Local Journalism Initiative

William Crooks
Chantal Turgeon, Action Vision Sherbrooke candidate for Lennoxville’s Uplands seat, pictured at Bekkah’s Bakery in Lennoxville on Oct. 1

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At a table in Bekkah’s Bakery in Lennoxville, Action Vision Sherbrooke candidate Chantal Turgeon spoke Oct. 1 about her decision to run for the Uplands seat in the upcoming municipal election, outlining her priorities for the borough and her commitment to teamwork.

Turgeon, who has spent much of her life in the Lennoxville community through volunteering and work, said her decision to enter politics came after encouragement from colleagues and friends. “My name was already circulating. They asked if I’d be interested in becoming a candidate, and I thought about it. I looked at what it would involve and said, yes, that would be very interesting indeed,” she said.

Community roots and background

Although originally from Cold Lake, Alberta, Turgeon has deep ties to the region. She attended Alexander Galt High School, studied at the Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University, and has worked in teaching, including as an English as a Second Language instructor. She also volunteers at the Uplands Museum, serves tea at community events, and works as an invigilator at Bishop’s.

“I don’t live here, but I do a lot of volunteer work. I’m very involved in the Lennoxville area,” she said.

Key issues: Safety, bilingualism and consultation

Turgeon identified safety and bilingual status as central concerns for Lennoxville. She pointed to a recent debate about the bike path project as a turning point that drew her attention to local politics.

“I walk around town quite a bit, and there was a meeting at the town council about the bike path. It was very interesting, and I think we have to listen. There is a solution to be found,” she said.

Traffic safety and public transport also figure prominently in her platform. Turgeon recounted how she flagged a malfunctioning pedestrian light at Town Hall, which was later fixed. “We have to make it safe for everyone — pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users — because that’s a primary concern here,” she said.

The borough’s bilingual status, she emphasized, must remain protected. Turgeon added that businesses and residents should always be consulted before decisions are made. “Everybody has to be included to find a solution,” she said.

Why Vision Action Sherbrooke

Asked why she chose to run under the Vision Action Sherbrooke banner, Turgeon said her values aligned with the party. “The objectives of the party are in line with mine. Working as a team is very important to me,” she explained.

She praised party leader Guillaume Brien as “excellent” and “a very determined man who knows where he’s going, and a great leader.”

Campaigning and party politics

With about a month left before the Nov. 2 vote, Turgeon said her campaign will be focused on visibility and personal contact. “Signs are up, but more importantly, I’m working on door-to-door visits. I think that’s essential,” she said.

She was also present at the Pumpkin Festival, using the event as an opportunity to speak with residents.

On the question of running with a party versus as an independent, Turgeon said she values collaboration. “I believe we’re stronger as a team, covering more ground together. Teamwork has always been important to me,” she said.

Turgeon said she sees her candidacy as an extension of her long-standing involvement in the Lennoxville community. From listening to residents on safety and services, to ensuring the protection of the borough’s bilingual status, her message remains centred on consultation and collaboration.

“I’m involved in the community, and it would be a challenging role, but I think it’s important to make sure voices here are heard,” she said.

Courtesy
Mayor Vincent Fontaine (centre) with his election team, from left to right: Jacques Bogenez (seat 6), Lisa St-Pierre (seat 5), Patrick Clowery (seat 1), Mélanie-Alexandra Beauchamp (seat 3), Martine Pariseau (seat 2), and Éric Mathieu (seat 4).

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Hatley Township council’s Oct. 1 public meeting, presided over by Mayor Vincent Fontaine, was the last before the Nov. 2 municipal election. The evening covered the usual mix of bylaws, budgets, and building permits, but it was the story of raccoons taking over a pumping station and the questions raised by residents—particularly on how the election would unfold during the Canada Post strike—that stood out.

Raccoons invade pumping station

Council heard that the pumping station near Kingdom Street suffered major damage after raccoons broke in. The animals left excrement, tore holes, and even fell into the well. “It was a whole story,” one councillor remarked, describing the mess and the smell. The lowest bid to repair the damage came in at $17,850, and council approved moving ahead with the work.

