By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
During a Bury Town Council meeting Nov. 6, the question period brought to light several key issues of public interest, including heritage preservation discrepancies and concerns about municipal water usage policies. Mayor Denis Savage presided over the meeting, at which around nine residents attended over the course of the night. The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. and lasted just over an hour.
The first question period opened up with a resident highlighting a discrepancy between digital mapping services and the city’s records regarding the existence of the Prescott Cemetery. The council acknowledged the concern and committed to a further investigation into the matter, understanding the importance of heritage sites for both historical value and tourism.
The same man addressed the council with a related issue about a ‘private property’ sign placed across a road leading to the cemetery. The sign had been temporarily removed to allow road repairs after heavy rain, which sparked a discussion on maintaining access to historical sites. The council noted the necessity of ensuring that such sites remain accessible to the public.
Questions about water conservation policies were raised, pointing to the lack of clarity in the municipal regulations regarding the definition of ‘essential’ water use. Citizens expressed confusion over restrictions placed on non-essential water use, like car washing, and the council conceded that clearer guidelines were needed. They indicated a willingness to revisit the bylaws to ensure water resilience and sustainability.
Further, the council was asked about the actions taken based on public suggestions from previous special sessions. The council responded that while public opinions had been collected, no formal decisions or conversions into regulations or resolutions had taken place yet.
The council members were also questioned about the management of the local golf course, revealing a citizen’s interest in forming a committee to enhance and maintain the facility. The council discussed the process for public participation in such initiatives, showing openness to community-led improvements and maintenance of recreational spaces.
A question was asked about the landline telephone in the community centre’s office. It is for emergencies, he was told.
Finally, a question was asked regarding the slight raising of a monthly tax for the populaces’ ability to call 9-1-1 (to 52 cents). The amount is charged on your bill, whether you have a landline or cellphone. Notable on the docket in terms of resolutions were a few exemptions given out concerning building permits, the authorization of drinking alcohol in the community centre for the coming Christmas Market event, and a donation to ‘Les amis des jeux – Estrie’: $100 for 2024. It was suggested by a resident that the profits for the Christmas Market go to a food insecurity charity like last year. It was noted that the Town will now offer the playing of darts in their “salle Victoria”, available through reservation. The room is not accessible by wheelchair.
The meeting concluded with the assurance that the issues raised would be addressed in future sessions and could be always clarified right after the meeting.