William Crooks
Residents filled the room at North Hatley’s July 7 council meeting, raising questions and concerns about the plan to swap the village’s tennis court and ice rink locations

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At its July 7 council meeting, the Municipality of North Hatley confirmed it is moving forward with studies for a major recreational infrastructure project that would see the village’s tennis courts relocated to River Park and a covered refrigerated ice rink built in their place. The rink, part of a $1.5 million donation from a local family, has prompted both enthusiasm and concern among residents, over 30 of whom attended the meeting to voice opinions and ask questions.

Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish explained that while the project is not yet confirmed, site testing and feasibility studies are well underway. Soil testing has been conducted on all municipally owned lands, and the tennis court site was the only location found suitable to support the weight of the planned ice rink structure. River Park, the former site of the seasonal outdoor rink, was ruled out due to unstable ground.

The proposed plan involves relocating the tennis courts to River Park this summer, ensuring no interruption to the tennis season. Once those are completed, work would begin on the ice rink at the former tennis site. Davis-Gerrish reassured residents that “there will not be a lack of season” for tennis and that both facilities will remain available without interruption.

While a final decision has not been made, council passed resolutions during the meeting to proceed with further engineering and environmental studies. A full public presentation will be made once all data is in, including detailed designs, timelines, and cost projections.

Several residents questioned why other parcels of land had not been used. The mayor clarified that sites such as Scowen Park are legally protected by agreements with the Massawippi Foundation, which prohibit permanent construction. Other locations, including the old rink area near the Capelton Road and various parking lots, were tested but could not support the rink’s structure without major and costly reinforcement—estimated at $800,000—with no guarantee of long-term stability.

Council confirmed that the new rink is made possible by a $1.5 million gift from a local family, who have made previous donations to the municipality. Davis-Gerrish described the donation as “an extraordinary gift” and emphasized the family’s desire that both the rink and tennis facilities continue to serve the community. “They do not want to take one away to create something else,” she said. “It’s all or nothing.”

Questions were also raised about long-term operational costs. Davis-Gerrish said these would be included in the final public presentation, but acknowledged that maintaining a refrigerated rink will cost more than the town’s current setup. She noted that North Hatley already spends around $30,000 annually to operate the temporary rink and $13,000 each year resurfacing the tennis courts.

The possibility of incorporating pickleball courts into the new site layout was raised by multiple residents. Council said the idea is under consideration, particularly the option of using removable surfaces during the rink’s off-season. However, for now, the focus remains on relocating the tennis courts and building the rink. Concerns were also expressed about potential noise and proximity to neighbouring homes, particularly if pickleball were to be introduced. One resident suggested using noise-dampening rackets and setting usage rules to limit disturbance.

Some questioned whether the new rink would fit visually and spatially into the current tennis court site, citing worries that the structure would feel “squashed” and overwhelm the landscape. Davis-Gerrish responded that the design process will ensure the site is attractive and well-integrated, and that the donor family will not approve a project that appears rushed or out of place.

Others were more supportive, calling the rink a long-overdue investment in youth and community life. Some praised the potential for extended skating seasons and year-round recreational use, while others urged caution about the long-term financial and environmental impact of the facility.

Davis-Gerrish emphasized that the town is proceeding carefully. “Once we get confirmation on the engineering and the electrical and all that stuff, there’s a presentation that’s going to be made… with the look, the location, the timeline,” she said. “If it doesn’t work, then it’s back to the drawing board.”

While council has not scheduled a referendum on the project, it committed to public consultation and transparency throughout the process. The mayor reiterated that if a suitable new home cannot be secured for the tennis courts, the project will not go ahead in its current form. “We want to make sure it’s done right,” she said.