTAQ) for permission to build on a green zone on Johnston Road.
Leisure, culture, community life – Midnight Madness will take place on Saturday, December 9. Grant of $3,930 to École St-Edouard.
Next session: Monday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
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