Author name: Brome County News

Kevin Robinson is new TOBL public safety director

Photo courtesy Town of Brome Lake
Kevin Robinson

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Hudson native and Navy veteran Kevin Robinson is the new fire chief and public safety director at the Town of Brome Lake.

“I’ve always loved the area around Brome Lake, which I would visit on bike trips. I kind of jokingly said I would retire there…and it turns out I don’t even have to retire,” said Robinson, who took office at the beginning of summer.

Robinson has had a decades-long fascination with firefighting and fire prevention. “I served in the Navy, and everyone in the Navy learns to be a firefighter, because when you’re on a ship at sea and there’s a fire, you can’t just come out on deck and wait for the fire department,” he said. “I found firefighting really interesting; I knew it was something I wanted to do in the civilian world as a volunteer, and from there I managed to turn a hobby into a job.”

Robinson served in the Navy until 2012, when he took a civilian job as regional emergency and security co-ordinator with what is now called Public Services and Procurement Canada. He later worked with the Canadian Space Agency, in a role he described as “very managerial.”

“The pandemic gave me time to reflect on the fact that I didn’t really enjoy [that job] because I didn’t have much contact with people,” he said. “I thought maybe it was time to go back to school and train as a fire prevention technician.”

Robinson, who is bilingual, worked in fire prevention in Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir for several years before applying for the open Brome Lake position. In Brome Lake, he oversees both the on-call fire department and the paramedic service, a total of about 50 people. He said one of the major challenges the fire department faces is finding people who are willing to be on call 20 hours a week, willing and able to step away from school, work or family commitments to respond to calls.

“It’s also a challenge to make sure that everyone is trained properly, and to get to know everyone,” he added. “I’m the outsider – I just got here at the end of May.” He said he kept a line of communication open with the newly accredited firefighters’ union “so that if there’s anything that’s problematic, we can get it on the table and talk about it.”

He said he’s looking forward to inaugurating the long-awaited new fire hall, working with a state-of-the-art truck the town recently ordered and potentially running a recruitment drive.  In closing, he reminded Brome Lake residents to avoid distracted driving and check their smoke detectors regularly.

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Teachers, students protest to keep French courses

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

About 100 students and teachers took part in a protest in front of the Centre régional intégré de formation (CRIF) adult education centre in Granby on Oct. 25, calling on the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government to fund more subsidized French classes for adult learners, known as francisation.

Several school boards and service centres which offer the free classes, including the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB), the Centre des services scolaire (CSS) de Val-des-Cerfs and the CSS de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, have announced drastic cuts to francisation programs in recent weeks due to a funding shortfall.

The classes are funded by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) through the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning (MEES). As officials from the two service centres previously told the BCN (see article in Oct. 22 edition), funding for the 2024-25 school year was allocated based on student numbers from the pandemic years of 2020-21 and 2021-22, when enrolment was much lower. Boards and service centres opened classes this fall based on current demand, believing either that there was a mistake in budget projections or that the government would provide additional funding to make up the difference. The government has shown no indication that it will provide additional funding, and the ETSB and CSSVDC have announced plans to close their entire francisation programs in November; the Sherbrooke CSS intends to close 23 of its 28 classes.

The Granby protest was organized by the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), the teachers’ union of which the Syndicat de l’enseignement de la Haute-Yamaska (SEHY), which represents CSSVDC teachers, is a member. Across the FAE’s 12 member unions, 85 teachers will lose their jobs if new funding doesn’t arrive, according to Annie-Christine Tardif, vice president of professional life at the FAE. Teachers on short-term contracts will pick up work as substitutes, and those with permanent contracts will be shifted to fill other positions.

“There was a lot of confusion from the beginning – service centres usually have room to maneuver, but this time they were told they could not reallocate money set aside for other purposes [to francisation], and they were told they could only teach a set number of people,” Tardif said.

Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration Jean-François Roberge has argued that funding for French-language training has not been cut. However, Tardif argued that while that is technically true, current funding doesn’t take into account increases in teacher salaries and enrolment over the past several years.

SEHY president Sophie Veilleux attended the protest. “What kept coming up was [students’] desire to learn French and integrate in society,” she said. “If we ask [newcomers] to learn French, we need to give them the opportunity.”

On Oct. 18, Esteban Payares, a recently arrived immigrant who started learning French in Sherbrooke about a year ago, launched a petition to stop francisation class closures. It had received over 1,000 signatures as of this writing.

Liberals call for investigation

Over the weekend, Liberal immigration critic André A. Morin and French language affairs critic Madwa-Nika Cadet called on Quebec’s newly appointed Commissioner of the French Language, Benoit Pelletier, to launch a formal investigation into the CAQ’s “mismanagement” of francisation, “so that the right to learn French, included in the Charter of the French Language, is respected.”

“Instead of promoting, enhancing and protecting French, which is what the Minister of the French Language should do by virtue of his mission, the CAQ is completely preventing people from integrating into Quebec society and strengthening the use of our language,” Cadet said in a statement.

The BCN reached out to the MEES and MIFI for comment. MIFI spokesperson Emmanuelle Allaire said the immigration ministry “does not intervene in the determination of [MEES] budgetary rules, or the allocation of resources.” The MEES had not responded to a list of questions by press time.

Teachers, students protest to keep French courses Read More »

French courses for adults cut in Sherbrooke, Granby, Magog

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Centre des services scolaire (CSS) de Val-des-Cerfs and the CSS de la Région-de-Sherbrooke (CSSRS) became the latest school service centres to cut French language courses for adults, amid a funding shortfall caused by a change in the way the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning (MEES) allocated funding to boards and service centres offering the subsidized courses, known as francisation. The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB), the Magog-based CSS des Sommets and several school service centres in the Montreal and Quebec City area have also announced cuts to francisation in recent weeks.

Funding was allocated based on student numbers from 2020-2021 and 2021-22, which, as union and school service centre representatives have pointed out, were pandemic years, with relatively low student enrolment; they predated the entry into force of Bill 96, which opened courses (formerly reserved for recent immigrants) to Canadian students.

The CSSVDC will end its entire francisation program as of Oct. 8, costing 20 teachers their jobs, according to Sophie Veilleux, president of the Syndicat d’enseignement de la Haute-Yamaska, the union representing CSSVDC teachers.

CSSVDC director general Carl Morrissette confirmed that the service would be “interrupted.”

“We have offered francisation services for many years, but over the last two years, we’ve had a strong increase in enrolment,” he said. In July, CSSVDC employees noticed there were “gaps” between enrolment projections and funding projections. Like their ETSB counterparts (see article in Oct. 8 edition), CSSVDC staff initially believed there was a mistake. “We talked to our colleagues, and the ministry, and the federation of school service centres, and we had confirmation that the numbers we had were correct,” Morissette said. “We are focusing on a transition for employees and students … we hope we’ll get more funding next year.” School service centres are not the only francisation service providers – community organizations also provide the subsidized, standardized courses in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) – but students may have to wait several months before being placed in a course.

In Sherbrooke, Donald Landry, secretary general of the CSS de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, confirmed that of the 28 classes that were opened at the beginning of the school year, only five would continue for the rest of the year.

“We thought [the funding] could be reviewed [by the ministry] at the beginning of the school year, so we started by offering courses according to demand,” he told the BCN.  “After the first session, we realized we had to reduce our course offerings.”

Richard Bergevin, president of the Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement, a provincewide federation of teachers’ unions, said it was “unacceptable” to tell teachers in October that their contracts would end in November, when demand for French courses was “overflowing.”

“The MIFI can’t immediately take up the slack – they are not going to open 200 classes overnight,” Bergevin said. “On Sept. 1, the wait time was four months, and we can expect much longer wait times now. We need to do all we can to get [the MEES] to change its mind in the next two weeks.”

MIFI public affairs advisor Emmanuelle Allaire told the BCN that students whose courses have been cancelled “are redirected to the Francisation Québec registrar. Francisation Québec ensures that these students are given priority in another French learning service in an institution that suits the person, which may be a CEGEP, university, non-profit organization or online courses. Francisation Québec quickly contacts these students concerned to reassure them and inform them that their file is being processed as a priority, that they will be assigned a place as soon as possible near their place of residence when possible and that they will not need to submit a new application for admission.”

No one from the MEES was available to comment at press time.

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CLSC Lac-Brome to partially reopen this week

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Brome Lake residents who need to provide blood, stool and urine samples for lab tests will once again be able to do so by appointment at the CLSC Lac-Brome as of Oct. 15.

However, nursing care services will not be offered for the time being, the BCN has learned.

The CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS announced in late May that the CLSC Lac-Brome would close from June 17 to Sept. 8 due to summer staff shortages. The closure was later extended until Oct. 15. The CIUSSS announced the return of lab test services by appointment earlier this month. The services will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“As for other services, a community consultation committee will be set up to clearly define the needs of the population and reassess our service offering. This committee will be composed of members of community organizations, members of the community and will be led by a representative of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS,” CIUSSS spokesperson Nancy Corriveau told the BCN.

Before the closure, the CLSC was open four days a week until 4 p.m. and offered nursing care, including vaccinations, wound care, cancer treatment and prenatal care consultations. Until further notice, patients who had been receiving nursing care in Brome Lake will have to go to clinics in Bromont, Sutton, Cowansville or surrounding communities.

Brome Lake Mayor Richard Burcombe was clearly frustrated about the “lack of communication” from the CIUSSS. “We found out about this [partial reopening] from a citizen who went to make an appointment on Clic Santé,” he said.

“I can’t believe it will only be open for two mornings a week, and for any other service, you’ll have to go to Cowansville,” said Burcombe. “There’s nothing else available in the community. We will still work on getting it open four days a week. We’re happy about the two days a week, but we wanted normal service.”

As for the consultative committee proposed by the CIUSSS, Town of Brome Lake spokesperson Ghyslain Forcier told the BCN, “that is not something that’s been communicated to us.”

The CLSC Lac-Brome serves residents of the town of Brome Lake, Brome Village, West Bolton and parts of Potton and Sutton.

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Caron brings Bedford CHSLD question to National Assembly

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Bedford Pole Health Committee (BPHC) and Bedford Pole Economic Relaunch Committee brought their fight for the expansion of the CHSLD de Bedford to the National Assembly last week.

In 2019, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS announced plans for a $15.1-million expansion of the facility, to increase its capacity to 49 residents, create a protected unit with eight places for people with cognitive disabilities who are susceptible to wandering and allow residents to move into private rooms. The project ran into delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in 2022, then-seniors’ affairs minister Marguerite Blais said the government planned to move forward with the planned expansion. In June of this year, however, the CIUSSS announced that the project was off the table. A lack of demand, a cultural shift to home care, the growth of the Maison des Ainés network and the CIUSSS budget deficit have been among the reasons cited.

The facility’s catchment area covers the greater Bedford region – Bedford, Bedford Township, Notre-Dame-de-Stanbridge, Pike River, Saint-Armand, Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge, Stanbridge East and Stanbridge Station – with an estimated population of 8,000 people. Over the summer, BPHC members circulated a petition around the region in favour of the project which received more than 3,400 signatures. On Oct. 10, Liberal seniors’ affairs critic Linda Caron tabled the petition at the National Assembly. BPHC co-spokespeople Pierrette Messier-Peet and Normand Deragon, Bedford Township Coun. France Groulx and president of the Fédération de l’Age d’Or du Québec (FADOQ) for the Haute-Yamaska region André Beaumont looked on from the gallery.

Caron called on local MNA Isabelle Charest to revive the project and criticized her for not meeting directly with BPHC representatives. “Monday morning, I went to the CHSLD de Bedford, with the [BPHC], CHSLD residents, local elected officials and Bedford residents, to pick up their petition, signed by 45 per cent of the [adult] population,” Caron said during question period. “The CAQ promised to expand and renovate their CHSLD. Unfortunately, nothing has happened in Bedford yet.”

Seniors’ affairs minister Sonia Bélanger responded, noting that Charest had met with local elected officials and representatives of the Fondation Lévesque-Craighead, which raises money for improvements to health facilities in the region and had raised over $250,000 toward the CHSLD expansion. She also noted that the CIUSSS planned to renovate the home later this year with input from residents.

“We want to allow our seniors to live the last stage of their lives in the community that they helped develop. Right now, we have seniors in our region who are being sent 40 minutes or an hour away from their families,” Messier later said. “Do we, as citizens of a [rural] region, not have the same rights to services as people in large urban centres?… We want to have this project back for the good of our region.”

“What do you want when you’re in your last couple of months of life?” asked Deragon. “You don’t want anything fancy – you want people to come visit you. I know people at the CHSLD de Bedford whose relatives come to visit every evening. If you’re sent away, no one will come visit.”

On the floor of the National Assembly, Charest said she had been “engaged and mobilized” on the file, although as a minister, she could not table a petition. She said CIUSSS officials will meet with the foundation on Oct. 16. A spokesperson for Charest, Maryse Dubois, said smaller renovations would go ahead as planned.

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COVID, flu vaccinations for general population to begin Oct. 16

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebecers who want additional protection against COVID-19 and seasonal flu will be able to book vaccination appointments online and over the phone as of Oct. 16, public health officials said last week.

“Every year, it’s no surprise, when temperatures start dropping and people start going back inside, there’s always an increase in respiratory viruses,” Quebec public health director Dr. Luc Boileau told reporters. “Beginning the [vaccination] campaign in October is ideal, because it allows people who are at the highest risk of complications to be protected at the right time.”

Boileau said ministry data indicated that there has been “elevated community spread” of COVID over the past few months; cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “were starting to go around,” and it was expected that flu season would start in a few weeks. He called on people who were experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home and avoid spreading their illness to more vulnerable people. He pointed out that a negative COVID rapid test did not mean a person wasn’t sick – the test could be a false negative or the person could have another illness. 

“If you have a fever, stay home. If you feel well enough to go about your daily business, wear a mask as long as your symptoms last and don’t visit people who are at risk [of serious complications from COVID or flu].” High-risk groups include seniors 75 and older, babies and young children, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. 

Boileau added that although rapid tests are no longer recommended for the general population, people at high risk of complications who believe they have COVID should still get tested in a testing centre, so they can start prophylactic treatment. 

Vaccination campaign to begin Oct. 16

Boileau said vaccination campaigns for COVID, flu and RSV have already begun in long-term care centres and among high-risk populations. He invited healthy adults at low risk of complications from COVID or flu to book a vaccination appointment online via ClicSanté starting Oct. 16. It is possible to get vaccinated against COVID and flu on the same day. Healthy adults under 75 are not systematically vaccinated against RSV, which mainly affects seniors and young children. Babies will be able to receive a preventative antibody treatment against RSV as of Nov 4. The flu and COVID vaccines are free; the RSV vaccine and antibody treatment are free to at-risk groups; free and systematic RSV vaccination may eventually be extended to other groups, according to Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, head of Quebec’s immunization committee, who spoke alongside Boileau.

People who cannot or don’t want to make an appointment online can book by phone at 1 877 644‑4545. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and offers services in both French and English.

Quach-Thanh noted that antibodies take about two weeks to develop after a person is vaccinated. “Since we don’t exactly know when the season of virus transmission is going to start, it’s better to do it early than late.”

“Thank you for considering the option of getting vaccinated,” Boileau said, addressing Quebecers at large at a press conference that was live-streamed on social media. “It can make a difference for you and a lot of people around you as well. Vaccination is free and accessible – there’s no reason not to do it.” 

COVID, flu vaccinations for general population to begin Oct. 16 Read More »

Brome-Missisquoi, Haute-Yamaska to partner for bus service

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

It may be possible to get from Cowansville to Granby, Waterloo or Bromont without a car by the end of 2025, if a joint project between the MRC Brome-Missisquoi and the MRC Haute-Yamaska goes according to plan. The two MRCs are planning to put in place a regular bus service linking the four cities, MRC Brome-Missisquoi transit co-ordinator Khalil El Fatmi confirmed.

El Fatmi said the goal was to offer service in both directions between Granby and Cowansville, Cowansville and Bromont, Bromont and Waterloo and Waterloo and Granby. The MRC currently has an on-demand transit service linking Cowansville with surrounding municipalities. “That kept coming up in our discussions [with users of the current service] – they kept asking why we didn’t go to Granby.”

“The main objective [of the partnership] is to link our two territories together,” he said. “The process started last year, there was a call for tenders and the contract was issued in June. We’re now in the needs assessment process, looking at the service. We’re looking at the major axes we need to target. We need to work on the schedule and see what works best for workers and students.” The MRC is using anonymized data on travel patterns collected from schools, municipalities and medical facilities to see what routes will serve the most people.

He expects that the MRC will announce the new route or routes in early 2025. “We’re in the planning phase and it’s hard to go into detail … but we would like for there to be a service that responds to people’s needs. We just want it to work and be used.”

The MRC recently announced plans to extend a city bus pilot project in Cowansville; El Fatmi said discussions were underway with two other municipalities about implementing city bus service. The municipality also intends to roll out a mobile app next spring that will allow users of the existing on-demand transit service to reserve trips online a few hours in advance – rather than the 24 hours currently required. “The more attractive public transit is, the more people are going to use it…and things are moving,” he said.

Cowansville Mayor Sylvie Beauregard said a bus service between the four cities is “definitely a need for the population,” especially for CEGEP students and people getting medical treatment who have to travel regularly between Granby and Cowansville. “For a lot of people, this will be easier than having a car, it’ll reduce traffic and additional greenhouse gases,” she said. “This has been on the table for many, many years, and now we’re moving toward realization.”

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ETSB francisation program will close in November without new funding

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) francisation program is expected to close in November unless it receives additional funding from the provincial government, school board and teachers’ union officials have confirmed.

