Matthew McCully
A bicycle symbol painted on Queen Street at the corner of John-Wilson with arrows pointing towards downtown, are apparently a refresh and not new signage leading cyclists towards a proposed path extension.

Lennoxville residents invited to weigh in Aug. 25 on infrastructure plans

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Just days before the City of Sherbrooke is set to host a public consultation on proposed changes to Queen Street in Lennoxville-including a contentious bike path extension between John-Wilson and William-Paige streets-work crews were out painting bicycle symbols and arrows at both ends of the proposed path.

Called for comment, Lennoxville Borough President Claude Charron said the paint was maintenance, meant to refresh what already existed and should not be taken as an indication of decisions already being made. “The bike stuff happening today is the old path, and it doesn’t mean anything for what will be decided,” he explained in a phone interview Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The City of Sherbrooke media relations, contacted by email for comment around 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 19, told The Record in a follow-up text message at 3 p.m. that it was too short notice, but someone was available the next day, but they would like the questions in advance.

Pressed for confirmation that the paint job in Lennoxville was all refresh, no new markings, the media rep later replied by text, “the project isn’t planned before 2026 so it isn’t for the bike lane. Probably is just a refresh. Or maybe another bike path voted in last year by the conseil municipal.”

Lennoxville residents will have the chance to weigh in on the future of local cycling and street infrastructure at a public information session hosted by the City of Sherbrooke on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Centre communautaire Amédée-Beaudoin.

The meeting, organized in collaboration with Bishop’s University Sustainable Development, will focus on potential upgrades to Lennoxville’s downtown core, including bike paths, crosswalks, traffic flow, and street design. Citizens will be able to hear about the project and share their views before decisions are made.

Consultation and transparency

Charron emphasized that the meeting is part of a broader consultation process. “They had a plan, and the plan includes the whole of Sherbrooke,” he said, noting that while the city had promised transparency and consultation, the borough council is keeping a close eye on how the process unfolds.

An online survey about the bike path and related changes recently closed, and results are expected to be presented at the Aug. 25 meeting. “It was finished yesterday or the day before, so they finished collecting,” Charron said in the days leading up to the session. “It’s probably going to be ready for the 25th. They’re probably going to present it on that day”.

Suggested changes

According to information released by the city, proposed changes include:

• Crosswalks with flashing lights to improve pedestrian safety.
• New bicycle facilities linking into downtown to promote active transportation and cycle touring.
• Redesigned intersections for smoother traffic flow and a gateway feature to strengthen Lennoxville’s identity.
• Greenery and streetscaping to create a healthier and more pleasant environment.
• Traffic-calming measures to ensure road sharing.

The city has described the project as part of a gradual transformation of Queen Street, with several work phases scheduled and transitional facilities planned to begin in 2026.

Looking ahead

Charron said he expects the Aug. 25 session will be the main venue where residents will hear directly from city officials about their plans. “I presume they’re going to prep that and present it there,” he noted.

He also raised questions about the timing of the repainting, remarking that it seemed “a bit ridiculous at this time of the year” since winter weather will wear away the fresh paint within months.

The city has invited all residents of Lennoxville and surrounding areas who use local streets and pathways to attend the session and give feedback.