Author: The Record
Published May 30, 2024

Construction workers digging away in front of Lennoxville’s Maxi grocery store. Photo by William Crooks

The curious case of construction work in front of Lennoxville’s Maxi

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxvillians may have noticed the big hole being excavated out in front of Lennoxville’s Maxi grocery store, right where the bus stop used to be. The Record has been digging into the issue itself to find out more since early last week. However, no definitive explanation from a decision-maker has arisen, despite numerous phone calls and emails sent out to related relevant groups.  

Recent discussions during the May 28 Lennoxville monthly borough council meeting shed some light on the ongoing construction and possible decontamination efforts; the site in question, councillors confirmed, was formerly occupied by a garage and a gas station.

Claude Charron, borough president, said he reached out to the town for updates on the construction project. He said despite attempts to contact project leads, information remains limited due to confidentiality.

Signs have been posted at the site, indicating potential active decontamination processes. They read:

“Valusol – RBQ 5581-7431-01 | ISO 9001-2015 – RÉHABILITATION DÉFINITIVE, SOLUTIONS SÉCURITAIRES -Retrait de réservoirs • Sols contaminés • Pieux & murs de soutènement – 450 653-2000 | valusol.ca”

Some residents have expressed interest in understanding the full scope of the project and its implications. The council said it is committed to keeping the community informed as more details become available.

The Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS) has been queried regarding transport services during the construction period. A council member said a signpost was installed on the morning of May 28 marking the temporary bus stop location for the duration of the construction. Commuters are advised to use this interim stop until the project is completed.

The Record visited the Maxi early last week to speak with Store Manager Robert Lafond on the issue, but he was not present at the time. Unconfirmed rumours swirled about decontamination.

The Record eventually contacted Lafond over the phone May 27, but he said he could not speak on the issue. Instead, he gave The Record the names of two Loblaw Montreal (Maxi’s parent company) contacts that might be able to help. The Record called but was redirected to Loblaw’s public relations email address. An email asking for comment on the issue was sent out May 27, but The Record has yet to receive a response.   

The Record contacted the City of Sherbrooke on the issue, but was told by Communications Officer Alexane Bégin in a May 29 email:

“After verification, the City of Sherbrooke does not have information on the land in front of the Maxi in Lennoxville since it is a private project.”

Finally, The Record contacted the provincial ministry of the environment May 23. On May 27, Communications Officer Ghizlane Behdaoui responded:

“According to the available information, the ongoing work is related to a characterization conducted by a consultant. The regional office of the MELCCFP is continuing its investigations to obtain additional information about the nature of the ongoing work and to ensure that the management of contaminated soils, if any, complies with current environmental regulations.”

The Record has not heard back since.

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