Environmental Subsidies

The Town of Brome Lake is committed to supporting its residents and business owners in the control of invasive or noxious alien plant species in the terrestrial environment. These non-native plants threaten our biodiversity, degrade our natural ecosystems, and affect the quality of our living environments.

What do we offer?

The Town provides pre-cut sections of geotextile fabric free of charge. These permeable synthetic covers block sunlight and prevent the growth of invasive species, making them a recognized and effective control method.

Targeted Species

This program is for property owners dealing with species that can be controlled by covering:

Japanese knotweed
Common reed (Phragmites)
Poison ivy
Goutweed
Any other terrestrial species identified as controllable through covering
This program does not apply to aquatic species such as Eurasian watermilfoil

Who is eligible?

Any owner of a residential or commercial property within the territory of Brome Lake.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To receive this assistance, you must:

Have a confirmed issue with invasive or noxious alien species on your property (verified by a municipal visit or a professional report).
Submit a control plan for the colonies on your property.
Agree to install and maintain the geotextiles according to the guidelines provided by the Town or an invasive species control professional.
Allow for a municipal follow-up visit to verify the installation's compliance.
Complete the application form and provide the required supporting documents.
Receive only one form of assistance per property per calendar year.

PROGRAM TERMS

Applications must be submitted by the deadline set annually by the Town.
Assistance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability.
Assistance may be provided for each lot you own.
The program is available while supplies last each year.

Interested in the program? Fill out the online application form to start your project!

For more information, contact the Environment Department at environnement@lacbrome.ca.

Program to create a rain garden at home!

The aim of this program is to implement sustainable rainwater management in the Lac-Brome area. Thanks to this project, the citizens of Brome Lake have access to support and financial assistance to create a rain garden on their property.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is created by excavating a depression in permeable soil. It is planted with a specific soil mix and plants adapted to the particular conditions of this environment. This design allows drainage of small impermeable surfaces such as roofs and driveways.

Its function is to infiltrate rainwater into the ground so that it is not discharged into lakes, streams, ditches and sewers. Groundwater also plays an important role in recharging the water table.

As well as being useful and effective, the rain garden is aesthetically pleasing, enriches biodiversity and attracts pollinators.

In the context of climate change, the development of these green infrastructures is an ideal way of reducing the impact of runoff on the health of the lake and preventing a shortage of drinking water. The Town strongly suggests that its citizens evaluate the possibility of installing a rain garden on their property.

Please note that all rain garden projects require pre-approval from the Town. Below are some examples of projects created in Brome Lake in 2024:

What is offered by the program

Free, personalized support for site assessment and rain garden planning;
A report including a calculation of the area of the garden and the quantities of materials required;
Reimbursement of 50% of the cost of the work and the purchase of plants, up to a maximum amount of $1250 per address.

Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the $10,000 envelope is spent.

Who can benefit from the program?

To owners of a residential or commercial property located within the territory of the Town of Brome Lake;
To individuals who have not yet received financial assistance from the Town for either the rain garden or rain barrel program (limit of one participation per year and per residence).

Eligible Projects

The rain garden must be installed on a property located within the territory of Brome Lake.
The property owner must have received an assessment visit and followed the recommendations of the report issued by the evaluator.
At least 50% of the plants used in the rain garden must be native species.
The rain garden must comply with stormwater management standards and best practices, as well as all applicable municipal by-laws.
The reimbursement application must be submitted as soon as possible following the rain garden's installation.
The rain garden project must have completed the pre-approval steps required by the Town's support program.

Eligible Expenses

Actual value of work required to create the rain garden, including excavation (work performed by a contractor or rental of machinery to do the work yourself);
Materials and substrates (types and quantities as specified in your landscaping plan);
Gutter modification work directly related to the rain garden;
Plants (50% indigenous).

Procedure

1. Make an appointment

For a free evaluation of the eligibility of your land, you can make an appointment with our environmental advisor by e-mail or by phone at 450-243-6111, extension 333.

This visit will allow you to receive all the necessary information, as well as the ideal location for your rain garden at home. It will be followed by a report including technical information to facilitate the realization of your rain garden.

2. Making of the rain garden by the citizen

Citizens can do their own landscaping or hire professionals.

To be reimbursed for a portion of the cost of your plants, 50% of them must be native species. Please note that the Town no longer provides the special substrate for rain gardens.

3. Fill out the refund form

Once you’ve completed your work, you’ll need to fill in the form (see below), which will be sent to our environmental consultant. You must have in your possession all the invoices required to complete the rain garden. We also require photos of your rain garden.

If you agree, your photos may appear in town publications and reports (without disclosing your contact details).

4. Final inspection and reimbursement

Once the form is received, a final visit will be made. Reimbursement can be made once the inspection is completed.

Refund form

Cloth Diaper Subsidy

Town of Brome Lake offers a financial incentive to parents of children aged 18 months or less who choose to use cloth diapers. The amount of the subsidy is equal to 50% of the purchase price, to a maximum of $150.

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Please note that you can only submit one request per child.

Click here for more information or contact our Family Resource Person at 450 242-2020.