If no solution is found, the program will end on Nov. 25, the last day of the fall session.

ETSB president Michael Murray explained that the way adult education is funded is at the heart of the matter – funds for a given year are allocated based on the number of students that were enrolled three years previously, he said.

As a result, the provincial government has “reduced our capacity back to the level of 2021, when we had the equivalent of 25 full-time students. That was before francisation took off.”

In the intervening years, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government passed Law 14 (better known as Bill 96), which allowed English-speaking Quebecers and newcomers from English Canada to enrol in subsidized French language classes alongside new immigrants and imposed a new six-month deadline for immigrants to adapt to receiving government services in French. The CAQ also put in place a now-discontinued cash incentive program to encourage enrolment.

The ETSB hired additional staff and promoted the program heavily on the assumption that additional funding would be forthcoming. The program now has nearly 450 students across full-time, part-time and online programs, the equivalent of about 150 full-time students, according to Murray.

“We were part of a minority of school boards that ramped up our volume in response to the government’s public statements [encouraging newcomers to learn French]. We attracted a lot of newcomers who were quite successful in following the courses, and we thought, perhaps naively, that the government meant what it said,” said Murray.

Murray said the board learned in July that funding would be lower than anticipated. “We thought there might be some mistake,” he said. “Only in September did we learn the intention was to cut.”

If the program closes, 26 teachers, most of whom are based out of the Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre in Cowansville and the New Horizons adult education centre in Sherbrooke, may lose their jobs, said Timothy Croteau, the president of the Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA), the ETSB teachers’ union. “Some teachers are supposed to stay on, some aren’t; we haven’t gotten word.”

Croteau said that as early as September, teachers began getting emails from centre directors about anticipated cuts, enrolment numbers and changes to employee hours and contracts. “The job postings were put out in June, confirmed in July, confirmed again in August and then the whole story changed in September,” Croteau said. He wondered aloud why the school board put out job postings in summer if they were unsure about the availability of funding.

“People applied for these jobs and got them, and now they’re going to have to stop working … and they’ve missed the opportunity to apply for other [teaching] jobs.” Croteau said the union was trying to get “as much information as possible” from the ETSB and the MEES, but “it’s either no response, or we’re looking into it, or we’ll look at it at a later date.”

The Quebec Liberal Party and Québec solidaire (QS) have been calling for changes to the francisation funding model. “The provincial government is saying they aren’t making cuts, but that’s what they’re doing – they’re cutting,” said Liberal immigration critic André A. Morin. “It’s hitting the ETSB now, but other regions have also been impacted – it’s so wrong.” He blamed the funding model, administrative confusion between the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning (MEES) and the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) and arbitrary decision-making by the government for the current situation. “We have a minister who just gets up one morning and says we’ll cut … The government is saying French is very important, but if you want to achieve that goal, you have to put in procedures to reach it, which they’re not doing.”

“After running an $11 billion deficit, the CAQ is cutting public services by penalizing those who raise their hand to learn French. This is completely inconsistent on the part of a government that claims to protect the French language,” said QS immigration critic Guillaume Cliche-Rivard.  “Because of these cuts, nearly 500 people are losing an essential resource to integrate into their community in Estrie and work in French. I ask the CAQ to reverse its decision; there are no savings to be made on the backs of people who want to learn French.”

Impact on students

Frey Guevara is the executive director of Solidarité ethnique régionale de la Yamaska (SERY), a nonprofit which connects new immigrants in the Townships with language classes and housing, work and cultural integration opportunities. SERY offers francisation classes which, like the ones run by the ETSB, are coordinated by the provincial government under the umbrella of Francisation Québec. “With Bill 96, we brought in more [students] for francisation, but the resources were diluted,” he said. “Wait times are still going to keep going up, and the six-month deadline [for immigrants to receive government services in French] is still going to be there,” he said. “I know people who have been on a waiting list to get into a class for more than six months. It just isn’t working.”

“Making a doctor’s appointment, asking your landlord for repairs, buying what you need at the supermarket, these are everyday things that you need French for,” he added. “We forget that we’re dealing with the future of human beings here.”

“It’s totally chaotic and unpredictable … and I don’t know if anyone has actually sat down with the students and told them the program would close,” said Croteau, the union president.

The BCN requested comment from the MEES and the MIFI but had not received responses by press time.

ETSB francisation program will close in November without new funding Read More »

Caron to present petition for Bedford CHSLD expansion at National Assembly

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Liberal seniors’ affairs critic Linda Caron visited Bedford on Oct. 7 to pick up a petition spearheaded by the Bedford Pole Health Committee (BPHC) against the cancellation of the CHSLD de Bedford expansion project. The paper-only petition received over 3,400 signatures over the summer, according to the BPHC. Caron and the Liberal critic for the Estrie region, Désirée McGraw, plan to table it at the National Assembly on Oct. 10.

In 2022, then-seniors’ affairs minister Marguerite Blais announced plans to move forward with a $15.1-million expansion of the CHSLD, which would have allowed 49 residents to live there in private rooms and created a protected unit with eight places for people with cognitive disabilities who are susceptible to wandering. The planned expansion was first outlined in 2019 before running into delays due to the pandemic. The CIUSSS announced in June of this year that it was cancelling the expansion altogether, ostensibly due to a cultural shift to home care. The CIUSSS announced plans to consult residents about smaller upgrades to the facility, which the BPHC and the Fondation Lévesque-Craighead, which raises funds for various projects at the Bedford CHSLD and CLSC, said were insufficient.

“The CIUSSS misled us, and we trusted them. Statistics can be manipulated to suit any narrative, but one thing is undeniable: they are depriving our regions of essential services, and this is simply unacceptable,” said Yves Lévesque, vice-president of the foundation. Lévesque and BPHC spokesperson Pierrette Messier-Peet have cited cases of seniors who would prefer to live in Bedford being relocated as far away as Longueuil for long-term care.

At the CHSLD de Bedford, Caron spoke to reporters alongside Bedford Coun. France Groulx and representatives from the BPHC, the foundation, the Bedford CHSLD residents’ committee, the FADOQ of the Richelieu-Yamaska region and the Bedford Pole economic relaunch committee. Caron accused Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest of having “chosen to abandon” the citizens of Bedford, stating that she and McGraw “have decided to take matters into our own hands and represent their voices.” About 50 people attended the press conference, including residents.

“We are five organizations working together for the same goal, which is to make the CIUSSS go back on its decision to cancel the expansion,” BPHC spokesperson Pierrette Messier-Peet said. “We worked on this project for years, only to be told at the last minute it wasn’t necessary – it’s a 180-degree turn by the government.”

Messier-Peet and a BPHC delegation plan to accompany Caron to the National Assembly. “We’re going to tell all of Quebec about what’s happening here; I’m persuaded that there are a lot of regions like ours that feel like they’ve been put on the back burner because resources are going to the cities.”

“This is a disaster for the people here. Seniors are relocated to Granby and even Sherbrooke, far away from their loved ones and support systems. Beyond the broken election promise, there is a persistent lack of humanity from this government,” Caron added. “I wanted to show my support for the people who have been working very hard to raise money and get involved. As a member of the opposition, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll keep hammering away at it.”

In a statement, Charest said she “saluted” the efforts of the BPHC and the foundation, which “show their attachment to their community.”

“Since the beginning of the summer, I have been following up with the ministries, my fellow ministers and the CIUSSS de l’Estrie to ensure that the change in direction of the project is indeed justified,” Charest said. “One thing is certain, the [CHSLD] will remain in Bedford.

She said Minister for Seniors’ Affairs Sonia Bélanger has asked that the CIUSSS meet with the foundation and with reporters to explain its decision. These two meetings are scheduled for Oct. 16 and 17. Her office has so far declined to meet with the BPHC.

 No one from the foundation was available to comment further at press time.

Caron to present petition for Bedford CHSLD expansion at National Assembly Read More »

Housing co-op in Sutton opens doors for young families

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

After more than a decade of waiting, of bureaucratic struggles and false starts, the Coopérative de solidarité des Voisins de Sutton housing complex was formally inaugurated on Sept. 23. The complex, built on land once owned by the Anglican Church, will provide housing below market rates for 18 local families, 16 of whom have been moved in since July.

“It took ten years to get the project off the ground,” said former Sutton mayor Ken Hill, a longtime board member of Habitations Abordables Sutton (HAS), the nonprofit which was the driving force behind the co-op’s creation. After several false starts and amid worrisome inflation, construction began last year and was finally completed June 29. “Everything took more time than we thought it did because of the bureaucracy, but we’re so happy that it’s finally accomplished,” he said.

Hill explained that a few committed volunteers launched HAS in 2013; he joined the organization a year later, while serving as a town councillor under then-mayor Louis Dandeneault, to help the group find a new piece of land after the first plot they chose turned out to be contaminated. He remained on the board after his departure from municipal politics, to see the project through. On March 1, HAS formally turned over control of the co-op to a board made up primarily of residents. “We were there to build, not to manage,” Hill said. “There’s nothing better than having residents taking care of their own buildings.”

Hill said HAS received about 40 applications for the 18 units, which are all reserved for families with children living at home. Applicants had to commit to staying involved in the day-to-day management and maintenance in the co-op. Some applicants who had grown up in Sutton but found themselves priced out of the rental market were able to move back to town, Hill said. “The average rent for a 5 ½ in our buildings is $900 … but it’s more than just below-market rent; it’s a community.”

Sutton Mayor Robert Benoit and his administration have been among the project’s backers, granting $338,000 in funding (including $101,000 for the purchase of the land) and a 25-year property tax break with an estimated value of $370,311 over the life of the project. Benoit estimated the total cost of the project at about $8 million, the bulk of which came from the Quebec government. “The development of this project was very difficult … and that’s why I think we need to congratulate the people who put in volunteer work because they were believers, because they had a vision for affordable housing.” He also thanked Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest for the provincial government’s involvement.

Benoit said the project was “interesting” for the municipality because it would allow young, working-age people to live in town, “who will live and work in the community, and also work toward our collective wellbeing.” 

The co-op is the second housing co-op to open in Sutton after the Co-op Vive Sutton, a six-unit shared house for active seniors that opened in 2021, according to Guillaume Brien, director general of the Fédération des coopératives de l’habitation de l’Estrie (FCHE). A third project, piloted by a homeowners’ group and dubbed La Vie Au Boisé, is in development.

Brien said of the 55 co-ops that are members of the FCHE, around three-quarters are in Sherbrooke, but projects are emerging in every MRC in the region; a co-op for young families is taking applications in Frelighsburg. 

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm [around] living in community,” Brien said. “With the housing crisis and the climate crisis and all the other crises, there’s constant insecurity. If you build trust and security with your neighbour, that’s security, that’s belonging.”

Brien said anyone interested in working toward establishing a co-op in their municipality should find other interested people in their community and get in touch with Entraide Habitat Estrie, a nonprofit created by the FCHE which guides groups through the many administrative and logistical steps involved in creating a co-op.

Housing co-op in Sutton opens doors for young families Read More »

Fight against blue-green algae faces jurisdictional roadblocks

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The blue-green algae bloom which made the water of Missisquoi Bay undrinkable and unsafe for swimming at the end of summer was “nothing new” for Saint-Armand Mayor Caroline Rossetti.

The water treatment plant in Philipsburg, the bayside village which merged with Saint-Armand in 1999, is owned by the city of Bedford and supplies water to Bedford, Saint-Armand, Bedford Township and part of Stanbridge Station. The plant is the only plant in Quebec that draws drinking water from Lake Champlain. “Every time there’s a heat wave, we get the cyanobacteria again,” Rossetti said. “It costs a lot to treat the water, and even when we do treat it and it’s considered drinkable, it might still smell fishy.”

The mid-September algal bloom made headlines around the province. “The lake turns green every summer…and it’s kind of sad that it has taken this long to have some sort of reaction,” Rossetti said. “I’m happy that Bedford and Clarenceville and Venise-en-Québec are joining forces with us to say there’s a problem.” Bedford Mayor Claude Dubois, Rossetti and the Organisme du Bassin versant de la Baie Missisquoi (OBVBM) have linked the growth of the blue-green algae blooms to phosphorus runoff, mainly agricultural, and campaigned to reduce farmers’ use of phosphorus. However, longer, warmer summers and stagnant water in the bay don’t help.

Dubois and Rossetti have been among those working toward getting a new pipe built, to draw water from a deeper and less stagnant part of Lake Champlain. That’s easier said than done. “Water quality is provincial jurisdiction, navigable waterways are federal, and we’re also one of the few lakes on an international border,” Rossetti summarized.

Rossetti said she had been in contact with Brome-Missisquoi MP Pascale St-Onge, MNA Isabelle Charest and Iberville MNA Audrey Bogemans to try to clear some of the bureaucratic obstacles that stood in the way of getting the new pipe built.

Charest said the “Missisquoi Bay situation” had worrisome impacts on water quality, on access to water and on the region’s socioeconomic vitality, and that she, Bogemans and representatives from the provincial environment ministry had been in touch with town officials in Bedford, Saint-Armand, Stanbridge Station and Pike River to discuss water quality improvement efforts.

“Since this is a cross-border lake, the authorization to move the water intake further into the bay is up to the federal government,” she said. “This step must be resolved first.”

“As soon as the City of Bedford needs the support of the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs to replace the water intake, Ms. Charest will support their request related to the construction of a new pipeline,” added a spokesperson for Charest, Maryse Dubois.

St-Onge, for her part, did not directly address the idea of replacing the pipe. “We know how essential this source of drinking water is for the region, and we are closely monitoring the progress of this issue. As soon as Minister St-Onge, as an MP, was informed of this issue, she committed to addressing it. Collaborative discussions have been initiated with several mayors, as well as with communities, municipalities and organizations to find the best possible solution,” Charles Thibault-Béland, a spokesperson for St-Onge, told the BCN in a statement.

Fight against blue-green algae faces jurisdictional roadblocks Read More »

No documents needed for English health service, new directive says

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

No eligibility certificate or other proof of identity will be required to access health care services in English, according to a new directive released last week by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The directive replaces a previous directive, published in July, which laid out a detailed list of case studies in an attempt to explain when health care professionals could use English or another language with patients or their family members. The list alarmed advocates for access to health care in English, who feared it could be used to restrict care. The first directive also mentioned eligibility certificates for English public education as one basis for serving patients in English, although many English speakers – particularly immigrants, seniors and people who grew up outside the province – don’t have one. After English-speaking community groups raised concerns, Minister for the French Language Jean-François Roberge said he planned to scrap the directive and publish a new one. More than two months later, that promise is now a reality.

The new directive – a compact five pages compared to its 23-page predecessor – states that “no verification of a user’s identity is needed to access services in English or in another language” and that a language other than French “may be used when the user or their representative requests it, expresses that they do not understand or do not seem to understand French, or according to the judgment of the [health care professional].” It states that health care professionals can communicate in English or another language with a patient or their representative if they have the capacity, or work with an interpretation service if they don’t.

“The Charter of the French Language contains all the tools necessary to preserve the status quo in terms of access to health care for the English-speaking community,” it states.

The directive applies to the entire spectrum of health and social services programming, including emergency services; public health; services for vulnerable youth, seniors and people with disabilities; addictions services and mental health, and to both spoken and written communication. It also states that a patient who is unsatisfied with the services they have received has the right to file a complaint with the local complaints commissioner.

Advocates for access to health care in English reacted to the new directive with relief. “This directive is a complete rewrite; it answers a lot of the questions that people have had,” Townshippers’ executive director Denis Kotsoros said. “The question is now, ‘What language do health professionals decide to use with patients,’ not ‘What language are they required to use?’ Any directive that tries to finagle itself into that relationship is doomed to fail.”

“This was the right thing to do and we consider the matter closed,” Kotsoros said.

“The revised directives on language permissions go a long way toward assuaging the fears and concerns of the 1.3-million-member English-speaking community of Quebec,” said Eva Ludvig, president of the Quebec Community Groups Network. “They also more closely reflect the promises this and previous governments have made that changes to language legislation would not affect the availability of nor access to health and social services in English. Critically, they clearly confirm that the only card you need when you visit a doctor or go to the hospital

is a health card, not an identity card.”

“This basically puts the whole issue to rest,” said Jennifer Johnson of the Community Health and Social Services Network, which advocates for accessibility to health and social services in English in the regions. “The original document was really flawed, and thank goodness the efforts made by the community have had results.”

 “The client is the person who determines if they want to receive services in English, and then they ask for it. It’s also clear that if a client asks for services in Spanish or another language, the professional needs to do the best they can to provide those services to the patient,” Johnson noted. The directive states that health professionals can communicate directly in any language with a patient if they have the capacity, or use an interpretation service.

“Don’t be shy – ask for documentation in English, and ask for interpretation services if you need them,” Johnson said. “It’s not a common reflex for anglophones to ask for an interpreter, but we need to make sure people understand that they can.” In the event that no health professional is available to speak to you in your preferred language, she said, using an interpretation service is a better option than relying on family members or taking the risk that you won’t fully understand.

CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS spokesperson Nancy Corriveau said the agency had received the directive but did not comment further. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the language directive over the past few months, Kotsoros said Townshippers’ had a “very, very good” working relationship with the CIUSSS, which was investing in programs to improve employees’ language skills and make it easier to spot bilingual employees in regional hospitals. “The CIUSSS has been very positive about providing services to the best of their ability … that is ingrained in the culture of the CIUSSS. We will stay aware of the situation and keep working with our partners.”

No documents needed for English health service, new directive says Read More »

Brome Lake property values to rise by nearly 52 per cent

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Property values in Brome Lake will rise by an average of 51.8 per cent when the new evaluation role goes into effect in 2025, town officials announced last week.

