By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Town of Stanstead is moving ahead with a range of new measures, from helping local families with sports fees to safeguarding its heritage buildings, following a busy council meeting on Aug. 11.

Mayor Jody Stone said one of the key decisions was to reimburse a portion of the surtaxes that Magog now charges Stanstead families for minor hockey. “Stanstead used to have its own hockey league,” Stone explained in an Aug. 12 conversation with The Record. “A couple of years ago it kind of merged or closed down, and they joined Magog. In the past couple of years, Magog hasn’t charged them a surtax, but this coming season, they’re surtaxed, so we revised our policy to allow us to reimburse a portion of that surtax.”

Council also approved a $22,000 investment in new playground equipment for younger children at Generations Park, the bulk of it covered by the Stanstead Recreational Association’s $21,000 donation.

A number of infrastructure and administrative measures were passed, including the appointment of a new member to the Stone Circle Committee, and authorizing the fire department to apply for a grant to hire an emergency preparedness coordinator for the 10 municipalities in the Border Group (BG). A sludge removal contract was awarded for the Rock Island sector to avoid higher costs expected under new regulations coming next year.

Stone confirmed progress on a contentious cross-border waste issue. The town has sent formal notice to the owners of a U.S.-side building, advising that Stanstead will no longer collect its garbage. “There is no Canadian citizen living in that building, so we don’t need to go and pick up garbage there,” he said, adding that the owners were given a list of American contractors for waste collection.

One of the most visible projects will be the demolition of a deteriorating downtown Rock Island building to make way for a multi-phase public green space. The top structure will be removed while the foundations remain, part of which will become a riverfront lookout. “Just beside that building is the river, and there’s also a waterfall,” Stone said. “We’re hoping to be able to build out that lookout and make it so that it’s a nice place to go and spend time.” The first phase, to be completed this year, will focus on demolition and platform construction; public consultations on the space’s future will be held in 2026.

Council also introduced a notice of motion for new building maintenance rules designed to protect Stanstead’s many heritage structures. “We’re giving ourselves some powers to make sure that the people that own buildings keep them up so that they don’t deteriorate,” Stone said, noting that the measures will cover roofs, windows, heating, and structural upkeep. A public consultation will follow.

Other updates included:

• Heat wave – The town has no special measures in place but the day camp is now housed in an air-conditioned school.
• Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) closed – One local business has expressed interest in hosting a smaller “SAQ Select” location, but must wait a year before applying.
• Former Del Monty site – No public developments yet, though Stone said the town is pressing for “concrete” progress next year.
• Municipal election – Stone confirmed he will run again, adding that he believes “the big majority” of councillors intend to do the same.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8.