Author: The Record
Published December 5, 2023

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The future of North Hatley’s marina was a hot topic at the town’s monthly council meeting held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Mayor Marcella Davis Gerrish presided over the notably short meeting (around 35 minutes), with a total of three residents in attendance. The low hum of a generator powering the meeting at the town’s community centre could be heard throughout, as the area was suffering from a power outage. Local events, budgeting, and financial aid were also discussed.

On the topic of North Hatley’s marina, it was stated that the council was aware of the many options they had to choose from regarding the marina’s model of operation for the 2024 season. It noted its commitment to an independent and transparent assessment of these options. Thus, it confirmed its decision to hire advisory firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT) to aid in this task.

During question period, a local resident inquired as to why RCGT was hired to advise on the marina’s future when they are “more financial experts than anything else”. Gerrish acknowledged that the marina is a “hot topic” for those in the municipality. The council reached out to different people to look at the “global situation” to see what can and should be offered at the marina. The intention is to then present this information to residents. RCGT has a division with an employee who has previously analyzed three or four marinas to determine “what makes sense going forward”.

The resident then asked whether or not the company would be looking at the marina in its context as part of the center of the town. Just the marina, the land the marina sits on, and the services that are offered there, responded Gerrish.

The resident emphasized she thinks anything that happens with the marina must be part of an overall vision for the center of town. She worries that money will be spent on the marina that will not take into account other related problems with the center of town, particularly the fact it is a flood zone. Gerrish assured her that “all of that” will be taken into consideration.

Gerrish insisted the municipality will continue to own the marina and it is, therefore, its responsibility to figure out what it can do with the marina “without hurting anyone in the process”. Not everything in the center of town is owned by the town, Gerrish noted. Gerrish reaffirmed that there will be a public consultation pursuant to RCGT’s findings. “The goal from day one… was to include the population, because it’s our decision,” Gerrish said.

General Director Benoit Tremblay assured the resident that RCGT was qualified and this was only the first step towards determining what is to be the “global vision for the future” of the area. The resident asked to see the contract in question, but was told only the “service offer” could be made public, which will be put up on the town’s website shortly. RCGT’s analysis is predicted to take eight weeks.

Gerrish thanked members of the town’s public works department for helping with the second annual “lighting of the Christmas tree” event held Dec. 1. Some 30 to 60 locals attended and enjoyed the hot chocolate, coffee and donuts provided. It was nice to see such a turnout, given the bad weather, she added.

The town’s Christmas market will be held Dec. 9, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., in River Park. An extraordinary public meeting of the council will be conducted Dec. 13 concerning the adoption of the town’s 2024 budget. The Environment Committee will be putting out a series of “enviro-letters”, starting in December, explaining the various environmental concerns it has; its first will detail what it thinks is the best way to manage the town’s “shoreline zone”.

Two new town workers were confirmed as hired. The council reported that $44,361.72 was spent in total wages for the town’s employees in November. Monies amounting to a maximum of $104,045, before taxes, were confirmed to pay for renovations on the community centre for “better energy efficiency”.

Two resolutions were adopted to allow local residences to make minor modifications to their buildings. A resolution to put in a request for financial aid to improve the community centre for its new temporary role as a “child centre” was adopted. At the request of the MRC, the council adopted new regulations concerning alarm systems in the municipality. The council renewed a contract with the Red Cross, for $225, concerning helping “those in need”.

The meeting was adjourned at around 7:35 p.m.

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