“The value of Brome Lake’s taxable real estate holdings has risen from $2.14 billion to $3.25 billion. These values reflect market conditions on July 1, 2023, as stipulated in the Act respecting municipal taxation. The average value of a house thus rises from $507,700 to $772,200,” Town of Brome Lake spokesperson Ghyslain Forcier said in a statement.

Property tax bills for individual properties are calculated based on property values, determined by independent evaluators contracted by the municipality, and tax rates, determined by council and released along with the town budget each year. As a result, officials said an increase in a property’s assessed value might not automatically mean a higher tax bill. “While some may rejoice at the increased value of their assets, council understands this announcement may raise concerns among many of our citizens. I would like to reassure you that our elected officials will adjust tax rates downwards to reduce the impact of this new roll on taxpayers’ bills,” Mayor Richard Burcombe said in a statement.

Letters containing information on the new assessment notice will be sent out to property owners no later than Nov. 1. In the meantime, owners can consult specific data for each property on the GOnet portal, accessible via the town website. Information on how to contest a property assessment is also available on the website.

The town will hold an information session about the property assessment process on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at Centre Lac-Brome; representatives of Jean-Pierre Cadrin et Associés, the independent firm which carried out the property evaluation, will attend. Forcier said further information on how to participate in the session will be forthcoming.

Brome Lake director general Gilbert Arel explained that property values for the years 2025-27 are based on a property’s presumed resale value in July 2023. At that time, he explained, the housing market was still facing the effects of a pandemic-driven bidding war and relatively low interest rates. “When the government raised interest rates, it gave people a break, but prices are still high,” he explained.

Arel said the rise in property values in Brome Lake “was not surprising at all – I was expecting closer to a 60 per cent increase.”

“It’s an opportunity for the city; when property values grow up it means the city is in a good economic situation; if we were losing vitality, we would not have had that rise … but we also need to be careful to avoid people being overloaded with new taxes,” he said.

Rates expected to rise across the region

Patrick Lafleur is the coordinator of the property assessment department at the MRC Brome-Missisquoi, which handles property evaluation for the smaller municipalities in the MRC. “This year, we’re doing Bedford Township, Notre-Dame-de-Stanbridge, Pike River, Saint-Armand, Sainte-Sabine, Saint-Ignace, Stanbridge East and Stanbridge Station,” he said, adding that Bedford and Dunham will also release new tax rolls this year. “Even in the smaller municipalities, the value of land has exploded.”

Assessment roles for the ten municipalities will be released between now and Oct. 30. Lafleur said he is expecting property value increases of about 60 per cent in the western part of the MRC.

Marie-Hélène Croteau is the director general of the municipality of Saint-Armand. She said data from the provincial ministry of housing and municipal affairs suggests property values in Saint-Armand have gone up by an average of 69 per cent from 2022 to 2024, although the town’s 2025 role has not been released. “We’ve rarely seen rates that high – everything that happened during the pandemic is catching up with us,” she said.

Lafleur said property values usually fluctuate in cycles of seven or eight years. “We’re expecting prices to stabilize for the next few years and then rise again, but not on the scale of what has happened over the past couple of years,” he said. “In 23 years in the industry, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

Brome Lake property values to rise by nearly 52 per cent Read More »

Townshippers’ to revive Knowlton office as events venue, hybrid workspace

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

As employees and volunteers settled into work-from-home routines during the pandemic, Townshippers’ Knowlton office sat mostly empty. Not anymore. Townshippers’ executive director Denis Kotsoros told the BCN the organization plans to get the facility – set up on a converted squash court in the local indoor tennis centre –  up and running again, as an office and community events venue.

“During the pandemic, we ran into funding issues and we lost a lot of people,” Kotsoros said. “The office went unused for a couple of years, but the board wanted to make sure the office was kept running because it’s important to maintain that relationship with people in Knowlton.”

Kotsoros, who works out of the Knowlton office at least one day a week, said he intends for the office to be used as a hub for the Townshippers’ Wellness Program later this year and possibly other programs. He also envisions it as a meeting room and event space for nonprofits. After consulting with various community organizations, he realized that there was a lack of reliably available space to organize meetings, information sessions and training sessions. “Before the pandemic, we used it as an office and event space and a bit of a hit-or-miss desk space for program managers,” he said. “Now it fills the need for a small community space.”

The Lac-Brome Men’s Shed has been renting the space two days a week since August, for meetings, training sessions and get-togethers over coffee, where members can “socialize or vent or talk about what they need to talk about,” said Lac-Brome Men’s Shed vice president Robert Elhen. He said the nonprofit men’s group has had difficulties acquiring an affordable, large enough space over the past few years, which made it hard if not impossible to apply for grants or to hold events with more than a handful of people.

“We got a space, and then we lost it, and now we have one again,” he said. “Now we’re fully equipped to build things in our workshop and hold meetings and events at the Townshippers’ office. We have our own space instead of trying to get one at the community centre [or] using our wood shop, which is not conducive to hosting 20 or 30 people.”

Kotsoros said other nonprofits and local elected officials have shown interest in renting the space as well. “Anyone can rent space, but priority will go to organizations helping the English-speaking community or helping the community as a whole, not necessarily English-exclusive.”

No formal launch event is planned for the new space, but community organizations that are interested in renting it are encouraged to contact Townshippers’ by phone or email. “We’ll set up a meeting, and the main questions will be, ‘Does your organization fit with our mission, and when do you want to start?’” Kotsoros said.

Townshippers’ to revive Knowlton office as events venue, hybrid workspace Read More »

Cowansville bus pilot project extended until 2025

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Cowansville residents who enjoyed their experience with the city’s bus service over the past few months can keep on riding for at least another year.

With funding from the Quebec ministry of housing and municipal affairs, the MRC Brome-Missisquoi and the municipality of Cowansville launched the city bus loop as a pilot project this past April. It was originally to have ended on Oct. 1. However, the MRC announced late last week that bus service would continue until at least Oct. 1, 2025.

“We now have the most optimal version of the service,” said Khalil El Fatmi, transport services coordinator at the MRC Brome-Missisquoi. “We ran several tests [over the past few months] to find the most appropriate formula that would be easy to put in place and would meet the mobility needs of citizens. We wanted to prolong the project for a year in order to measure how people are moving year round, and see how the weather and the school calendar affects the way people use the service.”

The MRC opted for a single bus line, running on a loop, approximately once an hour between 6:30 a.m. and 5:40 p.m, Monday through Friday. There are 24 stops on the current route, compared with 20 at the beginning of the pilot project. The loop begins at the bus shelter at the corner of Boul. Deragon and rue Spring and ends at the corner of rue des Pivoines and rue Brock; Massey-Vanier High School, the Campus Brome-Missisquoi vocational training centre, Davignon Park, the MRC office, Brome-Missisquoi–Perkins Hospital and several major stores are stops on the route. Tickets are $4 each, payable in cash only; riders can pay the driver on the bus or buy tickets in advance at the MRC office. There is no service on weekends.

“We had a taxibus service [in Cowansville] beforehand, but you had to reserve a day in advance to use that,” El Fatmi said. “The advantage of a regular bus service is that you don’t have to reserve – the user can just come to the stop at the given time and get on the bus.”

El Fatmi said a robust public transit system had the potential to encourage people to swap “l’auto solo” for other means of transportation. He said ridership data from the past six months is “very promising for long-term cultural change.”

“We are competing against cars, which have a lot of advantages. The more we invest in public transit, the more attractive we make it,” he said.  “So that we can develop that culture [of using public transit], we need to scale up the frequency of bus service and do a lot of promotion. The weather will be an important variable, but we see that the enthusiasm is there, the need is there and people are getting on board.”

Over time, El Fatmi hopes the MRC will be able to roll out similar services in other municipalities, “depending on how negotiations go with participating cities.” He said the transit department has “a lot of projects in the planning phase which will be announced very soon.”

Cowansville bus pilot project extended until 2025 Read More »

Bromont gets free food fridge, joins growing movement

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Residents of Bromont can now access fresh fruit and vegetables for free when they need them, thanks to a free food fridge installed outside the Lucien-Parent Community Centre in Adamsville.

The fridge, known as the Frigo Partage, was formally plugged in late last week. It is accessible 24 hours a day for the moment, although it will be moved inside the community centre when the weather turns.

Councillor Jocelyne Corbeil, the town councillor for the borough, spearheaded the project in collaboration with the Centre Marguerite-Dubois. The refrigerator itself was donated by a concerned citizen. Volunteers from the centre, which has existing agreements with supermarkets and local farmers to supply surplus food, will keep the fridge stocked, Corbeil explained. She emphasized that the fridge is open to all residents of Bromont, not just those who live in Adamsville.

“The way I see it is, we live in a world where there’s a lot of abundance, at least for a certain number of people,” said Corbeil, a longtime public school teacher who kept cereal boxes and snacks around for students who didn’t get enough to eat at home. “I’d like for everybody – especially those who need a little help, who are juggling with tighter budgets, who sometimes have to make very difficult choices between feeding themselves and paying for something else – to have access to food. Yes, Bromont is rich, but not everyone here is rich.”

The Adamsville food fridge is the latest in a growing, informal network of free food fridges across Brome-Missisquoi and the province. In the last several years, community groups, volunteer action centres and town administrators in Brome Lake, Brigham, Cowansville, Frelighsburg and Sutton have put in place fridges of their own. In some communities, including Cowansville and Brome Lake, the food is supplied by volunteer action centres and local farmers; in others, citizens can drop off surplus fresh food.

“Every Tuesday, from June to October, a member of the advisory committee or I come to collect surpluses from the Cowansville [volunteer action centre] to deposit them in our fridge, located outside, at Paul-Goodhue Park (behind the Community Daycare Service). The fridge is also supplied by citizens who occasionally add fresh food from their gardens and is accessible 24 hours a day,” Frelighsburg mayor Lucie Dagenais told the BCN in a brief email exchange.

According to the Quebec City-based organization Sauve ta Bouffe, which provides advice to organizations across the province that want to set up food fridges, Quebec “good Samaritan” legislation protects fridges and the volunteers and organizations that run them from liability. For safety reasons, Sauve ta Bouffe’s guidelines discourage putting meat, fish or restaurant leftovers in a shared fridge.

Serena Shufelt is the coordinator of the Frigo Vert in Brigham, which has been in place for about a year. The fridge stocks food supplied by the Centre Marguerite-Dubois, which gets its own supplies from local farmers and grocery store surpluses. “A lot of people are enjoying the fridge and emailing me and asking if there’s anything left,” said Shufelt, a farmer who responded to a call for volunteers from the municipality to monitor the fridge. “The purpose of the fridge being there is to prevent food waste, but if we are helping people [who are struggling to put food on the table] then that’s awesome.”

The town of Brome Lake established a food fridge of its own at the community centre last year as part of its food waste prevention efforts, said Brome Lake family resource agent Claire Citeau, who maintains the fridge along with a core group of three dedicated volunteers. Most of the food comes from the Centre Marguerite-Dubois and from a local bakery. “It’s a lot of work – you need to go pick up the food in Cowansville, stock the fridge, clean it…  if I didn’t have the volunteers, I could do it on my own but it would be very hard.”

Citeau said she finds that the fridge is emptying more quickly now than it did earlier on in the project. She doesn’t know if this is due to people taking more than their share, to the project being better known or to people in need relying on the fridge to put food on the table. “I like to think that it’s just become better known…but certainly, unfortunately, there are people in need. This is a waste reduction [project] but it’s also about food security.”

“In a few years, I’d like for there to be no need for a food fridge – I’d like for everyone to get enough to eat, but that’s living in unicorn land,” said Corbeil, the former teacher turned Bromont councillor and food fridge booster. “In reality, it would be nice if there were two fridges, or if there was a community that developed around the fridges and people there came up with other projects to help the community.”

To get involved with an existing food fridge or to establish a new one, contact your local volunteer action centre or your municipality. To find a fridge near you, visit sauvetabouffe.org and click “Frigos.”

Bromont gets free food fridge, joins growing movement Read More »

“Green as your grass”: Water quality struggles continue in Bedford

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The boil-water advisory may be over, but the work to protect water quality in Missisquoi Bay – which provides drinking water to Bedford, Bedford Township, Philipsburg (Saint-Armand) and Stanbridge Station – is far from finished, local officials say.

An unusually vigorous cyanobacteria bloom turned the water “green as your grass” for several days last week, Bedford Mayor Claude Dubois told the BCN.

“We have been dealing with cyanobacteria outbreaks for 35-40 years, but nothing like this,” Dubois said.

Agronomist Louis Robert is the coordinator of the phosphorus reduction program at the Organisme du Bassin Versant de la Baie Missisquoi (OBVBM) and the watershed organization’s main point person on the issue of cyanobacteria blooms. “It’s the first time we had such a big bloom that started so early and lasted so long,” he said.

Climate change, he said, was an aggravating factor but not the main cause of the bloom. Robert explained that cyanobacteria blooms, sometimes known as blue-green algae blooms, are fueled by phosphorus in the water, and aggravated by hot weather and shallow, stagnant water. “The situation in the bay is especially bad, because it’s shallow and the water doesn’t move very much, and we have a high concentration of phosphorus in the water.” Phosphorus is a key component in many agricultural fertilizers, and also in animal manure. “This is a wake-up call, the result of decades of inappropriate agricultural processes, too much phosphorus, bigger herds leading to too much manure,” Robert said, emphasizing that he didn’t want to “throw stones” at individual farmers, who he said receive conflicting messages about the dangers of phosphorus overuse from salespeople, government officials and environmental groups. The fact that Lake Champlain straddles the U.S.-Canada border also poses a regulatory challenge.

“Even if we stopped bringing in all the phosphorus [from] chemical fertilizer and manure tomorrow, it would take years for the water quality to improve,” he added. The OBVBM is developing an awareness campaign with “demonstration fields” to show that it’s possible to farm without phosphorus.

Filtration plant struggles

The filtration plant in Bedford, which serves Philipsburg and surrounding towns, is the only one in Quebec which draws drinking water from Missisquoi Bay, part of Lake Champlain. It has struggled to provide clean drinking water for much of the summer. “We had a leak and a pipe that we had to replace [in addition to the cyanobacteria]. Everything has been against us this year, but fall and winter are coming – and we’re kind of impatient for winter, because in winter we don’t have cyanobacteria,” said Dubois. The town put a boil-water advisory in effect from Sept. 14-19 due to a broken pipe; earlier this summer, the town relied on a tanker truck for drinking water for several weeks.

Dubois said engineers have told him that piping in the water from further out in the lake, using a larger pipe and an aeration system, will lead to improved water quality. “For the last two or three years, we’ve been talking about doing something like that,” he said.  However, the municipality needs to get federal approval before moving forward with building a new conduit, which will cost an estimated $1.8 million. Assuming the town receives the necessary approvals and grants, they will have a small window early next year to get the conduit built.

“Our concern is, everyone needs water to live. The population needs this service,” Dubois said.

A spokesperson for Brome-Missisquoi MP Pascale St-Onge told La Voix de l’Est that St-Onge “is very aware of the situation and is working with the different ministries concerned and various stakeholders to find a solution.”

“Green as your grass”: Water quality struggles continue in Bedford Read More »

CLSC Lac-Brome to remain closed until mid-October

‘Lack of communication unacceptable’: Mayor

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The CLSC Lac-Brome will remain closed until at least mid-October, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS has confirmed.

The CLSC, which serves residents of Brome Lake, Brome Village, West Bolton and parts of Sutton and surrounding towns, closed June 17 due to a seasonal staffing shortage It was initially expected to reopen Sept. 9.

“Teams of staff are actively working to allow for reopening around October 15,” Élizabeth Dubé, a spokesperson for the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, told the BCN. “The details of the reopening are as-yet undefined because we’re currently evaluating the situation. We’ll keep you posted.”

Dubé said the labour shortage and new provincial government restrictions on hiring staff from outside agencies made it “impossible to consider a reopening at this time.”

Town officials in Brome Lake realized the closure might go on longer than initially planned in early September, when they started receiving calls from worried constituents unable to book appointments for blood tests or nursing consultations at the CLSC in the fall.

“The communication has not been that great with the CIUSSS,” Mayor Richard Burcombe acknowledged. “Back in June [when the closure was first announced], we questioned whether the CLSC would reopen. We are not very hopeful, based on what we’ve heard for the last three months. We got no prior notification from the CIUSSS [of the extended closure]. The lack of communication is unacceptable.”

Burcombe said he was “very disappointed” with the prolonged closure, especially in light of recent cuts to Sureté du Québec patrols in the area. “It’s very disturbing to see cuts to health care and police and public safety … they’re cutting everywhere.”

“This is a service that’s needed in Brome Lake, with 33 per cent of our population aged 65 and older. Now they have to go to Cowansville for blood tests, wound care and follow-up nursing care.” For those that don’t drive, he added, “it’s not always easy to get a ride.”

Patterson launches petition

Coun. Lee Patterson, acting in a personal capacity, has launched a bilingual online petition calling on the CIUSSS to reopen the CLSC, which has received nearly 700 signatures as of this writing.

“I know Mayor Burcombe and [Brome-Missisquoi MNA] Isabelle Charest are in contact with the CIUSSS, but I thought maybe the CIUSSS underestimated the challenges [that the closure creates],” he said. “Mobilizing the population sends a clear message that citizens support what their elected officials are doing. The political messages have been sent, and now it’s time for the population to say they want services to come back.”

“The CIUSSS is so huge, and I understand why they might want to centralize things like nursing care in Cowansville, but that’s not great for us,” he added. “What might look easy for the CIUSSS on paper is a big disruption in Brome Lake and West Bolton.”

