Author name: The Record

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From left to right: Pierre Martineau, Johanne Fradette, Constance Ramacieri, Andrew Phaneuf, and Paul-Conrad Carignan, all announced their candidacy in the upcoming Stanstead Township municipal election. Absent from the photo is Brian Wharry.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Constance Ramacieri has officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Stanstead Township in the upcoming municipal election, scheduled for Nov. 2. Currently serving as a councillor, Ramacieri is hoping to take the next step in her public service journey by building on projects already underway and fostering a broader community conversation about the township’s future.

“I was elected councillor in 2021 without opposition,” she said in a recent interview. That election saw six of the seven seats filled by acclamation, including the mayor’s, which she described as “a very sad moment” for democracy. “We announced our candidacy like to no one… It was right in the midst of COVID,” she recalled. “I actually think people were afraid of running.”

This year, however, the atmosphere is different. “It’s a good time to say: let’s have a good debate,” she said, adding that she’s inspired by famous American journalist Bob Woodward’s statement that “democracy dies in darkness.” Her hope is to encourage dialogue and “shine a light on democracy.”

Ramacieri emphasized that her mayoral run is not a solo venture, even if it’s not a formal slate. On Thursday, Sept. 12, she gathered in Georgeville with like-minded individuals who also announced their candidacies: Pierre Martineau, Johanne Fradette, Andrew Phaneuf, Paul-Conrad Carignan, and Brian Wharry—all running for council seats. “They’re all current councillors who decided to put their names forward again,” she said. “It’s not a slate, but it’s a group of people who have worked well together and share common goals.”

Her decision to run was partly influenced by outgoing mayor Pierre Martineau, who will be seeking a seat as a councillor this time. “We worked well together,” Ramacieri said. “Running for mayor is an opportunity to advance a couple of projects that I’ve been working on. I’m not very original,” she joked. “You start stuff, and you want to see the end of it.”

Among the achievements of the current council are the construction of a new fire hall and extensive roadwork. The township has also adopted an updated urban plan aimed at revitalization. “We want to bring more people into the town,” she said. “What do people think about that? Are they behind us?”

For Ramacieri, the election is not just about continuity but also about gauging public support. “We need to know if the population is behind us, if they want to go in that direction,” she said.

Her key commitments are to the environment, community cohesion, and fiscal responsibility. “We have to be very cautious with public spending,” she noted.

She sees some clear challenges ahead. “We’re an aging population,” she said. “We need to bring in people with new ideas and perspectives.” She also emphasized the importance of preserving the township’s heritage, particularly in Georgeville and Fitch Bay. “We need to work together on common values and common projects.”

While the official nomination period opens soon and other candidates may step forward, Ramacieri welcomes the competition. “I think that’s great for democracy,” she said. “It means we have a vibrant community where people are involved and engaged. That’s good for all of us.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) presented new findings Wednesday showing that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood and severity of heat waves across the country during summer 2025 — in some cases making them at least 10 times more likely to occur.

Speaking at a bilingual media briefing held via Zoom, Jennifer Smith, National Warning Preparedness Meteorologist, and Dr. Nathan Gillett, Research Scientist, presented data from Canada’s rapid extreme weather attribution system. The findings suggest a clear human fingerprint in many of the most intense heat events experienced nationwide over the past season.

Diverse and dangerous heat across regions

“Heat touched every part of Canada this summer,” said Smith, “but it didn’t happen all at once.” She explained that the timing and characteristics of heat events varied regionally. Western Canada experienced major heat waves in May and again in late August and September, with daytime highs reaching 40°C in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon. In contrast, Eastern Canada saw a condensed stretch of heat from late June to mid-August, with several regions setting records.

Maple Plains, P.E.I., set an all-time provincial high of 38.1°C on Aug. 12. Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula experienced its longest-ever heat warning: seven consecutive days. “That’s what sticks in people’s memories,” Smith added, emphasizing that Canadians don’t live the monthly averages — they live the extremes.

She also noted that in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, peak heat arrived later than usual, with fewer overall warnings issued despite multiple five-day events along the Mackenzie River Valley.

Quantifying climate change’s role

Dr. Gillett described how the attribution system uses global climate models to compare simulations of pre-industrial climate conditions (without human influence) to present-day climates influenced by greenhouse gas emissions.

Of the 12 heat waves analyzed this summer, 11 were found to be “much more likely” — at least twice as likely — due to human-induced climate change. One event, the Aug. 13 heat wave in Atlantic Canada, was classified as “far more likely,” meaning at least 10 times more likely due to climate change.

“That heat wave was the rarest and most extreme of the season,” said Gillett. “It peaked at around four degrees hotter than the typical hottest day of the year.” He explained that it occurred against a backdrop of already dry conditions, exacerbating wildfire risks.

Gillett displayed a graph showing the Atlantic event as a one-in-100-year occurrence in today’s climate — and far rarer under pre-industrial conditions. “That event was made at least 10 times more likely by human-induced climate change,” he said.

Media Q&A reveals future direction

During the media question period, journalists probed further. In response to a question, Gillett explained how the program has evolved since its 2024 pilot. “We refined our system this year,” he said. “We now focus on how observed heat wave temperatures compare to the hottest day of the year for that region, which is a shift from how we approached the analysis last year.”

He also confirmed that ECCC has begun analyzing precipitation extremes using smaller geographic regions (89 across Canada, versus 17 for heat waves). Early results indicate that precipitation events are also becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, though they require higher-resolution models to analyze effectively.

Gillett addressed timing concerns as well, saying, “We are running the system daily, but it does take time to translate findings into public-facing results. We’re working on releasing these more quickly in the future.”

Asked how researchers distinguish human influence from natural variability, Gillett explained that while solar cycles and volcanoes do affect the climate, their contribution is dwarfed by the warming effect of human-released greenhouse gases. “By far, the dominant factor driving the warming we’ve observed is increases in greenhouse gases from human activity,” he said.

Fewer warnings but longer events

In response to questions about alert patterns, Smith noted that the overall number of heat warnings this year may have been lower than previous years in some regions, but some warnings lasted longer. “We saw very long-duration events, like in Newfoundland and Labrador,” she said. “Previously they may have had warnings for one or two days; this year they had a seven-day event.”

In Western Canada, despite hot daytime highs, fewer heat warnings were issued because overnight lows remained cooler, preventing the events from meeting full warning criteria.

Science for safety and adaptation

“Heat is one of Canada’s deadliest weather hazards,” Smith reminded participants. Gillett echoed this concern, referencing the 2021 Western Canada heat dome, which caused over 600 deaths. He stressed the importance of attribution science for public safety and policy planning.

“These results can help us better plan for, respond to, and rebuild after weather emergencies,” Gillett said. “Understanding how risks are changing can inform decisions to protect Canadians and help plan climate change adaptation strategies.”

William Crooks
From left to right, Chantal Lepage of FUNÉRAweb, Annie Saint-Pierre, director general of the Corporation des thanatologues du Québec, Geneviève Veilleux, president of the CTQ board, Stephan Elkas of Résidence funéraire Steve L. Elkas, and Marie Eve Garneau, director general of Groupe Garneau thanatologue, cut the ribbon to open the 69th annual congress in Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke is hosting more than 300 funeral professionals this week as the Corporation des thanatologues du Québec (CTQ) opens its 69th annual congress under the theme “Reconnaître notre importance dans la société.” The three-day event, taking place at the Hôtel Delta, brings together funeral directors from across the province to discuss evolving practices, strengthen networks, and highlight their role in Quebec society.

Annie Saint-Pierre, director general of the CTQ, said in a release that the gathering underscores a profession that is still widely misunderstood. “There remains a great lack of awareness of the role of funeral professionals, both among the general public and many decision-making bodies. Their work goes far beyond the death of a person. It involves a universe of responsibilities, legal requirements, and specificities that require expertise and professional support,” she explained.

A gathering with purpose

For Steve Elkas, vice-president of the Résidence funéraire Steve L. Elkas and a member of the CTQ board of directors, the Sherbrooke event is both a professional and social highlight. “We have about 500 member funeral homes across Quebec, and every year we meet in a different city,” he said in an interview at the event on Sept. 16.

Day one combined leisure with networking. “We started with a golf tournament in Venise-en-Québec, while others toured a vineyard. In the evening, we shared a meal on Lake Memphremagog. It’s a chance to see colleagues, some of whom we only meet once a year,” Elkas noted.

Training, technology, and the future of funerals

The congress also serves as a platform for continuing education. According to Elkas, the first training session examined certification standards for funeral homes. “Like in the hotel industry, we now have levels of recognition. The top level is not only certified by us but also recognized by the government. Right now, about 20 funeral homes have reached that level, and we’re looking at how to expand it,” he said.

Later sessions are exploring technology’s growing influence on the industry. “This afternoon, there’s a course on artificial intelligence. I don’t yet know how it’s going to affect our world, but we’ll find out,” Elkas remarked.

The program also includes discussions with philosophers and psychologists about evolving attitudes toward death and funeral practices. “Families today don’t necessarily want what their parents or grandparents had. Some prefer outdoor ceremonies, others want everything online. Things are changing quickly, and we need to adapt,” Elkas explained.

Looking ahead

The congress will wrap up with the CTQ’s annual general meeting, where members debate policies and vote on new directions. “That’s when the boxing gloves come out,” Elkas said with a laugh. “Like any board, majority rules. Not everyone agrees, but it’s communication, and that’s what matters.”

With Quebec nearing 100,000 deaths per year, Saint-Pierre stressed the importance of preparing the profession for the future. The conference agenda highlights issues such as quality standards, operational efficiency, and the integration of new technologies.

For Elkas, hosting the congress in Sherbrooke adds a special touch. “When we bring people to this region, it tends to attract bigger numbers because it’s central. It’s a successful gathering, and we’re here to share knowledge and better serve families during some of the most difficult times of their lives,” he said.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A new province-wide protocol to better protect school staff from violence has been launched by Quebec’s Ministry of Education, developed in partnership with the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and its federations. The initiative draws on an Estrie-based pilot project and comes at a time when teachers’ unions across the region report a troubling rise in violent incidents.

The protocol, announced by outgoing Education Minister Bernard Drainville earlier this month, includes a practical guide for schools that covers both prevention and intervention. According to the ministry, the guide will soon be distributed in every school in the province.

Estrie origins and SEE involvement

The model for the new tool was first designed in Sherbrooke, through a collaboration between the Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke and the Syndicat de l’enseignement de l’Estrie (SEE-CSQ). SEE President David Raymond said he welcomed the government’s decision to expand the local model into a province-wide system.

“By uniting our resources and our expertise, we were able to create a robust and practical tool that will benefit all school teams,” Raymond said. “We hope this dialogue continues so we can constantly improve the tool and strengthen safety in our schools.”

Raymond explained that the new provincial protocol goes further than the Estrie version by addressing not only what should happen after an incident, but also steps that can be taken to prevent violence in the first place. “A teacher has the right to work in a safe and secure environment,” he said. “If someone is the victim of violence, it is important to take care of that teacher and make sure they can safely return to their class.”

The SEE has tracked incidents for years. Its last survey in 2022 found that 42 per cent of teachers had experienced violence, up from 35 per cent in 2018. Among teachers with less than ten years’ experience, that figure rose to 52 per cent. On average, schools in Estrie reported 137 violent events every day, ranging from verbal abuse to physical aggression. Another survey is planned this fall to determine whether the trend is continuing.

Ministerial shuffle and predictability

Raymond also reflected on the broader political context, noting that the frequent turnover at the Ministry of Education complicates long-term solutions. “If I’m not mistaken, [Sonia] LeBel will be the 13th Minister of Education in the last 20 years,” he said. “Every new minister wants to bring their own orientation, but what the network needs most is predictability.”

He recalled that Drainville’s $570 million in budget cuts announced in June, followed by conditional reinvestments, had caused confusion in schools when directives quickly shifted. Still, Raymond said he sees reasons for cautious optimism with the new minister. “We had the chance to meet Ms. Lebel during the last collective agreement negotiations, when she was at the Treasury Board, and we’re going to give her a chance. If she accepts collaboration with partners, including unions, it can be win–win for everyone.”

English-sector concerns

In the English sector, the Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) has also been watching the rollout of new safety measures. ATA President Timothy Croteau said his members share concerns about the rise in violent incidents, but he believes the way measures are being implemented locally leaves important gaps.

He claimed the ETSB’s central health and safety committee had been dismantled, arguing that it has left schools without a clear, board-wide mechanism to monitor incidents and develop prevention strategies. In his view, this makes follow-up inconsistent and reduces teachers’ confidence in the system.

Croteau also stressed that psychological health is just as pressing as physical safety. He said members are reporting toxic workplace atmospheres, delays in follow-up of incidents, and growing stress. In his opinion, when teachers see their complaints go unanswered, they become less likely to report, which risks giving the impression that problems have disappeared when they have not.

Broader context

School violence has been the subject of repeated concern across Quebec. The Ministry of Education confirmed earlier this year that it considers the issue a growing problem province-wide. A 2023 survey by the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement found that more than half of teachers reported experiencing verbal or physical violence at work, echoing SEE’s findings in Estrie.

Looking ahead

Both union leaders say the new protocol could make a difference if properly supported. Raymond emphasized that the SEE will keep pressing for improvements and will release updated survey data early in 2026. Croteau said the ATA will continue to push for a reinstated central safety mechanism within the ETSB.

Despite their different perspectives, both agree that stronger systems for prevention, reporting, and follow-up are essential if teachers are to feel safe in their classrooms.

William Crooks
Juyoung Lee on the steps of Lennoxville United Church, where he will be serving as a student intern until April 2026

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A new face has joined Lennoxville United Church this fall, bringing both international perspective and a deep commitment to ministry. Juyoung Lee, a 28-year-old student from South Korea, has begun an eight-month internship at the church as part of his Master of Divinity program with McGill University and the Montreal Diocesan Theological College.

Lee explained in a Sept. 12 interview at the church that his journey to the United Church of Canada began during a semester abroad in Saskatoon in 2019. “While spending one semester and studying the theology of the United Church, I realized that if this is what a church can be, and if this is how it works, I wanted to become a minister here,” he said. In contrast, he noted that many churches in his home country “tend not to be inclusive, and sometimes they are at the front line of excluding marginalized people.”

Having grown up in the Presbyterian tradition, Lee said he felt liberated when he discovered the United Church of Canada. “This is the field where I can use my talents and be freed from what restrained me back in South Korea,” he explained.

The internship in Lennoxville came about through connections at McGill. One of Lee’s former school directors spoke with LUC Minister Ron Coughlin, who suggested the church could benefit from hosting a student. “We don’t have a minister here at the moment,” Coughlin said, alongside Lee. “I suggested to the board that McGill might recommend a student who could help us with ministry and be part of our team. They recommended Juyoung.”

Under the arrangement, Lee will be in Lennoxville from Friday to Sunday each week until April 2026. His duties will include leading parts of the worship service, sometimes opening or closing, and at other times delivering a full sermon. “For example, this week I am leading the offering and the benediction,” he said. “Some weeks I take care of the whole worship service, starting from the beginning, through the preaching, to the end.”

Beyond worship, Lee will also be involved in pastoral care and outreach. “He’ll be visiting people in seniors’ homes and hospitals, as well as reaching out to the community on behalf of the church,” Coughlin said. Lee added that he is eager to learn about “how church work flows, including administration and counselling.”

The internship counts as half of his academic program at McGill, functioning as a practicum that integrates classroom theory with real-world ministry. “The final year of studies includes courses in preaching, pastoral care, outreach, mission and so on,” Coughlin explained. “Then he’s here practicing what he’s learning in those courses.”

Lee said his first visit to the Eastern Townships came earlier this year when he attended a Sunday service in Lennoxville to meet the congregation. “While I was driving from Montreal to here, it was so beautiful,” he recalled. “Even though it was snowing heavily, I was really amazed by how spectacular the view was.” The congregation, for its part, decided that both his learning goals and the church’s needs would align well.

Looking ahead, Lee said he is interested in serving where English-speaking congregations in Quebec remain underserved. “I learned that there are many anglophone populations around Montreal and especially in the Townships,” he said. “Ron told me that they need ministers here, but since it’s a francophone province, many anglophone United Church ministers don’t want to come. I want to be part of that.”

He also spoke of the social challenges facing older anglophone residents in the region. “One of the church members told me that there are older people living alone in the Townships,” Lee said. “After the late 1990s, when Quebec started to apply stricter French language laws, their children moved to other provinces to find work. The parents’ generation stayed in Quebec because they had nowhere else to go. Now they are facing a loneliness crisis. This really touched my heart, and I want to help address the kind of social issues that are hidden.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) was forced to cancel 10 bus routes Friday morning after Quebec’s Ministry of Transport ordered a sudden inspection of all Generation 3 electric buses in its fleet. The move came after a fire involving one a Lion electric bus earlier in the week in Montreal, raising fresh questions about the reliability of the technology the board has championed in recent years.

“We received an instruction at 10:07 p.m. last night (Thursday, Sept. 11) that all electric buses were to be immobilized, not on the road, and needed to be inspected,” ETSB Chair Mike Murray said in conversation with The Record Sept. 12. “There seems to be [an] apprehend problem with some part of the wiring in some of the electric buses.”

Sudden disruption

The ETSB operates 20 Generation 3 electric buses, all of which were pulled from service. The board scrambled Friday morning to reorganize, relying on spare diesel buses it had retained after the bankruptcy of Lion Electric and delays in new vehicle deliveries. Despite the backup fleet, Murray confirmed that about 400 to 500 students in the eastern sector—stretching from Drummondville through Sherbrooke to the U.S. border—were left without school transportation.

“By the end of the day, we’re supposed to have inspected them all,” Murray said. Mechanics had already completed eight inspections by late morning and were working to finish the rest.

Parents were alerted before 5 a.m. through a mass text system originally designed for emergencies. “This was certainly an emergency, so every family got a personal text message to alert them that their bus run would either be cancelled or possibly delayed where we had rescheduled the run,” Murray explained.

Mixed signals from Quebec

The sudden order initially applied to all electric buses, but officials later clarified that only the Generation 3 models required inspections. Generation 4 buses, introduced this year, remained in service, including some in the Sherbrooke area.

Murray criticized the abruptness of the directive. “I’m wondering why this fire was different from the fire that happened in Coaticook last spring,” he said. “There’s no explanation why, when we’ve been operating a lot of these buses for four or five years, the panic was on to stop everything today.”

He added that the school board had not been consulted in advance and received the inspection protocol only the morning after the shutdown order. “We still don’t know where we are,” he said. “The inspection will be followed by, I gather, a corrective. If it’s wiring, we can start rewiring immediately and put the buses back in service by Monday.”

No way back to diesel

Asked whether the ETSB might consider buying more diesel buses as backups, Murray said that option has effectively been closed. “The Ministry of Transport has informed everybody that they will not permit us to license any new diesel bus,” he explained. The ETSB has been “stockpiling” older diesel vehicles to cover emergencies like this one, but those reserves are finite.

A setback in electrification

The disruption marks a possible setback in the board’s ongoing electrification plan, first reported in January. At that time, the ETSB operated 23 electric buses and was considering adding 14 more for the next school year.

That earlier effort, officials stressed, was motivated less by immediate cost savings than by long-term environmental responsibility. “It’s less about the budget and more about contributing to the green economy,” ETSB Secretary General Shawn Champigny said earlier this year.

Despite reliability concerns, the ETSB had described its fleet as safe and efficient, noting government subsidies, fuel savings of about $8,000 per bus annually, and new charging infrastructure in Lennoxville, Stanstead, and Magog.

Looking ahead

The current crisis underscores the challenges of balancing innovation with day-to-day service reliability. For Murray, the priority remains clear: “The impact falls on students and on the families that have concerns about getting their kids to school.”

He praised parents for their cooperation during the disruption. “Parents have as usual risen to the occasion and we’re very grateful to the ones that brought their kids to school today.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a context of rising costs and financial pressure on Canadian households, a new report reveals that more than half of pet owners in the country would be unable to afford an unexpected veterinary bill of $1,000 or more. With fewer than four per cent of Canadian pets insured, this financial vulnerability is sparking renewed concern among pet owners and professionals alike—including here in Sherbrooke.

“I’ve been observing since the year 2000, and costs have been increasing pretty much steadily,” said Debra Tacium, a Sherbrooke-based veterinarian who has worked at the same small animal clinic since 2009 and owned it until 2019. “People usually don’t notice until their animal is sick, and the last time that happened might’ve been five or six years ago, so they’re surprised by the change.”

Tacium explained that the rise in veterinary bills reflects a combination of inflation, cost of care delivery, and medical advancements. “Just like in human medicine, technology has become more complex and more available. Before, we would often guess. Now we have more options to test—but testing adds to the cost,” she said.

According to a new study released by HelloSafe, fewer than 3.8 per cent of dogs and cats in Canada are insured, compared to over 91 per cent in Sweden and nearly 25 per cent in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, emergency vet visits in Canada range from $800 to $2,500. The Canadian pet insurance market grew to $447 million in 2024, a 15 per cent increase, yet remains far from saturation.

For Tacium, the relatively low uptake of insurance tells its own story. “If it were such a good thing, we would have seen a lot more people adopting pet insurance,” she said. “I think it’s generally a good idea, but it just hasn’t caught on.”

