William Crooks
Chantal Turgeon, Action Vision Sherbrooke candidate for Lennoxville’s Uplands seat, pictured at Bekkah’s Bakery in Lennoxville on Oct. 1

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At a table in Bekkah’s Bakery in Lennoxville, Action Vision Sherbrooke candidate Chantal Turgeon spoke Oct. 1 about her decision to run for the Uplands seat in the upcoming municipal election, outlining her priorities for the borough and her commitment to teamwork.

Turgeon, who has spent much of her life in the Lennoxville community through volunteering and work, said her decision to enter politics came after encouragement from colleagues and friends. “My name was already circulating. They asked if I’d be interested in becoming a candidate, and I thought about it. I looked at what it would involve and said, yes, that would be very interesting indeed,” she said.

Community roots and background

Although originally from Cold Lake, Alberta, Turgeon has deep ties to the region. She attended Alexander Galt High School, studied at the Université de Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University, and has worked in teaching, including as an English as a Second Language instructor. She also volunteers at the Uplands Museum, serves tea at community events, and works as an invigilator at Bishop’s.

“I don’t live here, but I do a lot of volunteer work. I’m very involved in the Lennoxville area,” she said.

Key issues: Safety, bilingualism and consultation

Turgeon identified safety and bilingual status as central concerns for Lennoxville. She pointed to a recent debate about the bike path project as a turning point that drew her attention to local politics.

“I walk around town quite a bit, and there was a meeting at the town council about the bike path. It was very interesting, and I think we have to listen. There is a solution to be found,” she said.

Traffic safety and public transport also figure prominently in her platform. Turgeon recounted how she flagged a malfunctioning pedestrian light at Town Hall, which was later fixed. “We have to make it safe for everyone — pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users — because that’s a primary concern here,” she said.

The borough’s bilingual status, she emphasized, must remain protected. Turgeon added that businesses and residents should always be consulted before decisions are made. “Everybody has to be included to find a solution,” she said.

Why Vision Action Sherbrooke

Asked why she chose to run under the Vision Action Sherbrooke banner, Turgeon said her values aligned with the party. “The objectives of the party are in line with mine. Working as a team is very important to me,” she explained.

She praised party leader Guillaume Brien as “excellent” and “a very determined man who knows where he’s going, and a great leader.”

Campaigning and party politics

With about a month left before the Nov. 2 vote, Turgeon said her campaign will be focused on visibility and personal contact. “Signs are up, but more importantly, I’m working on door-to-door visits. I think that’s essential,” she said.

She was also present at the Pumpkin Festival, using the event as an opportunity to speak with residents.

On the question of running with a party versus as an independent, Turgeon said she values collaboration. “I believe we’re stronger as a team, covering more ground together. Teamwork has always been important to me,” she said.

Turgeon said she sees her candidacy as an extension of her long-standing involvement in the Lennoxville community. From listening to residents on safety and services, to ensuring the protection of the borough’s bilingual status, her message remains centred on consultation and collaboration.

“I’m involved in the community, and it would be a challenging role, but I think it’s important to make sure voices here are heard,” she said.