Richard Burcombe. Photo Courtesy
Tête-à-têtes with your local elected officials
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a recent interview with The Record, Richard Burcombe shared his journey from being a young boy in Lennoxville to his current role as mayor of the Town of Brome Lake. Burcombe spoke candidly about his experiences, motivations, and the challenges faced by his community, providing a detailed look at his life and work.
Background and early life
Burcombe’s early years were marked by significant changes. “I’m originally from Lennoxville,” he recalled. “My father passed away when I was young, around eight or nine years old. My mom remarried, and in 1961, we moved to Mansonville.” Eventually, Burcombe’s family relocated to Knowlton, where he has resided since his high school years. “I’ve been here ever since then,” he added.
The move to Knowlton was driven by Burcombe’s stepfather’s new job in Waterloo. These experiences shaped Burcombe’s sense of community and responsibility, values that would later influence his career choices.
Career in law enforcement
Burcombe’s professional journey began with a brief stint at North Electric, but it was in law enforcement that he found his true calling. “I started with the municipal police here in 1971,” he noted. “I worked my way up to sergeant and then became the Chief of Police in 1998.” His tenure as Chief of Police was marked by significant changes, including the integration of the Brome Lake Police with the Sûreté du Québec in 2002, a move that saw him become a lieutenant in the provincial police force.
Reflecting on his time as a police officer, Burcombe said, “I always wanted to help people and be part of the community. Of course, there were tough moments, like dealing with serious accidents involving people you know.” He emphasized the community-oriented nature of his work, adding, “We didn’t work by civic numbers; we knew everyone personally.”
Burcombe’s approach to policing was deeply rooted in his desire to support his neighbours and contribute to the town’s safety and well-being. “The big reason I joined was to help people and contribute to the municipality,” he said. “Even when you have to make tough decisions, like giving out tickets or making arrests, it’s about maintaining respect and upholding the law for the good of the community.”
Transition to politics
In 2013, Burcombe transitioned from law enforcement to politics, running for mayor of Brome Lake. His decision to enter politics was motivated by the same principles that guided his police work. “The same principles apply,” he explained. “I like to help people, but the rules are the rules.” He highlighted the importance of balancing tolerance and strict adherence to bylaws for the benefit of the community.
Burcombe’s tenure as mayor has been marked by a focus on community engagement and responsiveness to residents’ needs. “Meeting people, conversing with them, hearing their concerns, and trying to make the Town of Brome Lake a better place to live in – that’s what drives me,” he said.
Challenges as mayor
Burcombe identified several challenges his town faces, particularly the need for adaptation to change. “Since COVID, the biggest challenge is that people have become more aggressive and resistant to change,” he observed. “People want Brome Lake to stay as it is, but with rising costs, taxes have to go up to cover expenses.”
He also addressed concerns about urban development. “We’re focusing on using vacant land within urban limits rather than expanding outwards,” he said. “Maintaining the character of the town while accommodating growth is a delicate balance.” Burcombe highlighted that other mayors have praised Brome Lake’s approach to controlled development, which prevents urban sprawl and preserves the town’s unique charm.
The issue of change resistance has become more pronounced in recent years. “People are against everything,” Burcombe noted. “They don’t want change, and you try and tell them, look, the change is good. We’re not extending yet. We’re not making Knowlton grow on the outskirts like it is in other towns.”
Community concerns and future projects
Regarding community issues like evictions, homelessness, and mental health, Burcombe acknowledged their prevalence but noted that Brome Lake’s smaller size means these issues are less severe compared to larger towns. “Mental health calls are a significant part of the police’s job now,” he admitted, emphasizing ongoing efforts to support affected individuals.
The town has been proactive in addressing mental health issues. “The SQ has engaged a mental health person to work at the police station,” Burcombe explained. “She’s not a police officer, but she helps the police with mental health calls, which have become a big part of their job.”
On the topic of homelessness, Burcombe noted, “We don’t have a significant homelessness problem here. Maybe one person a year might stay here and then move on. It’s more of an issue in bigger towns where there’s more access to services and stores.”
Looking to the future, Burcombe outlined plans for infrastructure improvements, including road repairs and enhancing green spaces. “We’re working on making the Town of Brome Lake a better place to live, focusing on essential repairs and creating spaces for the community to enjoy,” he stated.
One of the major projects on the horizon is the repair and upgrade of roads. “Next year, we’re going to be redoing a 7-kilometre road, which will cost $7 million,” Burcombe revealed. “It’s about a million per kilometre when it comes down to that.” The focus is on doing the job properly to ensure longevity. “Years ago, roads were built just to be covered and then repaired frequently. Now, we dig down, do the base properly, and ensure it lasts for 20-40 years.”
Burcombe also mentioned plans for enhancing bicycle corridors and green spaces. “We’re putting in bicycle corridors and enhancing green spaces wherever possible. It’s about improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Reflections on public service
Burcombe reflected on the broader challenges of being a municipal politician. “It’s very challenging to be a municipal politician today,” he said. “Since the elections of 2021, more than 10 per cent of politicians elected in municipal politics in Quebec have resigned. There’s a big change in the way politicians are treated – the aggressiveness and lack of politeness are more pronounced now than before COVID.”
Despite these challenges, Burcombe remains committed to his role. “Helping people and improving the community is what drives me,” he affirmed. As he continues into his 11th year as mayor, Burcombe’s dedication to public service and community well-being remains unwavering.
Burcombe concluded with a hopeful message for the future. “We’re always working to make Brome Lake a better place. Whether it’s through infrastructure projects, addressing community concerns, or engaging with residents, the goal is to ensure that our town remains a wonderful place to live.”