She noted that Sherbrooke residents may benefit from relatively moderate prices compared to bigger urban centres, though rural residents face a different set of challenges. “In rural areas, you might be lucky and have a clinic nearby—or you might not have one at all,” she said. “Urban clinics with more diagnostic equipment and higher overhead are naturally more expensive.”

Dental procedures for animals are one example where high costs can surprise owners. “Something like a teeth cleaning requires anaesthesia, IV fluids, dental X-rays, and staff time—it’s not something just anyone can do,” Tacium said. “That’s why it can run into the thousands.”

Despite the challenges, Tacium said she hasn’t seen a recent rise in pet euthanasia due to financial hardship. “From my perspective, working with a shelter, that’s been an ongoing issue for a long time,” she said. “The only time I saw a big drop in people surrendering animals because they couldn’t afford care was during the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, we had far fewer animals in the shelter—people seemed more willing or able to care for them then.”

Tacium also stressed the importance of rabies vaccinations, especially given the recent rise in raccoon-related incidents in the region. “Rabies is a very dangerous virus, not just for animals but for humans too,” she said. “It’s a very low-cost way to protect against something very serious.”

Asked what people should do if their pet is attacked by a raccoon, Tacium was direct: “The first thing we’ll ask is if the dog or cat has been vaccinated. If not, go to your vet immediately.”

Beyond individual care, Tacium noted that the veterinary landscape in Sherbrooke is changing. “Some corporate clinics have closed recently,” she said, though she was cautious about speculating why. “There are still a lot of good independent clinics in Sherbrooke. When you get a new animal and want to find a vet, do your research—check out websites, ask who owns the clinic, and see how long it’s been around.”

At a time when pets are increasingly seen as members of the family, Tacium offered a simple reminder: “There will always be a need for animal care, and veterinarians are working hard to provide the best they can—despite all these economic headwinds.”

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A stream winds through the Boisé du ruisseau Dodds, a humid woodland in Sherbrooke’s Université district that residents are fighting to protect from development

Dodds stream woodland should follow Ascot-Lennox model, says Sherbrooke candidate

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The humid woodland tucked between Chemin Sainte-Catherine and Boulevard de l’Université in Sherbrooke’s Université district has become the latest battleground over urban development and green space preservation. Independent council candidate Benoit Huberdeau is urging the city to permanently protect the Boisé du ruisseau Dodds and follow the example of the nearby Boisé Ascot-Lennox, which was preserved after years of citizen advocacy.

Though Huberdeau is seeking office in the Nov. 2 municipal election, he says the issue long predates his campaign. “I decided to run because I believe this situation needs a final and definitive solution,” he told The Record in a Sept. 11 interview. “But this is about protecting a vital green space, not politics.”

The Boisé du ruisseau Dodds is a roughly 10-hectare section of humid land interlaced with walking trails. Surrounded by residential development, the forested parcel is used regularly by families and walkers, even though it remains privately owned by developer Jacques Vallée.

“It’s not officially a park, but it functions like one,” Huberdeau said. “People treat it like a part of their neighbourhood. To lose it would be a mistake.”

Concerns have mounted recently after residents noticed trees being cut down and what some suspect are drainage changes on the site. “There’s a lack of clarity. The city hasn’t confirmed any project, but the owner seems to be preparing for construction,” he said. “That’s why people are worried.”

Huberdeau said the ground is already saturated, and backyards in neighbouring developments are wet year-round. “Adding more buildings and roads will make things worse. We’re talking about land that should never have been built on in the first place, going back to the Rock Forest era before the city merged in 2002.”

Beyond environmental concerns, Huberdeau raised issues about circulation in the sector. “It’s a dead-end zone. Everyone exits through two or three small streets onto Boulevard de l’Université. Traffic is a safety issue already,” he said. “More development here would hurt, not help.”

Inspired by the successful protection of the Boisé Ascot-Lennox—a forest preserved by Sherbrooke after sustained pressure from residents and environmentalists—Huberdeau said he wants to see the same model applied to Dodds Stream. “My dream is to replicate what the city did with the Ascot-Lennox woods,” he said. “Let’s have the city acquire this land, protect it permanently, and give it to the people for their enjoyment.”

The Boisé Ascot-Lennox, once similarly threatened by development, is now a green corridor known for its biodiversity and recreational value. “That’s exactly what we should do here. It’s the right precedent. We have an opportunity to get this one right,” Huberdeau added.

He has already met with residents involved in the grassroots group Sauvons le boisé du ruisseau Dodds, including spokesperson Mario Rousseau. The group maintains a public Facebook page and has been gathering support to pressure the city to intervene. “The citizens are organized, but they’re also left in the dark,” said Huberdeau. “They deserve answers.”

If elected, he pledges to bring together the key players—city representatives, the developer, and residents—for a mediated solution that avoids further delays. “We can’t keep dodging the issue. People need to know whether this will be protected or not. It’s time to sit down and resolve this.”

Although Huberdeau’s campaign is rooted in this cause, he insisted his primary concern is community well-being. “Whether I’m elected or not, I’ll keep pushing. But as a councillor, I’ll have more tools to make it happen.”

Claudine Bernier

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Santé Courville marked its 90th anniversary on Sept. 11 with a warm and festive celebration at its Waterloo facility, bringing together residents, family members, staff, and community partners to honour nearly a century of compassionate care and family-driven leadership.

Founded in 1935 by Vivian Doe Courville, the organization has remained in the hands of the Courville family for four generations. From its beginnings as the Vivian Courville Nursing Home in Stukely Sud, the institution has grown into a two-location network in Waterloo and Laval, now overseen by Kenneth Courville, with active involvement from his children Wylliam and Karolyne.

“The beauty of the story is that it has always belonged to the Courville family,” said Sonia Arès, assistant to the director general at Santé Courville, in an interview on the day of the celebration. “They’re the ones managing everything. They sit on the board and keep the original spirit alive.”

The anniversary celebration was held in the facility’s lower hall beginning at 11:30 a.m. and included a full schedule of activities for residents and guests alike. “We had a lovely lunch with residents and their families,” said Arès. “The volunteers and employees joined us, and the meal was served by our treasurer and colleagues. They prepared an excellent meal.”

In the afternoon, a mini petting farm delighted residents in the sunlit courtyard, a favourite among the facility’s many interactive activities. “We welcomed [a local] farm, and it brought great joy to our residents,” Arès said.

Santé Courville has long been known for its innovation and commitment to excellence. In 1970, it became the first privately operated long-term care centre in Quebec to receive official designation as a CHSLD (centre d’hébergement de soins de longue durée) under the province’s public healthcare system. It achieved Accreditation Canada recognition in 1975 and received the Médaille du Mérite in 1983 from then-MP Jean Joly.

“These milestones remind us of how far we’ve come,” said Arès. “But more than that, they reflect our constant effort to adapt and grow with the evolving needs of seniors.”

Arès emphasized that the organization’s success is not just due to family stewardship, but also the enduring support of the local community. “We owe this journey to the unwavering commitment of families, volunteers, and partners,” she said. “They’ve helped us create not only a healthcare institution, but a true home for our residents.”

Looking forward, Santé Courville plans to continue its legacy of person-centred care with a focus on quality, dignity, and community connection. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also thinking about the future,” said Arès. “The needs of our seniors are changing, and we are committed to evolving with them.”

The event also marked an opportunity to reflect on the past and strengthen bonds between generations. “This day was about sharing memories and looking forward with optimism,” Arès said.

For Santé Courville, 90 years is not just a number—it is a testament to trust, tradition, and continued dedication to elder care in Quebec.

Courtesy
The Phelps Helps team in front of their new Stanstead location on Sept. 10, the day they launched their $550,000 “Building Bright Futures” campaign

Phelps Helps launches $550,000 campaign to build a youth hub in Stanstead

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Phelps Helps has launched an ambitious $550,000 fundraising campaign to establish a permanent, youth-focused space in Stanstead. Dubbed “Building Bright Futures,” the initiative officially kicked off on Sept. 10 with a community-wide matching donation program, aiming to double the impact of every contribution made before the end of October.

A growing need for space

Founded in 2012 with just a handful of participants, Phelps Helps has grown exponentially, now serving over 400 youth annually in Stanstead and the surrounding region. That number is expected to rise by another 15 per cent once the new facility opens in early 2026.

“Phelps has steadily grown over the years. We started with seven or twelve kids, and now we’re serving over 400,” said Sophie Nagle, Director of Advancement at Phelps Helps, in an interview on Sept. 9. “We’ve managed to maintain that surge post-COVID. With so many kids passing through our doors for various programs, we simply needed more space.”

The organization currently operates from a building that was put up for sale and had become too small to accommodate the scale of programming required. Instead of investing further in a space that no longer met their needs, the team opted to launch a capital campaign to purchase and renovate a larger building nearby.

“Nothing’s wrong with the building,” Nagle clarified. “It was actually going up for sale. It was a little small. So rather than invest in this building, we decided it’s time—now—we’ve been talking about it for a while—to move into a space that was bigger, that has an outdoor space, and that we can really… make our own.”

Designed for youth, by youth advocates

A related press release states that renovations on the new centrally located building are slated to begin this fall. Once complete, the new Phelps Helps hub will feature:

• Flexible tutoring spaces with sound-dampening features, ergonomic furniture, and adjustable lighting
• A central teaching kitchen for cooking workshops and life-skills development
• A multi-use outdoor area for basketball, street hockey, gardening, and shaded study spaces
• A community hub for parent workshops, mental health programming, and roundtable discussions

“The new building will offer open spaces and closed spaces, which allows us to really target kids who need no distractions or no sensory overload,” Nagle explained. “We’ll also have a really central kitchen—that’s going to be brand new. It’ll be a learning kitchen. So, the kids will be able to cook together.”

The new facility will also bring greater accessibility. “It’s a better location,” she said. “It’s up the road. It means that we’ll be able to reach more kids because of the bus crossover… All of the buses will go past that stop, so more kids, more accessible.”

Serving a broad age range

Although Stanstead is a small town, the demand for Phelps Helps services is significant. Programming is offered to individuals aged 6 to 35, with six separate streams including elementary, high school, and a campus program focused on career development and returning to school. A youth club also provides activities for young adults.

In the Stanstead area, one-third of 6- to 30-year-olds have a connection to Phelps, Nagle noted.

Community support is key

The “Building Bright Futures” campaign includes a matching donation component that runs until the end of October. The Secretariat à la Jeunesse of the Government of Quebec has committed to matching up to $100,000 through its Fonds Mille et UN program, hosted on the La Ruche crowdfunding platform.

Nagle emphasized that the campaign is about bringing people together. “It’s very collaborative,” she said. “People in the community who are donating $10—it’ll become $20.”

To donate or learn more, residents can visit: www.phelpshelps.ca/building-bright-futures

Record archives, 2023

Fière la fête celebrates 13th edition in Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Fière la fête, Sherbrooke’s week-long LGBTQ+ celebration, has returned for its 13th edition from Sept. 8–14 with a packed schedule of community-focused programming. The theme this year—Unis dans l’adversité, unis dans la fierté (United in Adversity, United in Pride)—reflects both the resilience and unity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the face of mounting challenges.

Fière la fête is organized by Fierté Sherbrooke Pride, with president Roxanne Paquin-Saikali at the helm. The event aims to provide space for connection, celebration, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies throughout the Eastern Townships and beyond.

“The queer community has been facing a lot of adversity recently,” said Paquin-Saikali. “We’re talking about things like the report from the Comité de Sage, which suggests a lot of going backwards on rights that were acquired—like trans women being welcome in female spaces.”

Beyond that, issues like resurgent homophobia and transphobia in schools are a growing concern. “We’re hearing the word ‘gay’ being used again as an insult among teenagers. It’s really worrisome,” said Paquin-Saikali. “We kind of want to highlight how united we are against these types of behaviours.”

The week kicked off Monday with a festive launch party at Buvette du Centro, hosted by Sœur Alma Marikita of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and featuring music by the Valss collective and surprise performances.

Workshops and cultural events followed. On Tuesday, a zine-making session led by local artist Axel Roy was held at TransEstrie. Wednesday included a rural LGBTQ+ conference by GRIS Estrie in Bury, a sexual health clinic, and a live talk show with sociologist Chacha Enriquez and “transeignante” Freya Dogger, hosted at Le Boquébière.

Thursday’s literary evening, Dissonances Queers, will feature authors Sayaka Araniva-Yanez, Zed Cézard, and Jean-Michel Fortier, along with performances by storyteller Catherine Robert. “It’s going to be a great day just for the community to meet, for people to talk,” said Paquin-Saikali.

A standout event takes place Friday at Le Boquébière: a ballroom “Vogue” night inspired by the drag balls of 1970s and 80s New York, popularized in the documentary Paris is Burning. “It’s really going to be unique,” said Paquin-Saikali, adding that performances will include Foxy Lexxi-Brown and Canada’s Drag Race star Kiara.

Saturday’s programming includes the second edition of the SherbyQueer market at Place Kassiwi, the debut of “Gouinego” queer bingo, and a colourful edition of Gates of Drag.

The week concludes Sunday with a drag brunch at OMG Resto, followed by a vibrant community day at Place Kassiwi featuring booths, a story hour with Jessie Précieuse, HIV and STI workshops, a photobooth, makeup stations, and creative poster-making.

The highlight of the week—the Marche des diversités—steps off at 3 p.m. from the city’s downtown entrepreneurship hub on Sunday. “It’s really a march for the queer community, for the people,” said Paquin-Saikali. “You’ll see all queer people and their families and allies, marching together, singing together, chanting slogans together.”

Participants can expect drag queens hyping up the crowd on the Mixbus, a Montreal-based mobile sound system rented for the occasion. But the emphasis remains on community rather than corporate sponsorship. “It’s not going to be like you see in bigger cities, with huge floats covered in logos,” said Paquin-Saikali. “It’s about visibility, about saying: ‘We’re here, we’re loud, and we’re not going away.’”

Full programming is available online at fierelafete.com.

William Crooks
Mike Munkittrick addresses North Hatley council during the Sept. 8 meeting, raising concerns about traffic and parking on River Street, as fellow residents look on from the gallery

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Sept. 8 public council meeting in North Hatley, roughly 20 residents filled the hall to raise concerns about infrastructure, traffic safety, access to communal spaces, and village planning. Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish presided over the session, which covered both local frustrations and recent municipal achievements.

Master plan nearing adoption

Mayor Davis-Gerrish reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to proactive, resident-led development through a new master plan, which will be publicly presented on Sept. 23. Adoption is slated for Oct. 1.

Unlike earlier planning efforts in 2012 and 2021 that were never implemented, this plan will guide bylaw development and zoning. “This plan will put North Hatley residents in the driver’s seat,” she wrote in a recent municipal bulletin. The village has set aside funds to ensure enforcement and integration.

Emergency water repair draws praise—and questions

The Labour Day weekend water main break dominated early discussion. Public works staff and the mayor remained on site from Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning. “It was anything but a simple repair,” said Davis-Gerrish, thanking 3M and public workers for their overnight effort.

Residents affected by the incident expressed appreciation but also concern over the quality of existing infrastructure. A retired engineer urged council to conduct a technical evaluation: “These pipes should last 40 years—there are examples in Germany that last over 90.”

Council acknowledged the urgency and confirmed that a review is underway. Staff believe recent strain from a nearby fire and hydrant usage may have contributed to the rupture. A request for infrastructure funding had already been submitted to the province.

Residents push back against pathway ‘annexation’

A court decision allowing partial privatization of a long-used communal pathway between Rue Wadleigh and Rue Lebaron sparked passionate appeals. Residents described the trail as a piece of North Hatley’s soul.

“I’m absolutely astonished that an individual could decide to annex a road I’ve been walking on since 1970,” said one speaker, calling the path a symbol of communal spirit. Another asked to be connected with the citizens’ group challenging the decision.

Council voted to retain legal experts to analyze the ruling and explore options to preserve access. “We’ll do what we can to preserve these for the municipality and for the citizens,” Davis-Gerrish said. “This time it’s your neighbourhood—next time, it could be another.”

Community action helps prevent fires

Two separate fire incidents were reported over the preceding week, both averted by quick thinking and local collaboration.

Former mayor Michael Page spotted smoke coming from a home on Sherbrooke Hill and roused the sleeping homeowner before using an extinguisher and garden hose to slow the flames. Fire crews arrived shortly after.

In another case, a public works employee noticed a hedge fire on Chemin du Lac. He stopped his truck, deployed a fire extinguisher, and found a hose to contain the blaze before the fire department arrived.

“I’ve always been in awe of the fire department—they run in when others run away,” said Davis-Gerrish.

Parking, speeding, and access frustrations on River Street

Resident Mike Munkittrick criticized the lack of progress on paid parking infrastructure, citing years of deferrals. He also described River Street as a “zoo,” recounting repeated car accidents and loud early morning traffic over speed bumps.

Council said paid parking is still under study, with a mandate to find a town-wide solution. “We don’t want to just shift the problem to side streets,” Davis-Gerrish said. Speed bumps were described as temporary, with more permanent and less disruptive traffic-calming options, such as road narrowings, under consideration.

Gym access restored, recreation expanded

After the end of a previous arrangement, North Hatley negotiated a new agreement with the local elementary school to access the gymnasium on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Pickleball, badminton, and possibly volleyball will now be available to residents.

“We’re very happy with this,” said Davis-Gerrish. “The school was more than happy to share.”

Finances improving after years of debt

The mayor reported steady progress in reducing municipal debt—from nearly $6.9 million in 2019 to just under $4 million in 2024. Surpluses are projected to continue, and the village anticipates eliminating its debt entirely within five years.

“This opens the door to improving services, lowering taxes, or both,” said Davis-Gerrish. The new master plan will inform a long-term financial strategy to stabilize North Hatley’s budget.

Other updates

• Mill Building Redevelopment: A 22-unit condo project is set to begin construction this fall on the site of the demolished mill.
• Pollock Rink: Designs for a new covered, refrigerated rink in River Park are in development and will be presented to the public.
• Environmental Initiatives: Council approved the installation of a washing station using $50,000 in grant funding and moved forward with regulatory compliance to unlock TECQ infrastructure support.
• Cultural Symbol: A “generation chair” will be placed at council meetings to represent future generations and youth perspectives in local decision-making.
• Mobile Saunas: Council approved a three-year agreement with Solstice Sauna to operate seasonal mobile therapeutic saunas at the federal dock from October to April.

Election approaching

Council appointed Director General Benoît Tremblay as returning officer for the Nov. 2 municipal election and approved salary scales for election staff.

Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, who confirmed her intention to seek another term in earlier media coverage, is expected to be a candidate in the upcoming vote.

Residents are encouraged to attend the Sept. 23 master plan presentation or visit the municipal website for more details.

The meeting lasted over and hour and a half with the next scheduled for Oct. 1.

William Crooks
From left to right: Alexandre Vachon, executive chef at Manoir Hovey | Relais & Châteaux; Éric Arseneault, director of the Centre de formation professionnelle 24-Juin; Patrick Guillemette, assistant director general of administration at the Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke; Chantal Bérubé, assistant director of programs at the Vieux-Sherbrooke pavilion; and Stéphanie Audet-Couture, infographics student and designer of the new brand image

Sherbrooke’s Centre 24-Juin unveils renamed pavilion and upgraded public services

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke’s Centre de formation professionnelle 24-Juin officially unveiled the new identity and upgraded facilities of its Vieux-Sherbrooke pavilion on Sept. 9. The now-renamed Pavillon du tourisme et de l’hôtellerie de Sherbrooke (PTHS) serves as a hub for professional training in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and the event marked the completion of phase one in a broader revitalization effort.

In addition to introducing a new name that better reflects its mandate, the Centre launched new branding and services for its school restaurant, cafeteria, and retail food counter. The changes are part of an ongoing plan to enhance learning environments, boost the visibility of professional training programs, and expand services to the local community.

“It’s a good day for us,” said Éric Arsenault, Director of the Centre 24-Juin. “It’s been a long time that we’ve been trying to change the image of our learning and vocational school for this section, and we made it—with the hard work of both students and teachers”.

Updated names, refreshed spaces

The initiative includes new designations for the school’s public-facing services:

• The former restaurant-école La Petite-Bourgogne is now Le Wellington | resto-école
• The cafeteria becomes Le Well24 | bistro
• The retail food counter is now known as Wellington | comptoir saveurs

The names pay tribute to Sherbrooke’s Wellington Street and the city’s culinary history. “The name of our resto-école recalls Wellington Street, the famous Boeuf Wellington dish, and the historic Wellington Hotel,” explained Chantal Bérubé, Deputy Director of the Centre’s food and tourism programs.

“This is only phase one,” Bérubé said during the ceremony. “More services will be offered in the cafeteria and restaurant, including extended hours and additional menu options. And our new counter will showcase seasonal flavours based on student learning—from seafood to pastries and gourmet dishes”.

Branding by students, for students

The visual identities for the revamped services were developed by students in the Centre’s infographics program. A design contest held last spring selected the work of student Stéphanie Audet-Couture, who presented her clean, modern branding for the restaurant, bistro, and counter during the event.

The graphic design incorporates circular motifs and sleek fonts that represent dynamism and prestige. Audet-Couture explained her choices to the crowd, noting how the design reflects the energy and professionalism expected in hospitality settings.