The incident drew a mixture of humour and frustration around the table. “They made beds, it fell, there was excrement, the ceiling held up,” a member explained. “You can smell it from here!” another added. While the council chuckled at the retelling, the damage was no laughing matter. Fontaine and others agreed the repairs were essential to restore the station and avoid service interruptions.

Questions about the election and postal strike

During question period, residents turned to the looming election and the complications caused by the ongoing Canada Post strike. Concerns focused on how voter notification cards and registration updates would reach electors if the strike continued.

General Manager Gabriel Demers outlined the situation. “Because of the strike, we don’t have any information about the elections that are coming up,” he said, noting that the province was still preparing its response.

Demers explained that the government had a few options. “The first is that the government will put its foot down,” he said, referring to the possibility of compelling postal workers to handle election-related mail. If not, municipalities might have to take over.

These “letters” include the voter notification cards that confirm registration and polling location. Demers reassured residents that the township would still fulfil its obligations. “We’re going to meet our obligations, but we still have government support. We received a first email yesterday with the directives, and we’re waiting to receive further information,” he said.

He added that the electoral lists were expected Friday evening, and “from Monday morning, we’re going to have to make a decision on the list.” Distribution methods could change depending on costs and directives, but he emphasized that residents would remain informed. “That won’t change,” Demers said.

Councillor Danielle Côté recognized

The meeting also included a more personal moment. A councillor proposed a motion of congratulations for Councillor Danielle Côté, who has decided not to run again. She was praised for her years of work on committees related to waste management, donations, and municipal protocols. “I simply want to underline the extraordinary work that she has done all these years,” the councillor said.

While some suggested waiting until November to make the motion official, council agreed to record the sentiment in the minutes. Fontaine noted the recognition as fitting, given Côté’s longstanding contribution to Township affairs.

International day for older persons noted

Council also marked Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. A short statement was read highlighting the important role seniors play in the community and encouraging residents to take time to celebrate their contributions.

The statement pointed to the provincial government’s new five-year action plan on aging, which aims to improve support for seniors across multiple aspects of life. Council described the initiative as “very encouraging” and urged residents to spend time with older generations.

Routine business

The packed agenda also included:

• Environmental regulations: Council approved revisions to the Township’s pesticide and fertilizer bylaw, first adopted in 2012, tightening rules around domestic use and introducing permit requirements. They noted that the agricultural sector would not be affected.
• Speed limits: A stretch of local road was standardized to 50 km/h after previously having inconsistent limits of 50 and 70 km/h.
• Legal services: Council authorized an hour-bank agreement with a law firm for future needs.
• Small claims: Representatives were appointed to handle a file involving a grant request of less than $15,000.
• Urban planning: Architectural integration plans were approved for projects on local roads.
• Infrastructure: Beyond the raccoon-damaged pumping station, council approved the installation of new pumps on MacDonald Road at $12,800 and delegated authority to the director general to approve up to 10 per cent in additional costs for a $1.37-million paving project on de la Rivière Road, supported by provincial funding.

With the municipal election set for Nov. 2, Fontaine confirmed he will seek another term as mayor. He is running alongside his team: Jacques Bogenez (seat 6), Lisa St-Pierre (seat 5), Patrick Clowery (seat 1), Mélanie-Alexandra Beauchamp (seat 3), Martine Pariseau (seat 2), and Éric Mathieu (seat 4).

The meeting concluded around 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy
Greg Duncan, candidate for Seat #1 on Stanstead council, is pictured as he launches his campaign focused on transparency, economic development, and preserving the town’s bilingual heritage

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Greg Duncan, a longtime voice in Stanstead and former publisher of the Stanstead Journal, is running for Seat #1 on town council in the Nov. 2 election. With deep roots in the community and a career in communications, Duncan says his campaign is focused on transparency, economic development, and protecting the town’s bilingual character.

“I grew up in Stanstead, graduated at Stanstead College, and my parents both taught there,” Duncan said in a Sept. 30 interview. “I co-owned the Stanstead Journal in the 1990s and have been writing columns ever since. I came back during the pandemic after years working away, and I’ve always been active in supporting a voice for the community.”

