Photo by William Crooks
Stanstead council members, led by Mayor Jody Stone, discuss community initiatives and budget updates at the Nov. 11 meeting

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.”

Safety alerts and emergency preparedness

Stanstead residents will soon benefit from an improved emergency alert system, with the Telmatik alert technology set to undergo testing on Nov. 20. This test will provide valuable information on the system’s effectiveness and may encourage more residents to sign up. The council also discussed future emergency training, with plans for a simulated response to potential crises like hazardous spills. “It’s important that everyone knows their role in an emergency,” one council member said.

Parks and recreation updates

The council reported steady progress on park renovations, including Hackett Park and the Parc des Générations. New play surfaces were installed, and further improvements, such as picnic tables and a small pavilion, are expected next spring. The enhancements are part of Stanstead’s effort to create more family-friendly spaces, and the town is actively pursuing funding for additional amenities.

Expansion of the Camp Youhou day camp

An agreement was finalized for Stanstead’s 2025 day camp program, Camp Youhou, which will operate in partnership with Ayer’s Cliff. The collaboration allows for more flexible hours and shared activities between the two towns, ensuring children have access to a wider range of options and venues. Ayer’s Cliff’s proximity to Lake Massawippi means Stanstead youth will have supervised access to swimming and outdoor activities. “Longer hours will be advantageous for working families,” a council representative noted, adding that the change addresses a common community concern.

Funding for asbestos management in municipal buildings

Acknowledging potential health risks associated with asbestos, the council discussed setting up an annual reserve fund to manage and remove asbestos in municipal buildings if needed. The goal is to assess which buildings are at risk and save in advance for future removal. “We need to start creating a reserve for this,” council members agreed, emphasizing that safety precautions are a long-term investment for the town.

Budget adjustments for waste and fire services

Rising costs in waste management and fire services were another key item on the agenda, with budgets for both seeing minor increases. The solid waste management budget for 2025 was approved at approximately $3.5 million, with a slight increase due to the shift from waste disposal to more cost-effective composting. The fire services budget also saw a modest increase of around 5 per cent, reflecting trends in other towns. Council expressed relief that the increases were manageable compared to higher spikes seen in nearby municipalities.

Water meter installation for conservation efforts

Stanstead’s initiative to install water meters across properties is well underway, with plans to finish a batch of 65 meters by spring. By tracking water usage more accurately, the town aims to promote conservation and ensure that residents are billed fairly. An inspector is overseeing the project, which is expected to make significant progress in the coming months.

Bilingualism in municipal communications

Council approved a directive to maintain the town’s bilingual status, in line with its predominantly English-speaking population. Stanstead’s municipal communications, public notices, and meetings will continue to be available in both French and English. “We’re committed to accessibility for all residents,” said Mayor Stone, emphasizing the town’s status as a bilingual municipality.