Local Journalism Initiative

Nearly 200 of Sherbrooke’s youth protection workers demonstrated for their safety. Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

On May 15, youth protection workers held a march from the Youth Centre office in Sherbrooke to the office of CEO Stéphane Tremblay on Argyll Street.

The purpose of the march was to deliver signed forms denouncing the numerous assaults occurring in the course of their work. The march comes days after the physical assault last week on a worker from the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse.

The Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS) represents approximately 60,000 members who play an essential role in the functioning of the health and social services network, including nearly 5,000 at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie CHUS.

APTS Estrie Union Representative Danny Roulx was on the scene and led the demonstration through Sherbrooke after saying a few words of encouragement to those gathered.

“Following the aggression at the Palais de Justice last week… we find it deplorable how the administration has not listened to us,” Roulx said to The Record in a short interview in person before the march. More measures should be put in place, he added, and a recent meeting with the administration May 10 went poorly.

He said youth protection workers are mobilizing this week to let everyone know they experience too much physical, verbal, and non-verbal aggression and it is unacceptable. They are not always safe at work, and adding security measures has been difficult to work out with their employer. He said something must be put in place quickly to safeguard employees’ physical and psychological safety.

Aggression can come from the youth under their protection, but also parents. “[Youth protection workers] give excellent service to the population with all their hearts,” he said. Their security at work must be assured to prevent service interruptions or the workers quitting due to their lack of safety.

Roulx said the Palais de Justice does not have the resources to handle the problem on its own. Moreover, the workers need security everywhere they work, morning and night. They simply do not feel administration is listening, and they are passionately calling for more support.   

Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Stanstead recently announced its water has tested of excellent quality, along with the adoption of a resolution on a bid to remove sludge from its water system. The town undertakes annual waterworks maintenance to enhance its infrastructure and improve environmental hygiene.

Details of the process were revealed at the town’s monthly meeting May 13 amidst discussions on competitive service bids and advanced measurement techniques to optimize future operations. Mayor Jody Stone presided over the meeting with five residents in attendance.

Flushing the sludge

Stanstead is currently undertaking its annual maintenance of the waterworks network, which involves a meticulous flushing process to rid the system of build-up. During the meeting, it was disclosed that the town had received a competitive service offer from Quali-D’eau priced at $14,950 before tax.

Considering the town’s history of satisfactory results with past services, a motion was proposed to the council to accept an alternative service offer from the company Simo for the same task at the same price.

In a related matter, the council discussed the contractual needs for sludge measurement at the wastewater treatment plants serving the Beebe and Stanstead regions. This involves managing the draining of aerated basins, a critical task for maintaining the operational integrity of the treatment facilities. The town again had received a service bid from the company Simo.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on a comprehensive offer that included not just the measurements, but also the drafting and dissemination of a report to relevant governmental bodies. The offered amount was $7,584, considered reasonable given the scope of work.

The discussion further delved into the methodology of the measurement and sampling process. The thorough approach advocated by Simo is intended to provide an accurate baseline of sludge levels, which is crucial for the planning of subsequent sludge removal operations.

By obtaining a precise estimate of sludge volumes, the town can issue more accurate bids for sludge removal, potentially leading to cost savings by avoiding over or underestimation of the required services.

Moreover, the council members debated the broader implications of the measurement outcomes. They recognized that an accurate assessment could influence the scheduling of future cleanings, possibly extending the interval between necessary drainings. This would not only save money but also minimize the environmental impact of frequent cleanings.

How’s the water?

According to General Manager Hughes Ménard, the town’s environmental hygiene systems are functioning smoothly with no significant issues reported. The networks are currently stable, and as ongoing maintenance and upgrades are implemented, the focus has shifted predominantly to the town’s infrastructure, particularly in areas concerning telemetry, electronics, and pumps.

Recently, the town encountered challenges with its telemetry systems, which are crucial for monitoring the system’s environmental conditions. However, a comprehensive system reset was successfully executed last week, resolving the issue. This reset was part of broader efforts to streamline the network operations, including a significant update to the system’s hardware and software components.

