Lennoxville Councillor Guillaume Lirette-Gélinas, Borough President Claude Charron, and Councillor Jennifer Garfat. Photo by William Crooks

Lennoxville Council holds monthly public meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The recent Lennoxville Council meeting on June 25 was marked by impassioned discussions regarding escalating traffic concerns and safety issues within the community, human and animal alike. Presided over by Borough President Claude Charron and starting promptly at 5 p.m., a notable point of contention was the frequent and unauthorized passage of large vehicles, including Giant Tiger and Provigo trucks, on roads where they are explicitly prohibited.

“Despite the signs at the entrance indicating no trucks allowed, we still see these large vehicles making their way through,” said one resident during question period. This unauthorized traffic has led to significant congestion, particularly during peak hours. “Tonight, the traffic was backed up all the way to Beattie Road, with vehicles waiting to cross the bridge,” the resident added, referring to St. Francis Street and the bridge across the river to Bishop’s.

The heavy traffic has raised serious safety concerns among community members. The same resident emphasized the potential for accidents due to the congestion. “With so much traffic, it’s only a matter of time before an accident happens,” she stated.

Councillor Jennifer Garfat speculated the recent increase in traffic might be due to the closure of the Joffre Bridge.  

Council’s response

The council acknowledged the concerns and referenced previous complaints. “A few months ago, [someone] raised a similar issue,” mentioned a council member. They encouraged residents to use the town’s request system for logging complaints, ensuring they are documented and followed up on.

However, the council admitted that there had been delays in addressing these complaints. “It’s been two months since the request was made, and no action has been taken. We need to establish a timeline for these issues to be resolved.”

Residents were urged to continue voicing their concerns through official channels to exert pressure and prompt action. “The police have to be informed about the repetitive truck traffic. Specific times and dates when these violations occur should be noted for effective intervention,” the council suggested.

The same resident shared a frustrating encounter with the police. “I informed a police officer about the trucks and buses, and he advised me to file a complaint. But how can I note down the license plate numbers or specific times when I’m driving?” she lamented. The council reassured that these reports are crucial and advised providing as much detail as possible to facilitate police action.

Tree maintenance issues

Beyond traffic concerns, the meeting also touched upon the topic of tree maintenance. “I saw the trees after the intervention by Arboriculture de Beauce, and it’s devastating. They’ve cut the large pines, leaving just the trunks, which now look like totem poles,” the resident reported.

While these trees will no longer pose a threat to power lines, the resident stressed that the trimming did not address the smaller branches that could still interfere with them.

The council acknowledged the importance of maintaining the aesthetics and safety of the community’s greenery. “Proper maintenance under the power lines is critical for safety reasons,” a council member affirmed. They discussed the necessity of cutting vegetation at the ground level to prevent regrowth that could eventually pose a threat.

A resident also brought up the issue of deer crossing the roads. “With the flowering season, deer are often seen crossing, which poses a risk to both the animals and drivers. Could we have warning signs installed to alert drivers?” the resident inquired. The council agreed to look into the matter and consider the installation of appropriate signage.

The maintenance of ditches also came under scrutiny. “The ditches are rarely cleaned on time, and they become habitats for animals and ragweed,” a resident pointed out. The untimely maintenance, often conducted in August, fails to address the growth of ragweed effectively. Regular and timely cleaning would mitigate this issue, she said.

Preservation of the Maxi apple trees

A significant development discussed was the planned expansion of the Maxi parking lot. The council insisted on preserving the row of apple trees located next to the house that is set to be demolished. “We received a request for the expansion of the parking lot from the former Provigo, now Maxi. They’ve purchased the neighbouring house and plan to demolish it, but we have mandated that they must retain the apple trees on the property,” a council member explained.

Friendship Day celebrations

The council also reflected on the recent Friendship Day celebrations. “I would like to thank everyone who volunteered for Friendship Day. It was wonderful to see so many people come together despite the weather,” said a council member. The event saw a significant turnout, and the community spirit was evident.

“If anyone is interested in volunteering for next year’s event or any other activities, please come forward,” a council member added. The council also acknowledged the need for more organized efforts and better coordination to ensure the success of such events in the future. This year’s Friendship Day lacked a parade due to too few volunteers.

Chimney Swift preservation

The meeting also highlighted the need for preserving the local Chimney Swift population. “The chimney here in this building houses a rare Chimney Swift nest. It’s essential not to install a metal lining that could harm these birds,” the resident emphasized. The council reassured that no such installations were planned and committed to protecting the species.

The meeting was adjourned around 5:30 p.m.