Stanstead residents raise concerns during council meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
During the recent Aug. 12 Stanstead monthly town council meeting, residents voiced multiple concerns during the first question period, covering a range of issues from traffic congestion and water quality to noise pollution and the condition of local sidewalks. Led by Mayor Jody Stone, the council responded to each matter, with varying degrees of resolution and plans for future action.
Traffic congestion and border crossing issues
One of the most pressing concerns brought forward by residents was the significant traffic congestion caused by vehicles attempting to cross the U.S. border. These vehicles, often lining up on provincial roads like Dufferin, Notre-Dame, and Railroad, have been blocking local roads and private driveways, leading to frustration and safety concerns among the community.
A resident explained, “The issue of blocked roads in Stanstead has become very serious… I called the SQ [Sûreté du Québec] this morning,” highlighting the extent of the issue. The resident further elaborated on the problem, stating that drivers waiting to cross the border frequently block driveways, preventing residents from leaving their homes. “There was a woman this morning who wanted to leave her driveway to go to work, but there was an inconsiderate person blocking her entrance,” the resident recounted.
In response, the council acknowledged the problem but emphasized that it falls under provincial jurisdiction, managed by the SQ. “This isn’t something that the town of Stanstead can manage on its own,” a council member stated, noting that while the town is affected, the responsibility for managing this issue lies with provincial and federal authorities.
The council did, however, express a commitment to continue raising the issue with both the SQ and federal representatives. They recognized the need for a coordinated effort between provincial and federal governments to address the problem, particularly during peak traffic periods such as holidays. A potential, albeit unlikely, solution discussed was to restrict access to local residents only during these times, requiring a significant deployment of personnel for enforcement.
