William Crooks
Stanstead council members met on May 12 to discuss a range of local issues, including financial updates, infrastructure projects, and the ongoing effort to prevent the closure of the town’s SAQ outlet
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Despite a full agenda, it was the final minutes of Stanstead’s May 12 public council meeting that generated the most discussion, as concerns were raised about the impending closure of the local SAQ and the fate of the former Del Monty Hotel building.
The meeting, presided over by Mayor Jody Stone, saw four residents in attendance and touched on a variety of municipal matters from financial updates to fire hall construction. But it was during question period that emotions rose over the announced departure of the SAQ store and the long-standing vacancy of a prominent local building.
Fight to keep the SAQ
When asked if there was any movement on the SAQ file, Mayor Stone confirmed that while the options are limited, efforts are ongoing. “We’re trying as much as we can,” he said. “There’s a possibility that I’ll head to Quebec City to present the petition with one of the deputies that are directly involved.”
He acknowledged the frustration many feel, describing the decision-making process around the closure as “complicated,” given the SAQ’s unique status as a state-run yet commercially operating entity. “They haven’t proved to me that it’s not profitable,” Stone added, saying the data shared with council was outdated and inaccurate, including claims that Stanstead’s population was in decline and that people shopped in Orford—where no SAQ exists.
Stone stressed that council has pushed back on the SAQ’s rationale. “They said people go buy elsewhere, but those Inspire card tracking systems don’t work at agency stores like the one in Ayer’s Cliff,” he said. “They keep suggesting we go private and put one in a grocery store, but a year is a long time. People change habits, and when they go to Magog, they’ll do everything there, and we lose.”
He called the contradiction glaring: “On one side, the government funds us to build up services, and on the other, they’re taking away those very services.”
The closure is scheduled for June. Stone said he has asked the SAQ to delay until the end of summer. “I’m convinced the owner would be open to a few more months, but I’m not sure it’s on the table,” he concluded.
Plans for the former Del Monty
Questions were also raised about the long-vacant Del Monty Hotel. Council members confirmed discussions are ongoing with a prospective developer, and a preliminary budget and timeline have been received.
Mayor Stone explained that the city is now working with an economic development specialist at the MRC to assess the financial viability of the proposed project. “We’re talking medium-term planning—18 months to two years,” he said. “In the short term, there won’t be any visible change.”
The mayor emphasized the importance of patience, stating, “If we tear it down, we lose the ability to do anything substantial with the site. For affordable housing, we need time and funding.”
He acknowledged public perception that “nothing is happening,” but reassured residents that planning and background work are actively underway.
Surplus and spending
Earlier in the meeting, council heard that Stanstead posted a surplus of $1,029,314 for the 2024 financial year—compared to a $34,000 deficit the year prior. The improvement was largely due to interest reimbursements from a temporary loan related to the Rock Island purification plant and savings in the snow removal budget due to a milder winter.
“There’s about $575,000 in returned interest alone,” a council member explained. “It wasn’t poor budgeting—it was a result of timing and accounting.”
Pay-to-pay accounts totalled $72,940.85 for April and $151,458.86 for May, and council voted to reduce the city’s long-term debt by formally cancelling a $2.5 million residual from an unused loan agreement tied to the Rock Island factory.
Progress on infrastructure
Council approved a temporary loan of over $2.1 million for construction of a new fire station on Notre-Dame Street Ouest and discussed the recent opening of a new ambulance station in town.
Other infrastructure updates included sidewalk cleaning and snow damage inspections, as well as the distribution of free trees and sunflower seeds on May 24–25 during the special collection weekend.
Council also approved contracts for sidewalk maintenance and septic tank cleaning and discussed waste management planning for the Barnston site, which will see a new cell developed to handle future solid waste needs.
Building and housing files
Multiple development files were addressed, including a $13,509.56 engineering mandate related to the redevelopment of the former grocery store opposite customs on Dufferin Street. A separate resolution allowed the city to proceed with registering a notice of deterioration for a long-neglected property at 575–581 Dufferin. The owner has now agreed to demolish the building by Nov. 15.
Also notable was the sale of a municipal lot in the Terrasses de Stanstead for $26,931 to a private company, pending resolution of slope issues that may affect construction viability.
Recreation and culture
Registration was slower than usual for summer recreation programs, prompting council to increase promotional efforts and make online pricing more transparent.
The town has completed its seasonal decoration switch and is progressing with upgrades at Génerations Park, including final touches to the newly designed bridge.
Council also discussed the relaunch of a provincial home adaptation program for people with reduced mobility and a potential collaboration to create QR code-linked video content on Stanstead’s heritage buildings.
The next inter-village meeting with Derby Line officials is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 3 p.m. Several council members confirmed their attendance.
Council adjourned at 8 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled for the second Monday of June.