By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At the Stanstead municipal council meeting held on Nov. 11, Mayor Jody Stone presided over a packed agenda, covering essential community services, upcoming holiday events, and infrastructure updates. With about four residents attending, the meeting lasted roughly an hour and concluded near 8 p.m. Here’s a rundown of the top issues discussed.
Call for new premises for community services
A major concern raised was finding new space for services that support vulnerable populations in the area, particularly the Le Tandem group, which offers crucial support to those in financial or social need. The lack of available rental or sale spaces in Stanstead has made the search challenging. One resident described the problem as “difficult” and called on the council and public to brainstorm solutions. Council members expressed strong support for preserving Le Tandem’s services, which help those who cannot afford transportation or other essentials. “It’s a privilege for Stanstead to have this kind of support,” a council member noted, adding that the council will explore possible local options.
Holiday parades and traffic measures
The council approved road closures and traffic changes to accommodate two upcoming holiday parades, including one on Dec. 7. These closures will impact key streets, including Fairfax and Dufferin, as well as parts of Notre-Dame-Ouest and Railroad. The council emphasized that the measures aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, urging residents to plan for any disruptions.
Progress on public works and road budgeting
Significant updates were provided on ongoing infrastructure improvements, particularly for Passenger and Nord streets. A payment of over half a million dollars was approved, part of a larger $1.6 million project aimed at enhancing road conditions. Council members agreed that while costly, these upgrades are necessary to maintain high standards for local infrastructure, with one member noting that the project has “not had any surprise costs so far.”