Duncan’s family has a political background. His mother was the first woman councillor in Rock Island before the three villages merged, and his uncle served two terms in the Alaska State Senate. “I’m happy to carry on the tradition,” he said.

Bilingual heritage and governance

Duncan places a strong emphasis on Stanstead’s bilingual status, particularly in the wake of Bill 96. “I want to ensure that Stanstead reflects and embraces its historical bilingual nature and our cross-border nature too,” he said. He noted he previously drafted a motion for council to retain the town’s bilingual designation.

He also stresses better communication between council and residents. “I’d like to see clearer, more frequent bilingual updates, an open channel between council and citizens,” he said. He suggested citizen town halls a couple of times a year and a return to publishing public notices to support community media.

Economic development and housing

Economic resilience is another priority. Duncan pointed to vacant properties and recent losses such as the local SAQ outlet. “We need to attract more business and show that there’s opportunity here, whether through redevelopment of older buildings or inviting new investment,” he said.

Housing also features prominently in his platform. “Affordable housing is needed everywhere, but in Stanstead in particular,” Duncan said. He supports revamping existing buildings or identifying those that could be converted to housing, alongside new funding options.

Supporting all generations

With a demographic leaning heavily toward seniors, Duncan said services for older residents must remain strong, while youth programming and employment opportunities also need attention. “We’re not a monoculture economy here with the granite industry. What else can be brought to Stanstead?” he asked.

Seven pillars of success

On social media, Duncan has been sharing what he calls a “menu of success” for small towns. Adapted from a recent column he wrote, the seven pillars include:

• Strong local economy: supporting small businesses, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Transparent and inclusive governance: clear, bilingual communication and open meetings.
• Community engagement: encouraging civic participation and celebrating heritage and the arts.
• Support for all generations: programs for seniors, youth mentorship, and intergenerational activities.
• Quality of life: safe public spaces, access to healthcare and education, affordable housing.
• Cultural vitality: festivals, arts programming, and preserving bilingual heritage.
• Resilience and innovation: adaptability, forward-thinking leadership, and regional collaboration.

“I just want to improve the quality of life for everybody and see what I can do on this local council,” Duncan said.

Campaign style

Duncan is running a positive, upbeat campaign. “My slogan is kind of like this sunny menu of success. I want to bring a positive thing to the whole process,” he said. Without a formal debate planned, he intends to continue outreach through social media, door-to-door visits, and informal gatherings at local restaurants.

As a candidate with decades of communications experience — including work for Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, and as executive director of the Quebec Community Newspaper Association — Duncan says he is well positioned to help Stanstead navigate the challenges ahead. “It’s always about transparency as far as I’m concerned. There’s room for improvement, and I want to be a voice for the community,” he said.

William Crooks
A crowd of more than 500 people in orange shirts sets out from Bishop’s University on Sept. 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk, heading through Lennoxville before concluding at Coulter Field

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Well over 500 people in orange gathered at Bishop’s University on Sept. 30 for a National Truth and Reconciliation Walk, marking Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The walk, which opened at Kwigw8mna and wound through parts of Lennoxville before concluding at Coulter Field, offered a moment of collective reflection, solidarity, and commitment to honouring survivors of the residential school system.

Participants included students, faculty, staff, local schoolchildren, and community members from across the Sherbrooke region. The event was led by Indigenous staff, students, and invited community members who spoke, prayed, and sang throughout the event.

Walking, remembering, connecting

At the start of the walk, a speaker welcomed the crowd to what she called “a whole sea of orange shirts,” noting that students from area institutions had come together in support. “It’s really beautiful to see the next generations here with us as well,” she added.

Another speaker highlighted the importance of resilience alongside remembrance: “We’re here to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous people, that we’re still here … speaking our languages today.”

