By Michael Boriero – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Despite the Quebec government lifting restaurant restrictions in the Eastern Townships, Érablière Hilltop owner James Bond has no intention of opening his dining hall to the public.
Bond’s sugar shack in Dunham was dealt a major blow last year when the province shut down due to the pandemic. Reservations were up 30 per cent compared to the previous year, he explained, but it all went downhill when he was forced to close up shop.
“Last year was a terrible year for the sugar shack, the restaurant part of it, we lost about $60,000 just for that season,” said Bond.
Although Quebec’s latest directives have been a major relief for restauranteurs, it doesn’t make sense for Bond to open his doors. According to the sugar shack owner, most of his customers come from the Montreal area, which is currently a red zone.