Ménard said the network manager, referred to only as “Yannick,” has been instrumental in these updates. The system overhaul included consolidating operations which previously were managed across four separate computers at different locations. This consolidation has simplified the management and troubleshooting of the network, ensuring that all components are now linked and communicating effectively.

The town has recently received water analysis results from 2022, which included detailed assessments of various substances such as suspended materials, phosphorus, and PFAs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). The overall results indicate that the water from local wells is of excellent quality.

However, it was noted that the water is naturally hard, necessitating treatment to adjust its hardness. Despite this, the treated water meets and even exceeds major regulatory standards.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Action Patrimoine, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Quebec’s built heritage, has formally requested May 9 the MRC de Memphrémagog to overturn a recent decision by the Village of North Hatley’s municipal council to authorize the demolition of a historic home located at 190 Main Street.

In letters obtained by The Record addressed to Jacques Demers, Prefect and President of the MRC de Memphrémagog, as well as key provincial officials, Action Patrimoine expressed its strong opposition to the demolition. The organization, which has been active since 1975, argued that the house is an integral part of a protected heritage site established by the municipality in 1987.

Renée Genest, executive director of Action Patrimoine, highlighted in the letter the historical, architectural, landscape, and urbanistic value of the property, which she believes were not adequately considered by the council in their decision. She emphasized that the collective character of the heritage site, rather than individual buildings, contributes to its overall value.

Action Patrimoine had previously voiced its opposition to the demolition on Feb 9, 2023, and March 7, 2024. Despite these efforts, the municipal council followed the demolition committee’s recommendation on May 6, leading to the approval of the demolition.

The organization also raised concerns about procedural irregularities. According to Action Patrimoine, the preliminary program for the reuse of the cleared land, required by the municipality’s demolition regulation No. 2022-641, was not adequately presented.

This program should include detailed plans and architectural elevations of the proposed replacement buildings, but the document submitted to the council lacked these concrete plans. Moreover, it was noted that no maintenance had been performed on the house since 2017, leading to its deterioration, which further complicates the situation.

Action Patrimoine has urged the MRC de Memphrémagog to use its authority under Article 148.0.20.1 of the Act respecting land use planning and development to reverse the municipal council’s decision. They argue that the demolition regulation aims to control demolition works, protect culturally valuable buildings, and manage the reuse of cleared land, which they believe was not adhered to in this case.

Reaction from property owner

The Record contacted 190 Main Street Owner Kimberly Myles May 14 to get her perspective on the decision and more information on how things may unfold in the future.

“The decision has to be reviewed,” Myles said over the phone from New Jersey, “so we can’t make too many plans until we get through with the rest of the process.” She is relieved the North Hatley council made the decision it did May 6. Having to renovate a $300,000 house in a flood zone for $1.2 million is “crazy,” she added.

She appreciates that the town did its due diligence, including a heritage study that showed the house does not have anything more than average heritage value. “Nothing famous ever happened there,” she said. She sympathizes with those who hate to see change, but her plan is to build a single-family home that is in keeping with the other typical homes in North Hatley.

Myles said she was instructed by zoning inspectors that the decision to demolish the house was completely independent from what she planned on building in its place. She emphasized that whatever she decides to build, if given the green light, still has to meet all of North Hatley’s regulations and building codes. “There was no point in taking a design process all the way to completion if we are not going to be able to demolish the house,” she explained.

On March 20, when the demolition committee made its initial decision, Myles was present and said she could prove she did not know the property was classified as a heritage location when she initially made the purchase.

“I’m reluctant to name any names,” she said when questioned on the comment May 14, “we may decide to take some [legal] action on [not being told it was a heritage property].” She said she has it in writing that she inquired on whether or not there were any renovation or demolition restrictions on the house. “We were told we could do anything we wanted with the property,” she said.

Myles was told the MRC will be voting on the decision June 19. It is her understanding that the MRC has 90 days from May 6 to intervene.

MRC response

On May 13, The Record contacted the Memphremagog MRC over the phone for an interview or comment on the issue and left a message with its communications director with a deadline of 3 p.m. The Record followed up on the same day with an email asking what will go into the MRC’s decision, if the public has any influence, and how the process will work.

