Willliam Crooks
Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, President Claude Charron, and Councillor Jennifer Garfat at the Lennoxville borough council meeting on Jan. 28

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxville’s borough council met on Jan. 28 at 5 p.m., with President Claude Charron presiding. The meeting covered tax assessments, student bonfires, the uncertain future of a vacant restaurant building, and the upcoming municipal elections. Councillors also shared community announcements and reflections on urban planning.

Tax assessments cause confusion

A resident raised concerns over the recent municipal tax assessments, stating that their property evaluation had increased by over $100,000. They initially feared a significant tax hike but found their actual bill was only $200 more than the previous year.

Charron explained that the evaluation process is conducted by the provincial government and that assessments are based on market conditions. “It’s a real evaluation,” he said. “They use averages from the sector, which means some properties see larger increases than others.” He acknowledged that single-family homes had seen higher valuation jumps compared to other property types.

The resident also inquired whether these assessments would affect home insurance rates. Charron noted that while insurance companies use their own calculations, rising material and labour costs could lead to increased premiums. “If you call your insurance company and tell them you think your coverage is too low, they are obliged to review it,” he said.

Student bonfires draw complaints

The Record asked about reports of students burning furniture in their front yards. It was noted that residents reported they found it inconsistent that it is difficult to obtain permits for backyard fires while students appeared to be setting fires without consequence.

Charron responded that complaints must be filed for action to be taken. “The police respond to these situations when they receive complaints,” he said. “They have to stick around to monitor the situation.” Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas suggested that if complaints become frequent, the borough’s community police officer, Billy Poirier, could step in to address the issue at a broader level.

No clear future for vacant restaurant site

The council was asked about the status of the former Sebby’s restaurant building, which has been empty for some time. Charron confirmed that there were no updates, and any speculation about a new plan was unverified. “We heard talk of a Burger King, but nothing official ever came of it,” he said. “The property owner applied for a permit, and it was granted, but there has been no movement since.”

Election decisions pending

The upcoming municipal elections in the fall were also discussed. Charron confirmed he would be running for re-election, while councillors Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas and Jennifer Garfat said they had yet to decide.

Community events and urban planning

Garfat listed several upcoming community events, including:

• Chase Away the Winter Blues at the United Church on Feb. 8
• A vernissage at Uplands on Feb. 9
• The Bishop’s University Fashion Show on Feb. 15, benefiting Community Aid
• The Women’s Centre’s International Women’s Day Supper on March 7

Lirette-Gélinas highlighted the borough’s Winter Fun Day on Feb. 1 at Atto-Beaver Park and reminded residents that project submissions for the participatory budget were open until Feb. 7.

Call for sustainable development

Lirette-Gélinas further used his address to reflect on the borough’s approach to urban planning. He invoked philosopher Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, asking residents to consider the broader consequences of their actions. “If everyone took their car just to go two blocks, what would that mean for our community?” he asked.

He stressed the need for Lennoxville and Sherbrooke to rethink their infrastructure to prioritize sustainability. “Cities have been built to favour cars, but with climate change, that way of thinking is becoming outdated,” he said. He encouraged residents to read Sherbrooke’s new strategic plan, which outlines efforts to promote ecological transition and sustainable urbanism.

Recognizing community contributions

The meeting closed with a mention of the recent King Charles III Coronation Medal awards, which honoured local citizens for their service. Lennoxville resident recipients included retired nurse Eleanor Ford-Beaulieu, former MP David Price, and Record publisher Sharon McCully.

The meeting adjourned at roughly 5:35 p.m. following these remarks, with the next public borough council session scheduled for Feb.25.