“The whole project was incorporated into the curriculum, and students really enjoyed it,” said Arsenault. “It’s also a great way to make them feel proud of their contribution.”

Industry support and long-time partnerships

The event also highlighted long-standing partnerships with local industry players. Chef Alexandre Vachon from Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Châteaux establishment in the Eastern Townships, spoke of the important relationship between his kitchen and the Centre.

“We’ve had many students from 24-Juin complete internships and go on to work with us,” said Vachon. “It’s always a pleasure to welcome new talent who bring passion and fresh perspectives to our team.”

According to Arsenault, the relationship with Manoir Hovey has lasted for years. “Many of our teachers and students have passed through its doors,” he said in a follow-up interview. “It’s an important site for stages and summer work.”

A growing English-speaking presence

Although the Centre is francophone, Arsenault noted that a number of Anglophone students enrol at PTHS because it’s the only place in the region offering specialized professional training in fields like sommelier service, pastry, and hotel reception. “We see a lot of students from English schools come to the 24th of June,” he confirmed.

More than a rebrand

The changes are not merely cosmetic. The upgraded facilities feature more contemporary aesthetics—moving away from the outdated 1980s burgundy-and-forest-green décor—and now open onto views of the Saint-François River. In future phases, further upgrades are planned, including furniture made in-house by students in welding, carpentry, and cabinetry programs.

Patrick Guillemette, Assistant Director General at the Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, closed the event by recalling his own days teaching at the Centre more than 25 years ago.

“Back then, the colours hadn’t changed much,” he joked, before turning serious. “This rebranding is a great step forward. The School Service Centre is proud to support the work of this incredible team, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Programs and public services

More than 200 students attend the PTHS annually. Training programs include:

• Butchery, cooking, and pastry
• Hotel reception and restaurant service
• Contemporary restaurant pastry and sommelier training

The Wellington | comptoir saveurs opened to the public on Sept. 10, and services at the resto-école and bistro will expand throughout the year.

Sherbrooke residents are encouraged to visit the facilities to sample gourmet creations made and served by students in a professional setting. “We want the population to come use our services—to try the restaurant, enjoy the bistro, and take home great local products,” said Arsenault.

For more information or to register for programs, visit centre24juin.ca/pavillon-tourisme-hotellerie-sherbrooke.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan has left hundreds of thousands without shelter, prompting international aid responses and quiet sorrow within Sherbrooke’s Afghan immigrant community. While the local ties to the hardest-hit regions are limited, the emotional toll is still being felt.

“People are sad”: local Afghani leader shares community reaction

M Shah Ismatullah Habibi, a Sherbrooke-based spokesperson and representative for the local Afghan community, spoke with The Record on Monday. Although most Afghani families in Sherbrooke hail from Kabul and the northern regions of the country, rather than the east where the earthquake struck, Habibi confirmed that the tragedy has had a psychological impact.

“Even if not from the same area, the people are sad [about] what is happening,” Habibi said, noting that Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure have made rescue and relief efforts extremely difficult.

The earthquake hit while people were asleep in their homes, collapsing thousands of mud-brick dwellings and forcing entire communities into the open. According to Habibi, the government in Afghanistan is ill-equipped to assist. “The Taliban government, these people don’t have a lot of help giving to the people,” he said. “Economy is very bad also.”

Though no Sherbrooke families appear to have been directly impacted, the news has travelled fast among the diaspora. “I heard it from media, some friends,” Habibi said. “There [are] no highways there… it’s very difficult for the people.”

Limited local action—but not for lack of concern

Habibi confirmed that no formal relief efforts have been organized by Sherbrooke’s Afghan community. “It’s very difficult to send [help] from here, from Canada,” he said, adding that newcomers in the Eastern Townships are often still struggling to settle themselves.

“I didn’t hear anything [locally] for about help. The economy here [for immigrants] is difficult. A lot of them are newcomers,” he explained. “Even if the people are able to send money, it’s difficult to get it to the right people.”

He also said that no federal officials or aid organizations have reached out to his community for coordination or support.

ShelterBox responds internationally

While local activity is minimal, organizations like ShelterBox Canada have launched emergency efforts to respond to the devastation. The charity, which provides emergency shelter and essential aid, announced it is working with on-the-ground partners in Afghanistan to deliver robust tents, water filters, blankets, and other critical supplies.

“This is a catastrophe layered on top of an existing crisis,” said ShelterBox Canada Executive Director Stephanie Christensen in a press release. Even before the earthquake, nearly half of Afghanistan’s population—approximately 23 million people—were already in need of humanitarian assistance. “People are now sleeping outside, exposed to the elements and in fear of aftershocks.”

ShelterBox noted that many families returning to Afghanistan after fleeing to Pakistan and Iran in recent years are now finding their homes destroyed or occupied. An estimated 30,000 people are crossing remote borders daily with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Access remains one of the greatest challenges. Rugged terrain, landslides, and damaged roads have significantly slowed the delivery of aid. ShelterBox is exploring both global stockpiles and local procurement options to get tents into the disaster zone as fast as possible.

Canadians wishing to contribute to ShelterBox’s efforts can do so via their website: www.shelterboxcanada.org.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Fire crews across the Eastern Townships responded to six separate incidents over a 48-hour period from Thursday to Saturday, taxing local resources and showcasing the readiness and resilience of regional firefighters. From vegetation and cooking fires to devastating structure losses, each incident posed unique challenges—but no injuries were reported.

North Hatley hedge fire narrowly avoids home

The first call came in at 1:41 p.m. Thursday on Chemin du Lac in North Hatley. What was initially reported as a building fire turned out to be a vegetation fire sparked by amateur electrical landscaping work.

“We’re confident it was electrical,” said Stephen Nicholson, Director of the Régie incendie Memphrémagog Est (Memphremagog East Regional Fire Authority). “There was decorative trench wiring running along a cedar hedge that shorted out.”

Firefighters from Station 4 in North Hatley responded quickly and prevented the flames from reaching the home.

Attic fire in North Hatley prompts major response

At 7:52 p.m. Thursday, firefighters were called to a confirmed structure fire on Sherbrooke Street in North Hatley. Crews from Stations 2 (Fitch Bay), 3 (Ayer’s Cliff), 4 (North Hatley), and mutual aid from Waterville were mobilized—about 40 firefighters in total.

The fire was contained to the attic and part of the ground floor of a single-family home. The occupant escaped safely after being alerted by a passerby. While the home had working smoke detectors, the fire had not yet triggered them.

“The smoke hadn’t reached them yet,” Nicholson explained. “The passerby’s actions made a big difference.”

Early morning blaze destroys Fitch Bay home

Less than 10 hours later, at 5:29 a.m. Friday, fire crews were dispatched to Remick Street in Fitch Bay. Despite the house being just down the road from Station 2, the building was already fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.

“The fire moved fast,” said Nicholson. “The occupant was woken by a smoke detector and was able to evacuate safely. That likely saved his life”.

Crews from Stations 1 (Stanstead), 2 (Fitch Bay), and 3 (Ayer’s Cliff) responded. The structure was a total loss.

Cooking fire in North Hatley apartment quickly controlled

While crews were still clearing the Fitch Bay site late Friday morning, another call came in from an apartment building on Massawippi Street in North Hatley. This time, the source was a cooking fire.

“It was confined to the apartment of origin,” Nicholson confirmed. “The building was evacuated as a precaution, but all residents were able to return later that day.”

Stations 3 and 4 handled the incident. Damage was limited to a kitchen appliance.

Sawyerville auction building lost to flames

Friday afternoon, fire consumed the Encan Sawyerville (Sawyerville Auction) on Route 253 in Cookshire-Eaton. The Lafaille family-owned facility was a key regional livestock hub, hosting weekly auctions and major specialized sales throughout the year.

The building, in operation for 55 years, was declared a total loss. When The Record visited the scene mid-afternoon, firefighters were finishing suppression efforts, but a police safety perimeter in place prevented media from approaching to ask for additional information. As of press time, local chief of operations Marcel Charpentier had not responded to a request for comment.

Ogden family escapes flames thanks to quick thinking

The sixth fire occurred early Saturday morning in Ogden. Stanstead Battalion Chief Chris Goodsell told The Record that the residents were woken by the flames and evacuated safely. They called 911 from a neighbouring home, as their phones were left behind.

“There’s no suspicion of foul play,” Goodsell said. “The building is salvageable.” The Red Cross was on scene assisting the family at the time of his call.

Stations 1 (Stanstead), and 2 (Fitch Bay), responded to this call.

No injuries, but resources stretched

Nicholson praised his firefighters for their endurance and professionalism under pressure.

“Station 3 in Ayer’s Cliff ran three of the four [Memphremagog East] calls, and Station 4 in North Hatley ran three as well,” he said. “It was an exceptional 24 hours.”

He emphasized that quick mobilization, teamwork, and working smoke detectors were key to preventing tragedy.

“Smoke detectors genuinely save lives,” Nicholson said. “Nobody got hurt. We can’t ask for more than that.”

William Crooks
From left to right: Luc Ménard, president and managing partner, Norea Capital; Rodier Grondin, CEO, Motrec International; Paul Corriveau, senior partner, Norea Capital; and Blair McIntosh, outgoing CEO, minority shareholder and director, Motrec International.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Motrec International, the Sherbrooke-based manufacturer of industrial electric vehicles with clients in 16 countries, has been acquired by Montreal investment firm Norea Capital. The announcement was made Friday morning at the company’s headquarters on boulevard de Portland, marking a major turning point for the local flagship that has grown into a global player in specialized electric vehicles.

Blair McIntosh, outgoing CEO and owner, was a central figure at the press conference. Widely recognized as a leading voice in the anglophone business community of the Eastern Townships, McIntosh reflected on a 15-year journey at Motrec, where sales increased tenfold under his leadership. “It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with such a loyal and highly skilled team to help shape Motrec into the thriving world-class company that it is today,” he said, adding that the company is now well-positioned to “accelerate into its next phase of growth with even greater momentum.”

A Quebec investment

For McIntosh, ensuring Motrec remained firmly rooted in Sherbrooke was non-negotiable. “When I did the research to find an investor, a buyer, one of my criteria was to find a Quebec company. For me, the operations here and the jobs here were primordial,” he told reporters.

That approach resonated with Norea Capital. “We believe that Motrec has developed a fairly unique positioning over the years,” said Norea President and Managing Partner Luc Ménard, explaining that the firm had been following the company for years before talks began. He noted that Motrec’s reputation among clients and distributors for producing “the most solid, the most reliable, the most robust product” confirmed the firm’s decision to invest.

Founded in 2020 during the pandemic as a spinoff from the National Bank, Norea manages $560 million in assets and now counts Motrec as its 20th investment. The firm partners with Quebec business families, the government of Quebec, and the National Bank to support companies in growth, acquisitions, and governance.

A new CEO

As part of the transaction, Rodier Grondin, formerly president of Princecraft Boats in Princeville, was named Motrec’s new CEO. Grondin described the opportunity as both professional and personal. “My goal is to make a Quebecois company grow at another level. We absolutely have to continue to develop locally here, but internationally,” he said, stressing the importance of keeping Motrec’s headquarters in Sherbrooke while expanding abroad.

Grondin, who grew up in the Beauce region and has worked with major corporations, called Motrec “a genuine example of Canadian innovation and expertise” and expressed enthusiasm about building on the company’s strong foundations.

Global contracts and expansion

A press release states that Motrec already serves a prestigious list of clients, from automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Stellantis, Tesla, Honda, and Subaru, to companies like Kraft, Walmart, FedEx, and Boeing. The company has achieved notable international breakthroughs, including contracts with Stellantis facilities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. “It’s going to be a game changer for our company because the volume of vehicles that we’re going to produce for this contract over the next two years will be huge,” McIntosh said.

Motrec exports to 48 U.S. states and multiple international markets, with about 70 per cent of sales going to the American market. The company plans to continue expanding globally, particularly in South America and the Middle East, and is exploring strategic acquisitions outside Quebec.

Local roots

Despite its global reach, Motrec’s base remains firmly local. The company operates out of a 70,000-square-foot facility in Sherbrooke’s industrial park, employing 90 people and working with more than a dozen suppliers in the Eastern Townships, which together employ over 300 people. “More than 50 per cent of our materials come from the region,” McIntosh pointed out.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Sherbrooke as the heart of operations. “There is nothing, there is no company that approaches what we do here,” McIntosh said, arguing that Quebec’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing sets Motrec apart from competitors abroad.

A CEO with gas still in the tank

Although stepping back from day-to-day operations, McIntosh confirmed he will remain as a minority shareholder and member of the board of directors. At the press conference, he was clear that his entrepreneurial career is far from over. “I have no intention of taking my retirement. I have a lot of things to do… I still have a lot of gas in my tank,” he said, drawing smiles from those in attendance.

This transaction marks the sixth company McIntosh has sold in his 27-year career. His earlier ventures include Beckwith-Bemis, a Sherbrooke-based firm he sold in 2007 that still operates today. By his own account, McIntosh intends to continue contributing to Quebec’s business community and exploring new opportunities.

For Norea and Grondin, the focus now turns to Motrec’s next phase: developing new products, expanding capacity, and strengthening its international presence. “In many markets, the company is only skimming the surface,” said Ménard. “We are fully committed to providing Motrec with the means to achieve its ambitions and reach the next level – both at home and around the world.”

Courtesy
Steve Pankovitch at his home in Lennoxville, where he spoke over the phone about his decision to run for borough president and his vision for preserving the community’s charm

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

Long-time Lennoxville resident Steve Pankovitch has officially entered the race for borough president in the Nov. 2 municipal election, running as an independent with a platform focused on protecting the borough’s distinct identity, resisting urban sprawl, and revitalizing the downtown core.

“I was born and raised here. I raised my three kids here. My wife taught at Lennoxville Elementary her whole career,” Pankovitch said in a recent interview. “I love Lennoxville, and anybody who knows me knows what a passion it is.”

Pankovitch previously served as president of the Lennoxville Residents Association, which he said once counted over 800 members. That experience, along with a lifelong connection to the community and years of global travel, has shaped his perspective. “When I come back home, I just can’t believe how lucky I am to live here,” he said.

His central motivation for running is to raise Lennoxville’s profile within the broader city of Sherbrooke. “I want the other councillors to look at Lennoxville the way I do,” he said, calling the borough “a business centre with deep history,” highlighting Bishop’s University and the Lennoxville Golf Club as examples of longstanding institutions that contribute to the area’s unique character.

A key concern for Pankovitch is urban sprawl, which he said is encroaching on Lennoxville’s green spaces. “It’s the last piece of woods we have in Sherbrooke,” he said, referring to the Ascot-Lennox forest at the top of the hill. As a current member of the forest’s board of directors, he said he’s committed to protecting it from what he described as “money-hungry developers” looking to build housing with “two cars in the front yard and not much thought about beautification.”

Pankovitch also stressed the need for better upkeep of public spaces. “Just get them to pick up the large garbage,” he said, referring to the frequent sight of discarded furniture along College Street. He added that with more attention, Lennoxville’s downtown could become “a real showcase for Sherbrooke.”

He cited examples from other nearby towns. “If you look at Coaticook and Compton… their downtown cores are much better,” he said. “With a little bit of attention and support, [ours] can be too.”

Revitalizing the downtown core and unifying the business community through events is another of Pankovitch’s priorities. He wants Lennoxville to be appreciated not just for what it is, but for what it can become—a vibrant, diverse small town that contributes to Sherbrooke’s overall identity.

When asked about recent controversies, Pankovitch didn’t mince words on the issue of the proposed bike lanes along Queen Street. “I have a strong opinion,” he said, criticizing the data used by the city as “completely false and wrong.” He argued that the traffic study was done at a time when students weren’t in town and failed to reflect real usage patterns.

“There’s already a parking issue. What do you do when you have an 18-wheeler going to deliver beer at PML and there’s one lane?” he asked. “It’s going to block traffic.” He said local businesses were not properly consulted and warned against investing heavily in a project that could harm the downtown’s functionality. “Nobody I’ve spoken to says that’s a need right now—quite the opposite.”

Pankovitch is also critical of the influence of political parties at the municipal level. “I’m absolutely an independent,” he said, calling party politics in Sherbrooke “a little Trump sort of thing” where entire groups vote in lockstep. He emphasized the financial imbalance as well. “There’s almost a half a million dollars from our taxpayers’ dollars funding those political parties,” he claimed. “Who’s paying for the signs I put up here? Me.”

Pankovitch’s candidacy adds another independent voice to what is already shaping up to be a crowded and competitive race in Lennoxville.

Alongside Pankovitch, Kerwins Saint-Jean, Jennifer Garfat, André Duncan, and Bert Collins are also running for the borough presidency—a role that doubles as Lennoxville’s representative on Sherbrooke’s city council (District 3.0). Saint-Jean is running under the Sherbrooke Citoyen banner with a platform emphasizing public transit and environmental protection. Garfat, currently a councillor, is running as an independent. Duncan is representing Vision Action Sherbrooke, and Collins, a former councillor, is also running as an independent.

In Fairview (District 3.2), the candidates currently confirmed are Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas (Sherbrooke Citoyen – incumbent), Frank Gilbert (independent), Norman Green (Vision Action Sherbrooke).

In Uplands (District 3.1), two candidates have expressed interest to date: Daniela Fernandes (Sherbrooke Citoyen), Claude Charron (independent and current borough president).

William Crooks
Residents filled the Austin town hall the night of Sept. 2, pressing council for answers about a controversial development project on chemin Fisher

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

More than 50 residents and several members of the media packed Austin’s town hall Sept. 2 to demand answers from council regarding a controversial development on chemin Fisher. Accusations of environmental damage, legal violations, and insufficient oversight swirled as citizens pressed municipal officials on how a supposed orchard and vineyard project allegedly turned into an unauthorized private golf course on protected agricultural land.

The heated meeting was presided over by Mayor Lisette Maillé, who acknowledged the unusually high turnout. “Thank you, everyone, for being here. It’s not often we see the room this full,” she said, adding, “It would be nice if it were for regular municipal business.” The municipality’s handling of the issue—centred around landowner Glenn Chamandy—has triggered provincial scrutiny, community outcry, and widespread media coverage.

Residents demand answers

Much of the meeting focused on whether the municipality responded appropriately to mounting evidence that the land was being used for a private golf course—despite permits issued for an orchard. According to a May 2025 order from the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ), Chamandy’s development on chemin Fisher involved illegal work in protected maple stands and agricultural zones, as well as possible wetland disturbances.

Johanne Lavoie, president of Memphrémagog Conservation Inc., challenged council on its role. “The CPTAQ and the Environment Ministry have condemned this work. Why has the municipality remained silent?” she asked. “The evidence is overwhelming—photos, notices, orders.”

Mayor Maillé rejected that characterization. “The municipality has not been silent,” she replied. “We’ve explained the situation in media interviews. Our inspectors are on the ground. We’re conducting our own investigations—within our jurisdiction.”

She clarified that the town is investigating potential violations in the “white zone,” where municipal powers apply, while the CPTAQ and provincial ministry oversee protected wetlands and forests. “We’re not rushing into a legal trap,” she said. “We need solid evidence before acting.”

Concerns over inspections and oversight

Residents questioned how the municipality failed to detect months of land clearing and construction. Several recounted seeing large trucks carrying logs and rocks, wondering why this did not trigger earlier action. One speaker noted, “You need a permit to cut a single tree in Austin. How did hundreds of trucks go unnoticed?”

Maillé admitted that while one inspection took place in October 2023, no further visits were made until after concerns were raised. “Our former inspector did go to the site and was told it was an orchard. Based on that, there was no follow-up at the time.”

Pressed further, she said, “Could we have been more vigilant? Maybe. But the area is large. Multiple properties are under development. Not all trucking activity is tied to this one site.”

She emphasized that while oversight could have been stronger, the town has limited personnel. “We’re not making excuses,” she said, “but we don’t have unlimited inspectors.”

Staffing challenges and next steps

Council confirmed that Austin is in the process of hiring a new part-time inspector and that organizational changes are being considered for the 2026 budget. “We need to make the job attractive,” Maillé said. “It’s hard to find and retain inspectors. It’s not a popular profession.”

One speaker urged the town to “be ambitious” in its recruitment. “Austin has the means,” he said. “If we need five inspectors, hire five inspectors.”

Council acknowledged the point and received applause from the room. “We hear you,” Maillé responded. “We’re working on it.”

Transparency and legal caution

Several residents pressed the town to make public an upcoming third-party report on zoning interpretations. Maillé confirmed the report is expected shortly and will be discussed by council in the coming days. “The council will decide whether to release it publicly,” she said. “That’s always the case with reports we commission.”

Others pushed for immediate restoration of the affected land and a review of zoning regulations to prevent future cases. “Can we suspend work on the site while this is being sorted out?” one person asked. Maillé said legal advice would be sought on that question. “We can’t just shut things down without proper grounds,” she explained. “We need proof of wrongdoing first.”

Another speaker asked if contractors could be held accountable. Maillé responded, “Yes, both owners and contractors can be sanctioned under municipal law. We’ve done it before.”

The fines, however, are modest. The mayor outlined that for a corporation, the maximum fine for an infraction under the municipal code is $2,000. Illegal clear-cutting over one hectare could trigger fines between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on the case.

