The record, 24 avril 2012, Supplément 1

NEW plomberiegoyer.com 450 263-2226 150 Sherbrooke St., Cowansville rts.-v- a.PLUMBING YOUR WATER TREATMENT SPECIAUST CMMTQ E s day, March 24, 2012 TBL workers prepare land for new garage $2.9 million loan bylaw still not approved by MAMROT By Frank Nixon Last week, public works employees of the Town of Brome Lake were busy preparing the land off Mill Road in Bondville, for a new municipal garage.The town is still awaiting approval from the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MAMROT) for a $2.9 million loan bylaw for the new garage, adopted by council in Nov.2011.The loan request is under investigation, after it received complaints from residents, including a detailed complaint lodged on Dec.11, 2011 by Peter White, on behalf of the Town of Brome Lake Taxpayers Association.Despite the controversy and lack of approval from MAMROT, council announced on March 5, 2012, at its regular monthly council meeting, that the firm EXP has been given a mandate to conduct “geotechnical specifications and surveys” at the new site.The approved cost for the study is $21,500.This latest mandate follows on the heels of a contract awarded to Cimaise-FBA for “professional architectural services" valued at $78,380 and a contract to EXP for "professional engineering services,” as announced at the regular monthly council meeting on Jan.9, 2012.On Dec.2, 2011, the register was signed by 454 citizens opposing the loan bylaw.The vote was just short of the 500 signatures required in order to trigger a referendum.West Brome bridge closure blindsides many residents Bridge closed until October; MTQ gives public one-week notice By Frank Nixon The bridge on route 139 in West Brome will be completely closed from April 24 to October, according to a public statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Quebec (MTQ) on April 18.“The rehabilitation of the bridge on route 139 route will result in the complete closure of the bridge over the Ya-maska River from April 24 to October,” said Isabelle Buisson, spokesperson for the MTQ.“Users are invited to use detour roads via routes 139,104 and 215.” News of the bridge closure caught many area residents by surprise.“The population was given only one week’s notice of this change,” said Linda jBB Spear of Sutton, in a letter to Sutton’s |§ town council.“This leaves little time for alternative arrangements to be made for those who commute to the north of Sutton.” Spear added: “While I don't think anyone will deny the necessity of repairing or replacing the 67-year-old bridge.Transport Quebec appears to have acted with little or no consideration for the needs of ^le lust-minute notice of the bridge closure took residents by sur-the population.Our elected officials need PriSL'' NORD BARRÉE DU 24 AVRIL À OCT A WEST BROME PHOTO BY l-KANK NIXON to make representations to them in the strongest possible terms.They seem to have been caught asleep at the switch.” Gille Lavoie, coordinator of Sutton’s Citizens’ Forum, says his group met with town hall officials on April 17 to discuss ways to minimize the impact on merchants and businesses in Sutton.“It goes without saying that Sutton merchants and citizens should be part of the discussions," said Lavoie.He added: “The idea of providing a temporary bridge [Bailey bridge] for light-duty vehicles, built in a day by the army, and offered free of charge by our good Harper government would be welcome.” PHOTO BY FRANK NIXON A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabri-cated truss bridge.It was first developed by the allies during World War II and can be used in civil engineering construction projects today, to provide temporary crossings for foot and vehicle traffic.While the bridge closure caught many area residents by surprise, Alan Edwards of Edwards General Store in West Brome, said he knew that replacing the bridge “was in the works" for the past two years.