Brome Lake Now Better Protected
Brome Lake, June 27, 2024 – The Town of Brome Lake announces that it is reinforcing its protection of Brome Lake, as a new by-law comes into effect making it mandatory to clean boats before navigation.
Previously, cleaning was strongly suggested but not mandatory. The growing threat of invasive exotic species has prompted the municipality to regulate boat washing and define the application process. This was formalized by the adoption of a by-law at the May 6 municipal council meeting.
“We had to act quickly to prevent the zebra mussel from invading Brome Lake. The risk is real, since the species is already present in several lakes in the region, and many boaters travel from one lake to another,” explains Anaïs Renaud, Environmental Advisor for the Town of Brome Lake.
Before launching, boaters will have to obtain a wash certificate by having their boat cleaned at the station located at 685 Bondville Road. They will also have to empty any compartments that may contain water, such as ballast tanks and livewells, away from the lake, streams and ditches.
Residents, whether they live on the lake or not, will be able to obtain a vignette to navigate on Brome Lake without having to provide a wash certificate if they only navigate on Brome Lake. In 2024, only motorboats will require a vignette. Applications will be accepted as of July 2 in person at Town Hall or by mail.
When applying, residents will be asked to sign an agreement stating that they will have their boat cleaned before launching if they visit another lake or river. Further information is available at lacbrome.ca/en/boat-wash-station.
“It’s important to us that residents commit to having their boats washed if they visit another body of water. The health of the lake is a collective responsibility. We trust our residents, knowing that they take the health of the lake to heart,” says Louise Morin, Town of Brome Lake councillor responsible for the environment.
Helping to protect the lake’s biodiversity, the boat cleaning station is entering its fifth year of operation. Once again this year, cleaning is free of charge, and the service is available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until the end of August.