MRC Representative Philippe Vermette responded via email, which is summarized below:

The MRC can overturn the decision made by the municipality of North Hatley to issue a demolition permit for the building at 190 Main Street, which is located in a patrimonial site designated by a municipal citation by-law. The MRC has a 90-day window from the municipality council’s decision on May 6 to act on this matter.

The MRC will consider this case in a committee responsible for such matters, which is not open to the public. Following the committee’s review, the mayor’s council will either:

1) Approve the municipality’s decision to issue the permit, possibly with conditions;

2) Overturn the permit issuance;

3) Choose not to express any opinion on the matter.

Currently, the MRC has not yet acknowledged the issue and has no predetermined stance on the outcome. Additionally, unlike some urban planning by-laws, the MRC’s decision on this matter does not require a referendum approval.

North Hatley fails to respond

The Record placed three calls to the North Hatley municipality office from May 7 to 9 looking for a comment or interview regarding the May 6 decision, leaving a message each time. The Record sent an email on the same issue May 7. On May 9, the office receptionist answered the phone and confirmed the email had been forwarded to Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish.

Editor’s Note: Managing Editor Matthew McCully placed a call to North Hatley on May 13 and left a voicemail for director general Benoit Tremblay regarding the lack of response to media requests from the town and followed up later in the day with a call to the town’s receptionist, who said she would pass on the message. By press time on May 14 no one from the town had returned the call.

SDHP Sherbrooke set up around 12 tents in an ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstration at Sherbrooke University. Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), students have established a pro-Palestinian encampment, joining similar movements at McGill University and the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).

The encampment features around a dozen tents set up May 13 in front of the university’s multifunctional pavilion.

The group organizing the encampment, Solidarité pour les droits humains des Palestiniens – Université de Sherbrooke (SDHP Sherbrooke), announced the action on Instagram.

They called for public condemnation of what they describe as genocide in Palestine and called for the support of other student movements, a denouncement of Canada’s alleged complicity, cessation of arms sales to the region, and full disclosure of related investments.

The Record contacted the UdeS communications team and its student association for comment but did not hear back before press time.

Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin congratulated the event’s organizers and said Sherbrooke was proud to have hosted such an inspiring event for Quebec’s youth. Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The organizing committee of the 58th Finale of the Jeux du Québec-Sherbrooke 2024 (COFJQ) has announced it surpassed its objectives related to the legacy of the multi-sport event, held March 1 to 9.

The region’s athletes, sports organizations, institutional partners, and the community will benefit from the funds raised. The Games brought together 2,500 athletes aged 12 to 17 who competed in 19 disciplines across 10 sports venues in Sherbrooke.

“The 58th Finale of the Quebec Games was a mobilizing and inspiring event for our youth. As residents of Sherbrooke, we can be very proud to have hosted athletes and participants from across Quebec in such an exceptional manner. A huge thank you to the organizing committee, partners, volunteers, and everyone involved in this unforgettable adventure!” said Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of Sherbrooke, at a May 13 press conference in City Hall.

“The success of the 58th Finale was obviously based on high-level competitions and services, but also on ensuring a lasting legacy. We worked hard to ensure this event leaves a positive impact on Sherbrooke. We are very happy with the results,” emphasized Jocelyn Proulx, Executive Director of COFJQ-Sherbrooke 2024.

A sum of $400,000 dedicated to the legacy was already included in the event’s budget, but the final amount exceeded these expectations.

Legacy of the 58th Finale of the Quebec Games:

– Canada Games 2013 Legacy Fund: $875,000

– Material Legacy to 12 Sports and Institutional Partners: $150,000

– Sherbrooke Sports and Leisure Fund: $50,000

– Major Renovations to Rock Forest Recreation Center: $5 million (Quebec Games Infrastructure Support Program, Ministry of Education)

– Mobilization of 2,500 volunteers, with over 775 expressing interest in future events in Sherbrooke

An economic impact study conducted by the firm Mallette at the request of the organizing committee revealed economic benefits amounting to $19.8 million.

The organizing committee sincerely thanks the members of its board of directors, SPORTSQUÉBEC, the City of Sherbrooke, the Quebec government, Kruger, Desjardins, all its national and regional partners, and its valuable volunteers for their contribution to this event, which will forever mark the history of Sherbrooke.