Dubé, the CIUSSS spokesperson, said Brome Lake residents could make appointments at other CLSCs in the region for vaccination, tests and lab work. “Appointment availability and opening hours may be increased to meet the needs of all Estrie localities,” she added.

The CLSC de Sutton, which had its opening hours reduced in June of this year at the same time the Brome Lake closure was announced, was expected to return to its regular hours of operation on Sept. 15, Dubé said.

Those who wish to sign Patterson’s petition can do so at knowlton.quebec. Interested people can also download and circulate paper copies in the community.

CLSC Lac-Brome to remain closed until mid-October Read More »

Grant allows Brigham to pipe water to 27 homes

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

After decades of waiting, several dozen residents of a housing development in Brigham are expected to get reliable running water this week, after the town received a grant of nearly $1.5 million from a provincial government program aimed at shoring up municipal water infrastructure.

Most households in the community of about 2,300 people use water from private wells. According to Mayor Steven Neil, in the 1970s, a developer built several dozen houses with piped-in running water, but the “mishmash” of a water system never lived up to its promise. “It was a makeshift water system using water pumped in from a well. There was no real planning. It was a 1970s-type system done in the days when there was no regulation.”

Over the years, frustrated by poor water pressure, many residents of the area – known as the Guay sector after the developer – went back to using wells. Public works crews also ran into difficulties digging in the area, because no one knew precisely where all of the underground pipes were. 

In the mid-2000s, as stricter regulations came into force, the piped-in water was put under a provincial boil-water advisory.

“They said, we’ll keep [the boil-water advisory] in force until you put in a new water system,” Neil said. “That wasn’t an option for us until the PRIMEAU program came out, covering 95 per cent of the cost.” The remaining amount was covered by a transfer from the federal government. Neil said the owners of the 22 homes hooked up to the water system will pay a small usage and maintenance fee; the town does not plan to increase taxes or fees for the community as a whole. The vast majority of Brighamites will continue to use well water. Neil said the system will have the capacity to hook up an additional five homes, but the town’s focus was on the 22 homes that had previously relied on inadequate piped-in water service.

“It’s a win for the people in the sector – the ones who don’t use the system are not paying for it, and the ones who are will get water almost for free,” Neil said. “They have been dealing with this for the last 17 years and they were looking to be on the hook for thousands of dollars – they are really happy that we got the grant.”

Neil said the grant came through “about a year ago” and allowed the municipality to install 1400 metres of piping, a small treatment centre and a generator to ensure the system keeps working when the power goes out. “Now we know where all the pipes are and we know that they’re not going to freeze or to stop working when the power goes out. We are so happy to finally be done with this file, because it [involved] a lot of time and effort and paperwork over the last couple of years. I have a lot of gratitude toward the government. This really helps.”

“This announcement is excellent news for Brigham! The support of the government of Quebec will allow for the completion of essential work that will improve the quality of life of many citizens. Upgrading the municipality’s assets will meet the needs of the population and help maintain a safe and attractive living environment. I am very proud of our government’s participation in this project,” Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest said in a statement.

Grant allows Brigham to pipe water to 27 homes Read More »

No eligibility certificate needed for English health care, MNAs say

By Ruby Pratka,

Local Journalism Initiative

On Sept. 12, members of the National Assembly passed a unanimous motion stating that English-speaking Quebecers do not need to obtain or provide a certificate of eligibility for English education to access health care or social services in English.

The motion, tabled by Liberal health critic André Fortin, called for the National Assembly to declare that English-speaking Quebecers “don’t need to obtain a certificate of eligibility for English-language education to have access to English-language health care and social services in Quebec” and that “clear and explicit” directives to that effect need to be given to local health authorities.

Fortin tabled the motion with the support of Québec Solidaire health critic Vincent Marissal and independent MNA Marie-Claude Nichols. The motion was to have been sent to every regional health authority (CISSS or CIUSSS) in the province.

Although the motion doesn’t have the force of law, Liberal critic for relations with English-speaking Quebecers Greg Kelley said the multi-party support it received “sends a strong signal.”

“Lucien Bouchard said that when you go to the hospital, you might need a blood test, but you certainly don’t need a language test… and the [Coalition Avenir Québec government] should not play with that,” he added.

Kelley, who represents the Montreal-area riding of Jacques-Cartier, said his office has received calls from anglophone constituents concerned about health care access in light of a directive issued by Minister of the French Language Jean-François Roberge in July. The directive, which laid out a list of situations where a language other than French might be used in health care, was widely interpreted in the anglophone community as potentially restricting the use of English with patients, although Roberge has denied that was the government’s intention.

Roberge later promised to issue a new, clearer directive, but no such document has been released as of this writing. Kelley said it was “time for the government to do the right thing” and clarify matters.

Townshippers’ president Don Warnholtz called the motion “a step in the right direction.”

Warnholtz, also a former member of the provincial access committee for English-language health care, said it remained to be seen how the motion would translate into law or into new directives or regulations. “If [regulations] change, people need to be aware,” he said. “If it gets too technical, it’s not easy for health care professionals or for the average person to figure out.”

He was also concerned by the reference to eligibility certificates in the motion. “They are being very specific about eligibility certificates; I would have hoped for them to say clearly that the only thing a patient needs to access health care in English is to request it.”

Kelley, for his part, said patients didn’t have to worry about showing any kind of documentation to get English-language service. “The only type of proof [of membership in the English-speaking community] that exists is the eligibility certificate, which a lot of people can’t get,” he said. “When you go to a hospital, they are obligated to try to serve you in English – capacity is another issue, but you do always have the right to walk in and ask.” He added that initiatives like the “sunflower project” at Memphremagog and Brome-Missisquoi–Perkins hospitals, where bilingual staff can choose to wear crocheted sunflowers on their ID badges to signal that they can serve patients in English, are “a win-win for everyone.” 

A spokesperson for the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS could not say whether a copy of the motion had been sent to the health authority. However, Caroline Van Rossum, point person for English services at the CIUSSS, told the BCN that the “sunflower project” is still in full swing at both hospitals and has not been affected by the directive.

“We are quite fortunate in the Townships, because the CIUSSS has been quite open to providing [bilingual] services to the best of their ability,” Warnholtz said. “They are considering how we can get the best quality health care. That’s what we need more of [in the province] – this idea of ‘Let’s just work together.’”

No eligibility certificate needed for English health care, MNAs say Read More »

Town of Brome Lake releases 2024-28 strategic plan

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Brome Lake unveiled its new strategic plan on Sept. 4, setting out its priorities for the years 2024-2028.

The plan was developed after a wide-ranging survey, three public meetings and consultations with citizens’ committees, the business community and various community organizations over the past year, explained Deputy Mayor Lee Patterson, president of the town’s urban planning committee. Through community organizations, teenagers and seniors were also included in the consultations.

Housing affordability, the health of the lake and access to services for youth and young families were top priorities for a wide range of citizens, Patterson said; business owners also raised concerns about recruiting staff and finding places for them to live.

The plan, released last week in both French and English, lays out a brief demographic portrait of the municipality, its six districts, 206.9 square kilometres of territory, 2,830 households, 192 businesses and 11 public parks. It included data showing that the town’s population growth was expected to slow in the next few years, and its average age, already among the highest in Quebec at 52.8, was expected to increase further. It laid out a brief vision statement for the municipality: “In the heart of nature, Brome Lake is defined by its bucolic living environment, its bilingual and inclusive community, its rich heritage, its healthy lake and its sustainable development.” Its mission statement read, “Proud of its history and natural setting, the Town of Brome Lake offers efficient and responsible services in a desirable living environment to a forward-looking community.”

The mission statement, vision statement and the town’s five stated values – respect, transparency, integrity, resilience and leadership – are expected to inform the next five years of policy.

Concretely, according to Patterson, the town’s priorities include updating its urban plan and making its website more user-friendly and improving tools used for public consultation.

“If you base [participation in municipal life] on the number of people coming to council, there are not that many people, but when you get 1200 people out of [a population of] 6000 to participate in a survey, that’s huge,” Patterson said. “There was a large interest for municipal affairs and learning how local government works, and that surprised us a bit. We’re going to have to develop more ways not just to say ‘thanks for your input,’ but to allow more citizen participation in the evolution of the steps.” 

The town laid out a strategic plan including objectives for social, economic and land development; environment; and governance over the next five years. Listed objectives included maintaining the town’s bilingual status, improving access to the lake, “enhancing recreational offerings” for citizens, adopting a new tourism action plan, revitalizing the downtown core by widening sidewalks and adding outdoor furniture, developing an “architectural guide for investors, developers and citizens,” developing public awareness tools on lake protection, implementing further protection measures for water sources, installing more electric vehicle charging stations, enhancing the participatory budget program, making council meetings more accessible and adopting a formal citizen participation policy, all within the next five years. 

“We have to do things a bit differently on how we present [projects] to citizens, because if we have a long-drawn-out Powerpoint presentation, people are not going to stay engaged for that long,” Paterson said. It’s important to stay abreast of what’s going on …  if we maximize public participation [when decisions are made], it avoids surprises in the future,” Patterson said.

Patterson advised citizens who want to get more involved in town affairs or keep track of the evolution of the strategic plan to “subscribe to our newsletter, attend a council meeting or two, ask questions, speak with your councillor or get in touch with the town clerk’s office.”

The full strategic plan is available on the town website.

Town of Brome Lake releases 2024-28 strategic plan Read More »

Former Knowlton care home to become apartment complex

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The former Knowlbanks retirement home in Knowlton will be converted into a 42-unit apartment complex. Excelsoins, the Pointe-Claire-based private company which managed the seniors’ home until its closure in 2023, confirmed its intentions to go ahead with the conversion after a register held last week failed to obtain enough signatures to trigger a referendum.

Excelsoins closed the home in March 2023 after struggling to recruit qualified staff amid a prolonged provincewide labour shortage. Excelsoins director of asset management Patrice Brillon said the decision to convert the building into apartments was made soon after the closure. The project was presented to the town’s urban planning committee in early 2024, and received preliminary approval from council in April.

Current zoning regulations in the area allow for a building with a maximum of 32 units, so Excelsoins had to apply to the Town of Brome Lake (TOBL)  for a zoning exemption (known by the French acronym PPCMOI) to build more than that number. As part of that process, the project was subjected to a public consultation and a register of neighbourhood residents. Of the 39 signatures that would have been necessary to trigger a referendum, only 11 were received, TOBL director general Gilbert Arel confirmed.

Brillon said Excelsoins intends to move forward with construction after the project has been approved by the MRC – usually a formality. The building will include one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments along with a gym for residents and storage space.

“The conversion requires a partial redevelopment of existing spaces to create modern housing, while integrating living spaces for the well-being of our tenants, such as a gym. We plan to redevelop and build 3 ½  [one-bedroom] apartments ranging from 650 to 810 sq. ft. and 4 ½ [two-bedroom] apartments ranging from 850 to 1,175 sq. ft. A wing of the building, which already has modern suites, will be redeveloped to merge certain spaces and quickly create these very large apartments,” Brillon said.

According to an Excelsoins presentation, the company intends to put the first 15 apartments on the market before the end of 2024; the remaining apartments will be available in 2025.

Brillon said Excelsoins did not have a specific target market in mind for the new apartments, and that the rent had not yet been fixed. “From the beginning, affordable housing has been a central part of our plan. We recognize the critical need in the community, and are currently exploring options to effectively address it,” he said. “A final decision on the inclusion of affordable housing will be made shortly.” The company does not plan to set aside any units for social housing.

Arel said the project fit in well with the town’s housing plan, announced earlier this year. “We found that there was not a very good mix of homes available – there are plenty of high-end single-family homes available, but not everyone will buy those homes. This fits in well with the idea of our housing plan, to have a better mix. Part of why the council moved ahead with [the project] was that they thought it was a good way to convert the building in an optimal way, to offer units for which there is a demand.”

Former Knowlton care home to become apartment complex Read More »

Brome Lake signs union agreement with firefighters

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Brome Lake and its fire department have signed a collective agreement, town officials announced Aug. 29.

The agreement, which covers the period from 2023 to 2027, is the first such agreement between the town and the union representing its 28 on-call firefighters. It sets out a gradual 15 per cent salary increase over the next five years, including a retroactive 7 per cent increase for 2023. Councillors approved it in early August.

Firefighter and union representative Thomas Bogan said negotiations with the city went exceptionally smoothly. “We couldn’t be happier with how it went – they were very respectful and very polite. We just wanted to make sure everything was covered.”

Bogan said a falling-out between rank-and-file firefighters and a previous fire chief led to friction between the department and the municipality, and led the firefighters to consider unionization. The Quebec labour tribunal approved their application in early 2022.

Bogan, who has been a part-time firefighter in Brome Lake for 15 years, said the department currently has a good working relationship with the town and with its own leadership. “We feel that we have a voice again, and we’re happy to have the feeling that someone has our back. Everyone is going to be comfortable knowing that if things were to go sideways again, we could use the union to talk with the town as the voice of our members.”

He said he didn’t want to go into detail about the falling-out which led to the unionization drive. “What happened happened and I don’t want to open up the past. The town has worked hard with us to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable, and I believe they’re doing their part. I feel we [the firefighters] are in a much better place.”

Like Bogan, Town of Brome Lake director general characterized the negotiations as respectful and the agreement itself as a step forward. “Whenever there’s a collective agreement, it’s there to protect the workers, but it’s also in [the town’s] interest to have a plan that says, ‘Here are the parameters we’re working within, and if we want to go outside those parameters, we need to discuss it first.’ It removes some flexibility, but it defines what everyone’s sandbox is and [makes guarantees] for the employees’ job security.”

Arel added that the town wanted to set clearer salary guidelines and keep local firefighters’ salaries competitive for recruitment and retention purposes. “Even though we don’t have labour issues to the same degree as other towns … we don’t want to nickel-and-dime our employees. We want to make sure they’re paid a salary comparable to others in the region.”

“I would like to underline the professional and respectful atmosphere that constantly prevailed in

the exchanges between the parties,” Brome Lake Mayor Richard Burcombe said in a statement. “The citizens of Brome Lake can count on a highly dedicated team, and we are proud to improve and modernize working conditions, in recognition of the great commitment of our firefighters.”

The Brome Lake Fire and Public Safety Service provides firefighting and public safety services as needed in Brome Lake, in West Bolton and in surrounding communities when needed.

Brome Lake signs union agreement with firefighters Read More »

Local suicide prevention organizations reach out for World Suicide Prevention Day

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

On Sept. 8, the Centre de prévention de suicide de Haute-Yamaska–Brome-Missisquoi (CPSBMHY) is holding a festive picnic to get people talking about a less than festive topic: suicide.

The picnic will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Davignon Park in Cowansville, with a free lunch offered to the first 100 people, and a wide range of door prizes. There will be art therapy sessions, a temporary tattoo booth and yoga sessions to help people relax – as well as a tent with a support worker for anyone who needs to talk and get something off their chest.

CPSBMHY communication and philanthropic development officer Chantale Rivard said she hoped the event would help start difficult but important conversations. “We know it’s not an easy subject – we wanted to bring it to people in a fun and easy way.” She emphasized that the picnic was open to anyone in the area – not just Cowansville residents.

Rivard said the event was an opportunity to discover the services CPSBMHY offered. “We have phone support [for people in crisis], one-on-one meetings, support groups and clinical support groups for professionals [working with people at risk of suicide],” she explained. The centre also plans to run roving drop-in clinics around Brome-Missisquoi in the fall – “One day in Knowlton, one day in some other place … we’ll try to have a schedule to let people know that Mondays we’ll be in this town, Tuesdays we’ll be in that town, and so forth.”

Although the group programs are only offered in French at the moment, the centre has a bilingual support worker who is able to provide one-on-one service in English. The centre is expecting to have more bilingual staff in the fall, Rivard added. “It’s always a challenge to find bilingual people, but [our current bilingual support worker] knows the area and knows how to help.”

Every year, between 1,000 and 1,100 Quebecers die by suicide, and thousands more attempt to take their own lives.  “It’s getting easier, but it’s still a taboo subject; it’s not something people will talk freely about,” Rivard said. “We want to bring people’s attention to the fact that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Vigil planned in Sherbrooke

JEVI, which provides suicide prevention services in and around Sherbrooke, will hold a march and vigil to remember people lost to suicide on the evening of Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Pavilion Armand-Nadeau, and participants will march alongside Lac des Nations. “We’ll start the march, and then [at around the halfway point, near the Marché de la Gare] we’ll hold a workshop about myths and facts around suicide,’” said Chanel Clément, philanthropy co-ordinator at JEVI. Support workers will also be on site for anyone who needs to talk. “Speaking out about suicide is how we prevent it, and how we reduce distress,” she said.

Although statistics show that middle-aged men face a higher risk of dying by suicide than the rest of the general population, Clément said no one is immune. “You can’t imagine how common it is [to have suicidal thoughts]. We talk to young children, to people who seem to have comfortable lives…there are so many people in deep distress. But there are solutions.”

Clément said JEVI can provide short-term one-on-one counselling in English for people who are in distress, contemplating suicide or trying to cope with the loss of a loved one to suicide. The organization also runs support groups, although numbers aren’t always sufficient to put together a support group in English.

People in crisis who are in need of immediate assistance can call 1-866-APPELLE at any time to speak to a counsellor in French or English.

Local suicide prevention organizations reach out for World Suicide Prevention Day Read More »

Carke Terrace gets dock, will get washrooms, changing rooms before year’s end

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Canoeists, kayakers and people using other non-motorized boats can now push off from Carke Terrace after the Town of Brome Lake (TOBL) completed the installation of a small dock there.