The road ahead

One resident asked whether the town would pursue land restoration under the law. Maillé said it would depend on the final analysis. “We first need to confirm which activities were non-compliant in our jurisdiction,” she said. “Then we’ll decide on the best course of action.”

Part of that confirmation will come from topographical surveys now underway. The town is comparing current site conditions to LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data gathered several years ago. This will help determine where land was filled or excavated. “It’s the only way to measure the scale of earthworks,” she said.

The town’s timeline to issue infractions is one year from the date of formal observation. “We’re currently gathering evidence,” a staff member confirmed. “We don’t want to miss any details. Once a notice is issued, it’s locked in.”

Some residents expressed scepticism that justice will be done. “It can’t feel like rich people play by different rules,” one said. “The law has to apply equally.”

Heritage and regulatory gaps

Attention also turned to possible use of heritage protection tools. A member of a local heritage committee raised concerns about the destruction of views from a historic promontory known as Cape Gibraltar. “It’s iconic, and we’ve lost it,” she said. “Can we protect the landscape through heritage laws?”

Maillé confirmed that some areas of the property fall within a corridor of recognized landscape interest defined by the MRC. “We are looking into it,” she said.

Finally, a resident pointed out that the zoning bylaw does not define “golf course,” leaving room for interpretation. “Chamandy says it’s a recreational trail. We don’t agree,” Maillé said. “But it’s a grey area. We’ll need to look closely at that too.”

Legal framework and citizen engagement

The mayor concluded the meeting by reiterating that the town is proceeding carefully. “We’re not hiding anything,” she said. “We’re following the law. When we have solid evidence, we’ll act.”

While tensions remain high, residents were assured that investigations are progressing and legal recourse is being prepared.

Austin’s council is expected to revisit the matter at its next regular meeting. As the case continues to draw provincial attention, residents are likely to keep showing up in large numbers.

William Crooks
REVE Nourricier staff and volunteers on the forecourt of Basilique-Cathédrale St-Michel during the Sept. 2 de-paving, with the church in the background; the team removed sections of asphalt to make way for a new bioretention garden

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiaitive

REVE Nourricier led a community “de-paving” at Sherbrooke’s Basilique-Cathédrale St-Michel on Sept. 2, pulling up about 132 m² of asphalt to make room for a bioretention garden designed to divert more than 50 m³ of stormwater from the sewers each year. The half-day action, backed by a $25,000 Wawanesa Climate Champions grant, also aims to give nearby students and neighbours a greener place to sit and breathe in the heart of downtown.

On the cathedral forecourt Tuesday morning, Director General Gabrielle Rondeau-Leclaire summed up the work at hand: “We are de-paving, so we’re removing the concrete in front of the church,” she said. “There will be a garden planted instead of this concrete. We’re removing a few parking spots—just a few—and turning them into green space.”

Rondeau-Leclaire said the site—wedged between two secondary schools—was chosen with youth in mind. “These two high schools, being downtown, don’t have much green space,” she said. “We want to help them enjoy more green space when they can rest,” she added, as students helped lift broken slabs.

Beyond shade and seating, the design is about water. “The intention is to bring green space and more fresh air, but also to manage water,” she said. “We have two small areas: one just by the roof, where water will infiltrate the soil, and another down the slope with a basin to collect water and filter it into the ground.”

She described the environmental logic in plain terms: asphalt “doesn’t let water sink.” It behaves “like plastic,” sending runoff straight to storm sewers, whereas planted areas let it soak and be cleaned by the soil. The group hopes the St-Michel project can serve as a pilot for more such sites across the city.

Turnout on Sept. 2 reflected that community focus. “Today we were 20 people,” Rondeau-Leclaire said, adding that they hope to double that for the next work bee.

According to the organisation, the de-paving was supported by a roster of local partners that handled everything from logistics and hauling to materials and refreshments, including the Corporation archiépiscopale catholique romaine de Sherbrooke, the Séminaire de Sherbrooke, Collège du Mont-Notre-Dame, Pixel Nord, Jardin Pro, Groupe Désourdy, Agropol, Hibisera and La Cime Arboriculture.

REVE Nourricier says the goal is as educational as it is environmental: to reduce impermeable surfaces, build small oases that cool and beautify streets, and show how modest interventions can meaningfully cut runoff in older neighbourhoods.

With the de-paving complete, the project now moves into its next phases: planting is scheduled for Sept. 16, and an inauguration is planned for Oct. 5 following Sunday Mass. Rondeau-Leclaire credited a coalition of church staff, funders and in-kind sponsors for bringing the effort to this point, calling it “a collective job” and saying the team is “really well surrounded” as the garden takes shape.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With students returning to class last week, the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) is calling on the provincial government to reinstate full funding for a program aimed at securing the areas around schools. The organization argues that recent cuts leave municipalities without the resources they need to ensure safe routes for children.

Funding cut raises concern

In 2023, the Quebec government committed to providing $38 million annually through the Programme d’aide au développement des transports actifs dans les périmètres urbains (TAPU). This funding was intended to help municipalities improve infrastructure around schools, such as adding speed bumps, widening sidewalks, installing pedestrian crossings, and building safe cycling paths. Municipalities matched provincial contributions, making the program a 50-50 partnership.

However, this year the government reduced its contribution from $38 million to $20 million, a move UMQ President and Mascouche Mayor Guillaume Tremblay described as a serious setback. “It’s a program that was announced less than three years ago as a priority, and then suddenly it’s cut in half. For us, that doesn’t make sense,” Tremblay said in an interview.

A program born of tragedy

Tremblay recalled that the program had been reinforced following the death of a young Ukrainian girl in Montreal in 2023, which sparked widespread concern about the safety of school zones. He emphasized that the funding allowed municipalities to act quickly and effectively. “It was really a good program. When the Quebec government gave the funding, the city had to put in the same amount, so both levels were making the effort to secure school areas,” he said.

A parent’s perspective

Beyond his role as UMQ president, Tremblay underlined his concern as a father. “Before being a mayor, a councillor, or a minister, we’re first and foremost parents or grandparents. My own children are starting kindergarten this year, so I’m very aware of how important it is that they’re safe walking from the bus or heading to school,” he said.

He stressed that municipalities had already invested significantly in safety projects and were prepared to continue, but that the funding cut leaves many initiatives stalled. “Some projects could have been selected, but because of lack of money they won’t go ahead,” he noted.

UMQ’s demands

In a statement issued Aug. 28, the UMQ urged the provincial government to restore the $38 million annual funding until 2028, ensure a fair distribution of speed cameras across the province, and allow municipalities to participate in future procurement of photo radar systems.

“Every child should be able to get to school safely, no matter where they live. Well-designed streets with adapted sidewalks and pedestrian crossings not only ensure safety but also encourage active transportation,” Tremblay said in the release.

Next steps

The UMQ is waiting to see how a possible cabinet shuffle may affect the file, but Tremblay said the organization will press the issue with the next minister of transport. “This will be a number one priority for us. We’ll bring it back to the table quickly, because it’s too important to put aside,” he said.

For more details, visit umq.qc.ca.

New proposed surgical regulations spark debate over costs and risks to public health network

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Quebec government’s proposed regulation to expand access to surgical services through private clinics has stirred immediate debate, with unions warning the measure could undermine the public system while driving up costs.

Health Minister Christian Dubé announced on Aug. 20 the prepublication of the draft Regulation on Access to Surgical Services in the Gazette officielle du Québec. The regulation, now subject to a 45-day consultation period, would allow patients facing long waits in the public network to be referred to private clinics for their procedures.

Dubé framed the measure as an overdue step toward easing surgical backlogs. “After several months of work, this is an important milestone to increase access to surgery and reduce wait times,” he said in a press release. “We have always said the public and private networks can be complementary, and we will continue to prioritize the interest of patients.”

What the regulation proposes

The draft regulation sets out a series of obligations for private providers when participating in the coordinated access system. Private medical centres and hospitals would be required to accept any patients referred through Santé Québec and to deliver the procedure within the time limit established by the referral system.

All surgeons and dentists providing surgical services would also be bound to use the centralized referral and distribution system, ensuring patients are not cherry-picked or left in limbo.

In addition, Santé Québec would be required to keep patients informed of their place in line, their priority ranking, and the average wait times associated with their procedure. The regulation specifies that digital tools should be the preferred method of communication.

The measure would come into force 15 days after its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec.

Union rep: “A false solution”

Danny Roulx, national representative for the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), told The Record in an Aug. 28 interview that the regulation presents the private sector as a “miracle fix” when, in reality, it could deepen the crisis in the public system.

“For us, it’s clear that the government is selling this private option as if it’s a miracle that will save the health network,” Roulx said. “But the reality is, the private sector costs up to twice as much. Quebecers will be the ones paying more for surgeries.”

He pointed to a straightforward comparison: carpal tunnel surgery in private clinics costs about $908, while the same procedure in the public system is evaluated at $495. “If the government pays the private sector, it pays more than it would in the public system,” he stressed.

Roulx also questioned the government’s narrative that patients would benefit from faster access without trade-offs. “It looks like an easy solution, but really it’s opening the door wide to private care and slowly dismantling the public network,” he said.

Fears of losing staff to private clinics

Perhaps more pressing for Roulx is the risk of staff drain. He warned that allowing private clinics to expand their surgical capacity will inevitably mean recruiting nurses, laboratory staff, and other professionals away from the public system.

“Each time we fund operations in the private sector, we risk losing staff from the public network,” he explained. “That will leave us even more short-staffed in the public system, making the situation worse.”

He described the process as “vampirizing” the public system, adding: “The more we encourage private surgery, the more we’ll lose people from the public side. We’ll see physicians, nurses, imaging specialists and lab staff pulled out, leaving hospitals with even greater shortages.”

Roulx fears this will set in motion a self-perpetuating cycle. With fewer staff in hospitals, wait times in the public network could rise, giving more justification to shift patients toward private providers, which in turn may further weaken the public sector.

Long-term risks and financial impacts

Roulx also raised concerns about what could happen once private providers become entrenched in the system.

“The day the private sector has the upper hand and tells the government it wants more money for surgeries, we’ll be cornered because we won’t have the expertise left in the public system,” he said.

He argued that once the public sector becomes dependent on private partners to carry out routine surgeries, Quebec will lose its bargaining power. “We’ll be at their mercy, because we won’t have the in-house expertise to continue providing those services at scale,” he cautioned.

According to Roulx, this scenario has already played out in other provinces. “In Alberta, when they opened the door to more private surgeries, it ended up increasing overall costs,” he said. “We risk repeating the same mistakes here.”

Roulx also pointed out that many of the additional funds needed to support private surgery contracts would likely come from budget cuts in the public system. “If we’re giving $908 to a private clinic instead of $495 in a hospital, that extra money has to come from somewhere,” he said. “That means cuts to services, which weakens the network further.”

A precedent for more outsourcing

Roulx argued that Quebec has already been heading down a path of increased reliance on private contracts. He cited the growing use of “purchased services” in laboratories, where analyses are increasingly outsourced instead of performed by CIUSSS staff.

“We’ve seen more and more lab tests being outsourced to the private sector,” he said. “This regulation is another step in the same direction. And every step we take makes it harder to reverse course.”

He warned that if this trend continues, Quebec risks losing not only surgical expertise but also control over other parts of the health care system. “It’s a wheel that once it starts turning, we won’t be able to stop,” he said. “It could accelerate exponentially and dismantle the public network piece by piece.”

Government’s argument

Despite union concerns, the government maintains the measure is designed to ensure patients receive surgery within a reasonable time frame. Officials argue that the regulation is directly tied to reducing waiting list overruns, which have remained a persistent challenge in Quebec’s health care system for years.

By formalizing coordination between the public and private sectors, they contend, the regulation would prevent patients from languishing on waiting lists while private surgical capacity sits unused. Dubé has insisted that the goal is not to privatize health care, but to make sure “patients are prioritized, no matter where the surgery is delivered.”

Next steps and consultations

The consultation period on the regulation will remain open for 45 days, during which any interested party may submit written comments to Santé Québec. The government has invited input from unions, professional associations, and health care users.

Additional details on implementation, including how referrals will be managed, which types of surgeries will be covered, and how monitoring will take place, are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The regulation is being presented under the Loi sur la gouvernance du système de santé et de services sociaux, which allows Santé Québec to impose such mechanisms and obliges private providers to participate.

Broader reactions still pending

While the APTS has voiced strong opposition through Roulx, other key players have not yet commented publicly.

The Record contacted Stéphanie Goulet, president of the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ), which represents tens of thousands of nurses and health professionals across the province. She did not respond before press time.

The Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke Users’ Committee was also contacted but said it would only be ready to comment after its first meeting on the subject, scheduled for Sept. 4.

William Crooks
Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, Borough President Claude Charron, and Councillor Jennifer Garfat conclude the Aug. 26 Lennoxville Borough Council meeting, which focused on shared path safety, Queen Street planning, and community funding initiatives

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Lennoxville Borough Council meeting on Aug. 26 drew attention to public safety on shared-use paths, persistent garbage issues, and the future of Queen Street, alongside the approval of several financial assistance requests. The meeting, presided over by Borough President Claude Charron, was attended by four residents.

Question period: Pedestrian and cyclist safety

The session’s most detailed exchange concerned a resident’s concerns about safety on a shared pedestrian and cycling path near Samuel-Gratham Street. The path, which is partly managed by private owners and maintained in part by the city, has become a focal point for safety complaints.

“I almost got knocked over the other day. Someone came on a bike with big tires going very fast,” the resident said, adding that many seniors use the path because alternatives are scarce. The discussion revealed that the path is not formally part of Sherbrooke’s official network but is commonly used by cyclists and walkers.

Charron explained that while the city does some maintenance—such as clearing debris and repairing surfaces—the arrangement is informal. “At the moment, it’s a sharing; the bikes are allowed, the pedestrians are allowed,” he said, noting the difficulty of enforcing single-use restrictions.

Suggestions included installing speed limit signage and requiring bike bells to alert pedestrians. “Normally, they should ring. It’s their responsibility in terms of security,” Charron said, emphasizing the need for cyclist education. He also suggested residents report incidents to facilitate patrol scheduling. The borough will investigate possible enforcement and signage measures, while confirming liability questions related to accidents.

Complaints about garbage and traffic violations

Other residents raised concerns about beautification efforts clashing with the reality of visible garbage. One participant remarked, “When they’re talking about spending money making the street beautiful, they need to keep everything beautiful, not garbage.” They cited delays in bulk waste pickup, with appointments stretching to four weeks.

Traffic safety also came under scrutiny. Residents reported cyclists ignoring stop signs and speeding cars on Queen Street. Charron advised that isolated incidents are hard to address but encouraged citizens to provide detailed reports to police for recurring issues.

Queen Street redesign sparks debate

A consultation on Queen Street’s future layout, held the previous evening, continued to stir strong feelings. The project, which includes upgrading crosswalks to provincial standards, has raised questions about parking availability and pedestrian safety.

“There were a lot of comments from the citizens, and these comments will be brought to the table,” Charron assured attendees. He stressed that no decisions are final: “It’s only the beginning; all the comments will be taken into consideration.” Planned upgrades include flashing lights at crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility, a measure Charron described as “really efficient” in other locations.

Despite assurances, some residents expressed skepticism, fearing decisions were predetermined. Attendance at the consultation was high, with Councillor Jennifer Garfat estimating 180 participants.

Financial assistance approvals

Council approved several funding requests supporting local education and community life:

• Alexander Galt Regional High School will receive $1,000 for its sports program for the 2025–2026 school year. Charron noted this is “a very long-term support, as it is historic.”
• Bishop’s University secured $3,000 for its student patrol program, which monitors neighbourhood safety during peak student activity. The borough also approved $1,700 for scholarships and $3,000 for a new cultural integration project called Oui! Lunch, aimed at helping students learn French and explore Sherbrooke.
• Lennoxville Curling Club received $750 for the annual Borough Bonspiel in October, supporting a tradition where proceeds benefit local organizations.

Calendar adjustment before elections

Council modified its meeting schedule due to the municipal council’s dissolution ahead of elections. The final session will now take place on Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m., instead of the originally scheduled 5 p.m. slot.

Community updates and events

Council members closed the meeting by highlighting local events: Rivières de Lumières on Sept. 12–13, Townshippers’ Day on Sept. 20, and the Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 28. Other activities include Grace Village’s quilt show on Sept. 5–6 and the Howard Park Rendezvous in early November.

Charron reminded residents that the Queen Street project originated from the need to update crosswalks for safety. “We’ve had many complaints… these crosswalks are going to be upgraded,” he said, noting flashing lights will be part of the improvements.

The meeting lasted a little over 45 minutes, with the next scheduled for Sept. 23.

William Crooks
A row of ETSB electric school buses is ready in Lennoxville for the first day of classes. The Eastern Townships School Board is welcoming more than 6,300 students across its 20 elementary schools, three high schools, and adult and vocational centres this fall. With full teaching staff secured and transportation fully staffed, the board is also moving toward fleet electrification as part of its long-term sustainability efforts.

Local schools open year with stability, new initiatives and budget challenges

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) is launching the 2025–2026 school year with a stable student population, full teaching staff and a renewed focus on parent engagement, international programs and vocational training, even as financial uncertainty and budget disputes loom over the system.

Steady enrolment after a decade of growth

More than 6,300 students are enrolled across ETSB schools and centres this fall, marking a period of stability after over ten years of growth. “This steady number allows us to consolidate services while continuing to provide a strong educational experience for all students,” the board stated in a back-to-school release.

The board operates 20 elementary schools, three high schools, one adult education centre, two vocational training centres, and an international student program serving the Estrie, Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec regions.

Budget pressures and legal challenge

Council Chair Michael Murray addressed at an Aug. 26 council meeting the ongoing turbulence caused by government budget compressions, which were announced and then partially reversed over the summer. “You’ve had, as you know, major cuts announced and then unannounced. None of the deadlines have been respected in terms of delays for anything,” Murray said during the meeting.

He confirmed that English school boards, including ETSB, have launched legal action: “Collectively, the English school boards have taken a position of challenging the cuts in court on the grounds that administratively, none of the delays for consultation processes were respected… We have asked the courts to stay the application of the cuts,” he added.

Murray acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding government directives: “I suspect that the number of meetings our senior administrators have been attending indicates the ministry may still be in the dark about what the implications are,” he said. “I think going forward, we’re kind of the blind leading the blind.”

Full teaching staff secured despite challenges

Human Resources Director Caroline Dufresne delivered what she called “good news all around,” reporting that every posted teaching position has been filled. “As of today, all our teacher positions that have been posted this summer are filled. Students at ETSB will have their teacher, not just a teacher, but their teacher when they start the school year,” Dufresne said.

She added that 92 teaching positions and 284 support staff roles were filled since June, though some part-time and replacement positions remain open. “We do have a few positions left to post, including two kitchen roles and two special education technician positions,” she noted.

Priorities for the year: health, technology and engagement

Director General Kandy Mackey announced a series of updates aimed at enhancing safety, wellness and community involvement. Starting in October, all ETSB employees will have access to telemedicine services 24/7. “This includes unlimited virtual appointments with a doctor or nurse practitioner for short-term needs,” she said.

The board is also overhauling its health and safety structure to comply with Bill 59, moving from a centralized model to one that empowers schools directly. “By bringing prevention into daily life, we can create safer, healthier environments together where everyone’s voice and experience truly matter,” Mackey stated.

On the technology front, ETSB is transitioning its systems to the cloud to strengthen cybersecurity and comply with Quebec’s Law 25 on personal data protection. A new ETSB website featuring dedicated sections for schools, centres and community programs will launch in early 2026, accompanied by promotional videos for vocational programs in the spring.

International students and vocational boom

The board is welcoming 45 international students from China, Germany, Mexico and Spain this year. “Their presence enriches our classrooms and creates opportunities for cultural exchange,” the ETSB release said, noting the program is seeking additional host families for January and beyond.

Continuing education remains a growth sector. “The adult sector is booming,” Mackey said. ETSB now offers 25 programs in person and online, from welding and plumbing to computer graphics and francisation, along with Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) sessions in the evenings.

Cellphone policy rests with schools

Murray addressed questions about the province’s widely publicized cellphone ban, clarifying that “the promised decree setting out the specifics has yet to see daylight.” He added that governing boards at each school will decide how to apply the directive: “This board will support whatever the local governing board decides is the best way to handle that.”

The Ministry has instructed that phones may only be used for pedagogical purposes or to support students with special needs; otherwise, they must stay in lockers.

Investments in infrastructure and student life

Despite budget limits, ETSB highlighted recent improvements across schools and centres. Lennoxville Vocational Training Centre unveiled new murals by a local collective, celebrating vocational programs. At Waterloo Elementary, IBM Bromont donated book bags filled with supplies and personalized messages for students. Princess Elizabeth Elementary raised $6,000 for Pervana’s Garden at its community barbecue, reinforcing ETSB’s focus on food literacy and outdoor learning.

Mackey also reported an air quality grant for updated cleaning equipment and confirmed that ear protection will be provided to music and physical education teachers following last year’s sound level testing.

Transportation ready, with greener options coming

Mackey said transportation services are fully staffed for the start of the school year. Murray added that ETSB is moving toward fleet electrification: “I understand there were some electric buses that arrived today, and more expected, so we’re moving… in the direction of electrifying the fleet,” he told commissioners.

