Photo by William Crooks
Mayor Vincent Fontaine and council members deliberated on key issues, including Hydro-Québec’s emergency battery program and strategies for fairer SQ cost distribution

Power backup, road maintenance, and SQ cost hikes

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Hatley Township council, presided over by Mayor Vincent Fontaine, convened on Dec. 3 at the town hall with seven members of the public in attendance. Discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, from emergency preparedness to infrastructure improvements and the escalating costs of Sûreté du Québec (SQ) policing.

During a question period, concerns were raised about rising SQ costs, echoing frustrations voiced at Cookshire-Eaton’s Dec. 2 council meeting. Mayor Fontaine explained that the SQ’s new collective agreement included salary increases of up to 30 per cent. “This impacts small municipalities like ours significantly because the costs are calculated based on property values,” he said. “We’re paying for services we barely see—how often do you even see an SQ officer here?” Fontaine noted Hatley Township’s efforts to create fairness by implementing a $275 per household flat rate for policing costs, supplemented by property taxes. “It’s not perfect, but it’s better than relying solely on property values,” he added, acknowledging that other municipalities in the MRC are considering similar approaches.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the approval of a Hydro-Québec program offering 15 portable batteries for $1. The batteries, intended for use during power outages, will ensure essential municipal services remain operational while supporting vulnerable residents. “This is a huge win for our community,” Fontaine remarked. “It saves us from having to invest over $100,000 in a generator, and it allows us to keep critical systems running during outages.” Ten larger batteries will be reserved for municipal use, while five smaller units will be loaned out during emergencies. “For people who rely on medical devices, this could be life-changing,” Fontaine said.

In a show of community spirit, the council also approved the donation of unused materials from the municipality’s former day camp to the local primary school. Items such as craft supplies and sports equipment will now support recreational activities at the school. “This is about making sure these resources don’t go to waste and directly benefit our kids,” Fontaine commented.

Road maintenance and safety took centre stage in several resolutions. The council approved a transfer of $100,000 from the quarry reserve fund to finance major drainage and resurfacing work on Rodgers and Albert Mines Roads. Additionally, a contract for winter maintenance on a local road was renewed at a rate of $85 per snow-clearing trip. “Keeping our roads safe and functional is a top priority,” Fontaine emphasized. “These routes are critical for families and emergency access.”

The meeting also addressed future growth with the approval of a new architectural integration plan for a family-oriented housing project on Capelton Road. “We’re always looking for ways to support sustainable development that aligns with the character of Hatley,” Fontaine said.

On septic system maintenance, the council adopted a new funding model to spread costs over multiple years. Instead of billing residents in large biannual sums, the township will now charge an annual fee. “This approach makes it easier for homeowners to budget while ensuring we meet environmental standards,” Fontaine explained.

Discussions about the 2025 taxation plan highlighted the township’s efforts to balance rising costs with fiscal responsibility. “We’ve worked hard to keep the tax increase to just 1 per cent, despite inflation and external pressures like firefighting and policing costs,” Fontaine said. He acknowledged that some increases are unavoidable but stressed the council’s commitment to minimizing the impact on residents. “We’ve paid off some old debts, which gave us a little breathing room this year.”

A special session to finalize the 2025 budget will be held later this month, giving residents an opportunity to voice their opinions. As Fontaine summed up, “We’re here to listen and make decisions that reflect the needs of our entire community.”

The meeting was adjourned near 7:40 p.m.