William Crooks
Lac-Brome council members, including Mayor Richard Burcombe, seated during the May 5 public meeting where the fire station project and expropriation plans were discussed

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

During the May 5 council meeting, the Town of Brome Lake (Lac-Brome) council confirmed its decision to proceed with the expropriation of land owned by Canards du Lac Brome, a historic duck farm, to construct a new fire station. Approximately 25 residents attended the meeting, presided over by Mayor Richard Burcombe.

The council awarded a contract to Laboratoire Montérégie for $32,020.54 to conduct geotechnical studies on the proposed site. A council representative noted that the duck farm owners are cooperating with the study, stating, “Contrary to what has been mentioned this evening, relations between the town and the duck farm are excellent. The proof is that they’re allowing us to do geotechnical studies before even the expropriation procedures are done.”

Despite this cooperation, the decision has sparked controversy among residents. A local resident expressed her concerns, saying, “I would like to give kudos to the Duck Farm and the generosity that they have for this town,” before questioning why the town-owned land adjacent to the community centre couldn’t be utilized instead.

Mayor Burcombe responded by referencing the original intention of the land donation, emphasizing that it was meant for recreational purposes. “A fire station is not recreation,” he stated. “Consequently, he envisioned… the land is big enough to extend after if the community centre had to expand.”

Councillor Louise Morin acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting, “I felt bad… to expropriate from the duck farm, who’s been a solid part of our community for a hundred and some odd years.” However, she added, “They understand it, so it’s not a problem.”

During the meeting, it was also clarified that a portion of the land where the community centre sits still belongs to a local foundation, which could complicate any proposed expansion or re-use of adjacent parcels.

Other key developments

In the question periods, several issues were raised by residents:

• A resident inquired about compensation for first responders, noting that one of three responders attending a medical call was not paid. Mayor Burcombe acknowledged the importance of clarity in compensation and stated that the matter would be looked into.
• Concerns were raised about safety along the bike path, particularly regarding conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists wearing headphones. Councillor Lee Patterson mentioned that while signage exists in some areas, the request for better signage would be taken under advisement.
• The ongoing planning by Hydro-Québec for a new substation was discussed. Mayor Burcombe clarified that no final decision has been made about the location of the new 120 kV station, but confirmed that two corridors are now being studied, both avoiding the previously rejected North Corridor. “We’re going to continue to negotiate with Hydro,” he said.
• Marc Pelletier, an environmental advocate, suggested organizing a bilingual conference on recent changes in livestock management regulations. Councillor Morin responded positively but noted that the initially proposed $500 speaker fee was too high. “We’re trying to find an alternative,” she said, adding that the town is exploring options for delivering the event.

Infrastructure and spending

The council authorized several major expenditures and projects:

• A $155,067.68 agreement with a developer for sanitary sewer extension work along Chemin Mill.
• A contract to Englobe worth $41,367.78 for materials control and potential soil analysis on sidewalk repair projects on Victoria and Milton.
• A $56,395.24 contract to Construction DLS for resurfacing the Davis Road bridge, which remains under municipal responsibility despite being a provincial structure.
• $104,159.14 for improved play structures at Parc des Lions, based on durability rather than lowest cost.
• $55,153.51 to support heritage designations and an architectural guide as part of Lac-Brome’s urban plan revision.
• $15,000 for preliminary feasibility studies on an affordable housing project at 401 Chemin de Knowlton, a former seniors’ residence now vacant.

The council also rescinded two prior approvals for permits related to the Jardin-Lac-Brome project, citing unmet conditions.

Additionally, a new Three Pines-themed sign will be installed at Coldbrook Park, celebrating author Louise Penny’s fictional world, at a cost of $10,376.50.

The next major event on the calendar is Family Day, scheduled for May 31 at 11 a.m. at the community centre.

The meeting lasted roughly an hour and a half and ended near 8:30 p.m.

Canards du Lac Brome were contacted for comment on the land expropriation but did not respond before this article went to print.