Ceremony, music, and prayer were woven into the event. A welcome song opened proceedings, a prayer asked for peace “for the children who suffered,” and a reflection urged participants to honour memory by walking in solidarity. “We are walking for the children who have been torn from their families, for the voices that have been reduced to silence,” one voice said. “But we are also walking for hope, for healing, for reconciliation, for a future where every Indigenous child can grow up proud of their identity.”

A further message offered a sobering reminder of history: “This enterprise of killing the Indian in the heart of the child raged for over 150 years on the lands of Quebec and Canada … until 1996,” the crowd was told. “It is our responsibility to consider current realities as direct consequences of colonization and commit to a sincere act of reconciliation.”

Songs, stories, and solidarity

Voices throughout the afternoon connected past injustice to present commitment. “Let’s walk together hand in hand, so that their memory is never forgotten,” one speaker told the gathering. “We are walking for truth, we are walking for justice, we are walking for love.”

At Coulter Field, participants formed circles around drummers and singers as the event closed in ceremony, underlining that remembrance, grief, and hope can walk side by side.

Townshippers’ Association observance

Separately, the Townshippers’ Association marked Sept. 30 with its own observance. In a Sept. 29 press release, the association’s board encouraged community members to wear orange and reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools. “This day offers us an opportunity to consider our shared history, to acknowledge the injustices of the past, and to commit to building a better future together,” the statement read.

The association said it stood in solidarity with Indigenous communities of the Eastern Townships and across Canada, emphasizing that reconciliation requires both reflection and action.

Upcoming Bishop’s events

The walk was part of a larger program of activities at Bishop’s for Truth and Reconciliation Week. On Oct. 1, the university will host a screening of Sugarcane, a documentary directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, followed by a discussion session in Bandeen Hall. The film investigates the history and ongoing effects of residential schools in Canada.

On Oct. 3, Kwigw8mna will hold an open house featuring a documentary on its creation and the voices of those who built it. The screening will take place at Centennial Theatre at 2 p.m.

By midafternoon, as orange shirts glowed in the sunshine and participants walked together in solidarity, the mood was at once somber and hopeful. Organizers and speakers positioned the walk not as a one-day gesture, but as a call to living reconciliation in daily life. “Let’s walk together… so that their memory is never forgotten,” participants were urged.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As Sherbrooke approaches the Nov. 2 municipal election, the Lennoxville bike path project has become a  contentious issue. Proposed changes to Queen Street that would add one-way cycling lanes and reduce parking have divided residents, merchants, and city officials. All four mayoral candidates agree on the importance of active mobility, but their responses highlight different approaches to consultation, compromise, and balancing transportation with economic needs.

Vincent Boutin: Communication and compromise

Independent candidate Vincent Boutin said before the recent official launch of his campaign that the real problem is that residents and merchants were not properly engaged from the start. “This project was not worked on in advance,” he said, pointing to the Aug. 25 public consultation where many business owners felt left out.

Boutin recalled similar tensions on King Street East, where opposition eventually gave way to solutions after direct meetings. “The same situation happened—merchants, developers, and residents were all against it. We sat down with them, found solutions, and the project moved forward,” he explained.

He believes the current compromise, which preserves some parking while adding bike lanes, can work if further adjustments are made. “At first, I was told there would be no parking at all. The compromise we have now could be viable, but we can still do more to address merchants’ concerns,” he said.

For Boutin, continued dialogue is the way forward. “We need to work with citizens even more if we want this project to succeed,” he added.

Raïs Kibonge: Continuing the dialogue

Sherbrooke Citoyen candidate Raïs Kibonge framed the Lennoxville debate as part of a bigger picture. “We need a plan that connects the whole city so cyclists can travel seamlessly,” he said Sept. 30.

Each neighbourhood has its own challenges, he argued, making the Aug. 25 consultation an important first step. He compared it to work done on Wellington South, where concerns from businesses and non-profits were resolved through repeated discussions. “We talked about parking, deliveries, and other real needs. In the end, we reached an agreement and the bike lane went in,” he said.

Kibonge stressed flexibility in Lennoxville as well. “Some people suggested maybe the bike lane could work only on weekends or weekdays. I’m open to those kinds of discussions,” he said.

