Stanstead council, citizens confer at monthly meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Stanstead is implementing several new initiatives to improve community health, recreational facilities, and local landmarks. Key projects include advanced water testing at the Rock Island wastewater treatment plant, enhancing pickleball court facilities with security measures, and seeking redevelopment opportunities for the historic Del Monty Hotel. The following are highlights of the town’s monthly public meeting held June 10.
Water testing initiative in Rock Island
At the meeting, officials from Stanstead discussed a new water testing initiative at the Rock Island wastewater treatment plant. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Centre des Technologies de L’Eau (CTE) affiliated with the Collège Saint-Laurent in Montreal, aims to test for invisible contaminants such as PFAS.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals found in various industrial applications and consumer products. These substances have raised significant health and environmental concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential links to adverse health effects.
The testing process will involve collecting samples at multiple points in the treatment plant, including the entrance, exit, and during the treatment process itself. The objective is to identify any presence of these contaminants and assess the plant’s efficiency in removing them.
One of the notable aspects of this project is that it is not a public study.
Instead, it is designed to assist the town internally by providing data that can inform future decisions and improvements. Moreover, if the tests reveal significant issues, the town may qualify for grants and subsidies aimed at supporting research projects and implementing solutions. This could potentially lead to innovative, subsidized projects that address any identified problems, thereby benefiting the community at no additional cost.
Enhancing pickleball facilities with nets and surveillance
Stanstead officials are exploring ways to enhance the town’s pickleball facilities, addressing concerns about equipment security and accessibility. During the recent meeting, two main solutions were proposed: the installation of a key card system and the addition of surveillance cameras.
Pickleball, a popular and rapidly growing sport in the community, requires accessible and secure courts. The current setup, which involves manually setting up and taking down nets, has raised issues regarding convenience and security. Players have noted that the courts are frequently occupied, indicating a high demand for more user-friendly facilities.
One of the proposed solutions is to implement a key card system for the storage cabin where the nets are kept. This system would allow the town to monitor who accesses the equipment and when, ensuring that only authorized individuals can retrieve the nets. This would help maintain the equipment’s security and provide a record of usage, enhancing overall management.
Another proposal is the installation of surveillance cameras around the pickleball courts. Surveillance cameras would act as a deterrent against potential vandalism or theft and would allow the town to leave the nets set up more frequently, providing easier access for players. Knowing that the area is monitored could reduce incidents of equipment damage and increase community trust in the facility’s safety.
Community feedback has been positive, with players appreciating the efforts to improve accessibility and security. Regular users, including local residents and visitors from nearby towns, have expressed support for these initiatives. The increased security measures are expected to encourage more people to use the facilities, boosting local engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Seeking new opportunities for the Del Monty Hotel
The future of the Del Monty Hotel, a landmark in Stanstead, remains uncertain as the town continues its search for viable redevelopment projects. In an update at the meeting, town officials reported that a recent call for project proposals did not yield any submissions. Despite this setback, the town remains optimistic and is now focusing on proactively seeking out potential projects and investors.
The Del Monty Hotel, with its historical significance and prime location, represents a key opportunity for revitalizing the town’s economy and tourism sector. The absence of project submissions has prompted the town to take a more hands-on approach, reaching out directly to developers and investors to explore potential uses for the site.
Mayor Jody Stone highlighted that the open call for projects was just the first step in a broader strategy to attract interest and investment.
“What this allows us to do now is to go directly to people, to seek projects elsewhere,” he explained.
The town’s new approach involves actively marketing the site to possible investors, showcasing its potential for various types of redevelopment, including hospitality, residential, or mixed-use projects.
Despite the lack of immediate proposals, there are signs of interest. Town officials have reported preliminary discussions with parties who have expressed curiosity about the site. These discussions are in the early stages, and no formal agreements have been made. However, the interest indicates that the Del Monty Hotel still holds appeal and potential for future development.
The town is committed to finding a suitable project that will not only preserve the historical value of the Del Monty Hotel but also contribute to the economic and cultural growth of Stanstead. By taking a proactive approach and leveraging the site’s unique attributes, town officials hope to attract a development that aligns with the community’s vision and needs.