William Crooks
A few of the Bazaar’s eclectic vendors pose among their wares—vintage finds, handmade soaps, quirky trinkets, and more—ready to charm browsers and treasure hunters alike in Stanstead’s 10,000-square-foot labyrinth of surprises
New ambulance station, library entrance, and bustling bazaar
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Stanstead is bustling this spring with major developments that highlight the town’s evolving infrastructure, cultural resilience, and community spirit.
On May 2, the public is invited to tour the brand-new ambulance station operated by the Coopérative de travailleurs d’ambulance de l’Estrie (CTAE), located at 25 Notre-Dame West in Stanstead. The facility will host an open house from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., offering residents a chance to explore the premises and meet local paramedics. The station’s inauguration marks a significant upgrade in emergency services for the region. “It’s a great opportunity to meet the paramedics serving your community and tour this brand-new facility,” reads the CTAE’s invitation.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House continues to draw international attention. Following a recent U.S. government decision to block Canadian access to the historic cross-border building, the library’s Canadian board launched a fundraising campaign to create a new, fully accessible entrance. The campaign, which began on Mar. 20, had raised over $170,000 by the end of the month, far exceeding its $100,000 goal.
“The money’s still coming in,” said Sylvie Boudreau, President of the Haskell’s Canadian board, in an April 19 interview. “We’ll close it at one point, but for now, we’re still getting big amounts.” The new entrance became operational on March 25, and while some finishing touches—like signage and insulation—are still pending, architectural plans are expected within two weeks.
Boudreau emphasized that the response has been deeply emotional. “People are hugging each other. The reaction is like—we are all friends,” she said. Donations have come from around the world, including a $50,000 contribution from Canadian author Louise Penny.
In parallel with these civic developments, Boudreau has also been leading the charge behind the Stanstead Bazaar, located in the former Granite Museum building. Launched just before the pandemic, the bazaar has grown from five vendors to over 40 in under five years. “It’s going to be five years we are open—we’re planning a big celebration this summer,” she said.
Now open Friday to Sunday starting in May, the bazaar offers a mix of antiques, vintage clothing, handmade soaps, jewelry, décor, and even tarot cards. “You can find something from five dollars to five thousand dollars,” Boudreau noted. The location has also added a small bistro offering coffee, pastries, and meals. With 10,000 square feet of items to explore, she advises visitors to “don’t come here if you only have 10 minutes.”
As the town prepares for an influx of visitors—from those curious about the ambulance station to supporters of the library or treasure hunters at the bazaar—one thing is clear: Stanstead is a town on the move, blending historical preservation with new energy.
From emergency services and international solidarity to grassroots entrepreneurship, the community is writing its next chapter—with wide open doors.