207 Closure starts Monday

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) this week announced a complete closure of the northbound entry of Route 207 between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on weekdays, a measure that will take effect from Monday, November 10, until further notice.

“Safety is being compromised, so we have a duty and an honour to protect our residents on Route 207,” said MCK chief Ryan Montour, who holds the public safety portfolio at the Council table.

MCK director of public safety, Robyn Montour, echoed Ryan’s sentiments.

“These measures are important to ensure the safety of our community members, those who live and work on the 207, as well as our children who take the buses daily on that route,” she said.

Due to construction in the area, Route 207 has seen increased traffic volumes in recent weeks, which Ryan said has contributed to more complaints about safety and noise from residents.

As a result, the complete closure of the road will be implemented - access will be permitted only for emergency services and all other motorists will be turned away.

In addition, the Peacekeepers will be monitoring the Old Chateauguay Road entrance, and will allow passage to local drivers and non-local drivers who work in the territory, as well as delivery drivers who can show proof of delivery.

Non-locals who work in Kahnawake will need to show proof of employment, such as recent paystubs, a letter from their employer, or a badge from their place of work.

“This is all just to keep our community safe,” said Peacekeepers’ spokesperson Kyle Zachary.

“To monitor the traffic as the Peacekeepers have done for the last 20 years takes a lot of police resources, it takes officers off the road from their patrol duties, and this is a safety issue in the community,” he said.

Social media response to the announcement has been varied, with many posts from Chateauguay residents lamenting the closures.

Kahnawa’kehró:non Dwayne Kirby said the issue of traffic has become divisive for community members in town and in Chateauguay.

“I empathize - not sympathize - with them as we experience the same traffic woes. We can equally feel angered by the lack of respect from the few motorists who choose to ignore their own safety, public safety, and driving safely while passing through our territory,” he said. “Unfortunately, we end up painting everyone with the same brush after our tolerances become exceeded.”

“I feel this action represents our Council listening to the people,” he said.

The southbound exit from Kahnawake to Highway 30 will remain open to all.

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