He also underlined that cyclists and people with reduced mobility need to be considered alongside merchants and drivers. “The way forward is to keep talking until we find a solution that works for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists, and people who need parking,” he said.

Guillaume Brien: Protecting local business

Vision Action Sherbrooke candidate Guillaume Brien voiced strong concern for the survival of small businesses in a Sept. 30 conversation with The Record. After visiting Hayley Hopps, owner of a Lennoxville marketplace hosting 40 artisans, he said he was struck by the risk they faced. “They told me they might have to close if the project goes ahead as planned. That’s major,” he said.

Brien insisted his party is not against cycling infrastructure. “Bike paths are good. They need to be connected and safe. But in some areas, we have to find routes that won’t kill local businesses or drive them away,” he explained.

He also rejected what he called a divisive framing. “This isn’t about choosing between the bike and the car. We can find solutions together,” Brien said.

Merchants have also raised safety concerns for delivery trucks. “Some said, ‘Our trucks won’t see cyclists if lanes go in as planned.’ Maybe the bike lane needs to be concentrated on one side. I’m not the expert, but I know enough to say we need to pause in certain areas,” he said.

As mayor, Brien pledged to revisit the Lennoxville plan. “For the stretch through downtown Lennoxville, we’ll review things to strike a balance between cyclists and businesses,” he said.

Marie-Claude Bibeau: Pledging a review

Independent candidate Marie-Claude Bibeau has already staked out a position on the issue. At a Sept. 26 press conference in Lennoxville, she acknowledged residents’ and merchants’ frustration. “Consultation means going to those who are most affected early in the process, not after the decision has been made,” she said.

Bibeau committed to revisiting the Lennoxville project if elected. “This project will not move forward until we have found an acceptable option for the local community,” she pledged.

While supportive of expanding Sherbrooke’s cycling network, she argued it must be done responsibly and with broad acceptance.

Background: August consultation

The Aug. 25 public meeting at the Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre drew over 150 residents and exposed the divisions now playing out in the campaign. City officials presented plans for bike lanes along Queen Street, tied to provincially mandated crosswalk upgrades and Sherbrooke’s mobility plan. The project would remove 49 parking spots on the west side while keeping 51 on the east.

Residents raised fears about losing parking, snow removal, and safety, while merchants warned of economic losses. Supporters countered that Lennoxville needed to modernize and connect to the regional cycling network. Frustration mounted when some accused officials of having already made up their minds.

A defining issue

The future of the Queen Street bike path is uncertain, with construction not expected before 2026. Boutin calls for better communication, Kibonge for continued dialogue, Brien for strong protection of local businesses, and Bibeau for a fresh review.

For Lennoxville residents, the decision will shape not only the borough’s main street but also the broader vision of how Sherbrooke balances sustainable mobility with the needs of its merchants and families.

William Crooks
The former Sebby’s Restaurant building on Queen Street in Lennoxville being demolished on Sept. 22

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The building that once housed Sebby’s Restaurant on Queen Street in Lennoxville was demolished Sept. 22, closing a chapter in the borough’s history.

Borough President Claude Charron said the site’s disappearance is not just a matter of bricks and mortar but a reminder of the role the restaurant played in the community. “People have memories tied to that building. For many, it’s a part of Lennoxville’s social history,” he said in an interview.

Sebby’s operated for decades and became a fixture in The Record, appearing regularly in coverage of local life. Families gathered there for birthday parties and anniversaries, while community groups held luncheons and dinners. It was also a favoured spot for political events, from campaign breakfasts to election-night gatherings.

And the building has a history that long predates the popular restaurant, serving previously as the Len Pub, and a funeral home before that.

In 2009, Sherbrooke city council approved façade renovations for the building, highlighting its commercial importance at the time. A few years later, the borough pointed to those improvements as a model for downtown revitalization. Even earlier, Sebby’s played host to countless fundraisers, including charity golf tournaments, and served as a meeting place for civic organizations.

