The mayor of Frampton is reassured to see the Sûreté du Québec and the government taking concrete actions to restore calm to his municipality of some 1,350 souls.
“Since the latest events, they have been very proactive. They worked hard to secure our community and reassure worried people. It’s quick and efficient,” said Mayor Jean Audet, former PLQ MP.
For their part, some citizens met are satisfied, but realistic.
“It’s a good thing,” admitted one of them, without wanting to identify himself.
René Leclerc / QMI Agency
Recently, many people said they were shocked by the escalation of violence linked to the drug war in this rural area known to be peaceful. In Frampton, gunshots normally come from hunters in the fall, not organized crime.
Prudence
“It could have gone very badly here,” added another citizen.
Despite this seizure, the population remains cautious in its reactions and comments are difficult to collect openly.
The death of a 14-year-old boy last month has struck people’s minds for all the wrong reasons. The young man’s body was found near the hideout of the Quebec chapter of the Hells Angels, on 2e rank. Before this war, these individuals were present, but discreet in an isolated sector.
“The Hells aren’t the problem. They collaborate with the police. The other gang scares me more,” admitted a motorist I met at the gas station.
Voltage falling
For now, the mayor believes that the blocking order should significantly reduce tension. Legal proceedings on the targeted buildings could even take a few years.
“We will have peace. There will no longer be anyone at the premises and they will monitor the place,” he explains.
The mayor much prefers to hear the name of his municipality for its attractions like the Miller Zoo or the Frampton Brasse microbrewery. “I’d rather people talk about Frampton in another way.”
Mr. Audet is, however, aware that we cannot prevent other members from acquiring buildings. “They will just settle elsewhere,” concluded a final citizen interviewed.
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