“It came as no surprise to residents who live near the bridge," said Edwards.Edwards added that MTQ officials met with residents living in the immediate vicinity of the bridge to advise them of the work ahead.Jaan-fnmçoés Lévmqua Sales Manage» COWANSVILLE M.Milot It M.BéUsU S.I.N.C.Pharmaciens propriétaires W/' tAwnou- FRIDAY NIGHT 165 rue d* Satabarry 450 263-6868 Cell 450 777-6323 ventes ® Cowansville toyota.ca Wrecl 4SO-26J-SS55 ext.2*4 y 2& n« Mncerit Nod l«M*Qc JHJ» T4L440-U64WS W Meets SEAFOOD ' I BUFFET ' WWAap-W—40 WBNt U6T .ruu WWW -awbxJh Au>hce6Spa West Brome 450-266-7552 y page 2 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Brome County News About Townshippers’ Mental Throughout Quebec, the first week of May of each year is dedicated to promoting mental health.For more than ten years, Townshippers’ Association’s health partners have teamed up with other community and public organizations in Brome-Missisquoi to organize activities for this week.Last year’s activities took place in Cowansville and included a flash-mob at Massey-Vanier, a presentation by speaker Mike Santoro, and the annual walk for Mental Health Awareness culminating with a BBQ at Davignon Park.This year’s Mental Health Week runs from May 7 to 13, and the organizing committee invites the public to participate in a number of activities.On May 8, a solidarity walk for mental health will parade down the streets of Farnham, host of this year’s Townshippers’ Day.This important walk will bring together a wide segment of the Brome-Missisquoi population, including those living with a mental illness and counsellors in the region.Everyone will be meeting at the En-trée-Chez-Soi Community Resource Centre, situated at 525 St-Édouard Road, at 11 a.m.From this starting point, the festive walk will take us to the Station Gourmande, where you are invited to join us for a cold buffet.Information and promotional material aimed at eliminating prejudices and misconceptions Keep smiling! Health Week in Brome-Missisquoi related to mental health issues will be available throughout the event.The activity will still take place rain or shine.A symbolic contribution of $3 will be requested.On May 11, the Theatre des Tournesols will be the site of a talent show with a “Pay it Forward” theme.This event will showcase the creativity and talent of those living with a mental illness.Participants will “Pay it Forward” to all those who have helped them move towards well-being.This simple show is addressed to all those concerned with mental health.Townshippers’ Association and its partners will also be launching a resource directory.This directory of community and institutional resources will be distributed throughout the territory providing individuals with mental illness information about services.Please contact Lindsay Tuer at 450-242-4421 or by e-mail at LT@township-pers.qc.ca for more information.The following organizations have participated in the planning of Mental Health Week 2012: CSSS La Pommeraie, Entrée Chez Soi Brome-Missisquoi, L’Éveil, L’Oasis santé mentale Granby et région.Le Phare source d’entraide and Townshippers’ Association.The committee wishes to thank all the generous contributors and collaborators.mrîm &X JOYCE miBAULT Lindsay Tuer, cocoordinator, Montérégie East Network, ET Partners for Health and Social Services was all smiles with the partners of the Massey-Vanier flash mob, part of last year’s Mental Health Week festivities.Centre Lac-Brome’s new board meets Swimming lessons at Douglass Beach may be re-introduced By Frank Nixon The recently elected board of directors of Centre Lac-Brome held its first meeting on April 19 to discuss plans for the community centre for 2012.The board is made up of ten residents, representing each of the different sectors of the community, plus one councillor designated by the town.Elections are held every year at its annual general meeting in March.Planned goals for the community centre in 2012 include re-introducing swimming lessons at Douglass Beach, new tennis courts with synthetic grass surfacing for Lions Park, improvements to Prouty Park in Bondville, an “Animators-in-training" program for the day camp, and setting up an outdoor exercise training system for both adults and seniors at Lions Park.Some of the accomplishments in 2011 included im- linmu- County NEWS Virginia Wilson Advertising Consultant Let our rcaticrs know about, yxir product* & Sfr**» Tel.: 450-242-6Ô92 Fax: 450-243-5155 email: vwil»on#»Kerbrook*necord.com provements to the parks in Ful-ford, Foster and West Brome and Knowlton.Davis Park in Fulford received a play module for children 0-5 years, a swing set and a new floor was laid in Davis Hall.Ovide-Dagenais Park in Foster received two play modules, one for children 0-5 years and another for children 5-12 years, and a swing set.Edwards Park in West Brome received a play module for children 5-12 years, a new swing set and a soccer field.The gazebo was moved, as well.A path was built in Lions Park in Knowlton and an outdoor exercise system for the park was purchased.For a complete list of community