Photo by William Crooks
Borough President Claude Charron (centre) with Councillors Jennifer Garfat (right) and Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas (left) after the Dec. 9 Lennoxville Borough Council meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Lennoxville Borough Council, led by Borough President Claude Charron, gathered on Dec. 9 for its final meeting of 2024, delivering updates on projects, events, and community efforts. Discussions ranged from the long-anticipated firefighter memorial to reflections on a year filled with festive cheer and sustainability initiatives.
A major highlight was the progress on the firefighter memorial honouring the Lennoxville fire brigade. Initially planned for February, the unveiling is now set for spring due to technical delays. Despite the postponement, council members were optimistic. “It’s a significant event,” one member noted, emphasizing the meticulous planning required to ensure the tribute lives up to its importance. The memorial is set to recognize the service and dedication of the former local volunteer fire brigade, and council members encouraged residents to stay tuned for further announcements once details are finalized.
Council members took time to reflect on the community’s many achievements, with special mention of the Santa Claus visit to Square Queen and Uplands. The festive event drew over 1,000 attendees and featured activities for children, refreshments, and a joyful atmosphere. “It’s always heartwarming to see the excitement on children’s faces,” a council member shared, recalling a touching story about a four-year-old asking Santa for bath bombs. Another highlight was the success of this year’s general events at Square Queen, which hosted 75 activities between June and October. “This year was even better than the last,” a councillor said, applauding the park’s role in bringing people together.
Sustainability emerged as a key theme during the meeting, with council members urging residents to embrace eco-friendly practices during the holiday season. Suggestions included carpooling, reducing air travel, and opting for local, experience-based gifts. “Why not offer a donation to a local organization or tickets to a concert instead of another gadget?” proposed one councillor.
Addressing safety concerns, the council approved enhanced signage at the intersection of Charles-Lennox and Mount Streets. The existing stop signs, which failed to meet provincial standards, will be replaced with upgraded signage to improve traffic control and pedestrian safety. The decision followed earlier debates about removing the stop signs, which were rejected due to the area’s high number of young families. “Safety is our priority,” a council member stated, praising the diligence of municipal services in finding a compliant solution.
Council members expressed gratitude to community volunteers and organizations that contributed to Lennoxville’s successes throughout the year. The delivery of holiday Lanterns (municipal newspapers), a collaboration involving local volunteers, was highlighted as a significant effort. Despite challenges in meeting a tight deadline and the ongoing postal strike, the initiative was well-received. “We appreciate everyone who stepped up to make this happen,” said a councillor, thanking those involved. Special thanks were also extended to local organizations like the Township Sun for hosting events that showcased both anglophone and francophone authors. Additionally, the holiday bird count, organized by the St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club, was promoted as a meaningful way for residents to connect with nature and contribute to environmental research.
The meeting wrapped up with reflections on the year’s accomplishments and a look ahead to 2025. Upcoming events, including the Christmas choir concert at the United Church, were highlighted as opportunities to continue building Lennoxville’s strong community spirit. Charron closed by wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season and inviting residents to the next council meeting on Jan. 28.
The meeting was adjourned near 5:30 p.m.