By The Tempo Team
Clear-Cut Answers and Solutions Urgently Needed
The topping of close to 100 mature trees on Trestle Island, municipal land that is part of a public path that winds along the east shore of Brome Lake, is shocking for many reasons. There are still many unanswered questions, but some things are clear.
No permission was granted to cut trees on municipal land, according to Mayor Richard Burcombe. He said that while they had a permit to do work on private property, the owners did not have permission to cut or top trees growing on public land, nor did the company hired to do the work.
The cutting has left an eye-sore for walkers, cyclists and boaters on an otherwise spectacular trail. For years to come, it will stand as a reminder. Plus, topping trees is not good horticultural practice. It increases the chances of disease and infestation and can kill the tree. Anyone who works with trees should know that.
Ongoing Investigation
As Tempo goes to press, Mayor Burcombe has promised to look into how this happened. He says the town is in discussions with the owner but would not reveal what it hopes to accomplish. He has also said he did not believe there could have been any confusion about what permission was granted.
We look forward to seeing what conclusions the town reaches, what action it takes and what is offered or required to make amends.
What Needs to Change
A central question is what needs to change to ensure this type of thing does not happen again.
It has been obvious for a long time that the town needs better enforcement of laws and its own by-laws. It also needs to have fines steep enough to deter people from breaking the rules, and it needs more comprehensive rules and regulations in general (e.g. zoning, construction, landscaping).
As we head into a municipal election, these should be priority issues for those who hope to administer the Town of Brome Lake.
This is not the first time that rules have been violated on land – public and private – along the path and on the shores of the lake. But what happened in this case is especially egregious as it involves the topping of mature trees on public property.
The town should do everything in its power to dissuade anyone from doing this type of thing again. There are laws in place that should be respected and improved if need be. This sad saga reminds us there are also rules of civility and respect for fellow citizens that all of us – rich or poor – should adhere to.
Better Late Than Never
How were the yellow buildings across from the IGA ever allowed to be built? Sitting a few meters from the road, a busy provincial highway, how can they be thought of a safe place for people to live if they have children or pets? The design goes against the aesthetic of the town.
In an election year citizens will be asking how the council ignores the new buildings along the entrance to the town from the direction of Bromont and Cowansville. In other parts of the town, zealous inspectors insist on a colour of paint on a heritage building or the shape of a new roof.
Temporary Construction Freeze Comes Too Late
At the last minute, the town has initiated a temporary halt on construction. Too little too late.
This summer Knowlton has become a magnet for tourists, attracted by its literary fame and Victorian architecture. Looking at the development along the IGA strip it is hard to think it is the same place.
The nearby Dollarama is another concern, a bunker with no landscaping. Back to the buildings across from the IGA and others nearby, they too have no landscaping and are jammed together.
A Need for Vision and Urban Planning
If there is an urban plan it is hard to see what it might be and who administers it. Too late to fix that, but the town should take this time to get its vision straight. It is amazing that a well thought out condo behind the Anglican church fails to get permission while cheap buildings proliferate along Knowlton Road.
A radical solution would be to try and make them look better or tear them down.