centre activities and programs, including volunteer opportunities, go to: in-fbloisirs@ville.lac-brome.qc.ca.COURTESY PHOTO Members of the Board 0/Directors of Centre Lac-Brome.From left to right - Sitting: Tony Newman, Christine Deslandes, Lise Valois, Jacques Lecours.Standing: Christina Bushey, Charles Christie, Michael Caluori, Francine Bastien, Martin Lavoie, Bill Baldwin, Alison Milligan.I Justice ~____________________________ZT I BELIEVE.I GIVE.A Dw SSST 1 8&S 234-8533 www.cievp.org Brome County News Tuesday, April 24, 2012 page 3 Dock may be re-installed at Douglass Beach Structure unused for years due to ‘swimmer safety’ issues By Frank Nixon Sitting on the dock at Douglass Beach to view the sunrise over Brome Lake or to watch sailboats pass by under the noonday sun, has been a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.However, for the past several years the dock located at 215 Lakeside Rd., in Knowlton, has not been used.Seven floating sections and 23 fixed sections remain stacked together at the beach, leaving many residents to ask “why”?The dock was purchased by the town for swimming classes but the classes were discontinued for safety concerns re- PHOTO BY FRANK NIXON felt’ .« - ¦¦ .•• -, >• jtg*' jj; saaifcî!» - Dismantled dock sections at Douglass Beach.Douglass Beach is evaluated by Quebec’s environment ministry.The objective is to ensure that bathers have information about the quality of the water, and can enjoy the lake with complete peace of mind.A rating of A, B, C, or D is awarded, based on an analysis of the bacterial quality of the water.A test performed by the environment ministry last year, in August, gave Douglass Beach an “A” rating.“1 do believe that the dock should be reinstalled and it should be used once again for swimming classes,” said Brome Lake Councillor Patrick Ouvrard, responsible for the environment and zoning.Although floating docks and ramps are a common sight at many public beaches, it is not yet possible to dock or launch a boat at Douglass Beach.There is a ramp for small boats -kayaks, canoes, windsurfers - at Tiffany Park, but this site is not in walking distance to Knowlton.Tiffany Park is located on Lakeside Road, between Foster Hnmc ‘^for swimming classes but has not and Knowlton.hecn used)or several ^ “In my report on Lake Access, I com- who lives near Douglass Beach.“Boating mented upon the possibility of a public and swimming can be separated by sep-dock allowing residents on the lake to arate entry points to each area." travel by boat to Knowlton, tie up and Other uses for the dock have been sug-walk to shop in town," said Peter Wade, gested.such as using the dock at Mill a long-time commentator on Brome Uke p0nd in Knowlton.“Mill Pond would be affairs.“The dock at Douglass Beach worthexploring.ifthedockremainsun-would be ideal for this.” used at the beach,” said Gerry Moar, Wade added: ‘I think this is an idea owner of Marina Knowlton.certainly worth exploring." Mayor Gilles Decelles agreed to look “A boat launch and temporary dock- into this suggestion, ing space at Douglass Beach would give “Once the |Blackwood| dam work is access to “Boonie” boat owners who pay done we will look into it,” said Decelles.for, yet never can access the lake,” said Douglass Beach will be open from Morris Croghan of P'ulford.June 23 to August 14.For further infbr- “This is really the only usable beach mation, call 450-242-2020 or e-mail: in-the public has,” said another resident.foloisirs@ville.lac-brome.qc.ca.lated to the blue-green algae controversy and “swimmer’s itch,” explained Johanne Morin, executive director of recreation and community services.Concerns over public security and maintenance of the dock were among other reasons cited.That said, Morin said there is a good chance the dock will be re-installed this year if the community centre re-introduces its swimming lessons.“There has been renewed interest from parents for classes,” said Morin, adding that tests on the water quality at the beach over the past couple of years have been very good.Each summer season, the water at I COURTI SY PHOTO The dock was purchased by the Town oj mms'; " „ .