The organizing committee also gave special thanks to the following institutional partners without whom this event would not have been possible: Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Bishop’s University (BU), Cégep de Sherbrooke, Collège du Mont-Sainte-Anne, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Conseil Sport Loisir de l’Estrie, and Excellence sportive Sherbrooke.

Matt McBrine, the director of sports at BU, expressed his gratitude to members of the organization for their excellent coordination. He emphasized that the success of the Games should be measured by the experiences of the athletes and their families.

McBrine noted that they surpassed all expectations and highlighted the growth of sports in Sherbrooke since the Canada Games in 2013. He praised the city for its impressive support and all of the Quebec regions for their participation.

“I hope we can continue as a group of sports enthusiasts, working together and investing in sports in Sherbrooke,” McBrine said.

“Certainly, you can count on my support and that of Bishop’s University.”

Jay Caunter’s sailboat anchored near Georgetown in the Bahamas. Photo courtesy

Local man sells everything, sails to Caribbean

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Editor’s note: The following is the sequel to an article printed Nov 17, 2023. The Record caught up with Jay Caunter over the internet April 30 while he was anchored near Saint Martin in the northeast Caribbean.

Townshipper Jay Caunter sold his belongings and sailed down to the Caribbean, determined to fulfill his dreams. He is currently in the Caribbean, with his next major goal to be south of Grenada by June. He is staying connected with friends via phone and internet while prioritizing safety.

Caunter lived in Toronto for about 25 years before returning to North Hatley in 2011 to care for his father. After his father passed away, with no remaining family ties, he felt free to chase his aspirations. He sold everything, acquired a larger boat, a 1979 Sabre 34, in Sarnia, Ontario, and embarked on his journey.

“Rainstorms today,” Caunter said April 30 over the internet to The Record, “it’s been crazy.” It had been raining for three days. “Since I’ve been on the boat, I rarely know what day it is, let alone the time,” he added.

He said he has a “buddy boat” with him, and is waiting for him to put on a new sail. He has been in Saint Martin for about a month, which was not a part of his plans. Caunter is making some minor repairs to his boat before continuing on. “There’s always something to do,” he said.

He was in Luperon, Dominican Republic, for two weeks. He made quite a few repairs there, too, with inexpensive parts readily available. He also ordered a new sail while he was in the Bahamas, which he picked up at a friend’s place in the Virgin Islands.

The new sail is “really nice,” his old one was ripping all the time. His old main sail came with the boat originally; it was around 50 years old. Every time he would fold it up and put it away it would tear, and it used to tear in strong winds. He ran out of patching material about a month ago.

“The boat itself has been wonderful,” he went on, “nothing serious has gone wrong.” However, his new electronics have been “giving him grief.” His autopilot is right at the limit for what it can handle given the size of boat he has. It cost him a lot of money to fix, but he trusts the worker at the marina he visited knew what he was doing.

A friend of his came to join him in Miami for his crossing to the Bahamas. “It was the crossing from hell,” he said. Instead of the wind being 15 knots, it was 30 knots, and the waves were 15 feet tall. Caunter used his motor; sailing was too dangerous.

Waves like that need to be taken at a bit of an angle, but he more or less took them straight on. The trip took 11 hours. They left Miami at 4 a.m., so the first few hours were in the pitch black.

Caunter’s friend had never been on the ocean before. “When you can’t see the waves, you don’t realize how big they are,” he said, “it wasn’t really fun.” I was his first big excursion out into the ocean. When they reached Freeport, Caunter’s friend left and flew back to Vermont.

Caunter then continued on to Nassau, which was a “beautiful sail, lazy, not much wind.” In Nassau, he spent two weeks getting over Covid. He isolated himself on his boat while he was sick. “I had no energy, I could nap all day if I had to,” he said, “it took me 10, 12 days to feel human again.” Some of his fellow sailors visited, but did not get on his boat.

After getting over Covid, another friend from Vermont joined him on his sail to Georgetown. He ran into weather troubles again, and had to wait a few days for the wind to die down before making the trip. Once in Georgetown he had to wait three weeks to continue on, “waiting for a weather window to leave.”

“The hardest part is waiting,” he admitted. This year has been “extremely bad” for anybody sailing east. The wind is always coming from the east and it blows hard and kicks up big waves. He has to look carefully at the three days on either side of a potential weather window, because forecasts are not always spot on.