Charron said that while restaurants and businesses inevitably come and go, some leave a mark that lingers. “You can see how many times Sebby’s comes up in old newspaper clippings. It tells you something about its role in the life of the town,” he explained.

He added that Lennoxville’s commercial vitality depends on both preserving history and adapting to new realities. “We’ve always had businesses that serve as anchors. When one closes, the question is how the space will be used next. That’s something residents pay close attention to,” he said.

The borough president emphasized that future use of the lot will be important to the health of Queen Street. “Our goal is to encourage projects that contribute positively to the community, whether it’s through services, culture, or commerce,” he said.

Despite the demolition, questions about the site’s future remain. M. Haddad, owner of the lot and proprietor of the Familiprix on King Est, was repeatedly contacted last week but has not responded as of press time. His son, who works at the pharmacy, initially indicated his father would be available to clarify the situation.

For many long-time residents, the removal of the building marked the end of an era. Still, Charron suggested that the memory of Sebby’s will continue to shape how people think about Lennoxville’s identity. “It’s part of our story,” he said.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As World Teachers’ Day approaches on Oct. 5, the Syndicat de l’enseignement de l’Estrie (SEE-CSQ) is using the occasion to celebrate the profession while drawing attention to the pressing challenges facing educators.

David Raymond, president of the SEE-CSQ, said the day is an opportunity to shine a light on the crucial role teachers play in students’ lives. “It’s the moment for us to acknowledge all the excellent work done by these people who make a difference for our children who are at school,” he said, stressing that teachers help students progress not only academically but personally as well.

Celebrating teachers

World Teachers’ Day, created by UNESCO in 1994, is marked annually to recognize the contribution of educators. In Estrie, Raymond said the union encourages schools to take time for themselves, not just their students. “Very often, the teaching staff thinks of the students but forgets to think about themselves. So, we are giving them the opportunity to think about themselves and… organize a social and syndical meeting in order to talk about… their needs and their reality,” he explained.

To reinforce that message, the SEE-CSQ has launched a radio campaign with a more positive tone than the often-negative news about education. “Very often, I’m asked, as president of a union, to respond to bad news in education. But you have to remember that it remains a very, very beautiful profession,” Raymond said.

The press release issued jointly by SEE-CSQ and the Fédération des syndicats de l’enseignement (FSE-CSQ) called on Quebecers to thank teachers directly. “Investing in the teaching personnel and listening to their solutions is also investing in the learning conditions of students, and therefore in their future and that of Quebec society,” said FSE-CSQ president Richard Bergevin.

Challenges in the classroom

While the tone of World Teachers’ Day is celebratory, Raymond underlined significant issues teachers face daily. Chief among them is workload. “To allow teachers to do what they do best, which is to teach, is challenge number one,” he said. The integration of students with special needs into regular classes has outpaced the resources provided, leaving teachers stretched thin.

Another major concern is violence in schools. “We have seen an increase in the course of the last few years in acts of violence towards teachers, whether they are students who threaten, who bite, who throw objects,” Raymond noted. He warned that the situation is discouraging some teachers from staying in the profession.

A new province-wide protocol to address school violence was launched earlier this month, following an Estrie pilot project. Raymond welcomed the expansion. “By uniting our resources and our expertise, we were able to create a robust and practical tool that will benefit all school teams,” he said when the initiative was announced.

Looking ahead

Raymond stressed the need for predictability in school resources, noting that frequent cuts and reinstatements wear down morale. “All of that takes a lot of time and energy, and it’s demoralizing to always work with shifting budgetary contributions,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Raymond insisted that teaching remains a profession worth celebrating and protecting. “It’s not normal to see so many people leave the profession in the first five years,” he said. “But nevertheless, if we take care of the teachers, it remains that teaching is one of the most beautiful professions in the world.”

The SEE-CSQ represents more than 5,000 teachers across the Estrie region, from the Centres de services scolaires des Sommets, des Hauts-Cantons, and de la Région-de-Sherbrooke. With World Teachers’ Day set to be marked in schools across the province, Raymond hopes the public will take a moment to recognize the impact of those in the classroom — and the need to support them in the years ahead.