Board voices optimism despite pressures

In closing remarks, Murray emphasized the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. “We seem to be on the cusp of a revolution… Artificial intelligence has effectively made traditional homework pretty much irrelevant,” he said, predicting AI will have “as great or greater an impact” on classrooms as the introduction of one-to-one laptops two decades ago.

Mackey ended her welcome message with a reminder to keep students at the centre of all efforts: “Challenges lie ahead, but we’re confident in our collective strength—together as one family, one ETSB”.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke will mark the International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday with a full day of activities organized by IRIS Estrie, aimed at honouring lives lost, supporting affected families, and promoting safer drug use practices.

The event runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 505 Wellington Street South and includes health services, harm reduction education, and cultural activities in an open, community-oriented setting. “It’s a moment where we commemorate our loved ones that have passed and give information to the population about safe drug use and how to prevent overdosing,” said Delphine Lamoureux, coordinator of the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) in Sherbrooke, in an Aug. 27 interview.

A day for remembrance and prevention

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed worldwide on Aug. 31. In Quebec, this day has been marked for two decades. For IRIS Estrie, it’s not only a time to reflect but also a chance to push for life-saving practices. “Because of the overdose crisis we have right now, this day is very important,” Lamoureux stressed.

A press release states that the event will feature a range of activities. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can access free, confidential screening for HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs, in collaboration with the SIDEP of Sherbrooke. From 1 p.m., drug-checking services will be available, offered in partnership with Élixir. Later, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., supervised consumption services will allow individuals to use substances safely under the watch of trained staff.

Cultural and social elements round out the program: a food truck serving comforting dishes will be on site from 4 p.m., followed by a jam session and open mic at 5 p.m., where participants are invited to bring instruments and join in a shared music experience. “We want people to come and eat a great meal, get more informed, and just visit our organization,” Lamoureux said.

Practical advice for safer use

Lamoureux emphasized that overdose prevention starts with informed decisions. “To prevent overdose, it’s always better to use not alone,” she said. “Have a friend with you or come to an OPS. Test your drug, know what’s in it, and do it gradually. Avoid mixing substances and always have naloxone with you”.

IRIS Estrie is the only overdose prevention site in the Estrie region, offering supervised consumption, drug testing, and access to naloxone. The site operates Tuesday to Saturday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and sees increasing demand. “There’s a lot more people coming in and using our services, and we have more situations where we needed to monitor the person,” Lamoureux noted.

Gaps and challenges

The region’s size and population needs present ongoing challenges. “Estrie is quite large,” Lamoureux acknowledged, adding that while discussions about mobile services for drug-checking are underway, permanent OPS coverage across the territory remains uncertain. “Every year is a battle to keep [our site] alive. We’re working with public health to make it permanent.”

She underlined the necessity for broader government investment. “If we want to tackle the overdose crisis, there needs to be money everywhere—in prevention, centres like ours, STI testing, safe supply, naloxone, and treatment. Access to treatment is sometimes difficult, and not everyone wants therapy. There need to be options because we’re talking about humans losing their lives.”

Breaking stigma, building community

According to Lamoureux, reducing stigma around drug use is essential to saving lives. “This event is an occasion to reduce the stigmatisation, promote harm reduction, and remind people that health and dignity must be at the heart of our collective actions,” she said.

IRIS Estrie encourages the public to attend Friday’s event, learn about harm reduction, and take advantage of the free services offered. Donations to support their work can be made online or by cheque, as the organization operates as a non-profit. “We’re always welcoming people to come by and try our services,” Lamoureux added.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page or contact IRIS Estrie at udii@irisestrie.org.

William Crooks

Lennoxville residents filled the Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre on Aug. 25 for a public meeting on proposed changes to Queen Street, including a potential bike lane

Heated debate over Queen Street bike path as residents pack consultation meeting

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

Over 150 residents filled the Centre communautaire Amédée-Beaudoin on Aug. 25 for a highly anticipated public information and exchange session on Lennoxville’s infrastructure plans. The meeting, organized by the City of Sherbrooke, aimed to gather input on a proposed bike lane project along Queen Street, but the discussion quickly revealed deep divisions and frustrations among participants.

The event, moderated by independent facilitator Sonia Dumont, was billed as an opportunity to “present the project before plans and specifications are finalized, hear your concerns and aspirations, and provide food for thought for next steps.” Dumont stressed her neutrality, noting, “I am not an employee of the City of Sherbrooke, but a professional facilitator hired for this session… I commit to moderating in a spirit of openness and listening, and to act respectfully.”

Language dispute and ground rules spark early tension

Before any details of the project were presented, tensions surfaced over language. Dumont announced that the presentation would be delivered in French but assured participants they could ask questions in the language of their choice: “Tonight’s presentation will be in French, but please, at any time during the evening, feel free and comfortable to express yourself or to ask your question or to comment in the language that you prefer.”

Several English-speaking attendees objected, arguing that given Lennoxville’s demographics, the presentation should have been bilingual from the outset. One participant pressed, “Considering that a majority of us are English here, is there a reason why you’re not doing it in English?” The moderator ultimately promised translation throughout the session.

Adding to the friction, Dumont reminded the crowd that recording audio or video clips without authorization was prohibited, echoing the City’s participation charter. However, such restrictions have no legal basis under Quebec law for a public meeting.

What’s already decided—and what’s not

Dumont clarified at the outset what elements of the project were settled: “The work must be completed at the crosswalks… it’s mandatory to comply with Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable standards by 2026. And based on the analysis, the only place suited for a bicycle link that addresses all needs and standards is along Queen Street.”

Beyond that, she emphasized, “there’s room for adaptation,” inviting comments on three themes: parking, safety and travel, and neighbourhood improvements.

City outlines rationale and timeline

Urban planning director Réal Girard and division head for sustainable mobility Anne-Sophie Demers presented the City’s case. The project, they explained, stems from Sherbrooke’s strategic plan to build “sustainable, inclusive, and safe communities” while addressing climate change and improving connectivity between Lennoxville and downtown Sherbrooke.

Key goals include creating a safer corridor for cyclists and pedestrians, especially students and commuters, and linking Lennoxville to the Route Verte and the wider regional bike network. The City also aims to take advantage of a provincially mandated upgrade of pedestrian crossings, which will see four intersections—Queen at Academy, in front of Maxi/Opto-Réseau, Queen and Church, and Queen and Downs—equipped with rapid-flash beacons and improved lighting by summer 2026.

As part of this opportunity, Sherbrooke proposes reconfiguring Queen Street to add one-way bike lanes on both sides, removing 49 parking spaces on the west side while retaining 51 on the east. “That’s the only way we can have two bike lanes, one on each side,” Demers said. The design would place the bike lane between parked cars and traffic on the east side and directly next to the curb on the west.

The project’s timeline includes:

• Summer 2025: Complete participatory process and present findings to elected officials.
• Fall 2025: Publish report and finalize designs.
• Winter 2026: Engineering work.
• Spring/Summer 2026: Construction begins.

Data and constraints

Girard noted that Queen Street carries over 12,000 vehicles daily—far above the 3,000 threshold for “shared street” concepts—and accommodates truck traffic and bus routes. For these reasons, scenarios like reducing speed to create a shared street or using the railway corridor were ruled out. “It’s impossible to move that road safely for bicycles in that sector,” Demers explained of the rail option.

Parking studies, based on eight counts between November 2024 and January 2025, show on-street spots average 30 per cent occupancy overall, though the busiest section between College and Speid reaches 80 per cent at times. Adjacent streets offer 282 additional public spaces within 330 metres.

Residents voice support—and outrage

The question period stretched for more than an hour, with strong opinions on both sides. Several business owners warned that losing parking would hurt commerce. “If customers can’t park right out front, they’ll go elsewhere,” one said, prompting applause. Another argued, “We’re not downtown Sherbrooke. People drive here for groceries and services. They need parking.”

Others worried about winter conditions and safety: “Who’s going to clear the bike lanes? What happens when snowbanks pile up?” one resident asked.

Supporters countered that the plan reflects modern mobility needs. “Students and young families want safe bike routes. If Lennoxville doesn’t adapt, we’ll fall behind,” one speaker said. Another added, “This is about choice. Nobody’s taking away cars—we’re just adding an option.”

Frustration also boiled over about the City’s approach. Some accused officials of deciding in advance. “You’re saying you’re listening, but it feels like this is already a done deal,” one attendee remarked, drawing murmurs of agreement. Others criticized communication, citing the unilingual presentation and the initial claim about recording restrictions.

Emotions spill beyond the meeting

Social media lit up after the meeting, with several residents describing the event as frustrating and one-sided. Posts criticized the lengthy focus on conduct rules and the City’s warning against recording, and some accused officials of pushing a “predetermined” project. Comments highlighted fears about losing parking, skepticism about winter maintenance of bike lanes, and concerns over cyclist behaviour. Others said the consultation felt like “smoke and mirrors,” while a few defended the need for safer cycling infrastructure.

What’s next

Officials reiterated that feedback will be analyzed and a summary published in fall 2025 before final designs are prepared. For now, only the crosswalk upgrades are guaranteed. Whether Lennoxville’s main street gets bike lanes—and at what cost to parking—remains unresolved.

Residents with further questions can email mobilite@sherbrooke.ca, the City confirmed during the meeting.

William Crooks
Sylviane Lavigne, director general, listens attentively as Mayor Nathalie Pelletier delivers her remarks during Tuesday’s press conference at Magog city hall

By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative

The City of Magog has cancelled plans to authorize an 18-unit community housing project on rue Desjardins after a new legal analysis confirmed a permanent non-construction servitude on the entire site.

Mayor Nathalie Pelletier made the announcement during a press conference on Aug. 26, stating that the decision will be formalized at the next municipal council meeting on Sept. 2. “This morning, we announced the end of the steps aimed at authorizing the project of 18 community housing on Desjardins Street,” she said.

The reversal follows a third external legal opinion that contradicted two previous assessments obtained during the project analysis phase. “We requested this additional review on June 26 after concerns were raised during a public information meeting,” Pelletier explained. “On Aug. 21, we received the results, and this recent report confirms the existence of a servitude of non-construction on the entire site.”

According to Pelletier, the city had acted “in good faith” based on earlier advice. “At no time did the opinions we received suggest there might be an obstacle on the targeted portion of the land,” she said. “We regret deeply that this divergence comes at such an advanced stage of the file. We assure you that we have acted with rigour and transparency throughout the process.”

Apologies and next steps

The mayor issued an apology to residents and community partners affected by the outcome. “On behalf of the council and the entire municipal administration, we extend our sincere apologies to the residents of the area, as well as to the organization Habitations l’Équerre,” she said. Pelletier acknowledged the project was significant given the “obvious need for affordable and community housing in Magog,” adding, “We will look at the possibility that it be carried out elsewhere, but no municipal land is currently available and ready to build in the short term.”

She invited private landowners to collaborate: “If any landowners have a site that could accommodate such a project, we invite you to contact us. We have seen this before, such as the Wilcox Street housing project, where land was donated by a private donor.”

How the decision unfolded

The city initially commissioned two legal opinions—one in 2022 and another in 2025—to clarify whether any servitude applied to the property. Both opinions concluded that the restriction affected surrounding areas but not the proposed site. The third review, however, revealed the servitude covers the entire lot, making construction impossible without the consent of affected property holders.

Pelletier confirmed the restriction is permanent. “It will be for life unless the rights holders renounce them, which they have no obligation to do. The law does not allow us to violate citizens’ rights, and we will respect them,” she said. Asked why the servitude had not been detected earlier, the mayor cited the complexity of historic property records. “These are old technical descriptions with changing lot numbers and water boundaries. It is far from simple research, and that is why we do not have the expertise internally.”

The mayor declined to disclose the cost of legal consultations, noting the matter is under review by the city clerk and could involve questions of liability. “We will not comment on that portion because as soon as it comes to insurance responsibility, we can’t comment,” she said.

Densification policy and pause on new projects

The announcement comes as Magog works on a new densification policy launched earlier this summer. Combined with the city’s urban plan, the policy will establish criteria for evaluating projects based on factors such as living environment, proximity to services, mobility, environmental impact, heritage integration, and infrastructure capacity.

“The population will be invited to take part in the reflection surrounding this guide over the coming months,” Pelletier said. Until the policy is completed, the city will not initiate any new authorizations for projects requiring regulatory amendments. “We are very solicited by promoters who wish to establish themselves in Magog, and we are grateful for that. But we need to take a step back to refine our tools and ensure successful densification and coherent development of our territory.”

William Crooks
Partners and representatives gather at the new supervised visitation park during Monday’s inauguration event in Sherbrooke

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie officially inaugurated its new supervised visitation park Monday morning at the Dufferin service point in Sherbrooke, offering a dedicated space where children and their parents can share moments of calm, play, and reconnection.

The project, years in the making, aims to transform challenging visits into positive experiences. “The reality is that life is not a game for everyone,” said Isabelle Grenier, executive director of the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie, which spearheaded the initiative. “For some children, it’s not all fun and games. Here, the goal is to spend a good moment with their parents in a safe setting.”

Grenier emphasized at the press conference that the foundation’s mission is to support youth in a variety of ways, from major undertakings like this to smaller gestures such as providing school supplies or funding therapeutic activities. “There’s a lot of beauty in what happens at Youth Protection,” she noted. “Interveners do exceptional work, and there are so many success stories that often go unheard because of confidentiality.”

A collaborative effort

The park, located behind the Centre jeunesse building at 340 Dufferin Street, is designed to host supervised family visits in a secure and welcoming environment. It includes child-friendly installations adapted to their needs. “This is much more than a play space,” said Stéphane Tremblay, president and CEO of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS. “It’s a place where children, along with one or both parents, can interact and develop skills in a safe setting. Clinically, this is a significant gain.”

Tremblay highlighted the lengthy planning process behind the project: “What you see here is version seven of the park. It took time to imagine, refine, and deliver something that goes beyond what the public network typically offers. For that, we needed committed partners.”

A press release states that those partners include Groupe Beaucage, Gératek, Carpell, Fondation Bon départ, Canadian Tire, Excavation Robert Pothier, Carrière Saint-Dominique, Clôtures DB and Paysage Florentin, among others. Their contributions ranged from financial support to materials and labour, including installing synthetic turf and custom play structures.

For Groupe Beaucage, the choice to support the project was an easy one. “We’ve always believed that every gesture, big or small, can improve the daily lives of young people in the Estrie region,” said a company representative. “We wanted to give children and parents moments of lightness during supervised visits.”

Creating a space for families

For Stéphanie Jetté, director of Youth Protection, the park represents a major step forward. “It’s a warm, adapted, and safe environment where children can just be kids—play, laugh, and grow,” she said. “It’s also an invaluable tool for parents, giving them the chance to create memories and strengthen their role.”

According to Jetté, the space will benefit about 119 children locally. “During supervised visits, which can sometimes be stressful, this park becomes a precious ally for families and for the interveners who support them,” she explained.

The Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie expressed deep gratitude to the donors, partners, and volunteers who helped bring the project to life. Board president Marie-Pascale Bélanger summed it up: “This park is the result of real teamwork. When a community comes together, we make it possible to better surround our children and those who accompany them.”

The foundation hopes the park will not only provide joy and comfort but also strengthen bonds between children and parents. “Every element was designed to encourage meaningful exchanges,” Bélanger said. “We’ve turned a vision into reality—a safe space where families can gather, share, and create lasting memories.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

North Hatley’s long-debated ice rink project will remain in River Park after the town announced a breakthrough that avoids previous engineering hurdles.

Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish confirmed in a recent update that “thanks to new technologies and the reassessment of previous alternatives…the ice rink will remain in River Park.” Earlier studies had indicated that poor soil conditions would require $800,000 in pilings to stabilize the site, forcing the town to consider moving the rink to the Pleasant View property.

The decision comes after months of uncertainty and a strong response from residents who opposed sacrificing the lakeside tennis courts for the rink. A petition that circulated earlier this month gathered close to 200 signatures. “We all worked hard getting close to 200 signatures and [are] very happy the mayor and council decided to go with the rink in the park,” said resident Maureen Hallam, who helped organize the effort with several others, in a Aug. 25 conversation. “We were never against the rink. It’s an amazing contribution… the Pollocks were giving to the town. We just didn’t want to lose the tennis courts, which have such a history.”

The project, funded through a major donation from the Pollock family, has been in the works since October 2023. River Park was always the preferred site, but engineering studies found the soil could not support the heavy refrigerated slab without costly reinforcements. The price tag and risk of shifting led council to assess other locations, including the town hall lot, Scowen Park, and the municipal parking lot, but each was ruled out for legal, environmental or logistical reasons.

Tension over the issue peaked during the Aug. 11 council meeting, where roughly 40 residents filled the room for an hour-and-a-half debate over site options and costs. While supporters argued that a refrigerated rink would extend skating to five months a year and create “a place of intergenerational gathering,” opponents questioned removing a popular amenity and raised concerns about transparency, operating expenses, and traffic impacts.

Davis-Gerrish thanked residents for their patience in the recent update, saying their input played a key role in shaping the outcome. “Your voices were all heard and listened to, and we took your recommendations and worries into serious consideration,” she wrote in her message. She added that the goal remains to create “a wonderful place of gathering for our community,” fulfilling the spirit of the donation.

Full details of the revised design and construction timeline will be shared once plans are finalized, likely at an upcoming council meeting. For now, Hallam said the mood among residents is clear: “We’re all very, very happy… saving the tennis courts and building the rink in the park, which is obviously the perfect spot for it.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Quebec government has unveiled new tools to guide colleges and universities in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant step in the province’s effort to adapt higher education to rapid technological change. While the announcement underscores growing attention to AI’s role in teaching and learning, some experts remain sceptical about the technology’s trajectory and its long-term impact.

On Aug. 18, Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry introduced two key documents: Déploiement et intégration de l’intelligence artificielle en enseignement supérieur – Cadre de référence and Intégration responsable de l’intelligence artificielle dans les établissements d’enseignement supérieur : repères et bonnes pratiques – Guide pratique 2025. Together, these publications lay out principles, governance models, and practical examples for post-secondary institutions to adopt AI ethically and effectively.

“AI is now part of the higher education landscape and we must adapt and harness its potential,” Déry stated in a release. “It will be essential to focus on developing students’ digital skills so they understand both the potential and the limitations of these tools.” Parliamentary assistant Mario Asselin echoed her optimism, calling the guidelines a sign of “mobilization around issues raised by artificial intelligence.”

The government also plans further measures this fall, including a repository of best practices, a toolkit of real-world AI applications, and a directory of AI-related training programs tailored to different levels of education.

Sherbrooke emphasizes ethical integration

The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), which formed an expert committee in 2023 to address AI’s impact on its programs, welcomed the provincial framework as complementary to its own efforts. In an official response, UdeS Vice-Rector for Studies and Student Life Isabelle Dionne stressed that AI should “support human pedagogical mediation” and that integration must aim for “pedagogical effectiveness, not economic efficiency.”

The institution’s guiding principles include promoting ethical use, reinforcing students’ technological resilience, and rethinking the instructor’s role from “master to guide.” UdeS also emphasized the need to develop high-level competencies—critical thinking, analysis, and creativity—while embedding ethical considerations of generative AI in curricula.

According to Dionne, UdeS sees an opportunity to “position itself as a leader in ethical and pedagogical integration of AI” and intends to collaborate with government bodies to shape future directions.

Expert voices caution on real capabilities

Despite the enthusiasm, some academics urge caution when considering what AI can realistically deliver. Stefan Bruda, a computer science professor at Bishop’s University, expressed doubts about both the hype surrounding AI and the necessity of formal guidelines for universities.

“I was kind of surprised that everybody talks about guidelines,” he said in an interview. “Personally, I don’t see much of a reason to have these guidelines. Every instructor in computer science knows what AI models can and cannot do and can make their own decisions.” While acknowledging that other disciplines may face different challenges, Bruda suggested that autonomy at the course level remains sufficient for his field.

Progress without breakthroughs

Reflecting on developments since 2023, Bruda described AI’s evolution as “a matter of quantity over quality.” While models have become more capable and user-friendly, their core design principles have not fundamentally changed.

“There haven’t been huge developments in terms of algorithms,” he explained. “But there have been tremendous advances in what AI can do, particularly in how models interact with people. Version 4 of ChatGPT, for example, was much better than version 3 in terms of sounding more human”.

However, persistent issues remain, notably “hallucinations”—incorrect or fabricated responses. “That hasn’t changed and I don’t think it’s going to get any better,” Bruda said, pointing to limitations in training data. “They have scraped the whole web. An AI model is only as good as its training data, and we’re reaching an apex. On top of that, the internet is now full of AI-generated content, which is a very bad thing for training models.”

Mixed performance across disciplines

Bruda noted that AI tools perform unevenly across academic tasks. “For first-year programming courses, ChatGPT can provide correct answers very easily,” he said. “It has gotten better and could competently go all the way to upper years in coding. But it continues to be very bad in applied math”.

This disparity complicates their use in education and highlights why some instructors exercise caution when incorporating AI into coursework.