-;g Brigham consults residents on recurrent flooding By Patrick Lacroix Nearly 30 residents of Decelles and Fortin streets and Chemin Choiniere in Brigham answered their municipality’s invitation to a public information session at the end of last week.On the agenda was the thorny problem of persistent flooding in their area, with six such episodes occurring in 2011 and two already in 2012.There are currently 71 primary and 26 secondary residences in that sector, and 88 per cent of the combined figures are located within a flood zone that is overtaken by the swelling of the Yamaska River at least once every two years.Municipal authorities presented the results of a survey that had been communicated to 131 property owners in the sector and to which 89 provided answers.Seventy-three per cent expressed interest in staying in their current loca- tion, while the others hope to take part in a government-funded indemnity program that would enable them to move to another area.A third option, that of receiving financial support for moving one’s house out of the flood zone, elicited no support whatsoever.In a hypothetical scenario in which government compensation would be impossible, 48 per cent expressed willingness to pay at least in part for public works that would minimize the impact of flooding; 42 per cent opposed additional changes and the cost such alterations would bring; and 10 per cent of respondents abstained from the question.No proposed change to structures or the landscape garnered a consensus, on a question for which the municipality allowed multiple answers.Twenty-seven per cent support improving the dam at the outlet of Brome Lake; 26 would want to have a new dam upstream; slightly lower proportions of residents are in favour of digging a canal, building a new access road along the airport, or raising their houses.Only 14 per cent of surveyed property owners would be willing to pay $600 per year or more for alleviating measures.The area represents $11.9 million in aggregated property value.Owners who hope for government Cont’d on PAGE 8 C/)ési4)4A/\ 'tc/tjîl mes i salons funéraires -funeral homes uwAMiUny fi/hefamee.Cowansville ADMINISTRATION Farnham CRÉMATORIUM Ange-Gardien Cowansville Henryville Jean-Pierre and Robert Désourdy Owners Knowlton 7u 318, chemin Knowlton Mansonville 4.run V.ilc Parkin*.v>o 292 3^04 Sutton D'H Tl.rua Principale Sud 450 m2 page 4 Tuesday, April 24.2012 Letter ¦ Brome County News TBL contract overruns; bridge closure West Brome Dear Editor: At our weekly meeting on April 22, the executive of the Town of Brome Lake Taxpayers Association resolved to support publicly the efforts of TBL Mayor Gilles Decelles to get to the bottom of a reported 53 per cent cost overrun on a contract awarded to DJL Bromont Inc.for new sidewalks and repaving on Pine Street in Knowlton.We believe that Mayor Decelles deserves the strong and public support of all taxpayers in carrying out this mandate, as reported in the Brome County News of April 17.The TBLTA is also very concerned about reports of shocking possible cost overruns on wood-chip contracts awarded by TBL to Bromont Terrasse Inc.in 2010 and 2011.Finally, the TBLTA is sending a formal letter to the Minister of Transportation of Quebec endorsing the suggestion made by Dr.Linda Spear of Sutton to alleviate the great inconvenience to be caused by the closure for 23 weeks of the bridge over the Yamaska River on Highway 139 at West Brome in TBL.Dr.Spear notes that when the present bridge was being built 67 years ago, two temporary Bailey bridges were erected, one on either side of the construction site.The TBLTA sees no reason why we cannot be as sensible and resourceftil as our forefathers were.Peter White TBLTA Massey-Vanier Science Fair winners h®- Kieran Duke and Casey Benoit, gold medal winners for Secondary 5 chemistry and winners of the M-V science fair scholarship.PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE JOHNSTON Brome County NEWS St) VrtnuA Si.Kmminw, (feme.JOE HD Ti F«: |4S0).>«5155 KmElishcd Mu; I»! PuNisWwAMiv RECORD 1195 Galt E« Sherbrooke.QUOpc.JIG 1Y7 VAX.(819) S69n194S E-mau : newsroom&sheHmx'kcivcorU com website: wwwihetbrookereiurd com Sharon MtOur Piwnifk me.Riomont, CbminsvlUe.Fust Hum hum.Hoster, l ulfoni.knowlton (Brome lake).Sutton.Bolton Centre, VWst Brome.The Record was founded on February 7.1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Fxam-mer (est 1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908 The Ream! is published by Alta Newspaper Group limited Partnership Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Mem (ht ABC.CARD.CNA QCNA Horticulture alive and well at Brome Fair As manager of the Brome County Agricultural Society I would like to take this opportunity to advise everyone that there will be horticulture exhibits at Brome Fair 2012 and everyone is welcome to submit