The weather was too bad for him to make a planned stop at Crooked Island, still in the Bahamas. He then made his way to Luperon and stayed a few weeks. One of his most “terrifying moments” happened in Luperon when approaching the “extremely dangerous” harbour at night.

He tried three times and was about to give up and just sail out a few miles, point into the wind, and wait until morning, but a local fisherman ended up leading him in. Caunter did not trust his electronics in the situation and could hear the waves crashing on shore nearby. Three markers were not working and you have to travel within 50 feet of nearby cliffs.

He eventually made his way to Saint Martin where he docked and prepared for the next leg of his voyage. He plans on being south of Grenada by June to ride out hurricane season there.

“What are you plans after that?” this reporter asked. “My plans after that are written in sand at low tide,” Caunter said.

   

Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie explains why she is donating her raise to preserve the Ascot-Lennox Woodland. Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Christine Labrie, MNA for Sherbrooke and a member of Québec solidaire, has fulfilled her commitment to donate her entire salary increase to the community by supporting the establishment of a social utility trust aimed at protecting the city’s forested areas. The announcement was made May 10 in the Ascot-Lennox Woodland near Baker Street.

“I wanted to ensure that this money would have the most sustainable impact on the Sherbrooke community. As soon as I learned about the trust project from the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland, the decision became clear,” Labrie explained to reporters.

“By contributing to the protection of Sherbrooke’s remaining forested areas, I know that this money will benefit the community for generations to come.”

Her donation of $18,000 will enable the organization to create a social utility trust dedicated to safeguarding Sherbrooke’s ecologically or quality-of-life valuable natural spaces in perpetuity. The trust will ensure respectful access while maintaining ecological balance, according to a May 10 release.

“For our association members, it has always been essential to protect the Ascot-Lennox Woodland for the benefit of present and future generations. We’ve done this with an emphasis on social, environmental, and intergenerational justice,” said Mathieu Vinette, President of the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland.

“As we refined this idea, we recognized the value of establishing a trust, not just for the Ascot-Lennox Woodland but for any other natural space in Sherbrooke.”

Vinette welcomed Labrie’s contribution and hopes that others will be inspired to follow suit. Protec-Terre, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation and supporting communities in establishing agroecological social utility trusts, will assist the association in implementing the trust.

In June 2023, the CAQ members of the National Assembly passed legislation that increased deputies’ salaries by 30 per cent, despite opposition from Québec solidaire and civil society, who criticized the move as inappropriate. In response, Labrie pledged to donate her entire salary increase to the community.

More details were revealed as Labrie, Vinette, and Louis Béchard, representative of Protec-Terre, were questioned by reporters.

The trust itself holds a fiduciary estate, which can include real estate properties such as land. This might involve the woodland, but it encompasses the whole territory. This trust has a mission and designated uses. All assets within this trust must adhere to these designated uses.

The creation of the social utility trust, aimed at protecting and enhancing Sherbrooke’s woodlands, would allow individuals to donate to the trust, which could then be used to purchase lands that would be protected indefinitely. People could even bequeath their own land to the trust as an inheritance. The goal is to create a vehicle for acquiring as much land as possible to protect and enhance it further.

The Ascot-Lennox Woodland is the largest woodland within the urban perimeter of the city of Sherbrooke. It is located 5 km from downtown and spans 280 hectares of forest. It has gone through various stages related to conservation.

This project has real ecological value for ecologists, biologists, and human value for those living near the Ascot-Lennox Woodland. It is essential to think about these spaces because it is uncertain if they will be there in the future. What the project aims ensure is that residents, their children, and future generations can enjoy them.

Bishop’s Professor Dr. Heather Lawford. Photo courtesy

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Dr. Heather Lawford, a distinguished professor in Bishop’s University’s (BU) Department of Psychology, has been honored as one of this year’s ten 3M National Teaching Fellows, signifying her position among the most impactful educators in higher education.

Her outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious teaching awards, and she is recognized as a Canada Research Chair and a leading authority on generativity, a field that explores how and why people create legacies to benefit others.

