By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Lennoxville Borough Council’s March 18 meeting was short but packed with updates on community events and upcoming projects. With only one resident in attendance, the meeting moved quickly through formalities before borough councillors took the opportunity to share news about local initiatives, including the firefighter memorial and the participatory budget process.
Borough Councillor Jennifer Garfat provided an update on the firefighter memorial project, responding to a question about its timeline. She confirmed that the borough is still waiting for a response from the firefighters’ association regarding a suitable date for the dedication ceremony. “We’re hoping to hear back soon so we can start planning,” she said, adding that the borough aims to hold the event within the next few months.
A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the participatory budget presentation, which will take place at the Centre Amédée-Beaudoin on March 31. Residents will have the chance to review and vote on four different projects vying for funding. “For the first time, we have more than two contestants,” a councillor remarked, noting the added element of competition this year. Council members encouraged the public to get involved, emphasizing that votes can be cast in person, online, or at the borough office for those unable to attend on the set date.
In their closing remarks, councillors highlighted several upcoming events in the community. The Lennoxville Library was praised for its recent Canada Reads event, and council members acknowledged the successful return of the Women’s Centre’s International Women’s Day dinner, which hadn’t been held since 2019 due to pandemic disruptions.
Other community activities include the Grace Village book sale running from March 20 to 22, a public consultation on the Nature Plan scheduled for April 16, and a lecture by the Eastern Townships Resource Centre on asbestos and its global impact. Additionally, the Bishop’s University Singers are set to perform multiple shows at the end of the month, and council members recommended purchasing tickets in advance due to high demand.
