William Crooks
Outgoing Lennoxville Director André Blais, Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, incoming Director Cyrielle Fleury, Borough President Claude Charron, Councillor Jennifer Garfat, and Lennoxville Coordinator Gino Rouleau  

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the monthly Lennoxville borough council meeting held on Feb. 25, longtime Director André Blais’ departure became official, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning 15 years of dedicated service to the community. Presided over by Borough President Claude Charron, the meeting was attended by one resident, with Blais’ farewell being the highlight of the evening.

Councillors paid tribute to Blais, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the citizens of Lennoxville. “I want to highlight your dedication to the citizens of the city,” said a councillor. “You always sought to find compromises between citizens and bring them together.” It was also noted that despite occasional disagreements, Blais’ professionalism and pursuit of balanced solutions were always evident.

Blais’ legacy in Lennoxville is characterized by his efforts to bridge community differences, and his contributions were recognized by council members, who expressed gratitude for his leadership and vision. “We didn’t always agree on everything, but that’s not the point,” a councillor remarked. “The best of luck in your new adventures at the Arrondissement Des Nations.”

In addition to honouring Blais, the council warmly welcomed his successor, Cyrielle Fleury, setting a positive tone for the transition of leadership.

Budget approvals and urban development

In addition, the council addressed several agenda items, including financial allocations for community projects and urban development. One significant item was the renewal of a financial agreement supporting Square Queen. The budget initially allocated for the Lennoxville Street Festival has been redirected to maintain and enhance Square Queen, which has become a popular community space. Councillors emphasized its importance, noting that residents consistently provide positive feedback about the park’s vibrant atmosphere.

Urban planning was also discussed, including a minor zoning exception for the Oasis Christian Centre at 219 Queen Street. The council approved a modification recognizing that the building is positioned at 5.13 metres from the lot line instead of the required six metres. The adjustment was described as “very minor” but necessary to align the property with zoning regulations.

Infrastructure investments in parks

The borough approved a budget of $92,500 for infrastructure improvements in Lennoxville’s parks. Priorities include:

• $5,000 for enhanced lighting at the Civic Park monument honouring Lennoxville’s volunteer firefighters.
• $15,000 for a walkway extension adjacent to the Amedée Beaudoin Community Centre, improving pedestrian safety.
• $2,000 for graffiti removal and a new identification sign at Centennial Park.
• $5,000 to replace the identification sign for the Village d’Étudiants.
• $65,000 for improvements at a park near Watson Street.

These enhancements reflect the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe and accessible recreational spaces for the community.

Regulatory changes and procedural updates

The meeting included a review of procedural updates and by-law amendments. A draft by-law proposes adjustments to the internal rules and procedures of the borough council, including:

• Modifying the role of the borough director.
• Updating procedures for council deliberations.
• Introducing guidelines for remote participation by council members.
• Clarifying voting procedures, including provisions for secret ballots.

The amendments are intended to streamline council operations, ensuring efficiency and transparency in governance. The draft by-law will be made available on the city’s website for public review, with community members invited to submit questions or comments.

Community recognitions and announcements

Councillor Jennifer Garfat concluded the meeting by congratulating local athletes who participated in the Quebec Cup ski race at the Lennoxville Golf Club, acknowledging the volunteers who helped make the event a success. She also praised the fundraising efforts of Bishop’s University students, who raised $37,000 for community assistance this year, surpassing last year’s total of $28,000.

Before adjourning, Charron extended his best wishes to Blais, recognizing his leadership in community development initiatives, notably his role in the social and community development action plan for Lennoxville. “It was a big project,” Charron said. “We can put a medal on that for you.”

As the meeting closed near 5:30 p.m., Blais’ departure marked the end of an era for Lennoxville, leaving a legacy of community service and leadership. The council’s unanimous appreciation for his work underscored his impact on the borough, and his contributions will be remembered as an important chapter in Lennoxville’s history.