Lawford has been part of BU since 2012, where she has fostered a culture of curiosity around teaching and research. She values collaboration with her students and has actively engaged with diverse communities across Canada. She is committed to helping other faculty and administrators incorporate student perspectives into decision-making.

In 2021, Lawford earned the William and Nancy Turner Teaching Award, the highest teaching recognition at BU, according to a May 6 press release. Her exceptional work has also been recognized by the Robert Gordon Educational Leadership Fund and the Student Representative Council Social Sciences Division Teaching Award. She is actively involved with the Students Commission of Canada, a non-profit that amplifies youth voices and supports their legacy projects.

Lawford holds a Canada Research Chair in Youth Development and has secured over $8 million in research funding from Tri-Council, Public Safety Canada, UNICEF, and other organizations. Much of this funding has supported her mission of compensating students and youth for their valuable contributions.

Her forthcoming book, “Unlocking Superhero Powers: Metaphors and Mentorship in the Marvel Cinematic Universe”, co-authored with BU’s Dr. Jessica Riddell, aims to inspire readers to harness generative qualities for a more equitable and just world.

Riddell, a 3M National Teaching Fellow (2015) and Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Excellence at BU, nominated Lawford for this fellowship. She has praised Dr. Lawford’s teaching style.

“Dr. Lawford extends learning beyond the classroom and into the world with student-led initiatives like conferences, summits, knowledge mobilization projects, and leadership institutes. Her undergraduate students are authentically engaged as partners, colleagues, co-authors, and co-inquirers. Dr. Lawford is a beloved and transformative educator,” Riddell said.

More from Dr. Lawford

“[3M’s] website says it’s the most prestigious award in Canada,” Lawford said in an interview with The Record May 9. They select 10 professors across Canada every year. She is always “up for getting an award,” but more importantly this is “a joining of a community of practice.”

The 10 professors selected will meet in June for a conference and then later will spend a week together in the fall in Banff, Alberta. The goal is to come up with a project that positively impacts higher education. Ideas, resources, and tools will be shared. “That’s what’s so exciting for me, a lifetime admittance to a conversation about how to do our job better,” she said.

Lawford’s research is on “youth generativity.” Adults think a lot about the legacies they want to leave and she has studied that phenomenon in young people. Much of her time has been spent trying to convince others that young people are interested in their legacies, too.

This has motivated her to think about how education can be transformed to allow youth to “connect to the legacy work they want to do now.” She has tried to connect young people to community organizations that let them see what is possible beyond what they have seen in their own life.

Something else she has been passionate about at BU is “knowledge mobilization.” A lot of students wish to go on to graduate school, she said, “but there are no jobs in academia, so what are we preparing them for?” She thinks the answer is there is a lot of work to be done in knowledge mobilization – turning science into action.

She just got back from a conference between researchers and members of parliament where they discussed how to build legislation off of evidence. BU’s knowledge mobilization certificate allows students to learn how to do it well and make a change outside of the classroom.

Lawford reiterated that she has found in her research that young people’s generative motivation is just as strong as it is in adults. Her studies have shown some highly generative youths are primarily driven by the notion that they do not want the next generation to deal with the same obstacles they did. These obstacles include language issues, unhealthy relationships, and lack of opportunity for racialized youth.

Lawford spent the morning of May 9 sending thank you letters to everyone who worked together to put in her application for the honour. She still feels a little emotional about it. She thinks it is great to see the profile of BU and other Maple League universities (Acadia, Mount Allison, and St. Francis Xavier) raised in association with her winning the award. “There are so many outstanding professors at BU that go unrecognized,” she said.

Lawford emphasized how important it was for non-profits to allow her students to experience what it was like working with them and noted the support other universities in the Maple League made to her research.        

Participants were showered with coloured powder during the race. Photo by William Crooks.

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The second edition of The Cougar Run was back and better than ever, offering a 5-kilometer course around Bishop’s University (BU) campus where participants were periodically immersed in a rainbow of coloured powder. This event welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels to join in the fun, whether they chose to run, jog, walk, or dance through the course.

On May 11, the Cougar Run provided more than just an exciting course. Families could enjoy a lively atmosphere with music and a bouncy house for children. The first 150 participants to sign up received a pair of Cougar Run sunglasses and a Cougar Run t-shirt.

