Francine Bastien
“I enjoyed the run,” says a relaxed Richard Burcombe, reflecting on his 12 years as mayor of the Town of Brome Lake in a conversation with Tempo. First elected in 2013 after defeating incumbent Mayor Gilles Decelles, Burcombe was acclaimed for his next two mandates.
“We succeeded in bringing peace back to Town Hall after years of a tumultuous administration,” he says. “We hired good people, and I give credit to the team. I think that’s what I’m most proud of.”
Achievements and Setbacks
Looking back, Burcombe notes many accomplishments, particularly in his first two terms:
“We got a lot done in the first eight years—the dam, Coldbrook Park, the bridges at Trestle Cove.”
Not all plans came to fruition. Two major projects—the swimming pool at Centre Lac-Brome and the proposed integration of police services with Bromont—were ultimately shelved.
The latter, meant to improve the costly and limited services of the Sûreté du Québec (currently costing TBL over $2.7 million a year), fell through in 2017 when the provincial government withdrew its support.
“There’s nothing we could have done better. As far as I’m concerned, that project is dead.”
The failed pool project remains his biggest disappointment.
“It would have been a facility that benefited all generations,” he says after a pause. “But misinformation from a small group derailed the project. That’s sad.”
Changing Times
“What was a ghost town in the summer, especially at night, is now alive,” he says. “The beach is crowded, young families are moving here, and a lot of new construction is happening. Just compare the town today with how it was when I started—it shows how much has changed.”
The pandemic, of course, had a deep impact.
“Covid affected people. There was more aggressiveness. The relationship with citizens shifted.”
The housing market soared, and new construction brought controversy, especially regarding zoning and bylaw enforcement. The mayor sees the need for “more biting” regulations—stiffer fines for repeat offenders.
Looking Ahead
With municipal elections coming in November, Burcombe offers this advice to the next mayor and council:
“You have to work with the public. We’re here to serve, to listen, and to find solutions. We need to be kind to town employees—respect them.”
Whoever follows him will inherit a town in transformation and a community with evolving expectations. But they will also step into a role redefined by Burcombe’s calm, collaborative leadership.
“Teamwork trumps confrontation,” he says simply.
On Retirement
Burcombe retired from the Sûreté du Québec in 2013 after 43 years of service.
“I had two days between leaving my job as a police lieutenant and hitting the campaign trail.”
Now, his sights are set on woodworking.
“I plan to devote my time to building furniture and working with wood—something I’ve always loved.”
Before ending the interview, Mayor Burcombe made a point of thanking all the elected officials and employees who worked alongside him over the years.
“We got the job done—together.”
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