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.
