Beaconsfield at a crossroads over revenue sources

BEACONSFIELD — Allan Fletcher has lived in the West Island bedroom suburb of Beaconsfield for four decades.

“It’s been a wonderful community to live in,” said Fletcher. “The schools are very good, and all of the services that the city provides are very good.”

But in order to maintain these good services, the municipality needs money and it’s running out of ideas as to where to get it.

Recently, a number of proposed projects have been shut down by residents. Last year, the city proposed an electronic billboard on the side of Highway 20. It would have brought in an estimated $300,000 annually, or the equivalent tax revenues of 100 average-sized homes. However, it was considered an eye-sore by residents who had the project shut down.

Then comes the question of the empty lot where an Esso gas station once stood at the southeast corner of Highway 20 and St. Charles Boulevard. A developer had proposed a 22-unit townhouse project, but that idea never saw the light of day either.

READ MORE: Residents upset as Beaconsfield mulls 22-unit development

“The residents of the area thought it was too big, too much traffic, and it was rejected by the residents,” said Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The residents of the area thought it was too big, too much traffic, and it was rejected by the residents," said Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle.

Bourelle told Global News that there are a number of lots available for small-scale development within the municipality. Some are already being considered for projects, like building on Angel Woods lot or the site of the former West Island Tennis Club. However, Bourelle maintains that his residents interests are his first priority.

“I believe in consulting,” said Bourelle. “I believe in trying to provide to the residents what they expect and what they would like to see. So at the end of the day, it’s going to be up to the residents.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I believe in consulting," said Bourelle. "I believe in trying to provide to the residents what they expect and what they would like to see. So at the end of the day, it's going to be up to the residents."

The problem is that if residents keep rejecting revenue-generating projects, they could see their taxes increase.

“A lot of people will move into Beaconsfield and leave, or go up to Baie d’Urfé because they realize that the taxes are just too high,” said resident Kristina Rosner, who would rather see more commerce in the area than a tax hike.

“Revenue has to come from somewhere,” said Fletcher. “So it’s either a case that the homeowners pay for it, or we look for other areas of revenue.”

At the beginning of the year, the city of Beaconsfield put in place a development advisory committee whose role is to consult residents on future projects. The mayor expects a report sometime in June.