“This structure allows users to put their small non-motorized boats such as paddle boards, kayaks, sailboards or canoes in the water, in order to be able to access the lake safely,” town officials said in a public announcement.

TOBL assistant director of technical services Marc-André Boivin also said construction would begin shortly on a long-planned “sanitary block” including public restrooms, lockers and changing rooms at Carke Terrace, along with an expanded parking lot, a retaining basin for rainwater runoff and a paved sidewalk leading to the lake. Construction is expected to be finished by the holidays, Boivin said. The new facilities are aimed at people who want to kayak, paddleboard and swim in the lake but who can’t access the lake from their own property.

The municipality took out a $1.3-million loan in April to fund the upgrades to the terrace. The land, where the landmark Terrace Inn stood until the 1970s, was purchased from the Poulin family by the Carke Foundation in 2019 and given to the town for use as a public park.

“Ultimately, we want Carke Terrace to be an access point to the lake for residents and visitors,” Boivin said. “There has been a lot of privatization of the banks of the lake recently, and it’s important to provide a public access point for people who don’t live on the lake, and also a public green space.”

Boivin said the dock, washrooms, changing rooms and expanded parking lot are “phase one” of the municipality’s plans for Carke Terrace. “Depending on how things evolve, we have space to expand the installation with more parking spaces…we’ll see in the future,” he said. 

Carke Terrace gets dock, will get washrooms, changing rooms before year’s end Read More »

Waterloo walks back water counter bylaw

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The town of Waterloo has scrapped a planned bylaw requiring owners of single-family homes to purchase and install water counters after a public outcry.

The bylaw, tabled at the June 11 council meeting, would have required every building connected to the municipal water network to have a water metre by Jan. 1, 2027. Property owners would have been required to pay out of pocket – an estimated cost of at least $550 – to buy and install the metres.

Businesses, industrial facilities and public institutions have been required by provincial law to have water counters since 2018. Since 2019, the devices have been required for all new constructions. The bylaw would have extended the requirement to older single-family homes and residential buildings. However, at the Aug. 20 council meeting, in front of an audience of several dozen people and with security guards called to the town hall after threats posted on social media, Mayor Jean-Marie Lachapelle and councillors walked back the plan, which they acknowledged had been tabled without dedicated public consultation.

“Water metres are an effective way to promote responsible use of drinking water. However, their cost represents a constraint, both for citizens and for the municipality. We are going back to the drawing board to explore solutions that are respectful of citizens’ wallets, while continuing our commitment to preserving our water, a precious and limited resource,” Lachapelle said in a statement. He thanked homeowners who installed the counters voluntarily and took measures to reduce water consumption. “People are being responsible and reducing their water use.”

“We have heard you,” Coun. Rémi Raymond told attendees. “There are benefits to having a water metre, but we’re not ready to put this plan into action. We want to hear you in greater detail.” Raymond promised a public consultation on the matter, which drew a few cheers from the public gallery but appeared to catch Lachapelle by surprise.

“The council is there to make decisions,” Lachapelle later told the BCN. “We consult on a lot of things, whether it’s culture, heritage, urban planning…we thought we were doing the right thing on this.” He said the metre bylaw had been intended to encourage water conservation and pave the way for a water tax based on individual consumption, replacing the current flat-rate water tax.

“A lot of people objected to the cost, although some people had other objections,” the mayor said, adding that paying for water counter installation out of the town budget, rather than passing the cost onto homeowners, would have cost nearly $1 million in taxpayer money, and the 2027 deadline was intended to help homeowners plan for and absorb the cost. He said the issue would be discussed further at the September council meeting and another bylaw tabled in September or October. No decision has yet been made on whether a consultation will be scheduled.

Lachapelle added that the municipality has so far taken a “delete and move on” approach to threats and attacks on social media, and the town has not sought police involvement.

Waterloo walks back water counter bylaw Read More »

Friends of Massey-Vanier Vikings aims to eliminate athletic fees for student-athletes

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Friends of Massey-Vanier Vikings (FMMV) initiative is gaining traction as it continues its efforts to eliminate athletic fees for students at Massey-Vanier High School. In a recent interview, Bob Kay, spokesperson for FMMV, provided updates on the group’s progress, upcoming fundraising efforts, and the positive impact of their work.

According to Kay, FMMV has been working for over five years to eliminate the athletic fees students are required to pay in order to participate in sports. “Our goal for the student-athletes is to eliminate athletic fees totally and to set up a website where former alumni and anyone else who wants to can donate directly,” Kay explained.

Reflecting on recent progress, Kay shared that the efforts from last year’s fundraising campaign were a success. “Last year after Brome Fair… soccer costs were cut in half, and the winter season, with the money raised, the fees were lowered,” Kay said. He also noted that in the time since, much work has been done with notaries and lawyers, and FMMV is now in the final stages of their plan. “Hopefully, our goal will be achieved quite soon,” he added.

FMMV will once again be fundraising at the Brome Fair this year, hosting a booth in a similar location as last year. “We’re doing approximately the same thing that we did last year,” said Kay, emphasizing that the goal remains the same: to raise as much money as possible for the student-athletes. “We’re hoping to see as many people as possible and to get as much money as we can.”

While FMMV is still working on setting up a dedicated website, those who want to help can contact Kay directly. He mentioned that last year he received several emails from those interested in contributing and expects more this year. Kay can be reached at: kay.bob20@gmail.com

The impact of FMMV’s efforts has been significant. Kay shared that lowering fees last year resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of students signing up to participate in sports. “There were more kids signing up to play, which means we’re basically doing the thing that we need to do, because some kids were not playing because they couldn’t afford it,” he said. Kay emphasized the importance of ensuring all students have access to school sports, regardless of financial constraints. “There are no kids in school who should not be able to play because they can’t afford it. That should never happen.”

With another exciting Brome Fair on the horizon, FMMV remains hopeful that their fundraising efforts will continue to support students in their athletic pursuits. The group’s work has already shown positive results, and they are committed to ensuring that no student is left on the sidelines due to financial barriers.

Friends of Massey-Vanier Vikings aims to eliminate athletic fees for student-athletes Read More »

Over 3,300 sign petition for Bedford CHSLD expansion, committee says

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

A petition calling on the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS to rethink its decision to cancel a planned expansion of the CHSLD de Bedford has gathered more than 3,300 signatures, according to a spokesperson for the Bedford Pole Health Committee (BPHC).

In 2022, then-seniors’ affairs minister Marguerite Blais announced plans to move forward with a $15.1-million expansion of the facility, which would have allowed 49 residents to live there in private rooms and created a protected unit with eight places for people with cognitive disabilities who are susceptible to wandering. The planned expansion was first outlined in 2019 before running into delays due to the pandemic. However, the CIUSSS announced in June that it was cancelling the expansion altogether, ostensibly due to a cultural shift to home care; it later came to light that the CIUSSS had a deficit of more than $30 million. Days after the cancellation was announced, at the initiative of a local resident, BPHC volunteers began circulating the paper-only petition at summer events such as Fete nationale celebrations and the Bedford Fair parade.

BPHC spokesperson Pierrette Messier-Peet said she believed the petition resonated with people who wanted their elderly relatives to stay nearby – and who wanted to grow old close to home themselves. “We don’t want our elderly people to be sent to the city to end their lives. People are being sent to Farnham, Cowansville, Sutton, Granby, I’ve even heard of one person sent to Longueuil. People are very angry at the idea that their parent might be the one sent away. It’s a lack of respect for our region.”

“We thought we would be happy with 1,000 signatures [on the petition], but we got to 2,000 very quickly,” said Messier-Peet. Liberal seniors’ and caregivers’ affairs critic Linda Caron has said she is willing to table the petition at the National Assembly, ramping up pressure on the CAQ government.

“I understand their frustration, and it’s great that they are doing all this work,” Caron said of the BPHC and the Fondation Lévesque-Craighead, which has also been at the forefront of efforts to get the expansion approved. “Madame Blais made this promise in 2022, and the data hasn’t changed that much since then. On a human level, when people need CHSLD care, they are vulnerable. It is already a big change to move into a CHSLD, even more so if the CHSLD is an hour away and they are further from their spouse, children or neighbours who would come visit. Our seniors deserve better.”

Christiane Granger, president of the Lévesque-Craighead Foundation, said the petition was “important” and showed that community members were mobilized. She said the foundation had written to health minister Christian Dubé and expected to meet with Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest in the short term to discuss the future of the project.

Charest “has been working hard for several weeks to shed light on the situation. She has questioned the ministerial offices of seniors and health as well as the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS,” said her press attaché, Maryse Dubois. “She is still waiting for some answers.” 

CIUSSS spokesperson Éliane Thibault said the CIUSSS was aware of the petition, but did not comment on the future of the project or the institution’s budget difficulties as such. She did say smaller renovations would go ahead as planned in the fall, with input from a resident life committee.

Over 3,300 sign petition for Bedford CHSLD expansion, committee says Read More »

Roberge plans to issue new health care directive after hasty consultation

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Minister for the French Language Jean-François Roberge has said he intends to issue a new directive on the use of languages other than French in the health-care system after meeting with groups representing English-speaking seniors last week.

“We are coming [up] with a new way to formulate it, with new wording, which will be more clear,” Roberge told the Montreal Gazette after the Aug. 12 meeting, adding that health care services in English will remain available on demand, “no questions asked.”

The original directive was issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in July as part of the implementation process surrounding Law 14 (more commonly known as Bill 96), the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s wide-ranging language policy reform. It laid out a list of situations where a health care professional might decide to use English or another language with a patient or family member. It also appeared to place restrictions on the exclusive use of English in written communications, based on whether a patient had an eligibility certificate for English public education – a document most seniors and recent immigrants would not have.

The directive caused an immediate outcry, with the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) among those calling on the government to retract it.

The QCGN was invited to the Aug. 12 meeting shortly before it took place, but declined to attend because Health Minister Christian Dubé would not be there. With the exception of a delegation from Quebec City-based Jeffery Hale–Saint Brigid’s, groups specifically representing English speakers in the regions were not present. Townshippers’ Association president Don Warnholtz, a former member of the provincial health care access committee, said the group remained “open to discussion” regarding any issues related to health care access in the Townships.

“A lot of this [confusion] could have been avoided with proper prior consultation,” he said. “The provincial health care access committee has representation from all over the province – they should have been consulted. Hopefully, the community and the government can learn from this and find better ways to communicate new policies.” 

“The administrative directive leaves a lot to be desired and creates a lot of confusion…and while we’re looking at it as a health care problem, the government is looking at it as a language problem,” added Townshippers’ executive director Denis Kotsoros. “When you read the directive, it does send out alarm bells. Our partners and people in the public service work hard to serve people every day; everyone has embraced the yellow sunflower badges [worn by bilingual staff in certain health facilities in the region] and now a project like that could be put in jeopardy with the directive and the politics around it.”

The directive will remain in force until a new directive is developed. Kotsoros said Townshippers’ has been receiving calls from concerned community members since the directive first came to light earlier this month. “We get calls asking, ‘What does this mean, how does this work?’ We just try to assuage them and say no [restrictions] are being applied.”

Despite the confusion, Kotsoros congratulated Roberge for calling the meeting and listening to the groups who were present. “We will never shut down the lines of communication,” he said. “It’s time for rational thought to take over and for the people around the table to take responsibility for everyone’s benefit.”

“When a person goes to a health facility, it’s usually at a stressful time, and you want to make sure you’re well understood. The only requirement to get health care in English should be to ask for it,” Warnholtz said.

“Following the meeting with representatives of the English-speaking communities, we noted their concerns,” Marie-Joëlle Robitaille, a principal advisor in Roberge’s office, said on Aug. 19. We want to do things as quickly as possible, but do it right. We are giving ourselves a few days to clarify the documents concerning the directive.” No one from Dubé’s office or the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS was able to comment at press time.

Roberge plans to issue new health care directive after hasty consultation Read More »

“There will be more of these kinds of events”

Brome Lake shores up sewage system after Debby

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Brome Lake (TBL) is reinforcing its water and sewage networks and encouraging people to sign up for its emergency alert system to be better prepared for future weather events in the wake of Hurricane Debby.

The remnants of the storm, which blew through the region last week, knocked out power for thousands of residents and brought torrential rains which caused challenges for the water and sewer networks, TBL assistant director general Robert Daniel told the BCN. A boil-water advisory was put in place Aug. 11 and lifted four days later.

“We haven’t had a situation like this [a boil-water advisory and a widespread power outage] affecting the whole town for a long time,” Daniel said. “It’s a ministry obligation to put in place a boil-water advisory under certain conditions…in our case, two water pumps failed during the storm and we were unable to ensure sufficient water pressure, so as soon as that happens, we declare a boil-water advisory and start testing.”

Daniel explained that water samples were tested for fecal coliforms and other common contaminants, which could have leached into the water supply while the pressure was reduced. The advisory stayed in force while the town waited several days for lab results from two separate samples. Ultimately, no abnormalities were detected and the advisory was lifted.

“There will be more and more of these kinds of events, more often, with torrential rains saturating the water network and taking out our electricity,” Daniel said. In response, the municipality has equipped almost all of its sewage pumps with generators in the past week, and is working on a previously planned long-term project to modernize and reinforce the water network over the next two years.

Emergency alerts

Daniel encouraged residents to sign up for the town’s emergency alert system. The system, which has been in place for about two years, uses automated, bilingual landline phone calls, emails and text messages to warn residents about boil-water advisories and other emergency measures, and to inform them when emergency measures have been lifted. Residents can sign up on the town website or in person at the town hall.

The Canadian Red Cross advises people to have an emergency kit at the ready for hurricanes or severe storms, including at least a three-day supply of food, drinking water, baby or pet supplies if needed and any necessary medication; keep a battery-powered radio and batteries around to follow local news and updates; and be ready to evacuate if needed at a moment’s notice.

“There will be more of these kinds of events” Read More »

Liberal activists push for Quebec constitution

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Two prominent members of the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP) relaunch committee are proposing that the party back the adoption of a constitution for Quebec.

Julie White, a former Liberal candidate for the Quebec City-area riding of Jean-Talon, and Antoine Dionne-Charest, a Liberal organizer and son of former premier Jean Charest who recently announced his own entry into the leadership race last week, are co-presidents of the committee for the affirmation of Quebec put together by the party’s national political commission.

“Members of the party’s relaunch committee went around the province and met with people in every region, and many people we met said they wanted Quebec to have a written constitution,” White said, pointing out that British Columbia also has its own constitution subject to the Constitution of Canada.

White said the proposed constitution would clarify the rights of members of English-speaking communities to health and education services in their language of choice, in a way that would make rights guarantees resistant to further erosion.

“Notably in the areas of health and education, there are already areas of confusion, particularly about the recent directive about health care in English. A constitution [would] add an extra guardrail to protect the English-speaking communities; [a government] wouldn’t be able to just pass a directive like that. A constitution is stronger than a regular law and it would show the importance of respecting these rights.”

A constitution could also make reference to other key aspects of Quebec’s culture and legal system, such as civil rights, interculturalism, provincial competencies and the rights of Indigenous communities, White said.

The idea is not yet part of the party’s platform; members will debate and vote on it as part of the leadup to the designation of a new QLP leader in 2025, “and then the next leader will have to add their grain of salt,” White said.

“We can be nationalist and federalist at the same time –  the Canadian federation is the best place for Quebec to grow and create wealth, but that doesn’t mean we can’t affirm ourselves as a people,” she added.

Dionne-Charest, in a video posted to social media, said the project was a response to “the Parti Québécois (PQ), who want to separate us from the rest of Canada, and the CAQ, who want to divide us and stigmatize Quebecers who speak languages other than French.” Neither party was immediately available to comment on the proposal. However, Québec Solidaire (QS) and the hard-line federalist Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ) both panned the idea, for different reasons. “The QLP didn’t invent anything; this has been discussed for many years. On day one of a QS government, we would pass a law to establish a citizens’ assembly to write the constitution of an independent Quebec. This document would then be submitted to the population during a referendum. In our opinion, this is a much more democratic process and a more winning one for Quebec,” QS spokesperson Charles Castonguay said.

The CaPQ denounced the proposal as a concession to nationalists. “We need representatives who will stand up for the laws we already have, not waste time pandering to Quebec nationalists’ desires for all the trappings of nationhood,” CaPQ co-leader Colin Standish said in a statement.” Co-leader Myrtis Fossey added that a Quebec constitution “would protect nothing – It would only be used by Quebec separatists to try to legitimize their project, as another tool to support their claim that Quebec should be an independent country.”

“Thankfully, we already have a Canadian Constitution which takes precedence over anything the QLP, CAQ and PQ might try to impose on us, as long as we stand up for our existing rights,” Fossey said.

Liberal activists push for Quebec constitution Read More »

Bedford Fair

A celebration of tradition and community

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Bedford Fair, an annual event eagerly awaited by the local community and visitors alike, is set to take place from Aug. 7 to 11 this year. With a rich history dating back nearly 200 years, the fair promises a blend of traditional activities and modern attractions that cater to all age groups. Organized by the Missisquoi Agricultural Society, the fair is a staple of the Eastern Townships’ summer events, attracting thousands of attendees.

Jessica Pelletier, a representative from the Missisquoi Agricultural Society, provided insights into this year’s fair during an Aug. 5 interview. “The Bedford Fair has always been a significant event for our community,” said Pelletier. “We expect around 20,000 attendees over the weekend, similar to previous years, with visitors coming from all over Quebec and even Ontario.”

A week of excitement

The fair kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 7, with the much-anticipated annual parade down Bedford Road at 6:30 p.m. This colorful procession marks the official start of the festivities, setting the stage for the days to come. Each day is packed with a variety of activities that highlight the region’s agricultural heritage and provide entertainment for all ages.

