News

EUGENE PARK: RE-ESTABLISHING ALL THE FACTS!

In its latest edition, Tempo describes the approach and attitude of Renaissance Brome Lake as "reprehensible" in the case of revamping Eugene Park’s boat ramp. The editorial concludes that Renaissance has "changed its tune by not opposing this project any longer." Tempo concludes that Renaissance "should return to its initial position or else it will risk losing some of its members." These are harsh words that only reveal one aspect of a complex situation. We have no choice but to restore all the facts pertaining to this issue because this Tempo editorial is an exception to the tradition of rigor and impartiality which the newspaper has accustomed us.

For years, Renaissance has believed that the Eugene Park sector represents a very fragile environment, in which shore banks must be renaturalised. In 2010, the Homeowners Association of Eugene Park proposed an integrated project including stabilizing and replanting the shore banks as well as revamping the current boat ramp which has been there for many years. When the project was initially announced, we voiced our concerns in a letter to TBL asking the Town to reconsider the conformity certificate already issued. We still believe that the Town could have taken a stronger stand in protecting the lake in the evaluation of this project. Strengthened by the conformity certificate from TBL, the Homeowners Association of Eugene Park, in March filed for a certificate of authorization from the Ministry of Environment which was finally granted last July, after having to provide several clarifications. The Ministry concluded that the project represented an improvement for the shore banks and the boat ramp.

Taking note of this decision, Renaissance has been truly loyal to its mission of ensuring the protection of Brome Lake. Our unwavering concern throughout has always been to ensure that the implementation of this project, which is now inevitable, is done with the minimum environmental impact possible. In this single perspective, we have continued discussions with all the parties concerned. Deliberately, we have decided not to take a position in the private dispute between members of the association. However, we have actively participated in the meeting of August 12th, called by the Mayor of TBL to find constructive solutions.

We have managed, in conjunction with the Town, to "improve" this project, offering accommodations ranging beyond the demands made in the certificate of authorization. Thus, the opening of the ramp will not be 4 metres but 3 metres. The reconstruction of the ramp will require the closure of other private openings and therefore improve the integrity and renaturalisation of the shore banks. In addition, the use of the ramp will be allowed only for the private and recreational benefit of holders of access rights to the park. Finally, boaters will be subject to a strict code of conduct in the estuary of Pearson Creek and Elizabeth Bay. We intervened in this matter at all times considering the respect of the rights and jurisdiction of the parties. We have always sought to advance the cause of a healthier Brome Lake in a spirit of harmony and discipline, focused on solutions and environmental benefits for the many users of the lake. Finally, we are convinced that with such a mobilising and pragmatic approach, we can always count on the unwavering support and cooperation of our members.

The board of Renaissance Brome Lake

QUEBEC HOLDS HEARINGS ON HEALTH OF LAKES (August 17th 2010)

August the 17th, RLB will be in Québec to meet officials and present its thoughts and recommandations for the quality of water. To view the report click on the link below.

Brief to Quebec Gvt (in french)

Brome_county_news_2010_02

01/08/10: SMALL BLOOM CATEGORY 2A OBSERVED SUNDAY. THE WATER COLUMN IS SATURATED BY A LARGE QUANTITY OF GREEN DOTS (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE). MORE TO COME THIS WEEK.

AGM: A LOT OF ENTHUSIASM (05-06-10)

President_report_2010

NEW BY-LAW PROHIBITING FERTILIZERS ON LAWNS ON TBL TERRITORY (May 4 2010)

TBL just adopted a new by-law prohibiting fertilizers on lawns on all TBL territory (exceptionally a permit is possible in case of a very poor soil). Renaissance supports this by-law and asks citizens not to use fertilizers on their lawns. This by-law is part of many others to win the battle against blooms of blue-green algae and implement good environmental practices by reducing the input of phosphorus in the lake and streams. Golf courses situation will be studied in the coming year.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHRUBS AND BUSHES: A SUCCESS (08-05-10)

Saturday, May 8th, RLB distributed 921 shrubs to citizens that came to IGA parking. It was fun to see all those people interested to plant shrubs on their property and contribute to the quality of water of the lake and of the streams.

Thank you every body, specially the volunteers and IGA Knowlton:

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS ON IT’S WAY (2010/04/03)

Please renew you membership as soon as you can. We need your help. The following members won a pair of complementary passes for the Biodôme of Montréal, the Insectarium or the Planétarium:

-Andrew Stuart Robertson, Robinson Bay
-Claude Demers, West-Brome Road
-Diane Dodier, Robinson Bay
-Donna Wright, Vétérans street
-Suzanne Dionne, Fisher’s Point
-Daniel Moore, Bondville road

RENAISSANCE BROME LAKE IS RELEASING IT’S 2009 ACTIVITY REPORT (March 15 2010).

RLB Executive Report - 2009

Renaissance Lac Brome is releasing today its "Activiy Report for the 2009 Season".

Summer 2009 was bad: the cyanobacterial blooms were intense from mid-August. The toxicity of cyanobacteria was higher than ever. We must immediately make changes to the ways of doing and living.

Have a look at the summary. The full report (in French) is available on our "documents" section. This 50-page document, crammed with graphs and tables, consists of a detailed analysis of Brome Lake water quality measurements made by RLB. You will learn a lot about RLB’s activities and progams.

BRIEF TO QUEBEC GOVERNMENT: STATE OF THE LAKES

RLB’S IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MASTER PLAN

See below the summary of the UDT report and the presentation Renaissance made at the public consultation meetings.

Summary_udt_english

Presentation_Master_Plan

DO NOT STIR UP THE SEDIMENTS!!! (15-08-09)

THE DUCK FARM: SETTING THE EXAMPLE

As of now the revitalization work being done on the Duck Farm is complete. Some very important undertakings have been realized thanks to the collaboration of the managers of the Farm with several organizations namely, the Ministère des ressources naturelles et de la faune, the Agence forestière de la Montérégie, the Ministère de l’agriculture and COGEBY. All of the work done is beneficial for Brome Lake.

More than 11 000 trees have been planted on the 14-acre span separating the Duck Farm buildings from the lake, therefore there will no longer be any manure spreading in that particular area. The shores of the Pearson stream have been cleaned up and more than 2 000 trees have been planted along its shores. Also, perhaps you may have noticed that a hedge, small as it may currently be, has been placed along Centre road. Not only is this new addition ecologically friendly but it also adds to the scenery!

A connection between the Farm’s manure tank and the municipal system remains to be established. The prospects of an agreement on the subject are promising.

In short, solid partnerships and sincere cooperation are vital to the success of these projects. Congratulations and thanks to all!

If there are any similar issues that you think should be at the heart of an impending project, do not hesitate to let us in on it. Your ideas are appreciated and welcome!

Reminders

Membership Renewal for 2010: The Campaign is Running

Please renew your subscription without delay. We need and appreciate your support!

Documents

Action plan 2009 (in french)