The event was a fundraiser supporting the Champlain-Lennoxville Foundation, with all proceeds directed toward athletic excellence (participation in national championships) and the General Fund, which aids in student success and well-being.

“We started it last year with the help of the Champlain-Lennoxville Foundation,” Organizer and Dean of Student Services Jean-François Joncas said in a brief interview with The Record on the scene. The goal of the run is to raise funds to support students in need. “We wanted something a bit different that brings the community together,” he said.

Some 92 people registered last year with this year’s total near 100 again. “We’re super excited, the weather is perfect,” he said. The women’s basketball team and the men’s football team helped out, along with BU security.

Joncas said it was optionally competitive, but the goal was for everyone to have fun. The course was comprised of two loops around campus. “We have a beautiful campus, so let’s use it,” he said.

After Joncas said a few words, participants warmed up. The race started near 10 a.m., with smiling competitors, sporting their brand-new sunglasses and t-shirts, running, jogging, or walking the course.

Soon-to-be-restored Saint James Church in Hatley on the rainy day of May 9

Saint James Hatley announces Charity Lunch and Fashion Show

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Saint James Church in Hatley is set to host a Lunch and Fashion Show event June 14 at noon. The event aims to raise funds for the restoration of the historic building.

Tickets for the event are priced at $125, with a $50 tax receipt provided to each attendee. The function will take place at the Massawippi Union Hall, located at 813 Route 208, Hatley, Quebec. Interested parties can make reservations by visiting the website at: stjameshatley.org

Saint James Restoration Project Heads Alexandra Reid and Peter Provencher filled The Record in on all the details over the phone May 7.

“This project has been going on since 2021,” Reid said, “it’s a slow process… it’s hard to raise money.” The project has already applied for three years of grants from the Conseil du Patrimoine Religieux du Québec (CPRQ). It is also in the midst of applying to Heritage Canada.

Monies from the CPRQ will go towards restoring the building, while Heritage Canada primarily supports transforming the soon-to-be former church into a novel space for community-oriented activities. Reid said the Town of Hatley has been very supportive in helping the project navigate all the “loops and hoops” it has had to go through.

“It’s about a $1.4 million project,” said Provencher, elaborating on the project’s financial aspect. Fundraising events like the fashion show and other donations will comprise about $500,000, while the other $900,000 will come from grants. The CPRQ has already confirmed $438,000.

“For us to kick off our capital campaign, we need to see construction activity at the church,” he said. People need to see concrete action before lending their support, he continued, which is fully understandable.

The church is currently overseen by the St. Francis Deanery of the Anglican Diocese of Quebec. “It is an Anglican Church endeavour to restore this [year] 1827 church,” Reid explained. The church is the oldest wooden church in English Quebec. It is a Class A heritage building – the highest possible designation.

The restoration of the building has been unofficially awarded to a general contractor with a lot of experience in heritage restoration. “We’ll actually be seeing digging this summer, which is great,” Reid said, “we’re finally moving forward.”

The coming construction in June will represent one third of the project’s cost, Provencher said. This will include work on the foundation and installing proper drainage. The stained-glass windows will also be removed and sent to a specialist in the province.

In 2025, the project will ask the CPRQ for additional stages of funding with the grand opening of the building set for May 1, 2027. In July 2027, the church will be 200 years old, so a huge gathering and celebration will be held tied into Hatley’s Canada Day parade.

The project has met with nearby cultural groups, and some from Montreal, who are all very interested in using the space for art shows, poetry readings, book launches, and concerts. A committee will be formed to manage and maintain the church.

Speaking on the fashion show, Reid said that more than a fundraiser, the project is using it to raise awareness amongst locals that the project is happening. The project was initially looking for adults to participate, but ended up finding children more amenable to the idea. “People don’t really want to strut up and down the runway,” she said with a laugh. Local clothing store Hatley jumped at the chance to provide clothing for the show.

“It’s going to be beautifully decorated… and the food will be divine,” Reid said. The event will be catered by Magog’s White Horse Café Bistro.             

For additional information, potential attendees of the event are encouraged to contact the organizers via email at: stjameschurchhatley@gmail.com