Thursday, Aug. 8, features equestrian competitions starting at 9 a.m., followed by rural youth judging at 9:30 a.m. The day continues with dairy cattle judgements at 4 p.m. and a thrilling Rally Derby at 7 p.m. The evening concludes with a musical performance by Les Bons Jack at 9 p.m., ensuring a lively atmosphere.

Friday, Aug. 9, sees the continuation of equestrian events at 9 a.m., with more competitions at 9:30 a.m. The highlight of the day is the Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m., a crowd favorite that promises excitement and spectacle. The night wraps up with a musical show by Touch of Gray at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 10, starts with more equestrian competitions and dairy cattle judgements. At 3 p.m., there are races featuring tractors and lawnmowers, a unique and entertaining event. The day ends with a country dance featuring Winslow Dance at 8 p.m., providing a perfect conclusion to a day full of activities.

Sunday, Aug. 11, the final day of the fair, includes equestrian competitions at 9 a.m., followed by the always-popular tractor pulls at 11 a.m. This last event draws significant attention, showcasing the strength and power of these impressive machines.

Admission and attractions

The fair offers various admission options to ensure accessibility for everyone. Single-day tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 5-12, while children 4 and under can enter for free. For those planning to enjoy the fair over multiple days, a 4-day pass is available at $75. Additionally, a family pass for $60 admits two adults and two children for a day, making it an affordable option for families.

Pelletier emphasized that the entry fee includes access to all rides and shows on site, although food and drinks are sold separately. “We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the fair without worrying about extra costs for rides or shows,” she said.

One of the new additions this year is a petting zoo, which had been absent since the COVID-19 pandemic. “The petting zoo is a great way for children to interact with animals and learn more about them,” said Pelletier. “It’s been missed in the past years, and we’re excited to have it back.” The rides, provided by the Beauce Carnaval, are always a major attraction. Attendees can enjoy classic Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds to more thrilling rides for the adventurous.

Community and participation

The fair not only attracts locals but also participants from further afield. “We have competitors coming from Ontario and all over Quebec,” noted Pelletier. “The equestrian events, in particular, draw a wide range of participants, though the dairy cattle judging is mostly limited to Quebec due to strict rules.”

The fair’s inclusive nature is one of its strengths. “It’s a community event that brings everyone together,” said Pelletier. “From families enjoying the rides and games to serious competitors in the agricultural contests, there’s something for everyone.”

In addition to the scheduled events, the fairgrounds will feature various food vendors offering a range of culinary delights, from traditional fair snacks like cotton candy and popcorn to heartier fare such as burgers, poutine, and local specialties. “The food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but there will be plenty of options for everyone to enjoy,” Pelletier reiterated.

For those interested in shopping, the fair will host numerous stalls and booths where local artisans and vendors will showcase their products. From handmade crafts and jewelry to farm-fresh produce and specialty foods, visitors can take home a piece of the fair’s vibrant atmosphere.

A tradition of excellence

The Bedford Fair is not just about fun and games; it also serves as an important venue for agricultural education and competition. The dairy cattle judging, a highlight for many, provides a platform for local farmers to showcase their best livestock. While Pelletier admitted she wasn’t an expert on the judging criteria, she emphasized its importance in the fair’s schedule. “The dairy cattle judging is a long-standing tradition, and it’s really impressive to see the quality of livestock presented,” she said.

The equestrian competitions, another cornerstone of the fair, draw participants from across the region. While there are no longer horse races due to the track’s condition, the equestrian events still feature a variety of competitions that test the skills of both horse and rider. “We don’t have horse racing anymore, but the equestrian competitions remain a major attraction,” Pelletier explained.

One unique aspect of the Bedford Fair is its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Over the years, the fair has incorporated more motorized activities, such as the demolition derby and tractor pulls, to cater to changing interests. “[There] used to be less motorized activities, but that’s what people want now,” Pelletier explained. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and keep the fair relevant for today’s audience.”

Accessibility and convenience

In terms of logistics, the fair is designed to be as accessible and convenient as possible. Parking is free, and there are multiple locations around the fairgrounds where visitors can park their vehicles. “We have parking at the arena, at the pool, so you park wherever you want,” said Pelletier. This ease of access ensures that visitors can focus on enjoying the fair without worrying about additional costs or complications.

For those traveling from outside the immediate area, the fairgrounds are equipped to accommodate a range of visitors. The presence of nearby campgrounds makes it possible for visitors to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves in the fair experience. “Because of the camping in Frelighsberg, some people come on vacation… they [come] here for the trip,” Pelletier explained.

The history of the Bedford Fair

The Bedford Fair has a storied history that reflects the agricultural heritage of the region. The fair’s website states it all began in 1824 when a group of local farmers decided to band together to address common concerns. By 1828, the Bedford County Agricultural Society was officially recognized, marking the beginning of an annual event that would travel between various villages.

Initially, the fair was held in different locations, including Philipsburg, East St-Armand, Dunham, Stanbridge-East, and Frelighsburg. In 1873, the Society purchased a permanent site for the fairgrounds in Bedford, which has been the event’s home ever since.

Over the years, the fairgrounds have seen numerous improvements. In 1950, a new wooden arena was built, which became a popular venue for horse shows and other sports-related activities. The arena’s official opening in 1951 featured an exhibition game between the Montreal Canadiens and a local team, the Bedford Bruins.

The fair was upgraded to a category “B” Canadian fair in 1951, recognizing the efforts made to ensure its continued success. Despite a fire that destroyed the wooden arena in 1972, the fair continued to thrive, with new facilities and attractions being added over the years. In 2007, the SAM Equestrian Center was opened, offering a range of equestrian services and activities.

Today, the Bedford Fair is classified as an “A” fair, attracting visitors from all over to enjoy its diverse offerings. From traditional agricultural competitions to modern attractions like the demolition derby and country dances, the fair continues to be a highlight of the summer season in the Eastern Townships.

The Bedford Fair remains a cherished tradition, reflecting the agricultural roots and community spirit of the region. With a wide array of activities, competitions, and attractions, this year’s fair promises to be a memorable event for all who attend. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, the Bedford Fair offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of rural life and celebrate the vibrant community of the Eastern Townships.

Bedford Fair Read More »

Nature skills workshop for kids coming to Sutton Park

Photo: courtesy

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On Friday, Aug. 9, Sutton Park will host a unique, hands-on workshop for children aged 6 to 12, led by Jacob Brideau, a farmer, eco-animator, and father of four. This bilingual event will run from 9 to 4 p.m. and promises to introduce young participants to essential forest survival skills, including friction fire, primitive technologies, knot tying, and archery. With a cap of 10 participants and a sliding fee scale of $30 to $60, the workshop aims to foster a deep respect for nature and teamwork among children.

Brideau, who has been teaching forest skills since 2020, shared his enthusiasm for the event in an Aug. 3 interview. “I started in Glen Sutton, running a forest school for kids from 6 to 12 years old,” Brideau explained. “We covered everything from primitive skills to bow hunting and wigwam construction. Now, I’m excited to bring these activities to Sutton Park.”

Brideau’s background is rich in hands-on experience and self-taught knowledge. He spent 12 years living on a farm in Bas-Saint-Laurent, where he honed his skills in farming, forestry, and land stewardship. “I learned a lot about tree recognition, plants, and wildlife,” he said. “I also do basket weaving, wood lathe sculpture, and carving. All these skills have been integrated into my teaching.”

Participants in the workshop can expect a day filled with engaging activities that promote both individual and group learning. “We’ll focus on friction fire, knot tying, and primitive skills,” Brideau noted. “The talking circle at the beginning and end of the day helps us emphasize respect and listening to each other and the environment.”

A highlight of the workshop will be the introduction to archery. Brideau shared, “We’ll start with traditional bows made of fiberglass, which are easy to handle. Some kids might even get the chance to craft their own primitive bows in future workshops.”

The event is designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every child can participate meaningfully. Brideau mentioned, “For younger kids who might be shy, we’ll have activities like clay pottery. Older kids can dive into more complex tasks like making a pump drill or learning advanced knot tying.”

Brideau also emphasized the importance of fostering a connection with nature among children. “When they’re curious, they develop a sense of belonging to the territory,” he said. “This is crucial for our generation, and I want to help cultivate that curiosity and connection.”

Future plans for the program include more in-depth workshops and potentially even sleepover events. “We’re just getting started,” Brideau promised. “In September, I want to offer a bigger schedule, including workshops for adults on basket weaving and other skills.”

As Brideau looks forward to the event, he is hopeful that it will inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and the skills to thrive within it. “Connecting with nature is so important,” he said. “I hope this workshop will be the start of a journey for many kids in our community.”

Registration for the workshop is required, and space is limited. Interested parents can sign up their children online through the Sutton Park website.

Nature skills workshop for kids coming to Sutton Park Read More »

Warmer winters mean ticks further north, health officials warn

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Public health officials and scientists are warning hikers, gardeners and dog walkers in an ever-growing swath of Quebec to be on the lookout for black-legged ticks.

The ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, have only been endemic in Quebec since the late 1980s or early 1990s, according to Bishop’s University medical entomologist Jade Savage. In that time, the Eastern Townships have become a tick hotspot, and the range where the insects are considered endemic has gradually crept north, with health regions in Portneuf (south of Quebec City) and Lotbinière (south of Lévis) appearing on the Institut national de la santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) list of tick-endemic regions for the first time this year.

“In areas where five years ago we only had a few ticks, now we see a lot. This means that they’ve established and now they’re happily reproducing in those areas where they were not seen even five or 10 years ago,” said Savage, who maps tick distribution patterns with the crowd-sourced eTick.ca mapping platform.

The Townships have been a hotspot for some years, due to the region’s relatively warm climate, increasingly mild winters, the prevalence of deer and the fact that a growing number of humans live close to, or even in, forested areas, she explained. While ticks have not necessarily been more abundant this year than in the past, they have been active earlier in the spring, shifting their growth calendar.

Black-legged ticks only feed three times during their yearlong life cycle, at the larval stage, the nymph stage and the adult stage. For a tick to transmit Lyme disease – or any disease – to a human, it must first bite an infected animal, usually a deer or a rodent. When it bites a human for its subsequent meal, it can transmit pathogens including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. In June and July, the poppy-seed-sized nymphs are most common – which is riskier because they are harder to see than the sesame-seed-sized adults. About 40 per cent of black-legged ticks carry the bacteria which causes Lyme disease, and smaller percentages carry other pathogens, explained Dr. Mirabelle Kelly, a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at the Hopital de Granby and a member of the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESS) Lyme disease working group.

Kelly noted that ticks like hot and humid places, such as dense bush or unmown grass. She encouraged hikers and gardeners to stay on marked trails, discourage children from playing in bush or tall grass, wear pale, long-sleeved clothes and inspect their bodies thoroughly after outdoor activities to reduce the risk of tick bites.

If you see a tick that has latched on to your skin, Kelly advised, remove it quickly and carefully with ridged tweezers. It is highly unlikely that the tick will cause disease if it has been latched on for less than a day. If you think you may have been exposed to Lyme disease, a pharmacist can prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the disease. Early Lyme disease symptoms to watch for include rashes, dizziness, headaches and joint pain, according to Health Canada.  “It’s important to go outside and stay active and not fear Lyme disease – it is treatable,” Kelly said.  

Warmer winters mean ticks further north, health officials warn Read More »

Local company barred from public contracts after good-faith error, co-owner says

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec’s public sector financial regulator, the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP), has banned a Brome Lake excavation company from bidding for public contracts for a period of five years after what the company’s co-owner said was a good-faith error.

On July 17, the AMP announced that Brome Lake-based Excavation André Choinière had been added to the registry of companies inadmissible for public contracts.

“The company, which carries out excavation and leveling work, as well as snow and ice removal on roads, notably tendered and obtained a contract worth more than $1 million from the Town of Brome Lake without holding an authorization to contract when it was required,” AMP spokesperson Stéphane Hawey said in a statement. The AMP also accused the company of bidding for two contracts over $1 million while unregistered and failing to submit documentation in a timely manner.

The contract at the heart of the dispute is a five-year snow removal contract for the Iron Hill sector, initially awarded to Excavation André Choinière last year by the Town of Brome Lake (TOBL).  The company was the only bidder for the contract, having previously bid for a similar contract and been disqualified because it wasn’t registered with the AMP.  “The town negotiated with us to bring us down [below the threshold] and to ease the burden on the taxpayer,” said co-owner Greg Barr.

The municipality received a warning from the AMP in January after an anonymous complaint; the five-year contract was ultimately voided and replaced with a single-season contract for last winter – in line with the AMP’s own recommendations, TOBL director general Gilbert Arel told the BCN at the time.

“These are relatively new requirements and we were not aware we needed to register with the AMP in order to bid,” said Barr, whose company has not had previous dealings with the AMP. “We are a small contractor and have never had anything over $1 million.”  Hawey, the AMP spokesperson, said the registration requirement for service providers bidding on contracts over $1 million was introduced in 2012, and service providers must be registered before submitting any bid over the threshold. 

The company ultimately “decided not to register – just not to bid on contracts over $1 million in the future.” That decision, Barr explained, was why the company did not provide certain documents the regulator requested.

“We acted in good faith and I don’t know why they came down so hard on us,” Barr said, adding that he was considering legal options.

For Arel, the AMP decision complicates the city’s snow removal plans. “There are not many contractors in the region bidding on this type of contract; obviously one less player makes the process more risky for financial considerations and availability of service,” he told the BCN. “All options are being studied by the city to ensure service delivery next winter.”

Local company barred from public contracts after good-faith error, co-owner says Read More »

Brome Lake targets “soft densification” in new housing policy

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Brome Lake (TOBL) released its new housing policy late last week. Town officials hope the document will help citizens and private developers interested in building in Brome Lake better understand the town’s housing strategy.

“This initiative is a first step in the development of the future urban planning and is in line with the Town’s desire to support two types of clienteles in particular – seniors and young families – by offering solutions adapted to their needs,” TOBL director of communications and citizen relations Ghyslain Fortier said in a statement.

The post-pandemic housing crunch, an influx of new residents and inflation have made affordable housing hard to come by in Brome Lake and in the wider region. “The municipality also faces a rapidly aging population, highlighting the importance of attracting younger households for the balance of the community. However, this capacity of attraction is significantly hindered by housing,” the policy document states.

According to the policy document, the town intends to build 300 new homes by 2035, as a first step toward “a future where everyone will find a home that meets their needs.”

Coun. Lee Patterson leads the town’s urban planning committee. He explained that the policy was developed as part of the periodic, provincially mandated revision of the town’s urban plan, after discussions with an urban planning consultant, several meetings with citizens and a survey of residents that drew more than 1000 responses.

“Because we have so many issues regarding housing, access to property and construction, the council thought it would be important [to make a strategic plan specific to housing],” he said.

Currently, 82 per cent of TOBL residents are homeowners, making rental housing particularly hard to come by; the 2022 rental vacancy rate stood at 0.0 per cent. First-time homebuyers face skyrocketing house prices – a household had to earn an annual income of over $145,000 to afford a home in the area in 2022 – leading many to rent longer. The town’s housing strategy will focus on rental housing aimed at young families and seniors, particularly former homeowners who want to “downsize” into an apartment. Patterson said the next steps in the strategy involve identifying sections of land which would be well suited for certain types of housing, talking to landowners and planning out a “soft densification” strategy, aiming to add 30-40 units per year over the next decade to “preserve the town’s charm while addressing the housing crunch.” He said the town planned to take steps to make it easier for homeowners to build additional dwellings on their land. “Now that the Quebec government has authorized that [as part of the housing reform passed earlier this year known as Bill 31], we’re working on facilitating it and adapting our bylaws.” The town also plans to encourage the development of housing co-ops. 

Patterson said private promoters have already shown an interest in working within the new housing strategy. “We’ve had some promoters ask us, ‘What kind of project would be ideal for us to build?’”

Patterson encouraged people with questions or concerns about the housing strategy or specific development projects to attend public meetings of the urban planning committee. “The meetings are not something that people attend normally, because they are usually dry, but they do provide an opportunity for people to see how decisions are made.”

The housing policy can be consulted in English or French on the town website.

Brome Lake targets “soft densification” in new housing policy Read More »

“This is too important”: ETSB French-language-learning programs for adults to go ahead despite funding questions

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board is inviting recent newcomers to the Townships and longtime residents who want to brush up on their French to give francisation a try.

The intensive full- and part-time courses, offered by the ETSB at Campus Brome-Missisquoi in Cowansville and the New Horizons Centre in Sherbrooke in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning and the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, are open to adult learners of many backgrounds, including immigrants; certain types of long-term temporary residence permit holders such as temporary workers or their spouses; Canadians arriving in the region from out of province; and members of the local English-speaking community. The passage of Bill 96 expanded eligibility for the courses and created a “one-stop shop” for registration and placement, Francisation Québec, but also created a bottleneck, with provincewide demand nearly doubling over the course of one year and some participants having to wait several months to be placed in a class.

“About a year ago, we started working with [Francisation Québec] and we saw it as an opportunity to bring more students into our buildings,” said New Horizons Centre director and ETSB adult education director Steve Dunn. “It’s also an opportunity to expose students to our wider vocational and adult educational options, if people need to finish high school, prepare for employment or start a vocational program.”

Although Dunn acknowledges that there have been “some bumps on the road on the administrative side,” he said he believes things have “gone very well at the classroom level.”

Dunn said ETSB has seen particularly high demand from recent immigrants and from foreign graduate students doing post-doctoral work in Sherbrooke and their spouses. Although the programs are often “almost at capacity,” Dunn said “we usually have success getting people into classes fairly quickly.”

