Francine Bastien, LJI Reporter
‘Affordable’ housing dominates the council meeting
Around forty people attended this session chaired by Mayor Richard Burcombe and in the presence of five councillors, the general manager, and the clerk.
Known for a long time and although it was not on the agenda, the issue of so-called ‘affordable’ housing in Brome Lake has attracted attention. It was a question from Benoît Laliberté, the entrepreneur of ‘Jardins de Lac-Brome’ (opposite the IGA) who got the ball rolling. His project called for 10 buildings of 12 housing units each. Bylaws allow eight dwellings per building in this location. He already built one building of 12 units with a permit allowing for eight. He filed a request with the town to make an exception (PPCMOI). The CCU and council refused this request. In total, the project would have included 50% more housing than permitted. Added to this are environmental constraints – wetlands on part of the lot – and lack of parking spaces. The contractor initiated a lawsuit against the town.
The future of the former Knowlton House residence (now Excelsoins) was then raised. To a speaker who claimed that the building was for sale, General Manager Gilbert Arel gave a categorical no and declared that the owners were “working with the town to improve the situation.” Could TBL use its pre-emption right to acquire the building and turn it into ‘affordable’ housing? The building is being renovated, replied the mayor.
At the same time, a citizen proposed to the Town to solicit wealthy residents of Brome Lake, and, in exchange for tax reductions for example, to contribute funds to the town in order to purchase properties, through a non-profit organization and make them available to build ‘affordable’ housing. An idea with which the mayor said he agreed.
Administration – TBL will guarantee a $150,000 loan from the Brome-Missisquoi MRC to the Lac-Brome Theatre. These funds must be used for the technical upgrade of the theatre as planned in its new action plan.
Bylaws – A public consultation will take place in March to discuss changes to zoning by-law 596 on warehouses as well as by-law 134 concerning minor exemptions in flood zones.
Leisure, culture and community life – Grant of $10,000 to the Knowlton Clinic to help maintain its services in 2024.
Next session: Monday March 4, 7 p.m. at CLB.