entries.I realize that there is much confusion in the air these days as the Horticultural Society has decided to no longer be part of Brome Fair.I do not wish to further comment on that matter, however I do want to assure everyone that the board of directors of the Brome County Agricultural Society realizes the importance of horticultural exhibits as part of Brome Fair and it will be business as usual.All past horticulture exhibitors will receive by mail the Brome Fairbook 2012, which will include a horticulture section explaining the rules/regulations and classes that will be available.Anyone new interested in exhibiting at Brome Fair is welcome as well and all the information will be available on our website at www.bromefair.com.If I may also take this opportunity to invite anyone who is interested in volunteering with the Brome County Agricultural Society to please stop by the office and let us know.Volunteers are the foundation of Brome Fair, and have been since 1856, this tradition continues and we are always pleased to have new members willing to join our team.I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience surrounding this matter.I wish you all a great gardening season and I for one am looking very forward to seeing the many exhibits at Brome Fair on Labour Day weekend.Sincerely, Gale Johnson Manager - Brome County Agricultural Society.Community partnership recognized as BMP Hospital inaugurates vital new technology More than 150 people gathered at the BMP Hospital on Wednesday, April 11 to help the BMP Foundation recognize and honour three important partners in the acquisition of three new pieces of key diagnostic technology.The evening marked the inauguration of a new digital mammography unit, a new biopsy table, and a new “state-of-the-art" CAT Scan unit that has recently been installed at the BMP Hospital of the CSSS La Pommeraie.The three units represent an investment of $2.25 million, for which the Quebec Ministry of Health paid $1.5 million and for which the BMP Foundation has contributed over $700.000.The latter contribution was made possible by the partnership and key support from three very important parties, explained BMP Foundation President, Pierre Marziali.The first group to lead in the project was the Yamaska Valley Optimist Club, an active women’s service organization which organizes the annual Walk against Woman's Cancer eachrfall in the BCN RATES & DEADLINES COMMUNITY CALENDAR Brome County News Community Calendar Is reserved for non-profit organizations only.Deadline is noon on Fridays A pre-paid fee of $7 is required per publication, or SPECIAL RATE of $13 for 2 insertions: 1 BCN & 1 in Friday Record “What's 0n“ section.Please forward notices to 5-b Victona St., Knowlton, QC JOE 1V0, email: bcnnews@qc.aibn.com, or fax: (450) 243-5155.Visa and Mastercard accepted.Town of Brome Lake.“Over four years, the club raised $220,000 toward this project specifically.They were the first organization who agreed to partner with us towards this goal,” added Marziali.“It was they who accepted the challenge in the first place, and they have worked long and hard each year, to help realize this goal.Our Foundation truly values the support, the leadership and the perseverance that they have shown throughout.” The fund was further supplemented by a gift of $321,000 from the estate of Mrs.Jonet Gillett, a resident of Sutton who passed away in December of 2009.Mrs.Gillett’s bequest was earmarked specifically for a unit that would help in the battle against cancer.“Mrs.Gillett was a very private lady who fought long and hard against cancer.Her bequest is a way in which she can continue that fight posthumously, helping in turn many others who fight the same battle.” A third key partner and one which has been a longstanding supporter of the hospital was the BMP Auxiliary.The Auxiliary, a team of over 50 volunteers, contributed $70,000 towards the project.It’s not the first time the Auxiliary has responded in this manner.The organization has helped fund each of the previous mammography units that the BMP has purchased, as well as providing key surgical equipment, nurse’s training and other important contributions for Hospital staff and users for close to a century now.The remainder of the Cont’d on page 11 ¦MBMMi BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, April 24.2012 page 5 COWANSVILLE ;) TOYOTA NISSAN P®[ja Tfrao© ^Liquidation off second-han hicules under the tent” ®°ntlnUes :« * m-:* ®toyota amaaa 0 (l'' C MIRVS UKR HOZVOA,