Stanstead residents raise concerns during council meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
During the recent Aug. 12 Stanstead monthly town council meeting, residents voiced multiple concerns during the first question period, covering a range of issues from traffic congestion and water quality to noise pollution and the condition of local sidewalks. Led by Mayor Jody Stone, the council responded to each matter, with varying degrees of resolution and plans for future action.
Traffic congestion and border crossing issues
One of the most pressing concerns brought forward by residents was the significant traffic congestion caused by vehicles attempting to cross the U.S. border. These vehicles, often lining up on provincial roads like Dufferin, Notre-Dame, and Railroad, have been blocking local roads and private driveways, leading to frustration and safety concerns among the community.
A resident explained, “The issue of blocked roads in Stanstead has become very serious… I called the SQ [Sûreté du Québec] this morning,” highlighting the extent of the issue. The resident further elaborated on the problem, stating that drivers waiting to cross the border frequently block driveways, preventing residents from leaving their homes. “There was a woman this morning who wanted to leave her driveway to go to work, but there was an inconsiderate person blocking her entrance,” the resident recounted.
In response, the council acknowledged the problem but emphasized that it falls under provincial jurisdiction, managed by the SQ. “This isn’t something that the town of Stanstead can manage on its own,” a council member stated, noting that while the town is affected, the responsibility for managing this issue lies with provincial and federal authorities.
The council did, however, express a commitment to continue raising the issue with both the SQ and federal representatives. They recognized the need for a coordinated effort between provincial and federal governments to address the problem, particularly during peak traffic periods such as holidays. A potential, albeit unlikely, solution discussed was to restrict access to local residents only during these times, requiring a significant deployment of personnel for enforcement.
Water quality complaints
Another issue raised during the meeting involved complaints about water quality. A resident reported experiencing brown water at their home and criticized the lack of communication from the town regarding any ongoing work on the water system. “A weekend ago, I was dealing with brown water, and I wasn’t informed that they were doing work on the water system,” the resident stated, questioning why there had been no prior notice.
In response, the council clarified that while there had been some work done on the water system recently, including inspections and minor repairs, there was no need for a full water shutdown. “We did some work last week on Principale Street, we assessed the situation, and we didn’t have to shut off the water,” a council member explained.
The council acknowledged that communication could have been better, noting that notices were posted on Facebook, but not all residents were directly informed. They also mentioned that the town is working on implementing a new notification system that would allow residents to sign up for direct alerts via text message for future water-related issues.
Sidewalk conditions
The condition of sidewalks, particularly near Rock of Ages and along Main Street, was another significant concern discussed during the meeting. Residents pointed out the difficulty of navigating these areas safely, especially for those with mobility issues. One resident noted, “When I try to cross near Rock of Ages, I have to walk on the street,” highlighting the hazardous conditions.
The council responded by acknowledging the issue and explaining the financial constraints that limit the extent of sidewalk repairs each year. “This year, we’ve allocated $100,000 annually for roadwork,” Stone explained, detailing the town’s efforts to gradually increase the budget for road and sidewalk repairs.
While the council expressed a commitment to improving the sidewalks, they also noted that immediate, widespread repairs are challenging due to budget limitations. They are prioritizing repairs on main streets, where pedestrian traffic is highest, and hope to address more areas as the budget allows.
Noise and dust pollution from Rock of Ages
Noise and dust pollution from the Rock of Ages industrial site were also brought up by a concerned resident. The resident described the disruptive impact of the noise, particularly at night, and the dust that settles in residential areas nearby. “Now there’s another noise issue—large trucks are coming in and unloading granite at 2 a.m., and when they unload empty, it makes a huge noise,” the resident explained, emphasizing the disturbance caused by the site’s operations.
The council acknowledged the ongoing issues but pointed out that Rock of Ages operates within an industrial zone and, as such, has certain rights. A council member added that while the town has limited authority over the site, they are monitoring the situation closely.
A resident proposed the formation of a committee that would include both residents and council members to address these concerns more effectively. The goal would be to establish a dialogue with Rock of Ages to seek mutually acceptable solutions to reduce the impact on the local community. The council encouraged ongoing dialogue with the company, but there was no explicit agreement to form a committee as the resident proposed.
Council communication and visibility
A broader concern regarding the council’s communication and visibility within the community was also raised during the meeting. A resident expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of proactive engagement from council members, particularly outside of election periods. “I want this council to be more proactive rather than reactive,” the resident urged.
The council acknowledged this criticism and committed to improving communication channels, including more regular updates and direct notifications for residents, as well as increasing their presence in the community.