By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Cookshire-Eaton’s town council held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 2, presided over by Mayor Mario Gendron at the town hall. With five residents in attendance, the council tackled a variety of topics ranging from community contributions to infrastructure planning, setting the stage for a proactive 2025. Despite lasting only about 30 minutes, the meeting was packed with discussions addressing the town’s immediate needs and long-term goals.
One of the evening’s highlights came during the question period when a resident inquired about the status of land development around the municipal airport. The inquiry focused on whether previously submitted proposals for rezoning agricultural land were moving forward. Mayor Gendron explained the situation in detail, clarifying that the airport and its surrounding land are owned by Sherbrooke. “The airport lands belong to Sherbrooke, but we are here to support developers who wish to work on projects in the area,” he said. Gendron emphasized that while the town plays a supportive role in terms of zoning guidance and services, final decisions rest with Sherbrooke authorities.
Proposals for the area include converting agricultural land to industrial use for constructing additional hangars and research facilities. Gendron also pointed out that these projects could bring new opportunities to the community but noted that the process involves navigating provincial agricultural zoning laws. “We accompany the developers as much as we can, but the decision-making process is layered and involves various levels of government,” he said.
Financial support for community organizations formed a significant part of the council’s discussions. The council approved contributions for several groups, with a particular focus on initiatives supporting young families and children. A $10,000 allocation to the Centre de Périnatalité Sociale stood out as a meaningful investment in family well-being. The funding will assist in providing access to healthcare and other essential services. “These contributions ensure that we are building a community where families feel supported and valued,” Gendron said.
