Knowlton Sector: Town Maintains Interim Control By-Law and Continues Review of Its Planning Tools

The Town of Brome Lake announces that it will maintain its interim control by-law (ICB) in the village core of the Knowlton sector. The by-law temporarily prohibits the construction of certain types of residential and development projects. It will remain in effect until the Town’s new planning by-laws are adopted, which is expected by the end of 2027 or early 2028.

An amendment to the by-law nevertheless allows certain commercial projects to proceed, provided they meet the applicable requirements. This amendment aims to support the vitality of the village core while ensuring that projects are consistent with the planning vision currently being developed by the Town.

Temporary rules to protect the planning process

The ICB came into force in October 2025. It is intended to prevent certain projects from moving forward before the Town has completed its reflection on the future of the village core and adopted its new planning by-laws.

This transition period has allowed the Town to analyze the existing rules and identify the changes required. The analysis showed that general standards alone would not be sufficient to ensure the quality and proper integration of future residential projects.

The Town will also need tools that allow it to assess certain projects on a case-by-case basis, particularly with respect to their architecture, location and integration into the surrounding environment.

The ICB therefore maintains restrictions on, among other things:

• buildings containing three or more dwelling units;
• residential buildings of more than two storeys;
• integrated projects and comprehensive development projects;
• certain subdivision operations.

The reflection on housing continues

Public consultations held over the past several months have shown that housing-related issues have not yet reached a consensus within the community. Several questions remain to be explored: What types of housing should be encouraged? What forms of development reflect the needs of the population and the character of Brome Lake?

In this context, the Town wishes to continue examining these issues and clarify its position as part of the review of its Planning Program, the document that establishes the vision for land-use planning and development over the coming years.

“Maintaining the interim control by-law allows us to continue reflecting on the future of the village core and to ensure that the projects we authorize are consistent with the directions that emerge from the review of our Planning Program,” explains Brome Lake Mayor Lee Patterson. “At the same time, we want to avoid unnecessarily slowing the commercial vitality of the sector. We must find a balance between the evolution of the Knowlton sector, the needs of the community and the preservation of the village core’s distinctive character.”

At the regular meeting held on October 6, a notice of motion was given concerning draft By-law 2026-13, which would amend By-law 2025-06 respecting interim control and the planning vision for the village core of the Knowlton sector. The final version of the by-law is scheduled to be adopted at the November meeting.

Public participation activity on November 7

The review of the Planning Program is continuing. As part of this process, residents are invited to attend an open house on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Vitalité Sureau, located at 851 Knowlton Road.

The activity will allow residents to:

• learn about the main themes that will guide the planning process;
• share their ideas and concerns;
• contribute to the discussion about the future of Brome Lake and its communities.

The activity will draw, among other things, on the consultations and surveys conducted over the past several years.