Photo by William Crooks
President Claude Charron and Councillor Jennifer Garfat discussed agenda items at the Nov. 26 Lennoxville borough council meeting, where Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas was absent
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At the Nov. 26 Lennoxville Borough Council meeting, chaired by President Claude Charron, safety issues and snow removal policies took centre stage during the question period. The meeting concluded with council members highlighting upcoming community events and local sports achievements.
Pedestrian safety questioned
A resident raised concerns about visibility at key crosswalks in Lennoxville, particularly on Queen Street near Maxi and Church Street, emphasizing the risks posed during dark winter evenings. “If they have a dark coat, you have no idea they are there,” the resident said, suggesting that better lighting or other measures could improve pedestrian safety.
The council explained that crosswalks in the area fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable (MTMD). “They are reviewing all crossings across Quebec,” Charron stated, noting that while some crosswalks are under local control, changes often take time due to budget limitations. The council encouraged residents to submit requests to the MTMD to prioritize these improvements.
The discussion also touched on pedestrian responsibility, with the council emphasizing the importance of wearing reflective clothing and using bike lights. Charron highlighted similar initiatives in Sherbrooke, such as the “Bon pied bon œil” safety campaign, which promotes cautious crossing practices.
Snow removal frustrations linger
Another resident voiced frustrations about inconsistent snow removal on Academy Street, questioning why only one side of the street is cleared in school zones. “Why do we have a double standard on Church Street versus Academy Street?” the resident asked, pointing to difficulties faced by locals navigating snowbanks, particularly during winter storms.
Council members responded that safety concerns had previously informed this policy, but the resident urged a re-evaluation. They suggested that the school or parent groups could submit formal requests to strengthen the case for change. “If the school itself submits a request, maybe it could shift the perspective,” Charron proposed.
Councillors’ messages: Seasonal celebrations and local pride
During the closing segment of the meeting, council members shared updates on festive activities and recent achievements. This Saturday, Santa Claus will visit Lennoxville, with activities including a sleigh ride between the United Church and Uplands, literacy-themed events at Uplands, and appearances at Square Queen. “It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together,” said council member Jennifer Garfat.
The council also celebrated Champlain College’s Cougars football team for winning the Bol d’Or championship and Bishop’s University’s Gaiters for their strong performance in the U Sports semifinals. “The importance of football to our community cannot be overstated,” remarked Charron.
Ongoing initiatives and funding
In other business, the council approved a $3,000 contribution to Bishop’s University for cultural programming open to the public and allocated $13,375 to the Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society. An agreement was also confirmed with the Eastern Townships School Board to maintain public access to an ice rink at Lennoxville Elementary outside school hours.
Charron adjourned the meeting by thanking attendees and reaffirming the council’s commitment to addressing resident concerns. Lennoxville’s monthly meetings can be found online on the City of Sherbrooke’s YouTube channel.