Sherbrooke City Council has decided to impose a $34 vehicle registration tax starting in 2025. This decision, discussed at a plenary committee meeting on May 7, passed by a narrow majority after weeks of debate.
Councilor Danielle Berthold argued that it is too early for such a tax, citing that the services of the Sherbrooke Transit Corporation (STS) are not yet sufficiently attractive and efficient. Similarly, Hélène Dauphinais stated that the tax arrives too quickly. Paul Gingues also voiced concerns, saying citizens are weary of the accumulating taxes and prefer a lower rate of $12 to ease the financial burden.
Despite these objections, the council voted in favor of the $34 tax, due to support from members like Claude Charron, who remarked that $34 is the first step and that anything less would not suffice. Laure Letarte-Lavoie expressed optimism, stating this first step would allow them to develop public transport in Sherbrooke and move away from the status quo.
