TBL Council

Francine Bastien

JULY (According to TBL’s notes)
The session took place in the presence of all councillors and was chaired by Mayor Richard Burcombe. Eighteen citizens were present. 

Questions – A citizen complained about poor garbage collection service and asked why the town must accept the lowest bidder if the latter is deemed incompetent by another city. The mayor and the general manager maintain that they can only act according to TBL standards.

Administration – Adoption of the TBL Housing Policy. (See article pg. 3.)
As of 2026, all residential units will be part of the municipal collection of organic materials.

Regulations and notices of motion – Adoption of a regulation for the development of rain gardens or vegetal ponds which collect rainwater or runoff and promote infiltration into the ground. Financial assistance of up to $1,000 will be provided for any home owner who requests it from the town. The council imposed a series of conditions on the owner of the Jardins Lac-Brome project on Knowlton Rd. The conditions cover construction, connection of water and sewers and revegetation of the site. Remember that the developer built a first building of 12 housing units, even though he held a permit for just eight units.

Council approved the construction of multiple-unit buildings on rue des Bouleaux.

The project to transform the former Excelsoins residence into 42 housing units will be subject to a referendum register.

AUGUST

Francine Bastien

TBL exercises its pre-emption right for the 1st time ever at 90 Victoria
Mayor Richard Burcombe chaired the session in the presence of all councillors. About 18 citizens were present.

Questions – A citizen asked if an architect sits on the CCU. Not at the moment, replied the mayor. Councillor Lee Patterson added that the committee hires a consulting architect for certain projects. A citizen asked if the future 42 housing units at 401 Knowlton Rd. will be ‘affordable’. Rents will follow the demands of the market replied the mayor.

Administration – The city will exercise for the first time its right of pre-emption on the land adjoining the Coderre flour mill at 90 Victoria Street. TBL will purchase this land at a cost of $355,000 in order to create a parking lot to serve users of the Coldbrook trail which leads to Brome Lake. The building could be used to store municipal equipment.

Human Resources – A new communications officer Marielle Morency was hired to replace the departed Jules Dumontet. 

Miscellaneous – The TBL Council supported the request for revision of the Municipal Taxation Act relating to SQ taxes. The goal is to reduce the cost of police services.

Leisure, culture, tourism – Financial assistance granted to: Fire Department, $2,000 for Old Betsey; Knowlton Players, $5,000; Rowing club, $6500.

Next meeting: Tuesday, September 3 at CLB at 7 p.m.