Future potential—and hard limits

Asked whether AI might transform the labour market, Bruda was careful not to overstate its power. “These models are going to be part of our professional life,” he acknowledged, adding that some low-level white-collar jobs could be replaced. “Receptionists or roles that require interaction with the public but not much creativity—those are very much in danger.”

Beyond that, he remains sceptical. “We’re reaching a hard limit in terms of training data, and if we get to that limit, we get to the limit of what these models can do,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to get substantially better than they are today.”

Bruda also questioned the economic sustainability of large-scale AI models. “There is a huge amount of energy and hardware behind those models. They haven’t gotten beyond cute little toys right now,” he remarked. “I don’t think these companies have made a profit so far, and I’m not sure they could in the future.”

A turning point—or a plateau?

While Quebec pushes forward with governance frameworks and institutions like UdeS plan for ethical integration, Bruda offered a sobering takeaway: “The current state of AI might be shaky. It is possible that we are seeing the apex of what these models can do.”

For now, universities will continue to navigate the tension between optimism and realism—balancing AI’s promise as an educational tool with the practical and ethical questions it raises.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Sherbrooke-based Interstar Materials Inc., a leader in pigment technology for concrete, has been acquired by global construction giant Saint-Gobain, a move that ensures the company’s headquarters and manufacturing operations will remain in the city.

The acquisition, announced July 29, brings Interstar’s business assets and 55 employees into Saint-Gobain’s North American network while adding more than $20 million in revenue. The company confirmed that the Sherbrooke facility will continue to produce its signature granular pigments, which have been used across North America’s decorative concrete market for decades.

“The business will continue to be operated out of its headquarters in Sherbrooke, Quebec,” said Alexandre Lainesse, public relations manager for Saint-Gobain in Canada, in an email to The Record. He added that operations will also continue in Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois. “Saint-Gobain will continue to operate the granular pigment business under the Interstar brand in both Canada and the U.S.”

Interstar, founded in Sherbrooke in 1987, has grown into Canada’s top producer of granular pigments, serving ready mix, stamped concrete, block, paver and precast markets. Its innovations include the Granastar® pigment and automated dispensing systems, which have reshaped the concrete colouring process.

Jobs and economic impact in Sherbrooke
Lainesse confirmed that all local jobs have been secured. “With this acquisition, all 55 employees in Sherbrooke became Saint-Gobain employees. At this time Saint-Gobain expects to continue operations as normal,” he said. He emphasized that Sherbrooke will remain central to the pigment business: “Interstar will continue to manufacture pigment at its headquarters in Sherbrooke.”

The move comes as Saint-Gobain accelerates its growth in Canada, where it has invested more than $4 billion over the past three years. “We believe this commitment to Canada is a major reason why Interstar has trusted us for the next chapter of their thriving business,” Lainesse noted.

Community ties and long-term vision
Lainesse said the company intends to maintain and build on Interstar’s 30-year connection to the region. “We are focused on a successful integration of Interstar Materials activities within our Group’s portfolio,” he wrote. “Saint-Gobain is committed to the communities where we operate… and that will be the same for Sherbrooke.”

Navigating trade and sustainability
The acquisition takes place against a backdrop of trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., but Lainesse explained that the impact will be minimal. “As these products are covered under USMCA, there is little impact from tariffs,” he said, adding that Saint-Gobain prioritizes regional sourcing to protect supply chains.

On sustainability, Lainesse said it is “too early to discuss specific projects for the Sherbrooke site,” but affirmed that Saint-Gobain aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He pointed to other Canadian initiatives, including a zero-carbon gypsum plant near Montreal, as examples of the company’s environmental direction.

Innovation remains in Sherbrooke
The Sherbrooke site will also remain a hub for pigment innovation. “Interstar’s unique expertise will certainly enhance the capabilities of our Construction Chemicals business,” Lainesse wrote. He noted that integration with Saint-Gobain will allow Interstar to access a global network of 166,000 employees across 80 countries.

Part of a broader expansion
This acquisition is the latest in a series of moves by Saint-Gobain to strengthen its presence in North America, following the purchases of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022. Recent investments include a new ceramics plant in New York and major upgrades at U.S. facilities to boost production and sustainability.

Mark Rayfield, Saint-Gobain North America’s President and CEO, said Interstar is an “ideal partner” for its construction chemicals segment. “I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees into our business,” he said. “Together, we will continue to drive progress toward our mission of ‘Making the World a Better Home.’”

For Sherbrooke, the deal means continuity and potential growth for a long-standing local manufacturer now backed by a multinational leader.

Courtesy
Compton-Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand meets with Vermont officials Lindsay Kurrle, Anson Tebbetts, State Senators Russ Ingalls and Scott Beck, alongside Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, during cross-border talks in Coaticook

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Coaticook played host this week to a meeting aimed at reinforcing cross-border cooperation between the Eastern Townships and Vermont, bringing together elected officials, agency leaders, and tourism representatives on both sides of the border.

On Aug. 19, Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand welcomed a Vermont delegation that included Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and State Senators Russ Ingalls and Scott Beck. A press release states that Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone, who also sits on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Border Communities Mayor’s Alliance, represented the municipal side in Canada, alongside the Eastern Townships Tourism Association.

Dandurand described the session in an interview as “a first greeting meeting with those two secretaries of agency, which for me… was really important”. While recent cross-border talks had centred largely on tariffs and tourism, she stressed that this one also tackled agriculture, border management, and local economic ties.

Border security and emergency response

A major concern raised was the impact of tighter border controls on emergency services. “On our side, what I hear is that it’s difficult because we do have firefighters coming from the U.S. to help us when there’s a fire,” Dandurand said. “They need to be able to come in, and it is an issue that I’m raising with our own government”.

Kurrle echoed the problem from Vermont’s perspective, citing examples of Quebec firefighters crossing to assist American crews. Dandurand said having a partner on the U.S. side pushing for the same solutions “is going to be an interesting collaboration” moving forward.

Tourism and economic ties

Tourism was another key theme, with officials underlining how important Quebec visitors are to Vermont’s economy. Dandurand noted that “the impact they feel is a lot more important than the one we feel on our side”, as Canadian visits to Vermont have dropped in recent years.

The Eastern Townships Tourism Association highlighted initiatives such as events in Burlington and expressed openness to hosting Vermont-based promotions in Quebec. Vermont representatives, meanwhile, emphasized their frequent visits to the Townships and their commitment to deepening ties.

Looking ahead

The press release framed the talks as “a concrete step toward a stronger partnership,” pointing to agritourism and cross-border trade as priorities. Dandurand echoed that sentiment, saying, “We have always had bridges between us, strong bonds that connect our communities. But we cannot take them for granted; these meetings help us maintain them and make them grow”.

While largely a meet-and-greet, the meeting established direct contacts between leaders. “Now that we have each other’s phone numbers, we can just call each other,” Dandurand said, noting that a follow-up meeting is already scheduled, though she may be in Moncton at the time.

The discussions concluded with agreement to continue regular exchanges, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable partnerships for the benefit of both regions.

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

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

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consultation and transparency

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

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

Suggested changes

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé took a firm stance Tuesday on the province’s proposed Bill 106, which aims to overhaul how doctors are paid, insisting that the legislation is essential to improving patient access and the quality of care. Speaking at a press conference in Montréal, Dubé acknowledged tensions with physicians’ federations but said the principles at stake are non-negotiable.

“The bill is there to stay,” he told reporters. “We will be firm on the principles … because that is what the population wants us to do, to make changes.”

Background and context

Bill 106, tabled in April, would tie part of doctors’ pay to performance targets such as reduced wait times and better patient outcomes. Negotiations with the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ) and the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) have been stalled since spring. Both federations have resisted presenting counter-proposals as long as the bill remains on the table.

Dubé said Quebecers have made it clear they want timely access to doctors and health professionals. “Seventy-five per cent of Quebecers agree to evaluate the performance and the quality of care given by doctors,” he noted, citing a recent poll.

The government spends nearly $9 billion annually on physician remuneration, he said, with about $3 billion going to family doctors and $5 billion to specialists. Despite that, 1.5 million Quebecers lack reliable access to a family doctor, including 200,000 vulnerable patients with chronic conditions.

Proposed changes for family doctors

Dubé outlined three major components of a simplified pay structure for general practitioners:

• Simplification of billing: Reducing the current 5,000 fee codes to about 10.
• Capitation model: Linking part of payment to a formal commitment to see a set number of patients.
• Hourly rate option: Allowing additional pay for complex cases.

The province also wants more evening and weekend appointments, raising availability from the current 10 per cent of slots to 15–20 per cent. Dubé illustrated the need with an example: “Julie is 47 years old. She has diabetes. On a Friday night, she suffers from leg pain. Today, she has to wait until Monday or go to the emergency. With what we are proposing, her GMF [family medicine group] is committed to being open Friday night.”

Another proposed change would redirect the 30 per cent bonus family doctors now receive for working in GMFs directly to the clinics instead. Dubé argued this would help hire more nurses, psychologists and other professionals rather than being taken as extra income by doctors.

Proposed changes for specialists

Specialists would keep their $5-billion annual envelope, but part of it would be conditional on targets such as:

• Ensuring 99 per cent of surgeries are performed within a year.
• Reducing delays for specialist consultations, some of which now exceed two years.
• Guaranteeing more availability in emergency departments.

Dubé also called for correcting pay disparities among specialties, particularly those with more women, such as obstetrics, and for modernizing operating room practices, like allowing one anaesthetist to oversee two theatres simultaneously.

Digital health file controversy

Tensions with specialists have extended to Quebec’s digital health file project, which Dubé said is critical to improving efficiency. He accused the FMSQ of applying pressure by not participating in its rollout. “To sabotage the implementation of the digital health record is to make a mistake,” he said.

Reporters pressed him on whether costs for digital projects such as the CIFAR health platform are ballooning. Dubé rejected that suggestion, pledging transparency and promising a dedicated briefing. “If we ask for more help, we’re going to be able to explain why,” he said.

Reporters’ questions: firm stance

Journalists repeatedly asked whether Dubé would impose Bill 106 if negotiations remain deadlocked. “My conditions to remove the bill? For me, it’s an unresolved end,” he said. While he left the door open to amendments, he was clear the bill’s core principles will not change.

When asked about accusations the plan would create “fast food medicine,” Dubé pushed back. “It’s exactly the opposite of what we’re asking. If a patient has a more complex problem, remuneration could include an hourly component to account for that. What I want is not more volume but better care,” he said.

He also fielded questions about whether the province might end doctors’ ability to incorporate, a tax-saving measure. He said Quebec would not act unilaterally while incorporation is permitted elsewhere in Canada, but emphasized that such privileges cost taxpayers “hundreds of millions a year” and must be matched by results.

Asked if the measures risk driving doctors out of Quebec, Dubé admitted concern but said he believes most physicians want a reasonable compromise. He pointed to lowered expectations on some targets as proof of good faith.

Linking managers’ pay to results

In a notable shift, Dubé said he also wants to link the remuneration of senior health-care managers at Santé Québec to performance targets, mirroring the approach proposed for doctors. “We have managers … I would like there to be a marriage of the targets asked to the doctors with a part of the targets that are asked to Health Quebec,” he explained.

Dubé’s bottom line: patients first

Throughout the press conference, Dubé stressed that the reforms are aimed at improving care for patients rather than punishing doctors. “I’m not blaming anybody,” he said. “We don’t want them to work harder, we want them to work differently.”

He concluded by urging the federations to return to the table before Parliament resumes. “We still have time to come back and make counter-proposals … But we will be firm on the principles,” he said.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As wildfires continue to burn across Newfoundland, Townships-born Robert Lodge is keeping a close eye on the situation back home while visiting his sister in Sherbrooke. Though he says his property is not directly under threat at the moment, he and his family remain prepared in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Newfoundland and Labrador has faced one of its worst wildfire seasons on record in 2025. By Aug. 9, approximately 10,697 hectares had already burned in the province, with several blazes still classified as out of control, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and Environment Canada. The largest, the Kingston fire in Conception Bay North, destroyed more than 200 structures and led to widespread evacuation orders, CBC News reported. Authorities responded by imposing a province-wide fire ban until Sept. 7, declaring local states of emergency, and deploying Canadian Armed Forces support, according to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and coverage by The Guardian.

For Lodge, who has lived in central Newfoundland for more than four decades, the fires are uncomfortably close to home. “I moved to Newfoundland 42 years ago,” he said, explaining that he now lives in central Newfoundland, near the Martin Lake fire. “It’s about 20 kilometres from Grand Falls–Windsor, so we’re not under any evacuation order there”.

Still, the uncertainty lingers. “It’s a little bit of anxiety, a little bit of anticipation,” Lodge admitted. “You kind of have to plan. You have to figure out what’s the most important thing to put in the car to take … your papers, your passports, all your documents … and you hope for the best and you leave things behind and just cross your fingers.”

He noted that while he is in Sherbrooke this week, his home is not unattended. “We have someone staying at our house, so we had the evacuation stuff all in order. So, if they did have to evacuate, they could take the pets and the important papers and go,” he explained.

The veteran teacher and arts administrator recalled that fires of this scale were once rare in Newfoundland, but not anymore. “We were under evacuation order back in 2023, where I had the car actually packed, ready to go,” he said. “From 1986 to 2003, it’s quite a while, but now it’s starting to happen more frequently.” He attributed that rise in risk to changing weather conditions. “We had a snowless winter … everything dried real quickly. We had a really hot May and June, July, and it just went from there.”

Communication during emergencies relies on local media, Lodge explained, with alerts broadcast on radio, television, or social media. Residents are typically directed to register with the Canadian Red Cross in safe communities to confirm they have evacuated.

When asked about the emotional toll of repeated threats, Lodge paused. “It’s such an overwhelming thing if that happened. What do you do then? Do you rebuild? Do you stay there? Do you leave? All kinds of questions will probably go through your head,” he said.

Despite the stress, Lodge remains attached to his Newfoundland home. “Right now, no,” he replied when asked if the fires have him reconsidering where he lives. “But with global change, you can’t tell what’s going to happen, right? One summer, all rain … I probably might feel different if I had lost my house in a fire.”

As of this week, he said the fire near his community has shrunk somewhat after recent rain. “It’s probably burning on itself now a little bit. They are not spreading, so hopefully by the time we get back … that will slow things down a lot for all the fires, because there’s three that are out of control in the province. Two of them are near St. John’s, and one of them is in Central near us,” Lodge explained.

Lodge is scheduled to return to Newfoundland Aug. 20. Though relieved that conditions at home appear to be improving, he acknowledges that the risk is part of life now. “When those evergreens start, it’s pretty hard to stop them,” he said. “It’s a lot of anxiety and a lot of worry.”

William Crooks
Young raccoons make their way across a quiet country road near Cookshire earlier this summer

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

An unexpected raccoon attack on a Hatley Township resident has renewed concerns over the spread of rabies in the Eastern Townships, as local animal experts stress the importance of vaccination and caution when dealing with wildlife.

A sudden bite on a quiet evening

Brigitte Beauchamp was relaxing on her deck after dinner one Saturday evening when a raccoon climbed up from the yard and bit her without warning.

“It just got dark, probably about 8, 8:15. And out of nowhere, this thing came up and just bit my leg,” Beauchamp recalled. “I didn’t even know he was anywhere until he bit me”.

The raccoon had apparently climbed one of the deck posts and emerged from behind a barbecue before biting her. Beauchamp, who now bears four puncture wounds on her leg, described the moment as terrifying. Her husband tried to chase the animal away with clapping and stomping before finally resorting to a garden hose.

“I heard you scream. It was a scream of terror,” a neighbour later told her, having heard the incident from next door.

Beauchamp was rushed to Sherbrooke’s Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, where she received immediate treatment. She was shocked to learn from the doctor on duty that such incidents are becoming far more common. “Two years ago, he would treat one person for a bite. Now this time he says it’s five a week,” she said.

Long and painful treatment

The bite launched Beauchamp into an intensive rabies prevention protocol. She spent ten hours in hospital on the first night, receiving multiple injections, including a vaccine and a specialized treatment derived from blood products.

“That was already five needles,” she said. “And then yesterday I went and I had to get a tetanus shot again because my tetanus shot was eight years ago, and another rabies shot. I have three lined up in Montreal. I’ll be finished around the 14th of September”.

Although she praised the health system for taking rabies very seriously—“Right away, I was given multiple calls from people asking how I was and setting it up”—she expressed frustration at the lack of follow-up from wildlife officials. “I called the wildlife, Faune Quebec. They asked for my phone number and my address, and I have yet to see somebody come by. So, they’re not really taking this seriously,” she said.

SPA Sherbrooke urges prevention

Alexis Savoie of the Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) de l’Estrie said Beauchamp’s case highlights the ongoing risks of raccoon rabies in the region. “We always recommend people to have their animals vaccinated to prevent these kinds of situations,” he said. “People don’t often know that it can be dangerous to their animals, but also themselves”.

According to Savoie, reports of raccoon rabies began surfacing near the Vermont border late last year, and the threat has grown since. “It started to really become a possible problem in the last couple of months in the area just across the border from the U.S. There are cases of raccoon rabies in that area, so there is a possibility that it will spread in our region,” he explained.

In response, Quebec has been distributing vaccine baits across the Eastern Townships and Montérégie since Aug. 6, with operations continuing through Sept. 20. “They’re like little ravioli,” Savoie said, describing the edible vaccine packets dropped in wooded areas and along waterways.

Advice for residents

The SPA stresses that residents should never approach unfamiliar or apparently sick wildlife. “Even if he seems inoffensive, maybe he’s not—you can never tell for sure,” Savoie cautioned. Foaming at the mouth, aggression, or unusual behaviour are clear warning signs.

If someone is bitten or comes into contact with saliva from a potentially rabid animal, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, and medical help should be sought without delay. “Even if the wound seems minor, it can spread really quickly,” Savoie said.

Pet owners are urged to consult veterinarians to ensure animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations. “If your animal was bitten, you have to react quickly and not let that potentially spread,” he said. “If they’re not well protected, it can ultimately cause death quite fast”.

Savoie also warned against relocating wildlife. “Do not relocate animals that may have rabies or that have been orphaned in the wild, because you could spread the disease,” he explained. Moving raccoons from one area to another, even unknowingly, risks transporting the virus into previously unaffected communities.

Growing unease in the Townships

For Beauchamp, the attack has changed her daily routine. “I know I don’t sit out in the evening. You know, it’s 7, 7:30, I’m in the house,” she said. “What’s the chance he’s coming back for me? It’s probably never going to happen again. But it’s just really scary and I just wish that somebody would take it seriously”.

She believes more needs to be done to warn residents, particularly as other neighbours have also complained about raccoon problems. “It would be good to warn people to be careful. But, you know, this thing came out of nowhere, so I don’t know what to say,” she said.

With confirmed rabies cases in raccoons south of the border and aggressive behaviour reported in the Townships, experts agree vigilance is essential. The SPA and government authorities continue to roll out prevention campaigns, but residents like Beauchamp say they want more visible action to match the growing threat.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Parti Québécois has won a decisive by-election in Arthabaska, handing Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) another setback as it struggles to maintain support ahead of the 2026 provincial election.

PQ candidate Alex Boissonneault captured 46.4 per cent of the vote in the Aug. 11 contest, defeating Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime, who finished with 35 per cent. The CAQ candidate placed a distant third with just over 7 per cent, a dramatic collapse from the 52 per cent the party secured in the riding during the 2022 general election, according to Global News.

The victory marked the PQ’s third consecutive by-election gain, following wins in Jean-Talon in 2023 and Terrebonne in March 2025. CityNews Montreal described the outcome as “the end of the CAQ era,” while CTV News Montreal reported that analysts now see the PQ as “the number one political force in Quebec”.

Premier Legault acknowledged the scale of the loss. He told reporters he takes “full responsibility” and announced plans to meet with his cabinet to reflect on the party’s direction. “I think it’s time now for me to show humility and listen to citizens,” he said, in remarks reported by Canadian Press.

Expert analysis

Emmanuel Choquette, a professor of political communication at Université de Sherbrooke, said the outcome shows how far public opinion has shifted in a short period of time. “This by-election result really reflects a shift in voter sentiment,” he said in an interview. “Quebecers are clearly signalling dissatisfaction, especially over the handling of public services and transparency in governance”.

Choquette noted that the CAQ’s steep decline in Arthabaska cannot be dismissed as a one-off. “When your support drops from over fifty per cent to less than ten in one riding, it’s more than a bad night—it’s a red warning light,” he said.

He added that attempts by the CAQ to reconnect with voters have largely failed. “All their efforts to reach people more directly and positively didn’t work,” he said. “Their support just keeps falling”.

PQ momentum

For the Parti Québécois, the string of wins has reinforced its momentum under leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Choquette argued that authenticity has played a key role in the party’s revival. “What benefits the PQ and Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is the authenticity of the leader and the party,” he said. “People appreciate that you’re clear about what you want to do—even if they don’t agree with it”.

He pointed to the PQ’s willingness to speak openly about sovereignty and to reject traditions such as oaths to the monarchy as examples of positions that resonate with voters. “You do what you said you would do, and you’re honest about it. People appreciate that,” he said.

The party now holds six seats in the National Assembly, giving it a more visible presence than in recent years. “We’re starting to see the construction of a team,” Choquette said. “That adds confidence for the public toward the PQ”.

