News
The position of RLB regarding the waterski courses on Lake Brome It has been brought to our attention that rumours have been circulating recently to the effect that RLB is waging a war on motorboats on the lake. These rumours are completely without foundation.
RLB reacted early in September when a group of local water skiers, without prior public discussion, petitioned the Federal Government to approve the two existing water ski courses on Brome Lake.
Noting that the case being presented was missing some key detracting factors, RLB prepared a brief summarizing these factors and opposing the approval of ONE of the ski courses. Our main argument was that this course in its present location does not conform to the federal regulation since a portion of it exists well within the 150 metre low-speed zone. (This zone, maximum 10 km/hr, which encircles the lake and is marked by buoys was proposed by TLB in 1989 to reduce the impact of boat motors which may churn up the bottom in shallow water and release algae-generating phosphorus. It also serves to lessen shoreline erosion and protect swimmers and fishermen.)
Our brief (in French only) can be viewed on our web site (www.renaissancelbl.com) by clicking on Memoire_rlb_trace_de_ski on the French home page.
Renaissance Brome Lake against the Establishment of 2 Water Ski Courses on Brome Lake Renaissance Brome Lake has recently taken a very firm stand with regards to the establishment of 2 water ski courses on Brome Lake. You may remember that this summer a proposal was made by a pleasure craft association for the authorization of 2 water ski courses on the lake: one at the south, near marshland and another facing the Inverness condos.
Taking into account the current efforts being made to restore the lake and considering the environmental impacts of this project, RLB deems it inappropriate to permit the establishment of a water ski course that does not respect current regulations. That is, it is situated approximately 50 m from the marshlands and is anchored where the water is less than 2 m in depth.
 It seems more appropriate and practical to postpone this type of proposal and to integrate it into the approach to preserve the lake and its tributaries implying a more profound reflection on the water activities of Brome Lake.
By the same token, The Town, by a unanimous response to a vote among the Council, has declared that it is not opposed to this proposal insofar as ‘severe and rigorous warnings and buoys are installed concerning the ski courses’ (translated and paraphrased from original quotation). The committee of the environment of The Town had previously been opposed to the authorization of the course installed in close proximity to the marshlands; the ACA was equally of a negative opinion.
The decision ultimately rests in the hands of the federal government. The federal government exercises authority over navigation and its evaluation criteria include water safety and the public right to navigation when dealing with proposals of this type. The environmental concerns, however, are out of its jurisdiction which could cause an unfavorable conclusion to the issue.
Finally, please recall that Brome Lake and its watershed are more and more the target point of Quebec and that the ecologically responsible actions of all citizens is essential to success.
 RLB water ski course memoir (Fr only) TBL resolution on water ski courses (Fr only) Brome Lake and its watershed have been selected for a pilot project by MDDEP On august 25 Environment Minister, Mme Beauchamp, announced that the project presented by the Town of Brome Lake in partnership with RLB concerning Brome Lake and its watershed has been selected as a pilot project to be part of the province's plan to combat cyanobacteria.
This is very good news! It will permit innovative measures to be put in place to ensure improved water quality in the lake and its tributaries and to add to the knowledge and expertise of the relevant ministries.
It is certain that this project owes a lot to the resident community which has strongly supported efforts to protect and restore the lake. For that many thanks to all.
Gift of Johnson Motor RLB wishes to acknowledge the generous donation of a new 9.9 HP four-stroke Johnson motor from Pierre Beaudoin and Hélène Robitaille supplied byr BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). This will now power the 14' aluminium boat Renaissance recently acquired to enable as to collect samples form the lake, map algea patterns, and carry out our Secchi (water clarity) tests. Renaissance Brome Lake receives financial support from the Town of Brome Lake RLB is expanding its partnerships with the municipalities and organizations concerned with the quality of the water in the Brome Lake watershed.
As a partner of RLB, the Town of Brome Lake generously donated $10 000 to the organization. This financial support was discussed by mayor Richard Wisdom at the Annual General Meeting held May 24, 2008. RLB extends many thanks to the Town for allowing us to continue our work while respecting our budget.
This will ensure that we can continue our revitalization program, the monitoring of lake and tributary quality, as well as our quest to educate and inform residents of the Brome Lake watershed.
Again, thank you immensely.
The Duck Farm: Setting a Good 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!
Saturday June 7: The Final Shrub Sale a Clear Success!  Last Saturday, nearly 50 citizens were at the Knowlton Community Center to pick up their rose bushes and other shrubs that they had ordered.
At 9 o’clock, Mr. Robert Lapalme, a lake specialist, answered questions that citizens had regarding effective management of the shore line, the importance of managing the entire watershed, and the potential sources of phosphorous for a lake like ours.
 Overall the shrub sales organized by Renaissance Lac Brome in collaboration with COGEBY, succeeded in distributing 5 400 shrubs to more than 135 citizens. There are still some shrubs available. Those who are interested can contact Adam Lebel at 450-242-2784.
We would like to know your opinion on the possible organization of another sale next year. Your questions and comments are welcome, write to: info@renaissancelbl.com
Saturday May 24: Annual RLB General Meeting Approximately 175 citizens attended the annual Renaissance Lac Brome meeting. At the meeting, the assembly elected the new board of directors for 2008-2009.
The representatives of MDDEP, MAPAQ, COGEBY and l’Agence forestière de la Montérégie each presented their respective organization’s plans to improve the quality of the lake water.
The Town of Brome Lake presented its own plan to counteract the problem of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which is currently in the process of being put into practice. Renaissance Lac Brome notably announced several projects, some of which have already been put into effect: the duck farm, for example, has planted 11 000 trees on its property, and more than 5 000 bushes and shrubs have been distributed to 130 landowners.
Special guest Dr. David Bird, a well-known lake specialist, answered questions that concerned citizens had primarily regarding cyanobacteria, riverside and lakeside properties, as well as proper septic system management.
The assembly unanimously agreed on its support of the numerous projects in effect, and wished to ensure that the actions taken will be long-lasting. Those who participated in the meeting showed their support for their representatives and those who are working together towards the restoration of Brome Lake. See the PDF below.
We extend a thank you to our sponsors for the door prizes donated: IGA-Gazaille, J.L. Flanagan, RONA-Lévesque and Auberge Quilliams.
Reminders Membership Renewal for 2009: The Campaign is Running Please renew your subscription without delay. We need and appreciate your support!
Documents  RLB Action Plan for 2008
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