Funding in doubt

School boards and service centres offer about half of all government-coordinated francisation classes; the bulk of the rest are offered by nonprofits supporting new immigrants. School board- and service-centre-run programs are currently at risk of a funding shortfall brought about by a change in the way provincial government subsidies to the classes are calculated, and by what the Coalition Avenir Québec government has called a lack of federal government support. Programs are at risk of not being reimbursed for expenses incurred going back two years, according to Carl Ouellet of the Association québécoise des directeurs d’école.

“That’s definitely a concern for us, but if we were to stop [offering the classes], we would lose momentum and lose trust,” Dunn said. “We’re hoping that cooler heads prevail and that we’ll be funded the way we expect to be funded. We’re not looking to drop these course offerings – they’re too important.”

The Ministry of Education and Higher Learning had not responded to a request for clarification about the funding issue at press time.

To learn more about francisation at the ETSB, visit adult-learning.ca/course/francisation. Although the landing page is in French, potential learners can ask questions to an English-speaking chatbot or contact the adult education service directly once the board’s offices reopen Aug. 5.

“This is too important”: ETSB French-language-learning programs for adults to go ahead despite funding questions Read More »

Housing search now a year-round challenge, local housing office says

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

As the dust settles from the July 1 moving rush, the Office municipal d’habitation de Brome-Missisquoi (OMHBM) is reminding renters that its services are now available year round.

Julie Dion is a housing search assistance worker at the organization, which manages public housing in the region and helps renters and people with lower incomes find a place to live.

“We have not had to provide emergency housing to anyone this year. Some of the people we were supporting moved in with family members, others decided to stay where they were and others found places, although they ended up having to pay more than they were expecting,” she said. “There are places out there, but some are out of people’s price range, and others are less expensive but they might discriminate against renters that don’t have perfect credit.”

Dion said the OMBHM housing search assistance service can help renters put together documentation to convince landlords of their reliability and ability to pay, help people learn their way around housing search tools like Marketplace, and help them avoid scams and common illegal practices (for example, it is illegal for a landlord to ask for a security deposit or a credit check deposit). The service is free. 

“Since the service is year-round, we don’t have as many urgent last-minute requests, and I’m still seeing ‘for rent’ announcements now,” she said.

Dion advised people who think they might have to move in the next year to get on top of things early. “Don’t leave it to the last minute. Ask for references from your former landlords and your employer, and get in touch with us right away.”

If you need to move and are having trouble finding a place to live, contact the OMHBM housing search assistance service directly at 450 830-5453 or sarl@ohbm.ca.

Housing search now a year-round challenge, local housing office says Read More »

Cowansville floats action plan for Lake Davignon

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

On July 3, after several months of public consultations, the Ville de Cowansville unveiled a multifaceted protection plan for Lake Davignon, the synthetic lake that acts as the municipality’s main source of drinking water and a popular destination for recreational boaters.

“The action plan, adopted at the municipal council meeting on July 2, aims to ensure the protection of the lake’s ecosystem, to document current uses and to ensure access to the water body for the population,” city officials said in a statement.

“This action plan marks a crucial step in our commitment to protecting Lake Davignon. Close collaboration with our community and our valuable volunteers from the Comité de sauvegarde du bassin versant du lac Davignon (CSBVLD) was essential to developing sustainable solutions. Together, we ensure that the lake remains a natural gem for future generations,” Mayor Sylvie Beauregard said.

The plan, building on the 2018 action plan co-developed with the CSBLVD, includes 32 short-, medium- and long-term actions centred around three axes – preserving water quality; combatting the growth of invasive plants, specifically watermilfoil; and promoting safe and harmonious recreational use of the lake in light of growing crowds and the increasing popularity of electric watercraft.

The municipality plans to talk to boaters to raise awareness about safe and environmentally friendly boating practices; distribute erosion-preventing shoreline plants to owners of shoreline property; encourage homeowners to grow erosion-preventing rain gardens; consider expanding a municipal shoreline replanting project to include private land, potentially in partnership with the CSBLVD; upgrade aging water treatment infrastructure and continue to work with the MRC Brome-Missisquoi and the CSBLVD to monitor erosion and control invasive species, and discuss best practices in watershed management with other municipalities. The city also plans to maintain its current watermilfoil control programs and to scale up its optional “but strongly encouraged” boat-washing program, according to city environmental advisor Si-Lian Ruel. The city is considering making boat-washing mandatory, as the Town of Brome Lake recently has, and requiring a specific permit to access the lake, although no decisions have been made yet to that effect. The action plan also details measures to improve safety signage on the lake, raise awareness of safe boating practices and put in place a network of volunteer lake monitors.

City spokesperson Fanny Poisson said the municipality is “working on a cost-benefit analysis” of a possible motorboat ban on the lake, which would require Transport Canada approval. The action plan allows the city to put alternative measures in place and collect relevant data while waiting for a decision, she said. Gas-powered motors are already banned on the lake.

The action plan requires extensive community participation, from taking volunteer shifts to changing gardening, planting and boating practices. Poisson is optimistic the city will get buy-in from citizens. “The citizens are aware; they know it’s our drinking water. They are great collaborators,” she said.

Cowansville floats action plan for Lake Davignon Read More »

Advocates back CHSLD expansion despite cancellation by CIUSSS

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Advocates for the shelved Bedford CHSLD expansion project are hopeful that a packed-out public meeting, an open letter in local media and intervention by the Official Opposition might persuade the CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS to reconsider its plans.

Last month, the CIUSSS announced that it was cancelling the $15-million expansion due to a lack of demand, choosing instead to carry out some minor renovations and upgrades in collaboration with the community. However, the Bedford Pole Health Committee hasn’t given up. On June 17, the group held a public meeting at the Centre Georges-Perron that drew a larger-than-expected crowd, and since then, the group has been gathering signatures on a petition calling for the expansion to go ahead, and actively looking for seniors who are living in other CHSLDs and would prefer to move to Bedford.

“For the moment, we have not heard anything new [from the CIUSSS]. We are doing everything we can with the petition and looking for [seniors] who are elsewhere and want to move back to Bedford,” said Pierrette Messier-Peet of the Bedford Pole Health Committee. Messier-Peet also said Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest and the Quebec Liberal Party had been contacted about the petition; Charest has repeatedly said she doesn’t want to give up on the project, and reiterated that to the BCN through a spokesperson.

Open letter

Former Bedford resident Pierre Lévesque, 90, the father of Fondation Lévesque-Craighead cofounder Yves Lévesque, took the initiative to write an open letter to Health Minister Christian Dubé calling on the government to reconsider. “I thought I had to let him know what was going on,” the elder Lévesque, who now lives in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, told the BCN. “Under [former Liberal health minister Gaétan] Barrette, we had a $4-million project to convert the single rooms into double rooms, but nothing ever came of that. There have been a lot of conversations, but there haven’t been any real repairs there for 30 years. We were dreaming of this [expansion project] for years, there has been a lot invested in it and now it’s cancelled overnight.” 

The CIUSSS cited lack of demand as a reason for taking the expansion project off the table, but Lévesque, a retired businessman, said he knew seniors who had been placed in homes elsewhere in the region who were hoping for an opportunity to move back to Bedford. “They say they have no waiting list, but I can name three, four, five people who would be on it. There are people I used to work with who are displaced…who cry every day, whose sisters and brothers never come to visit,” he said. He added that in light of the aging population, he expected demand for places at the home to rise within the next four to five years.

“It was a shock to hear the project was cancelled…but people in the community are not going to drop the ball on this,” Lévesque said.

“CHSLDs are a necessary living environment for our seniors and I applaud the mobilization of the community,” seniors’ affairs minister Sonia Bélanger said in a brief written response. “The decision to expand the Bedford CHSLD has been revised by the CIUSSS, in part because the cost of the project has changed, as has the population, resulting in a reduced need for housing. Nevertheless, I expect the CIUSSS to carry out the necessary renovations and ensure that the needs of the region’s seniors are met. I remain in close contact with [Brome-Missisquoi MNA] Isabelle Charest, and we are following this issue very closely.”

Advocates back CHSLD expansion despite cancellation by CIUSSS Read More »

Province walks back changes to nonprofit funding

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Advocates for smaller nonprofit organizations across the province are breathing a sigh of relief after the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) walked back planned changes to the distribution of funds from a provincial program on which their operations rely.

The Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaires (PSOC; community organization support program), an established provincial funding scheme for nonprofits, received a $10-million top-up in the most recent Quebec budget. As many as 1,585 eligible nonprofits use the funding, known as global mission funding, to cover administrative costs, run activities and fill shortfalls. The funds are usually divided more or less equally according to criteria determined by regional round tables, Daniel Cayley-Daoust, co-spokesperson for the Coalition des Tables Régionales d’Organismes Communautaires (CTROC), a provincewide network of regional networks of community organizations, explained. “Every region has a regional procedure in place to make sure the money is distributed fairly, with the organizations that have the fewest other sources of funding being prioritized.” 

Last month, the CTROC learned that the MSSS intended to divide the funds according to new criteria determined by minister responsible for social services Lionel Carmant. “We were told that [the MSSS] wanted to target organizations in difficulty, but they didn’t provide a definition of what that meant,” Cayley-Daoust said. “It just seemed kind of arbitrary.”

However, on June 27, the MSSS confirmed that there would be no changes to the funding distribution process. “There is no revision to PSOC global mission funding criteria in progress; PSOC global mission funding is being allocated according to the structure in place since November 2023,” MSSS spokesperson Marie-Claude Lacasse told the BCN.

“We put a little pressure on them and they changed their minds,” Cayley-Daoust said.

The funding is a drop in the bucket according to the CTROC, which estimates that the PSOC top-up would have had to have been $800 million – 80 times the $10 million granted – to respond to all of the member organizations’ needs. “Even though we won this year, salaries and rent and all sorts of expenses are rising very, very quickly, a lot quicker than financing,” Cayley-Daoust said. “Organizations are just tightening their belts and hoping for new money.  At the same time, we see the needs going up, whether it’s in food aid or mental health support; it’s always something. We are complementary to the social safety net; we do a lot of prevention and support work that lightens the load on the public health, education and social services sectors. If [nonprofits] are badly funded, the public sector ends up with the overload.”

Province walks back changes to nonprofit funding Read More »

Town of Brome Lake makes boat washing mandatory

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

All boaters on Brome Lake must now have their boats washed before entering the lake unless they can prove that their boat or boats are used there exclusively. Councillors passed a bylaw imposing the requirement at the May 6 council meeting, and town officials are raising awareness of the new rules as summer boating season kicks into high gear.

The town’s boat washing station opened five years ago. Until now, washing was strongly suggested but not mandatory; the “growing threat of invasive species” prompted the town to make it mandatory, Town of Brome Lake (TOBL) communications director Ghyslain Forcier said in a statement.

“We had to act quickly to prevent the zebra mussel from invading Brome Lake. The risk is

real, since the species is already present in several lakes in the region, and many boaters

travel from one lake to another,” TOBL environmental advisor Anaïs Renaud said. “Once you get zebra mussels [in the lake], it is impossible to get rid of them and controlling them takes a lot of time and money. When there’s a lot of watermilfoil, there are parts of the lake where you can’t take your boat. We want people to continue to be able to use the lake.”

Beyond the immediate inconveniences for boaters, Renaud said the growth of invasive species threatens the biodiversity of the lake and can degrade some infrastructures, such as docks, over time. 

The new rules apply to all boats, including motorboats, kayaks and canoes.

Before launching, boaters will have to obtain a wash certificate by having their boat

cleaned at the station located at 685 Bondville Road. They will also have to empty any

compartments that may contain water, such as ballast tanks and livewells, away from the

lake, streams and ditches. After washing, they will receive a wash certificate, which they should keep with them at all times on the water. Violators could face fines, although Renaud said she didn’t anticipate major compliance problems. “People are used to washing boats now,” she said.

“It’s important to us that residents commit to having their boats washed if they visit

another body of water. The health of the lake is a collective responsibility. We trust our

residents, knowing that they take the health of the lake to heart,” said Coun. Louise Morin,

town councillor responsible for the environment.

 Motorboat owners who sign a pledge stating they will use their boat exclusively on Brome Lake can apply for a vignette exempting them from the wash certificate requirement. Applications will be accepted as of July 2 in person at the town hall or by mail.

The boat washing station is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until the end of August, and is free to use.

Further information is available at lacbrome.ca/en/boat-wash-station.

Town of Brome Lake makes boat washing mandatory Read More »

Brome-Missisquoi gets app-based on-demand shuttle service

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Getting around without a car will become simpler in Brome-Missisquoi starting this summer – as long as you have a smartphone. Transdev and the MRC Brome-Missisquoi have put in place an on-demand shuttle service serving 30 stops in Cowansville, Dunham, Frelighsburg, Sutton, Brome Lake, Bromont, Brigham, Ange-Gardien, Farnham and Bedford, allowing users to travel from one municipality to another and to the Autoparc 74 park-and-ride in Bromont where they can catch onward buses to Sherbrooke or Montreal.

The shuttles run from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week but do not have a fixed schedule; riders need to reserve at least an hour before their planned departure via the Link Transit On-Demand mobile app or the bilingual Transdev website (transdev.ca) and the shuttle will come to them. There is no phone reservation system as of this writing. The service is free until the end of August, and the pilot project is expected to last until June 2025.

Émile Cadieux, Transdev vice president for Quebec, said Transdev had been in discussions with the MRC and elected officials for much of the past year, about the viability of bringing back some form of regular public transit to the MRC. A regular bus served much of the shuttle’s current coverage area before the pandemic, but it was often empty or almost empty, Cadieux said. “We had three choices – stopping the service, investing more money to try to make the [previous] service work, or trying something new,” he told reporters on June 17 in Cowansville. “I’m glad we’re trying something new. Instead of having a bus that’s never at the right place at the right time, now the users are reserving the bus when they need it.”

Mélanie Thibault, director general of the MRC Brome-Missisquoi, said the Limocar service will “complement” the Cowansville shuttle and adapted transit services already offered by the MRC, and the MRC and the company intended to work together to integrate and improve transit services.

“We needed a project like this in the region,” said Bromont mayor and president of the CLD Brome-Missisquoi Louis Villeneuve. He said he expected five to six thousand people to move into the area in the coming years amid the growth of the Bromont innovation zone. “Not all of those people are going to live in Bromont…and we need a way to get them from one town to another or one village to another.”

Several citizens’ groups, notably in Sutton, have been pushing to bring public transit back to the area ever since public health restrictions ended. “People in Sutton are really hopeful that it will work, and it’s great to fight for something…but if we don’t use it, if the numbers aren’t there, it’s not going to last. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”

To learn more or reserve a shuttle, download the Link Transit On-demand app from the Apple or Google Play store onto your iPhone or Android device, or visit transdev.ca.

Brome-Missisquoi gets app-based on-demand shuttle service Read More »

Bromont bets on single lane to slow traffic, improve safety

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

A stretch of Chemin de Lotbinière in Bromont will become a testing ground for a new traffic arrangement that advocates hope will slow down car traffic and make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

The two-way central lane roadway, also known as a gentle-traffic roadway or a “chaucidou” (contraction of chaussée à circulation douce) allows for car traffic at a speed limit of 50 kph using a single lane for both directions. There are bike lanes on either side which also accommodate pedestrians and serve as pull-off lanes if one driver needs to get out of the way to let another pass. Drivers are required to give “vulnerable users” (pedestrians and cyclists) priority.

Bromont Mayor Louis Villeneuve said the idea first came about “a few years ago” when residents began circulating a petition to lower the speed limit along the road from 70 to 50 kph, an idea that was ultimately shelved because it “would have created a false sense of security.” The city considered other options and ultimately went with the chaucidou as a pilot project, with support from the Quebec ministry of transportation (MTQ), researchers at Université de Sherbrooke and Polytechnique in Montreal, and the local police service, who will run an awareness-raising campaign. 

Villeneuve expected the project to be put in place in about six weeks  – the MTQ requires the city to give at least 30 days’ notice to motorists before any change in the speed limit or major change to traffic patterns, and new lane markings will be painted. There will be no curbs or barriers separating the car lane from the bike lanes, but Villeneuve is confident lane lines will be sufficient. “The marking will be very clear – drivers will have to slow down and drive toward the centre of the lane; you can’t stick to the shoulder,” Villeneuve said, adding that the current traffic pattern pushes pedestrians onto the shoulder and cars don’t necessarily slow down for them. “Studies have shown there are fewer accidents and cars don’t go as fast,” Villeneuve said. According to the MTQ, the pilot project is set to last three years and can be stopped at any time or extended for as long as five years if conditions warrant.

“We want to prioritize active transit – people walking or taking their bikes. We want people to be happy with it and we want to be able to do it in other places,” Villeneuve said. “We’re not inventing anything new here, but it is a first in Quebec.”

Municipalities that want to participate in similar pilot projects must submit a proposal and get authorization from the MTQ. MTQ spokesperson Isabelle Dorais said no other municipalities had requested authorization for a “chaucidou,” but others may be forthcoming. Villeneuve said other cities had already expressed interest, without specifying which ones.

The arrangement is the first of its kind in Quebec, but a similar single-lane setup has been in place “for a few years” on Somerset St. in downtown Ottawa, city officials told the BCN. The MTQ also cites Victoria, B.C. as an example.

Villeneuve said the project would cost the city between $20-25,000.

