TBL’S businesses are taking a turn
There’s nothing left in Knowlton.” “The town is dead!” “What’s happened?” “It isn’t like the good ol’days!”
Wait!
Has anyone looked around recently? The sector south of Knowlton Road is growing and changes can be evidenced elsewhere, while some businesses remain anchored in the community.
Two years ago, there was little happening south of Knowlton Road other than Patti Mason and Annette Blanco’s gift store, Le Panier Champêtre ,that has been in business for almost 15 years and The Lavender Farm. Now there is an antique store, an artist studio called L’armoire d’ursula (Ursula’s Closet), a flower shop and Cyclerie de Knowlton, an ice-cream and sorbet parlour sure to gain popularity for its healthy refreshments for passers-by. Around each of the corners one can find clothing for women at Iris as well as Rococo, fresh baked goods from Panissimo, several other antique shops and household items made on site from blown glass, not to mention Dominica, specializing in Italian cuisine and the shoe store. What about Isabelle Daval”s “Hors cadre” a little farther down the street, two pharmacies? La Pikenya featuring articles from Africa, Barne’s Home Hardware and then north of Knowlton Road, there’s the famous Brome Lake Books in their new digs and steadfast to the business sector there is Camlen’s furniture, household items, reproductions as well as authentic antiques that is another business well anchored and successful. Enter almost any of the stores and customers will discover that business owners are making sure to support local economy by selling locally produced products.
Where is the nothing in Knowlton anymore? Folks, What about Brome Lake Ducks boutique that is in construction. How bout the Knowlton Brewery? And Canadian Ponds? De La Ferme à la Table? And Rona?
Almost everything is within walking distance including wonderful eateries such as Café Florale, Star Café, along with its mobile pizza truck, The Pub, The Marina and Le Relais. In between there will be activities in the park throughout the summer and in the future the town will have facilitated a farmers’ market to be open year-round. The Town of Brome Lake is evolving and behind the evolution a lot of creativity and work is being applied to reach success!
Patti Mason, co-owner of Le Panier Champètre reminds everyone that “The only thing constant is change. If we can’t make changes the town will suffer.”
It takes time to effect change.
Ursula Kofahl-lampron is an artist who is known world-wide for her work. After taking a sabbatical for several years she says she is ready to go back to her work again and wants TBL to get to know her. She sees that Knowlton is a strong artistic community. “There are people here who appreciate art and I want to be a part of that community. I was born with a pencil in my hand. I need to paint. I Want to be a part of what people think knowlton represents. This is not for material gain. I want to be part of the new buzz and I want people to know who I am.” Starting on June 8th Ursula will be painting outside each Friday under the awning in front of her studio despite inclement weather. It is located directly across the street from Le Panier Champêtre on Mont Echo. She hopes that her presence will draw people to the town that the she and her husband have adopted as theirs.