The Town of Brome Lake offers a financial assistance program for the purchase of sustainable hygiene products and reusable ecological products.

This program is open to all residents of Brome Lake and is designed to reduce the purchase of single-use items at the source, thereby reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites.

Description et conditions

This financial assistance program for the purchase of sustainable hygiene products and reusable ecological products :

focuses on the reduction of single-use items at the source and therefore, of waste disposal
gives a financial boost to people who want to take concrete action to reduce their ecological footprint
has an annual budget of $5,000 and operates on a first come, first served basis

Apply

The financial aid program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The date used to determine the order of priority is the date the file is complete, i.e. when all required supporting documents are submitted. Only one application per person/family per year is permitted.

Steps

Fill out the form below and provide all mandatory supporting documents.
After analysis of your supporting documents, you will receive an email informing you :
1. That your request has been approved and that you will receive a refund;
2. that your request has been refused (annual amount allocated to the program has been reached);
3. or that your application was denied due to ineligible supporting documentation.

Required Supporting Documents

Valid proof of residence for the current year (e.g. tax bill, driver’s license, Hydro-Quebec service bill, telephone bill, Internet bill, etc.)
Bills

To be eligible

Purchases must have been made no more than 6 months prior to the date of the application. The date must be visible on the invoices.
For online purchases, the name and shipping address must be the same as the person making the request.
Purchases must be made in Canadian dollars. Taxes and shipping charges are not eligible for a refund.

Financial Aid

Refunded amount

50% of purchase price up to $50 per person or $100* per family
OR
75% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $50 per person or $100* per family if the products were purchased in a Brome Lake business

*The maximum amount reimbursed for cloth diapers is indicated in the cloth diaper subsidy program.

List of eligible products

Washable potty training pants
Cloth diapers for the pool
Washable diapers for babies
Washable nursing pads
Washable Absorbent Pants
Menstrual cups
Washable menstrual pads
Washable panty liners
Protective underwear for incontinence
Washable inserts (for washable diapers)
Ecological toothbrushes
Reusable makeup remover pads
Reusable tampon applicators
Bidet
Drying balls
Reusable toilet paper
Reusable razor
Reusable paper towels
Reusable snack bags

*Please see the Cloth Diaper Subsidy Program for terms and conditions

To apply, fill out the form below

Don’t have a computer or internet connection?

No problem, contact the Centre Lac-Brome reception at 450 242-2020, we will be happy to assist you.

Financial Assistance Program for sustainable hygiene products and reusable ecological products

Reimbursement

50% of the purchase up to $50 per person or $100 per family.
or
75% of the purchase up to a maximum of $50 per person or $100 per family if the products were purchased in a Brome Lake business.

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What Is a Rain Barrel and How Does It Work?

A rain barrel, also known as an eco-barrel or rain cistern, is a sealed container—typically with a capacity of 200 to 220 litres—connected to a building’s downspout to collect rainwater runoff from the roof.

Although the collected water is not potable, it can be used for a variety of outdoor purposes, including watering vegetable gardens, flower beds and lawns.

Good to know: A 200-litre rain barrel can collect enough water during a single heavy rainfall to keep a vegetable garden watered for several days. It is a simple, cost-effective way to conserve water and help protect the environment.

Why Is It Important?

To Conserve Drinking Water

Outdoor watering accounts for approximately 30% of a household’s drinking water consumption. By collecting rainwater, residents can reduce their use of treated drinking water and help preserve local water resources.

To Protect Water Quality, Streams and the Lake

During heavy rainfall, runoff flowing over impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots and sidewalks can carry pollutants—including sediment, metals, hydrocarbons and fertilizers—into streams and the lake. By capturing some of this water at the source, rain barrels help reduce pollution and improve the water quality of our precious Brome Lake.

Where Can You Buy a Rain Barrel?

Rain barrels are available from several retailers and organizations in the region, including:

Large hardware and home improvement stores (RONA, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, etc.)
Some garden centres
Environmental organizations offering discounted rain barrels, such as Le Vélo Vert

When choosing a rain barrel, look for a model that includes:

A secure lid to prevent mosquito breeding and accidental drowning of small animals
A spigot near the base for easy water access
An overflow hose to direct excess water away from the foundation

Town of Brome Lake Rain Barrel Rebate Program

The Town of Brome Lake encourages residents to adopt this environmentally friendly practice by offering a rebate for the purchase of a rain barrel.

Rebate Amount

The Town reimburses 50% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $75 per barrel, taxes included. Eligible expenses may also include downspout connection accessories.

General Conditions

Only one rebate is available per barrel per calendar year. To purchase an additional barrel, a new application may be submitted the following year.
Residents may not receive a rebate for both a rain garden and a rain barrel within the same calendar year.
Rebates are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds have been exhausted. Residents are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Eligibility and How to Apply

To be eligible for the rebate, residents must:

Install the rain barrel before submitting an application.
Provide proof of installation (such as a photograph).
Submit the application once the barrel has been installed and as early as possible during the calendar year, as rebates are available only while funds last.

Interested in the program? Fill out the online application form!

For more information, contact the Environment Department at environnement@lacbrome.ca.

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Controlling Invasive Terrestrial Plants