Quebec police remain watchful for outsiders entering territory

The border between Ontario and Quebec closed March 28 and remains closed to non-essential travel, with no firm reopening date set.

The goal to reopen has been June 16, although “nothing is formal yet,” Temiscaming’s Mayor Yves Ouellet discovered after speaking with both Quebec’s and Ontario’s provincial police.

OPP Cst. Shona Camirand confirmed the OPP will remain stationed at the border where “they have been turning a couple of people away a day.”

“As of right now,” she explained, “we are planning until June 16 and have not received any further details about whether or not we are staying or withdrawing.”

Quebec police remain vigilant at the border as well, and have increased random checks throughout the province, including Temiscaming.

Extra officers have been deployed to accommodate these checks, as “lots of people” continue to cross the border without valid reasons, a spokesperson with the Surete Du Quebec explained.

“There are more than you think,” trying to cross she added, explaining that fines begin at $1,000 for non-essential inter-provincial travel and can climb as high as $6,000.

Mayor Ouellet explained the border restrictions have had both positive and negative effects on Temiscaming.

“Right now, there are two ways to look at it,” he said. “Some of the citizens are happy, because our region was turned green,” on Monday, June 7, which indicates Quebec’s lightest level of Covid restrictions.

Covid cases have been low in the region, Ouellet emphasized, and “there is worry” amongst many that opening the borders could risk residents’ health.

On the downside, local businesses have taken a hit from losing so much traffic from Ontario. Anglers are notably absent, Ouellet explained, as this is a prime time of year to cast a line within the region.

“Outfitting businesses, those are the ones suffering the most,” Ouellet said, adding “it’s definitely a lot quieter now” than during a regular year.

Ouellet looks forward to travel resuming freely between Ontario and Quebec, but appreciates the cautious approach, mentioning Temiscaming residents have sacrificed to earn a green Covid rating, and “we wouldn’t want to have our performance spoiled by somebody coming from outside.”