Bromont bets on single lane to slow traffic, improve safety Read More »

Advocates alarmed about young people’s exposure to domestic violence

By Ruby Pratka,

Local Journalism Initiative

Representatives of the provincial directorate for youth protection (Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse, DPJ), public health officials and organizations providing support to survivors and recovering perpetrators of domestic violence expressed concern about the impact of domestic violence on children during the presentation of the directorate’s annual report last week.

In April 2023, the DPJ formally made the presence of domestic violence reason enough to consider a child’s safety of development “compromised” and to initiate protective measures which can in extreme cases include placing the child in a new home. “We, the directors of youth protection, are charged with applying the law in exceptional circumstances where children’s safety and development are compromised or at risk of being compromised. The situation of children exposed to domestic violence challenges us and mobilizes us,” said Stéphanie Jetté, director of youth protection for Estrie. She noted that children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and a penchant for at-risk behaviour during their teen years.

Jetté presented an overview of DPJ interventions in Estrie over the past year, noting that there had been a slight (2.4 per cent) decrease in reports made to the DPJ overall, but a 17 per cent increase in reports where domestic violence concerns were raised, making it the third most common motive for a DPJ report, after suspected neglect and suspected physical abuse of a child. Most reports came from law enforcement, community organizations or schools. Just under 51 per cent of reports, involving 311 children and teens and their families, were found to warrant DPJ intervention. Half of the children affected have been able to stay in their homes. “When removal [of a child from their home] becomes inevitable, we work together to assure they can be returned home as soon as possible,” she said.

Jetté mentioned that 718 children and teens were waiting to have a formal evaluation of their situation made by the DPJ, attributing this mainly to the ongoing labour shortage. “We’re still missing 35 per cent of our staff,” Jetté said.

Gaelle Simon, director of general services at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, gave a brief “myths vs. facts” presentation on domestic violence, emphasizing that it doesn’t happen overnight, is not necessarily physical and does not exclusively affect women – as many as one in four victims is a man. “It’s not a private problem; it’s a social problem that we must put a stop to to protect women and to protect children who witness violence. Humiliating someone, blackmailing someone, geo-tracking… all of that can be domestic violence. If you’re a victim or a perpetrator of domestic violence and you see yourself in those [descriptions] … or if you have doubts about your relationship, don’t hesitate to get help.” She encouraged anyone who needed support to call 811 or go to their local CLSC to meet with a social worker in person. She urged children and teens who suspect a family member may be in a violent relationship to call 811 or speak to a trusted adult at school. “Whatever door you knock at, we’ll be there.” She emphasized recent changes to police and legal procedure for domestic violence that reduce the number of times a complainant has to repeat their story and put in place a “rapid-acting safety net” around affected families, which may include placement in a shelter, halfway house or respite facility, or outpatient services offered by a shelter, and individual or group psychological support for perpetrators or potential perpetrators. “Asking for help is the best gift you could give yourself, your children and those close to you,” said Josée Michel, director of Le Seuil de l’estrie, a bilingual information and support service for men, women and teens who are at risk of committing violence.

Advocates alarmed about young people’s exposure to domestic violence Read More »

Loan program for affordable rental housing little-known in Quebec

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

A federal loan program intended to promote the construction of affordable, wheelchair-accessible rental housing units has led to the construction of 48,000 units across the country, according to the federal government. However, despite the fact that Quebec has nearly a quarter of Canada’s population and the highest proportion of renters of any province – nearly 60 per cent of Quebecers rent, according to a recent Angus Reid poll – less than 5,400 of those units are in the province. 

The $55-billion Rental Construction Financing Initiative has existed in various forms since 2017 and received a $15-billion funding top-up in this year’s federal budget. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), which administers the program, it provides low-cost funding to eligible borrowers during the riskiest phase of product development of rental apartments.

The program, aimed at “general-interest” housing – housing other than seniors’ and students’ residences –  offers low-interest loans ranging from a minimum of $1,000,000 up to 100 per cent of the cost of the residential component. Eligible projects must contain at least five rental housing units, respond to a need for rental supply, and contain at least 20 per cent affordable units (defined as rent below 30 per cent of the median total family income for the region where the unit will be built) for at least ten years. (Projects which have received additional funding from municipal or provincial affordable housing initiatives may be exempt from the federal affordability requirement.) They must also feature 10 per cent wheelchair accessible units and meet certain energy efficiency requirements. Developers must “prove financial and operational availability” to be considered.

Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau is among the Liberal MPs promoting this initiative – a key plank of the government’s housing strategy – across the country. “Making loans more accessible to encourage construction of housing while making sure some apartments are reserved to be affordable is important for us,” she told the BCN. “We want private entrepreneurs to know this money is available under very interesting conditions.”

When the top-up to the program was first announced earlier this year, NDP housing critic Jenny Kwan told reporters it would make only a small dent in the affordable housing crisis, stating that “97 per cent of the units built are not affordable.” Bibeau responded that definitions of “affordable housing” vary according to region and other circumstances. “Maybe they [the NDP] were using different affordability criteria,” she said.

Bibeau said she expected buildings financed by the program to be built “pretty quickly.”

“We’re talking about loans from an experienced organization [the CMHC] so that wouldn’t create unreasonable delays.”

Bibeau said she hoped 131,000 new rental units would be built across the country by 2031 as a result of the recent $15-billion top-up.

Loan program for affordable rental housing little-known in Quebec Read More »

Cowansville man risks homelessness after planned demolition

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

A Cowansville man may be facing homelessness due to a little-known provision in the province’s tenants’ rights regulations.

Donald Guénard, 70, has lived in a 3 ½ in a four-plex on Rue Principale in Cowansville for the past 26 years. In February 2022, he and his neighbours learned that the building, recently purchased by the local construction company Groupe Schinck, was slated to be demolished.

While his neighbours have been able to find alternative options in the interim, Guénard, a retiree who lives on a fixed income of about $1,800 per month, has not. “The ones who moved, they paid crazy prices,” he said. For the past two years, his rent has been $425 per month. “There’s nothing like that anymore, and I don’t have the means to pay more. Now I only have a couple of weeks to find something.”

Under most circumstances, it’s illegal to evict people like Guénard – low-income seniors 70 and older who have lived at the same address for more than 10 years. If Guénard had chosen to move before his 70th birthday, he would ordinarily have been entitled to compensation equivalent to two years’ rent. In case of a disagreement between himself and the property owner, he could appeal to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) the province’s housing tribunal

However, those conditions only apply to classic “renovictions” and legal evictions  – where the property owner plans to expand or subdivide the unit, change its usage or adapt it for themselves or a relative. Because Groupe Schinck plans to demolish the four-plex rather than renovate it, Judge Anjuly Hamel of the TAL ruled, the housing court has no jurisdiction. It’s up to the municipality – which issues demolition permits through the municipal demolition committee – to manage demolition cases.

“Donald should be unevictable, but the fact that there’s a demolition permit means those criteria go out the window,” said Serge Racicot, Guénard’s friend, who is helping Guénard – who doesn’t have a computer, a cell phone or a car – navigate the process and find alternative housing. “His apartment is not in great shape but he doesn’t complain.”

Racicot explained that the new owners had the renters sign a new temporary lease in early 2022. Guénard successfully contested that lease before the TAL in 2023, but earlier this year he received another notice from a bailiff. “That was when we went to the TAL again…and they said that because there was now a demolition [planned], they didn’t have jurisdiction. Now I don’t know what’s going to happen.” The city demolition committee conditionally granted a demolition permit for Guénard’s building on March 26 of this year.

The BCN spoke briefly with a co-owner of Groupe Schinck who did not want to be named. They said they had met with Guénard and sincerely tried – so far unsuccessfully – to help him find alternative housing. They vehemently denied that the planned demolition was a renoviction in disguise, saying “if you saw the building, you’d know” why it was slated for demolition. According to a TAL submission, Groupe Schinck plans to build two six-plexes on the property after the four-plex is demolished.

Julie Coderre, a budgetary advisor at the renters’ rights organization ACEF Montérégie, has also been providing support to Guénard. She cosigned a letter to Cowansville Mayor Sylvie Beauregard about Guénard’s case. “As you already know, the citizens of Cowansville cannot oppose the demolition of their building before the TAL, because the city has a committee which takes the decision. When a building is demolished, most of the time, it is occupied by tenants who have affordable rents. These tenants will have great difficulty getting rehoused at an affordable price afterwards. Even if there is compensation, this amount will quickly run out with a much more expensive rent.”

She and Racicot are concerned that in light of the moratorium on evictions for subdivision, enlargement or change of usage that came into force last month, developers will exploit rules around demolition to tear down old buildings, build new ones and charge increased rent.

Racicot said he believed evictions for demolition should be regulated by the same rules around advance notice, compensation and contestation before the TAL as other kinds of evictions. “It’s not a table that you’re kicking out; it’s a person,” said Racicot. “I don’t know how Donald will manage.”

Fanny Poisson, a spokesperson for Mayor Sylvie Beauregard, said in a brief statement that the demolition committee “is sensitive to the realities of the rental market and obviously considers everything before making its decisions.”

That’s small consolation for Guénard, who says the situation has kept him awake at night. “Nothing new is going on here – just the machine winning again, to the detriment of a proletarian like me.”

Cowansville man risks homelessness after planned demolition Read More »

CIUSSS takes Bedford CHSLD expansion project off the table

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The long-planned $15-million expansion of the CHSLD de Bedford will not take place, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS announced late last week.

 Patient advocates had been pushing for an expansion since at least 2015, according to the non-profit Lévesque-Craighead Foundation, which raises money to support the CHSLD and other local public health facilities in and around Bedford. Plans to expand the facility were first announced in 2019 but ran into delays due to the pandemic. In May 2022, Brome-Missisquoi MNA Isabelle Charest and minister for seniors’ affairs Marguerite Blais announced details of an expansion plan which would allow the residence to accommodate up to 49 residents in private rooms and create a protected unit with eight places for people with cognitive disabilities who are susceptible to wandering, as the BCN reported at the time.

Last week, the CIUSSS announced the project was shelved due to a lack of demand. Residents will remain in double rooms.

Rosane Rivard, director of CHSLD services for the CIUSSS, said the demand for CHSLD places has dropped in recent years due to the increasing popularity of home care. “Current data shows that the CHSLD de Bedford, with its 42 beds, responds to demand,” she said. “Among the 42 beds, 39 are occupied, and six of those are users in transition, meaning that the CHSLD de Bedford wasn’t their first choice.”

Certain smaller renovations will go ahead over the summer, and starting in the fall, the CIUSSS plans to put in place a “living space committee” (comité milieu de vie) with a range of community stakeholders. The cost and the extent of those renovations are still to be determined.

Christiane Granger, president of the Lévesque-Craighead Foundation, said the foundation was “very surprised at this 360-degree turn” by the CIUSSS.

Both Granger and Pierrette Messier-Peet, president of the Bedford Pole Health Committee (BPHC), said the cancellation shook their trust in the CIUSSS. “We’re very disappointed and demobilized – it puts our partnership in question,” Granger said.

“We’re all in shock,” Messier-Peet said. “They told us they would close 12 beds over the summer and those beds would reopen in the fall, but how do we know they’re not going to do another 360?”

Messier-Peet said that more than 25 per cent of the population of the Bedford area is made up of seniors 65 and older, and that sending older people who need CHSLD care outside of the region would make it harder for family and loved ones to take an active role in their care. “The government talks about localized services, but they’re closing services in the regions to focus on the cities. We have been working on this for 12 years and [the CIUSSS] just turned their back on it.”

The BPHC scheduled a public meeting on June 17 (after the BCN went to press) at the Centre Georges-Perron in Bedford. “Everyone is a bit shocked, and on Monday we’ll try to reassure people,” Messier-Peet said.

“It’s sad that we won’t have these beds – it’s especially sad for the foundation which has put a lot of effort and money into it. It’s sad that people who have lived their lives here might not be able to finish their lives here,” Bedford Mayor Claude Dubois said. He stopped short of saying he had lost confidence in the CIUSSS, saying “We just have to assume they’re acting in good faith.”

Rivard told the BCN that the 12 beds closed this summer were still expected to reopen this fall. According to a report in La Voix de l’Est, the CIUSSS’ most recent budget reflected a $43.8-million deficit.

“We are aware that some partners may be disappointed and we completely understand. We are continuing our partnership with a common goal of meeting the needs of the population. We have invested significantly in the development of home support services and we will improve the living environment at the CHSLD de Bedford,” CIUSSS spokesperson Karine Guay told the BCN.

CIUSSS takes Bedford CHSLD expansion project off the table Read More »

Advocates sound alarm about forced lease terminations amid rental housing crunch

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Advocates for tenants’ and seniors’ rights are warning seniors who rent “not to sign anything” if they are proposed a new short-term lease out of the blue.

Earlier this spring, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government put in place a three-year moratorium on several common types of evictions; on May 22, a temporary ban on evictions with the stated goal of subdividing, enlarging or changing the usage of a unit took effect. However, as Sophie Dulude, director general of the renters’ rights group ACEF Montérégie-Ouest, explained, some landlords get around these restrictions by pressuring renters into breaking their leases of their own free will.

On June 12, dozens of tenants and their supporters protested in front of a complex on Boul. Fortin in Granby recently acquired by Laval-based company Immeubles Galleon, accusing the company of doing just that.

“The first indications we had were back in March, when a few people signed agreements breaking their leases and saying they had to leave for September,” Dulude said. “People would show up without warning around dinnertime or in the evening and try to get [renters] to sign agreements breaking their lease. There is a moratorium on evictions, but this is not an eviction, it’s a termination of the lease.”

“These are older folks with limited revenue, and some of them are more vulnerable,” said Madeleine Lepage, president of the Association québécoise pour les droits des retraités, which organized the June 12 protest. “About 25 of them broke their leases after 20 years or more. They were living in good, cheap, clean apartments – the kind of thing we would like to protect from speculators trying to enrich themselves on our backs.”

The renters who have terminated their leases are left in a difficult situation, with similarly priced units almost impossible to find, Dulude said.

Multiple sources have claimed that Immeubles Galleon is linked to Montreal-based speculator Henry Zavriyev, who made headlines in 2021 for trying and failing to turn the Mont-Carmel private seniors’ residence in Montreal into apartments, and that company representatives who went door-to-door at Mont-Carmel to persuade residents to break their leases had also been going door-to-door on Boul. Fortin. The BCN could not officially confirm this. Zavriyev rarely gives interviews; an email to the company he founded was redirected to Laval-based real estate agent Terry Geramainis, who did not respond to follow-up inquiries by press time.  

“Don’t sign anything”

Québec Solidaire housing critic Andrés Fontecilla has three words of advice for anyone faced with a person at their door trying to get them to sign a lease termination agreement. “Don’t sign anything.”

“As long as you haven’t broken your lease, you can stay where you are,” he said. “Contact your housing committee and make sure you have all the facts.”

Once a renter has signed the termination agreement, Dulude said, “there’s not much they can do” although they can try to go before the province’s housing tribunal and plead that they did not give informed consent before signing the termination agreement.

Although they agreed that the moratorium on classic renovictions was a step in the right direction, Dulude, Lepage and Fontecilla called on different levels of government to do more to discourage real estate speculation. “Housing is a right in Canada, not a piece of merchandise – you shouldn’t be able to kick people out of where they’re living to raise rents,” Dulude said. 

Advocates sound alarm about forced lease terminations amid rental housing crunch Read More »

“Yellow wave” in Gaspé, Côte-Nord regions makes bilingual health staff stand out

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

The “sunflower” program providing English-speaking hospital staff at Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital and Memphremagog Hospital with sunflower badges to make them easier to spot has roots in the Gaspé and Côte-Nord regions.

Lou Landry, communications co-ordinator at the Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux (CISSS) de la Gaspésie, said a similar program, YelloMello, has existed in the Gaspé since at least 2021, in hospitals and clinics throughout the region.

“I am told that we are receiving positive feedback from the English-speaking population. … English-speaking people tell us that it allows them to more easily identify employees who will be able to answer their questions quickly. Several employees have also mentioned in the past that they are proud to participate in this initiative.”

The CISSS de la Côte-Nord has also had a program in place since 2021, where English-speaking employees wear yellow badge clips. About 400 staff have the badges, according to CISSS spokesperson Pascal Paradis.

Jody Lessard, based in Baie-Comeau, is the president of the North Shore Community Association, an advocacy group for English speakers in the Côte-Nord region, and also president of the regional access committee for English-language health services in the region. She explained that the initiative started with a voluntary list of bilingual employees. When the idea of giving employees a visual identifier came up, Lessard mentioned she had seen English-speaking health professionals in the Laurentians wearing yellow tags to indicate that they could provide English service.

The Côte-Nord yellow badge program was born. In the region, it’s known as the Assistant Linguistic Liaison Orientation (ALLO) program. “With the language laws we can’t use an English tag, but the ALLO [acronym] sounds like hello to an English speaker,” she said. “It has made patients less shy about asking for English service.”

Lessard explained that there are about 5,300 anglophones in the region, many of whom are older and many of whom live in remote Lower North Shore communities without second-line health care services or road links with the rest of the province. “The biggest challenge is transport – it’s a long drive, or you have to fly in, and then there’s an overnight stay. Health centres help organize transport, but it’s still a lot for a 15- or 30-minute consultation and the older you get, the more stressful that is, especially with the language barrier…but things have improved, and there are a lot of staff who can speak English. “ In addition to the ALLO program, Lessard said several North Shore institutions were putting pictograms in place to help non-French-speaking patients find their way around.

“It would be really nice if [yellow badges and pictograms] could spread across the province,” said Lessard. “Remember the ‘orange wave’ a few years ago? It would be nice to have a yellow wave in health care.”

“Yellow wave” in Gaspé, Côte-Nord regions makes bilingual health staff stand out Read More »

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