Temiscaming Mayor Yves Ouellet says his citizens are coping with the new restrictions at the Ontario-Quebec border.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the province closed its border as new measures were introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
Ouellet says officials at QPP local detachment had to gather personnel quickly to set up at the location.
"It was very short notice," said the mayor.
See related: Quebec police set up at Ontario-Quebec border in Temiscaming
Ouellet says the QPP will ask questions inquiring about the reason for wanting to enter Quebec.
"Rayonier employees from Ontario will be allowed to go to work. People with medical appointments will also be allowed in. Delivery and transportation services will be maintained," said Ouellet.
However, the changes have posed challenges for the neighbouring community of Thorne, where many Ontario residents cross the border to shop. They can't do that now.
"People in Temiscaming are not complaining too much but we have the people in Thorne who cannot come and do their groceries or their medication at the huge store in Temiscaming," said Ouellet.
However, Ouellet said he was able to connect with the province and the local QPP detachment to come to a compromise and allow the local grocery store and pharmacy to make deliveries to Thorne.
"They are allowed to deliver food and medication across the border," said Ouellet.
Ouellet says he was still waiting to hear back from the pharmacy to see if they would be able to accommodate delivery as well.
But the restrictions will still keep Ontario residents who own cottages in the Temiscaming area, out for now.
Meantime, the OPP says it is business as usual on the Ontario side.