Implications for other parties

The by-election was also disappointing for the Quebec Liberals, who remain stuck below 10 per cent support in the riding. “They did better than in the last election, but it’s still less than ten per cent,” Choquette said. He noted that the Liberals continue to struggle to connect with francophone voters outside Montreal. “They have to become a party that can represent regional interests, not only the interests of Montreal,” he said.

For the Conservatives, the result raised questions about Duhaime’s leadership. Despite a strong showing, the party failed to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the CAQ. Choquette suggested Duhaime’s polarizing style was part of the problem. “He may be too divisive,” Choquette said. “A lot of people will like him, but not love him—and some will vote against him because of it”.

Challenges ahead for CAQ

Choquette said the CAQ now faces an uphill battle to rebuild credibility. While Legault was once praised for reversing unpopular decisions, voters no longer interpret his changes of course as signs of political acumen. “People don’t see it as political sense anymore,” Choquette said. “They see it as improvisation”.

He pointed to the government’s shifting position on the third link highway project as an example of what many saw as an electoral tactic rather than a thoughtful policy decision. “A lot of people saw it as a decision without reflection, just a strategic, electoralist move,” he said.

With the next provincial election set for 2026, the PQ is emerging as the main challenger while the CAQ attempts to stem its decline. Choquette said the high turnout in Arthabaska—close to 60 per cent—was also significant. “It shows that voting still matters for a majority of people,” he said. “That’s good news for democracy, for any party”.

William Crooks
Margaret Shepherd and Charles Milliard stand in front of the Bishop’s University Library following the announcement of Milliard’s appointment as Executive in Residence at the Williams School of Business

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Bishop’s University’s Williams School of Business (WSB) is bringing new real-world expertise into its classrooms with the appointment of Charles Milliard as Executive in Residence for the fall term. The position, recommended by WSB Dean Dr. Margaret Shepherd, is designed to strengthen ties between the university and leaders in the business world, offering students direct access to contemporary perspectives on strategy, innovation, and responsible growth.

Milliard, 45, is a North Hatley resident, pharmacist by training, and former executive vice-president of Uniprix. He later served as CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), overseeing chambers of commerce across the province. Milliard also recently ran for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party, placing second before deciding to seek a new professional challenge in the region.

“I’m immensely proud to be joining the team at Bishop’s University’s Williams School of Business,” Milliard said. “Bishop’s is a small gem of a university, truly one of a kind in Quebec and Canada. I’m genuinely delighted to be able to contribute, in my own way, to its profile, and to have the opportunity to teach the next generation of business leaders.” He added that his career has brought him into contact with leaders in health, economics, and politics, and he looks forward to discussing “the importance of our entrepreneurial fabric as a driver of our collective prosperity, and our shared ambitions for the Quebec of tomorrow.”

As Executive in Residence, Milliard will teach three courses, mentor students, give guest lectures in other faculties, and take part in a variety of WSB and campus activities. “It’s not a weekend thing,” he noted. “I live [in North Hatley] full time.” Beyond his classes, he intends to inspire students with stories and lessons from his two decades of work with entrepreneurs across Quebec. He expressed concern about what he sees as a decline in entrepreneurial instinct in the province, citing the complexity of starting a business and the lure of opportunities elsewhere. “We need a new start when it comes to entrepreneurship in Quebec, and that’s going to be a way for me to take part in that challenge,” he said, stressing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for 85 to 90 per cent of Quebec’s businesses.

Dr. Shepherd said the appointment reflects the WSB’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to create “young, vibrant, innovative leaders” through real-world engagement. “Charles is here to inspire our students and to connect our students and our faculty with real-world experience and to offer an opportunity for us to get on the innovation track,” she said. While the school last had an executive in residence some 20–25 years ago, she described this as both “a revival and a new start,” aligned with WSB’s growing focus on experiential learning.

Ninety per cent of WSB courses now include an experiential component, with the goal of reaching 100 per cent. Dr. Shepherd said the university’s interdisciplinary approach means that students outside the business school, in areas such as social sciences and natural sciences, will also benefit from Milliard’s presence.

Both Dr. Shepherd and Milliard pointed to wider challenges facing students, including uncertainty in the job market, the need for applied skills, and anxiety about the future, particularly with emerging technologies such as AI. “When you have breadth and depth in terms of competencies, you can do more than just being an accountant, for example, if they study accounting or HR,” Shepherd said, noting that Milliard’s career path—from pharmacy to business leadership—demonstrates the value of versatility.

The Executive in Residence role is honorary and reflects the university’s appreciation for the expertise and perspective Milliard brings. Bishop’s says in a related release that his work will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen what makes the institution distinct while fostering innovation and community connection.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebec’s CEGEP network is heading into the new academic year facing deep budget cuts, a hiring freeze, and mounting workloads—conditions that union leaders warn will diminish services for students and strain staff across the province.

Éric Cyr, president of the Fédération du personnel professionnel des collèges (FPPC-CSQ), said in an interview the situation is especially concerning for professional staff, who play a key role alongside teachers and support personnel in student success. “This fall our members are going back to school and they’re kind of nervous because there’s been a lot of cuts in the past year. For example, just since last May, 91 of our members have been cut,” he said. The losses come amid what he described as a $151-million reduction in funding since May.

The cuts arrive at a time when CEGEPs are seeing steady growth in student numbers. According to Cyr, the system is “receiving more and more students every year,” creating a collision between increasing demand and shrinking resources. He added that the trend is expected to continue for the next five years, with growing cohorts in both pre-university and technical programs.

The pressure is especially acute in English-language CEGEPs, where staff must also meet additional obligations under Bill 14, legislation that extends French language requirements in the education sector. Cyr noted that implementing and complying with the law “gives them a lot of extra work… and less staff to do the work.” The result, he said, is “a lot of new demands on the staff” paired with shrinking teams, making it harder to maintain service levels.

Cyr stressed that many CEGEPs have dipped into their reserves to maintain essential services, softening the immediate impact. “The numbers I’m giving you would have been much higher if it was not for the CEGEPs who have taken money from their reserves to preserve services,” he explained. But these reserves are finite, and the hiring freeze imposed last November remains in effect. Even when positions become vacant due to retirements or departures, they may be left unfilled—further eroding capacity in the months ahead. “The current situation will probably be worse a month from now,” Cyr warned.

The FPPC-CSQ conducted a review over the summer and found that roughly half of the eliminated positions were in administrative or back-office roles, such as accountants and other professional staff whose work supports institutional operations. However, the other half directly assisted students and teachers. Among those lost are psychologists, student life counsellors, and adapted services counsellors—staff who provide crucial accommodations for students with diagnosed learning needs or disabilities.

“These are direct services that have to be cut because CEGEPs don’t have the money to keep them,” Cyr said. While some basic services remain, “there are less people to offer them,” meaning students could face longer wait times or fewer options for support. He added that in some cases, students might be forced to seek help in the private sector—an option not all can afford.

Cyr emphasised that both students and staff ultimately bear the brunt of these cuts. “We really think that there’s a limit to what our colleagues can do. You cannot do more with less—it becomes impossible.” He fears the combination of heavier workloads and fewer resources could lead to burnout and higher absenteeism among those who remain, further undermining service delivery.

Addressing the challenges, Cyr called for greater dialogue with the Ministry of Higher Education. He noted that the spring cuts were announced abruptly, leaving institutions scrambling to adjust. The government’s argument, he said, was that CEGEPs could absorb the reductions, but in reality, the cuts represented about five per cent of their budgets. “You still have to have teachers in every class… there’s a limit where you can absorb those cuts,” he said.

In the short term, Cyr believes dialogue could help identify temporary solutions to manage the strain. But in the long run, he said, more funding will be unavoidable. “Eventually there are more students in the CEGEP network every year… it’s supposed to be like that for the next five years. Eventually it’s going to take more money. You can’t do more with less.”

Cyr also urged students and parents to speak out when services are lacking, stressing the importance of demanding the support that should be available. “Oftentimes when you’re in CEGEP you’re 17, 18, 19 years old… if in your CEGEP there’s no psychologist or there’s nobody to answer your questions at the library, students have a government body,” he said, suggesting they should raise their concerns with student unions about the reduction in services.

He reminded that these supports exist for a reason: to help students succeed and graduate. “Inside the province of Quebec we need students to get a diploma,” he said, noting that strong graduation rates are essential to meeting the province’s economic and workforce needs.

While the coming year remains uncertain, Cyr expressed hope that the situation is temporary and that the government might reconsider its approach, as it has recently in other parts of the education sector. “Not all the money CEGEPs would want to have,” he said, “but enough money to make them function properly.”

The FPPC-CSQ represents more than 2,200 professional staff in 38 CEGEPs across Quebec. It is part of the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, which represents over 225,000 members province-wide, including educators, health and social service workers, and other public-sector employees.

Courtesy
Participants in a previous march against sexual violence walk together holding signs and banners, calling for justice, equality, and an end to abuse

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Coalition of Women’s Groups of Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi is calling on residents to take a stand against sexual violence during an evening march through downtown Cowansville on Friday, Sept. 19.

The event is part of the provincial “Let’s refuse the unacceptable” campaign, launched by the Quebec Grouping of Sexual Assault Help and Advocacy Centres (RQCALACS) ahead of the annual Day of Action Against Sexual Violence Toward Women. Local organizers, including the CALACS des Rivières and other women’s support groups, hope the demonstration will unite the community in a visible demand for change.

Local leadership and participation
Vanessa Bergeron, a counsellor and prevention agent at CALACS des Rivières, has been helping coordinate the march. While she is a relatively new member of the team — having worked there for about two years — she says the organization has been active in the region for 35 years. CALACS des Rivières is part of a provincial network, but its services are tailored to Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi.

According to a press release, this year’s march will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Davignon Park (Municipal Place) with an interactive sign-making activity. Bergeron says this creative session is meant to give participants “the occasion to create their own custom sign for the walk,” encouraging both personal expression and collective preparation.

From there, marchers will make their way through the city, stopping six times — once for each of the campaign’s key demands: improved access to justice for survivors; legislation against sexual assault in schools; concrete measures to address women’s poverty and precariousness; regularization of migrant status; protection of sexual and reproductive rights; and sustainable funding for community services.

At each stop — in front of sites such as a school, a pharmacy, a community organization, the legal aid office, and Service Canada — participants will call out examples of “the unacceptable,” from systemic barriers in the justice system to unsafe conditions for students in schools.

Making noise for change
To ensure their message is heard, the march will include live percussion. “We will have a musician with us playing percussion so that we can make some noise… so that people can hear us arrive,” Bergeron said.

Last year’s march, held in Granby, drew about 100 participants. Organizers expect a similar turnout in Cowansville, where the evening will end with an open microphone for survivors and supporters to share their experiences, as well as a collective banner that participants can decorate with messages of solidarity.

The event is organized by a coalition of local women’s organizations, including Maison Alice-Desmarais, Horizon pour Elle, CALACS des Rivières, Centre des femmes des Cantons, and Centre de femmes Entr’elles.

The scale of the problem
Bergeron notes that sexual violence remains a serious concern in the region. “It’s one in every three women in Quebec that has been a victim of sexual violence,” she said, adding that more than 90 per cent of victims are girls or women and that most knew their abuser beforehand, often within the family or in a position of authority.

In the past year alone, CALACS des Rivières received more than 200 requests for individual support from residents of Haute-Yamaska and Brome-Missisquoi. Over 70 of these were from teenagers, leading to more than 700 one-on-one counselling sessions. The organization also runs support groups, delivers prevention workshops in schools, participates in community events, and offers awareness training.

While prevention efforts in local schools are ongoing, Bergeron says the reality remains difficult. She pointed to a recent “big surge in recruitment for sexual exploitation and prostitution with minors in the area,” an issue that has prompted significant outreach on social media and targeted prevention initiatives.

Challenges in supporting victims
Working with minors presents unique challenges. “It’s always tricky with minors because… everybody gets involved,” Bergeron said, referring to the rapid involvement of multiple agencies, which can complicate efforts to respect a victim’s pace. CALACS provides emotional and psychosocial support without pressuring victims to file formal complaints.

She also noted the influence of certain social trends. “There’s a whole… alpha male thing going on too with the younger generation,” she said, describing it as another factor shaping their prevention work.

A call for action
Bergeron says her “ideal world” outcome would be to see all six of the campaign’s demands met, but acknowledges this is a long-term goal. In the meantime, events like the Cowansville march serve as both awareness-raising and solidarity-building efforts.

The march is open to everyone, and organizers encourage participants to bring creativity, energy, and a willingness to speak out. As Bergeron puts it, “Let’s stay united to make our voices heard.”

The Facebook event page for the march, as well as a video of last year’s event in Granby, are available online for those who want to learn more before attending.

Courtesy
An artist’s rendering by Daniel Quirion shows the former railway bridge over the St. François River reimagined as a vibrant pedestrian and cycling link

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A long-discussed plan to turn Sherbrooke’s former railway bridge over the St. François River into a linear park is gaining momentum, with local advocates pointing to recent government reports, municipal interest, and comparable successes elsewhere as reasons the project could finally move forward.

The citizen group Portail St-François (PSF) is pushing for the conversion of the disused rail line — stretching from the Marché de la Gare through Rue Alexandre and Rue Talbot to Fleurimont, and ultimately connecting Ascot Corner, East Angus, Disraeli and Coleraine — into a corridor for cycling, walking, running, and tourism. Supporters see the initiative as an economic, health, and mobility boost for the region.

From rail line to trail potential
Fabien Burnotte of PSF explained in an interview that the railway stopped operating around 20 years ago, and ownership of the infrastructure passed to Quebec’s Ministry of Transport. While many other abandoned rail corridors in the province have been converted to bike paths, Burnotte said that since 2019 the Ministry has applied a moratorium on such changes, opting to commission a report from a rail-focused company.

That report, released only after years of repeated access-to-information requests, concluded that the Quebec City–Thetford Mines section had commercial viability for freight service. The province has invested in that segment, with trains expected to return in the near future. But the stretch from Thetford Mines to Sherbrooke told a different story. “There is no actual economic potential for the train,” Burnotte said, noting that parts of the track had been destroyed by climate change and that repairing it would be too costly.

Initial versions of the report were heavily redacted. “The first time was like 99 per cent black [redacted],” Burnotte recalled. “After six years, we had a version… enough to see that there is no actual potential economic for the train.” This absence of commercial freight potential, he said, clears the way for serious consideration of active-transportation uses.

Momentum from other municipalities
Burnotte pointed to the example of Chambly, near Montreal, where an old rail line was successfully turned into a cycling path last year. “It’s possible if the city… makes the decision we want–to do something–and they have the approval of Ministry of Transportation,” he said.

Closer to home, Ascot Corner has secured roughly $500,000 to study and begin building a cycling path along and beside the old railway, extending to the Sherbrooke boundary. Engineering work is already underway. Ascot Corner Mayor Nathalie Bresse “really wants to create that access for bikes and walkers,” Burnotte said.

PSF believes that if neighbouring municipalities advance their sections, Sherbrooke’s involvement — including use of the former railway bridge — becomes essential for a continuous east-west route.

Political support lining up
The project has attracted backing from elected officials at multiple levels. Provincially, Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie “100 per cent supports the project,” Burnotte said, with her office actively involved. Federally, MP Élisabeth Brière has indicated she would support funding if the city formally requests the project, noting that Ottawa could contribute once a substantial plan with economic benefits is in place.

Within Sherbrooke’s municipal council, Burnotte cited the interest of councillors Geneviève La Roche (Ascot) and Laure Letarte-Lavoie (Fleurimont), both of whom are active in mobility issues. The MRC du Haut-Saint-François has also been engaged for more than a decade, conducting feasibility studies for its segment.

With municipal elections approaching in November, Burnotte said it is “time to… let the information get out” and secure commitments from candidates to make a formal request to the province.

Funding and benefits
According to Burnotte, Quebec’s Ministry of Transport has special funds that could cover up to 50 per cent of the costs for such a project, with additional federal contributions possible. He envisions economic benefits for businesses along Rue Alexandre, new tourism opportunities, and better links between Lac des Nations, the east bank of the St. François, and neighbouring municipalities.

“A link of mobility active, an attrait touristique majeur, nothing less in the dreams of the citizens,” the PSF press release stated.

Next steps
PSF has launched a new website, www.lepsf.ca, with information, sketches, drone images, and opportunities for public input. Burnotte said the group’s immediate goal is to keep the project in the public conversation, build consensus among municipal, provincial, and federal partners, and be ready to apply for funding as soon as Sherbrooke’s council gives the green light.

For Burnotte, the bridge project is part of a broader vision for cycling connections in the region. He noted that later this fall there will be discussions about extending bike paths from Sherbrooke to Lennoxville along Route 143, with connections planned to Wellington and Aberdeen streets. But he acknowledged that linking through Lennoxville has its own challenges, including concerns from some business owners.

Still, he sees the potential transformation of the disused railway bridge as a catalyst for the region. “I think it’s a very nice project for the whole region,” Burnotte said. “If we are going that way… we will have money, and we will have a nice, big, interesting project” that connects communities on both sides of the St. François.

William Crooks
Members of North Hatley Council, including Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish (centre), listen as residents voice concerns over the proposed ice rink location during the Aug. 11 meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Aug. 11 meeting of North Hatley Council, chaired by Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, drew roughly 40 residents and an unusually long first question period—about an hour and a half—devoted entirely to the town’s plan to replace the municipal tennis courts with a new refrigerated ice rink.

The project, funded through a major donation from the Pollock family, has been in development since October 2023. Davis-Gerrish told the packed room that the council remains “united” in its commitment to building the rink, but emphasized that not all details have been finalized. “The rink is approved in concept. The location, the cost and all that is to follow once we have all the numbers,” she said.

A recently circulated petition opposing the use of the tennis court site was presented by long-time resident Nicholas Oldland, who said it had gathered 143 signatures from local residents in just four days. Oldland, who lives next to the courts, called them an “extraordinarily successful resource” and argued that while he fully supports the idea of a rink, using the courts is “a terrible mistake.” He asked whether there was a required number of signatures for council to reconsider the location. Davis-Gerrish did not indicate that any petition size would alter the decision and added, to audible reaction from the crowd, that she had heard some people thought the petition was for the rink’s placement rather than against it.

The mayor also clarified that despite a municipal notice that had led some to believe the location was decided, the placement issue remains unresolved. “We’re still looking at options,” she said, though she stressed that space in the village is limited and that other possible sites—such as River Park, Scowen Park, the town hall lot, and the parking lot—had been ruled out for legal, environmental, or engineering reasons.

River Park had originally been favoured, but engineering studies found that the soil could not support the heavy refrigerated slab without $800,000 in pilings, with no guarantee against shifting. While some residents questioned whether alternative engineering solutions—such as flexible joints—could work, others said the site’s cost and risk made it impractical.

Supporters of the project highlighted its potential for a five-month skating season, year-round use, and community-building benefits. One resident read a letter from an 11-year-old local boy describing his love for hockey and the rink as “a place of intergenerational gathering” that enlivens the village in winter. Another said that, given climate change, the existing natural ice rink only offers 20 to 30 days of usable ice annually.

Opponents questioned the financial prudence and the loss of a valued amenity. Several noted that the tennis courts, which have a scenic lakeside setting, were built with significant community effort and private fundraising. Another resident argued that past “gifts” to the town, like the current rink, had fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, and said the municipality should “take care of what you have” before accepting new projects.

Traffic and noise were also raised as concerns, with some questioning the impact of placing a busy facility in a residential area. Others proposed relocating the tennis courts instead of removing them entirely, but said new courts in River Park would not offer the same experience. One resident suggested exploring an agreement to use nearby private courts as a compromise.

The discussion repeatedly returned to the issue of transparency. Several speakers pressed council for detailed operating cost projections, maintenance estimates, and full disclosure of engineering studies before making a final decision. “There is a need for very obvious transparency here,” one resident said, adding that both cost and feasibility data should be shared publicly.

Davis-Gerrish said operating costs for comparable rinks range between $15,000 and $20,000 a year—well below the $100,000-plus figures circulating online—but stressed that these were only estimates. She reiterated that the family’s intent is for the rink to be free for public use, though the idea of limited rentals or sponsorships could be explored in future.

While the tone was at times heated, with moments of applause, interruptions, and pointed exchanges, council members maintained that no construction will begin until all studies are complete and the public has been informed. “We respect and acknowledge your desire to be heard,” the mayor said, adding that “nothing is going to happen without the population knowing all the steps that are going to be taken.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Stanstead is moving ahead with a range of new measures, from helping local families with sports fees to safeguarding its heritage buildings, following a busy council meeting on Aug. 11.

Mayor Jody Stone said one of the key decisions was to reimburse a portion of the surtaxes that Magog now charges Stanstead families for minor hockey. “Stanstead used to have its own hockey league,” Stone explained in an Aug. 12 conversation with The Record. “A couple of years ago it kind of merged or closed down, and they joined Magog. In the past couple of years, Magog hasn’t charged them a surtax, but this coming season, they’re surtaxed, so we revised our policy to allow us to reimburse a portion of that surtax.”

Council also approved a $22,000 investment in new playground equipment for younger children at Generations Park, the bulk of it covered by the Stanstead Recreational Association’s $21,000 donation.

A number of infrastructure and administrative measures were passed, including the appointment of a new member to the Stone Circle Committee, and authorizing the fire department to apply for a grant to hire an emergency preparedness coordinator for the 10 municipalities in the Border Group (BG). A sludge removal contract was awarded for the Rock Island sector to avoid higher costs expected under new regulations coming next year.

Stone confirmed progress on a contentious cross-border waste issue. The town has sent formal notice to the owners of a U.S.-side building, advising that Stanstead will no longer collect its garbage. “There is no Canadian citizen living in that building, so we don’t need to go and pick up garbage there,” he said, adding that the owners were given a list of American contractors for waste collection.

One of the most visible projects will be the demolition of a deteriorating downtown Rock Island building to make way for a multi-phase public green space. The top structure will be removed while the foundations remain, part of which will become a riverfront lookout. “Just beside that building is the river, and there’s also a waterfall,” Stone said. “We’re hoping to be able to build out that lookout and make it so that it’s a nice place to go and spend time.” The first phase, to be completed this year, will focus on demolition and platform construction; public consultations on the space’s future will be held in 2026.

Council also introduced a notice of motion for new building maintenance rules designed to protect Stanstead’s many heritage structures. “We’re giving ourselves some powers to make sure that the people that own buildings keep them up so that they don’t deteriorate,” Stone said, noting that the measures will cover roofs, windows, heating, and structural upkeep. A public consultation will follow.

Other updates included:

• Heat wave – The town has no special measures in place but the day camp is now housed in an air-conditioned school.
• Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) closed – One local business has expressed interest in hosting a smaller “SAQ Select” location, but must wait a year before applying.
• Former Del Monty site – No public developments yet, though Stone said the town is pressing for “concrete” progress next year.
• Municipal election – Stone confirmed he will run again, adding that he believes “the big majority” of councillors intend to do the same.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) will soon join the ranks of universities offering high-level hockey, thanks to a $6-million donation from philanthropist and businessman Herbert Black. Announced Aug. 12 at the annual Serge Savard Invitational, the gift will create both men’s and women’s Vert & Or hockey programs—the first in the institution’s history.

“This is a donation of $6 million over the next five years and the idea is to start a hockey program for girls and boys at the university,” said UdeS Rector Jean-Pierre Perreault in an interview. “Our intention is to be in a position to start as fast as possible.”

Perreault said the initiative will be an important recruitment tool and a way to bring “exciting games, hockey games, which is our national sport.” The men’s and women’s teams are expected to begin competition in September 2027, following the mandatory registration with Quebec university sports authorities before Dec. 1, 2025.

The Herbert Black – Serge Savard Vert & Or Hockey Support Fund will cover start-up and operational costs, including hiring coaches, recruiting players, and running the program. “Mr. Savard and Mr. Black are really giving the university a chance to move on,” Perreault said. For now, he is leading the project with the UdeS sports services team, which oversees all varsity programs. The detailed agenda for the next steps will be developed this fall.

UdeS currently has no ice rink on campus, so the university will partner with existing facilities in the region. “We will look at different possibilities in towns with the different rinks that are available already around us,” Perreault explained.

Beyond the ice, the rector stressed the broader benefits. “It will contribute in terms of recruitment” and provide entertainment for the community, he said. The addition of hockey will expand Vert & Or’s roster, which already includes six high-level varsity sports and six competitive clubs.

The project aligns with UdeS’s goal of raising its athletic profile as part of its $250-million “Choosing to Change the Future” major fundraising campaign. It builds on Savard’s ongoing support for UdeS athletes, including a scholarship fund launched in 2019 that has secured nearly $5.5 million in commitments.

“This is a whole dream that the students may have a program where they complete their studies at the university level and at the same time they play hockey,” Perreault said, adding his “big thank you to Mr. Black… who is a generous donor.”

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A grassroots petition is gaining traction in North Hatley as a group of residents voice opposition to the town’s decision to dismantle its municipal tennis courts to make way for a new refrigerated ice rink.

Maureen Hallam, one of the petition’s organizers, said in an interview on Aug. 7 that the effort began after learning the town plans to proceed with construction this fall, following a unanimous council resolution. “They’re going ahead with their plan to tear down our iconic, historic tennis courts to build their refrigerated rink there,” she said.

Hallam is working with others including Diane Eisliger and Lillian Rogerson, to gather signatures ahead of the next council meeting on Aug. 28. “We’re serious about this,” she said. “We’re just not going to post a note and hope people sign—we’re going door to door.”

At issue is the town’s decision to site the Pollock Family Ice Rink on the current tennis court grounds near the public beach, despite earlier indications it would be built in River Park. In a recent statement, the municipality explained that poor soil conditions at the original location rendered it unsuitable for the refrigerated structure, which requires high stability due to the presence of freon-cooled infrastructure.

Engineers estimate the cost of stabilizing the River Park site at more than $800,000, with further potential overruns if the bedrock lay deeper than anticipated. Alternative sites such as the Capelton Road dome and the town parking lot were also ruled out due to even poorer soil conditions, legal constraints, or environmental challenges.

The town maintains that the current location is the only viable option. According to its statement, new clay tennis courts will be built in River Park as part of the overall project. The Pollock family, who are donating the rink, have agreed to pay for the construction of the replacement courts.

“The family is committed to providing an even more beautiful place for tennis,” the town’s statement reads. The new rink is expected to provide five months of skating annually and serve as a covered recreation facility for the rest of the year. Preliminary work is scheduled to begin this fall, with the tennis courts ready by spring 2026 and the rink completed by that fall.

Hallam and others remain unconvinced, particularly regarding the financial justification. “At the meeting, the mayor said it would cost $800,000,” she said. “Well, how much is it going to cost to tear down the existing courts, excavate over there—because I don’t know if you know where our courts are, but they’re on two levels—and then build new ones? I’ve researched building new courts and it’s about $100,000 per court, including fencing.”

She said the goal is to gather as many names as possible—ideally over 500—before the Aug. 28 meeting. “There’s a tax base of 635 or 675 residents in North Hatley,” Hallam said, noting that seasonal residents who pay taxes in the village should also be allowed to sign.

An email from The Record was sent to the town asking whether the petition could affect council’s plans or what number of signatures would be considered significant. No response was received before press time.

Hallam said she hopes the petition will prompt the town to reconsider. If not, the group is exploring the possibility of pushing for a referendum. “None of us know the steps that need to be taken to go to a referendum, so we’re just starting with the petition right now.”

As the effort gains momentum, Hallam reflected on the history of the tennis courts. She said the land originally belonged to the golf club, and that the North Hatley Recreation Society helped purchase it in partnership with the town. “The town didn’t have enough money, so the Recreation Society raised half, I think it was $40,000,” she said. “The land is in the town’s name, but people have a deep connection to these courts.”

Whether that connection will be enough to reverse the town’s decision remains to be seen. But for Hallam and her fellow organizers, the effort is already under way. “Just call us Norma Rae,” she joked—a reference to the 1979 film in which a factory worker leads a successful campaign to unionize her workplace. “The three Norma Raes.”

William Crooks
From left to right: MP Marianne Dandurand, farm owners Karine Fortier and Marc-Antoine Roy with their daughters Élianne, Elodie, and Cloé, founders Diane Duranleau and Marie-Antoine Roy, and MP Sophie Chatel at Bergerie Malvibois et Newport in Cookshire

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As part of an effort to better understand the challenges facing Eastern Townships agricultural producers, Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand and Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel toured six farms across Estrie on Aug. 5. The visit, which culminated in a roundtable discussion at Bergerie Malvibois et Newport in Cookshire, revealed a wide range of concerns from local producers—from regulatory red tape to global competition and interprovincial inequality.

“We wanted to see things that we never see in Ottawa,” said Dandurand after the visit. “Big industry shows up to lobby all the time, but this kind of agriculture rarely does. And yet, these are the people actually feeding us.”

The outreach day included stops at Moisson Estrie, Rustik Bison, Ferme piscicole des Bobines, and several producer organizations, including the Syndicat de la relève agricole de l’Estrie and the Groupe de producteurs maraîchers du Haut-Saint-François. The visit ended at the sheep farm operated by Karine Fortier and Marc-Antoine Roy, where generations of family joined in a frank discussion with the MPs.

Roy’s parents, Diane Duranleau and Marie-Antoine Roy, explained how the farm was handed down in a way that avoided saddling their son with debt. “We divided the properties ahead of time, and I now receive an annual pension. It was the only way to ensure the next generation could take over,” said Duranleau.

But despite that success, they expressed concern that the next transition—to Roy and Fortier’s daughters—would be just as difficult. “There’s always a challenge,” said Roy. “We transferred the farm like the anglophones or the Europeans—without asking for millions up front—but staying afloat gets harder every year.”

Environmental factors were top of mind. Fortier noted that the region’s cooler climate puts crops like corn at risk. “If we get frost in September, we’re done,” she said, adding that while their alfalfa yields rank among the best in Estrie, rocky and elevated land makes cultivation more difficult than in other parts of the province.

Federal and provincial bureaucracy was another major frustration. “They announced they were going to cut red tape, but I haven’t seen it,” said Fortier. “It’s always one more form, one more hoop to jump through. We’re tired of it.”

A common refrain was the uneven playing field between provinces, particularly when it comes to environmental standards and food labelling. “In Ontario, they don’t need the same permits or have the same restrictions,” one producer said. “Here in Quebec, you can’t even clear land without going through a maze of regulations.”

Labelling of imported meat also drew criticism. Fortier pointed to the increasing presence of lamb from Australia and New Zealand on local shelves, sometimes labelled in a way that misleads consumers. “It says ‘processed in Canada’ or ‘Product of Canada’ even if the lamb was raised overseas. People think it’s local,” she said.

Dandurand acknowledged the concern. “When you look at labels at the grocery store, it can be confusing,” she said. “We need to clarify the wording so consumers can really tell what was produced here.”

For Fortier and Roy, the issue is more than just branding—it’s about survival. “For the first time since the heavy lamb sales agency began, supply exceeded demand,” Roy said. “And our production hasn’t even increased. It’s just that imported lamb is eating up our market.”

The group discussion also touched on the importance of buying local. During the pandemic, domestic demand for Canadian meat spiked when global supply chains faltered. “Consumers have power,” said Roy. “We saw it. People bought local when they had to—and we were able to meet the demand.”

Now that demand is falling again, producers are urging government to help maintain the momentum. Suggestions included a national “Product of Canada” campaign and a return to the previous 85 per cent threshold for ingredients in order to use the Canadian brand, rather than the current 98 per cent.

“If we can’t distinguish our products from imports, we can’t compete,” said one farmer. “And if we can’t compete, there’s no future for our kids on these farms.”

Dandurand said the goal of the tour was precisely to gather these kinds of insights. “We’re a new team in government, and new programs are coming. If we want them to work, they need to be designed for the people who will actually use them,” she said.

Chatel, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, did not speak much publicly during the discussion, but Dandurand emphasized that her colleague was taking note. “I think she did not say it, but she thinks we have the most beautiful region in Canada,” Dandurand said with a smile.

Though the conversation ended with laughs, the underlying message was serious: without support, simplification, and fair competition, many small and mid-size farms across the region may not survive the next transition.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built,” said Duranleau. “But pride doesn’t pay the bills.”

William Crooks
Residents filled Centre Lac-Brome on Aug. 4 for a council meeting dominated by concern over tree-cutting along the shoreline. Extra chairs were brought in to accommodate the overflow crowd.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A standing-room-only crowd of around 80 residents packed Centre Lac-Brome for the Aug. 4 Brome Lake council meeting, demanding answers about the controversial topping of trees along the waterfront at 287 Lakeside Road. The meeting lasted nearly one hour and 40 minutes, with many attendees leaving visibly disappointed. Extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the large, vocal crowd, many of whom expressed frustration over the council’s refusal to comment on the situation.

The issue has stirred heated debate on the Knowlton.com Facebook page and around town, after dozens—possibly more than 100—mature trees were topped on Trestle Cove Island, a property belonging to the Town of Brome Lake in front of a lakefront property owned by Knowlton resident Pierre Beaudoin and Hélène Robitaille. A photo posted to the page shows a permit for shoreline work was issued on Nov. 1, 2024, under certificate number 2024-495, and remains valid until Nov. 1, 2025. The document, signed by a municipal staff member, refers only to general shoreline work on a serviced residential property.

At the opening of the meeting, Mayor Richard Burcombe addressed the topic head-on but offered few details. “There’s been a lot of information going around on social media in recent weeks regarding the Trestle Cove file,” he said. “At the moment, we don’t have any new elements to share, since the file is still under review. And because it’s an active administrative matter, we can’t comment.”

He added, “We are actively working on this file and as soon as we have details to communicate, we will do so. That could take a few more weeks.”

Burcombe warned the crowd that no further answers would be given. “We’re not going to get into a debate about what someone said or what’s being claimed. You need to understand how the process works, and it will continue the way it’s supposed to.”

His remarks did little to quell the concerns of those in attendance.

One resident asked what steps the town was taking to clarify the limits and responsibilities of private property owners adjoining the town’s public shoreline. “Some owners argued for decades against public access, citing the risk of vandalism and misuse,” he said. “But what we’ve seen is the opposite—the damage has come from the landowners themselves. What is the town doing to enforce the boundaries and prevent this kind of encroachment?”

Burcombe responded by noting that past objections from property owners had mostly been resolved when a bylaw was introduced several years ago. “Some expressed discontent, but there was no formal opposition,” he said. “There have been some infringements—we’ve seen steps or fences installed without permission—and we’ve taken action in those cases.”

The mayor mentioned a specific instance near Douglass Beach where the town had asked a resident to remove stone steps built on municipal land.

Another resident raised the question of whether it was clear what kind of tree work required permission from the town. “If a homeowner tops trees or removes limbs, is a permit required?” she asked.

The town’s response suggested that it depends on the case. The town clerk explained that while a list of permits is posted monthly, some tree work may not be explicitly mentioned. “You might not see tree topping in a permit report,” he said. “It’s more of a verbal permission process.”

Mayor Burcombe added, “If someone’s trimming dead limbs or topping a tree, they usually don’t need a permit. But cutting down a healthy tree—especially near the lake—does require permission and a valid reason.”

Another resident of the area pushed the point further. “It’s important people understand that you can’t just cut down a healthy tree near the lake without town approval.”

Several residents questioned the town’s lack of action in reporting the matter to law enforcement, pointing to federal laws around wilful property damage.

One citizen quoted the Criminal Code’s definition of mischief, asking, “When there’s vandalism or destruction of public property, aren’t officials obligated to report it to the Sûreté du Québec for investigation?”

Burcombe, a retired police officer, dismissed the suggestion. “I know the difference between civil and criminal intent,” he said. “If someone sprays graffiti on a wall, that’s mischief. This isn’t the same. The police wouldn’t even open a file—it’s not criminal.”

When pressed further, he added, “It’s not rocket science to know what’s criminal intent. We don’t need to call the SQ for this.”

This led to further dissatisfaction. “So, the town never reported the situation? There’s no process to escalate it?” the resident asked.

“The file is being handled administratively,” Burcombe said firmly. “We’ll follow up internally and communicate anything that comes out of the analysis.”

Another resident questioned whether any councillors who are running in the upcoming election would be allowed to publicly state their opinion on the issue. Burcombe clarified that no member of council is allowed to campaign or share election-related views until after the final council meeting in September. “This is not an election forum,” he said. “Council members will vote on resolutions, and that’s it.”

Later in the meeting, a longtime resident raised a past case reported in the local newspaper where trees had been cut along another section of waterfront without apparent consequence. “There were complaints, but I never saw anything happen,” he said. “Is there any record of follow-up in these cases?”

“There are always consequences,” Burcombe replied, but did not elaborate.

As question period ended, many attendees left visibly disheartened by the lack of clarity. Several remarked that the Knowlton.com Facebook page had been more informative than the meeting itself.

Other business from the Aug. 4 council meeting

Despite the focus on the tree-cutting controversy, council worked through a full agenda of routine municipal affairs:

• Accounts payable: Council approved $2.8 million in payments, including $1 million for new sidewalks and culvert repairs, and $750,000 in surplus funds for additional paving projects.
• Winter road preparation: Construction DJL was awarded a $65,883.50 contract for 4,000 tonnes of abrasives for the 2025–2026 winter season.
• Pickleball courts: Three new courts were approved, with Asphalte Bernier receiving the initial contract for $25,622.37.
• Natural conservation: A $30,000 grant from the Fondation de la Faune du Québec will be used to expand the town’s contract with Corridor Appalachien for conservation planning of natural and wetland areas.
• Temporary freeze on developments: An interim control by-law was adopted, suspending new multi-unit and multi-storey residential developments in the downtown core while the urban plan is being revised. This includes a pause on new subdivisions, street openings, and integrated development projects.
• Public safety: The nautical patrol on Brome Lake carried out 146 interventions in the past month, with 34 users expelled for failing to wear life jackets.
• Infrastructure projects: Roadwork on Victoria Street is now complete, with the second phase of work scheduled to begin in mid-September. Line painting and bridge repairs in collaboration with the provincial transport ministry are expected in the coming weeks.
• Building permits and minor variances: Council approved multiple residential renovations and signage applications for properties on Lynch, Maple, Davis, d’Avignon, and Victoria.

The next council meeting is expected in early September. Many residents are hoping it will bring clearer answers—and potentially, accountability—regarding what happened on the shores of Brome Lake.

Courtesy: Facebook
A lakeside resident holds a cluster of zebra mussels discovered on the east side of Lake Massawippi. The photo, shared on Facebook on Aug. 1 with the caption “First time we have had zebra mussels. Lake Massawippi, east side. So disappointing,” reflects growing concerns about the invasive species’ spread.

Bleu Massawippi calls for emergency funding to save lake-saving efforts

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lake Massawippi’s anti-zebra mussel diving operations could be suspended by the end of August unless emergency funding is secured, according to environmental nonprofit Bleu Massawippi. The organization has sounded the alarm, warning that the region risks losing years of progress in the fight against this invasive species if the program is halted.

“For us, it’s not about pointing fingers,” said Laurence Langevin, Director of Bleu Massawippi, in an interview Aug. 5. “We’re trying to rally the municipal, provincial and federal governments. Because it’s working — when we do it right and when we do it enough for the lake’s needs.”

A related press release states that the diving program, now in its fifth year, is a key component of Lake Massawippi’s zebra mussel containment strategy. Divers physically remove adult zebra mussels from targeted locations before they can reproduce. Each adult can release millions of microscopic larvae, known as veligers, which float invisibly through the water and colonize new areas. According to the organization, consistent diving pressure has led to decreased veliger presence in sensitive parts of the lake since 2022.

“Think of it as a ventilator,” Langevin explained. “The lake isn’t cured, but these interventions keep it alive while we work toward permanent solutions.”

But those interventions are expensive. According to Langevin, the town of Magog recently had to spend over $1.2 million to clean water pipes clogged by zebra mussels. “And that’s not a one-time fix,” she said. “It costs a lot of money year after year.”

Zebra mussels, which are not native to North America, threaten the lake’s biodiversity by outcompeting local species for food and habitat. “They filter so much water that they leave nothing for fish, native mussels, or other organisms,” said Langevin. “They also stack up on native freshwater mussels and plants, eventually killing them. We call it a ‘chapelet’ in French — like a beaded necklace — of zebra mussels choking out everything else.”

In addition to environmental damage, the mussels also pose safety and infrastructure risks. Their sharp shells litter beaches, making it dangerous for swimmers. They also clog water intakes for municipalities and lakeside homeowners.

Some residents have recently reported spotting zebra mussels in parts of the lake where they hadn’t seen them before. Langevin explained that while some new sightings reflect genuine spread, others may simply be cases of mussels maturing to a visible size. “They were probably already there — we may have just missed them when diving,” she said. “Or maybe there was a late spawning last year, because the water stayed warm so long into the fall.”

Bleu Massawippi encourages the public to report any sightings — but not to touch the mussels. “We always ask people to send us a photo so we can confirm what it is,” said Langevin. “Don’t touch them, don’t remove them, don’t kill them.”

There are two reasons for that. The first is that zebra mussels can easily be confused with native species. “We don’t want people accidentally harming the species we’re trying to protect,” she said.

The second reason is legal. “Right now, under our permit, we’re not allowed to give people instructions for removal,” Langevin explained. “We’re trying to change that, but until then, we can’t say how to do it, even if people want to help. If someone does it the wrong way, they could face a fine.”

Langevin said Bleu Massawippi is meeting with the provincial Ministry of the Environment to discuss ways to expand public participation in a responsible way. “We don’t want to be the only ones doing this,” she said. “We want to equip people with the tools to remove zebra mussels safely and effectively. But we need permission.”

In the meantime, the group is calling on citizens to pressure all levels of government for immediate support. “Emergency funding is needed to maintain the diving operations for the rest of 2025,” according to the official press release. Bleu Massawippi is also asking for a commitment to develop long-term invasive species management funding across Canada.

If the program stops now, the organization warns, the lake could face a rapid resurgence of the mussel population. The consequences would include beaches covered in sharp shells, blocked water systems, algae blooms, and steep declines in aquatic biodiversity.

“It’s not about doing nothing,” Langevin said. “It’s about doing the work together. We don’t want to be an example of collective failure — we want to be an example of collective mobilization.”

More information, including how to donate or get involved, is available at www.bleumassawippi.com.