William Crooks
Council members gather at the front of the room before the April 7 meeting gets underway in North Hatley
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At North Hatley’s April 7 council meeting, Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish and councillors addressed a range of local concerns including a new housing development, lake access fees, noise complaints, and infrastructure funding. The meeting, which lasted approximately 50 minutes, drew about 10 residents to the municipal hall and ended with a public question period that touched on several high-interest topics.
New condo-commercial development gets green light
Council unanimously approved a new multi-use construction project at 225–233 rue Main. The proposal includes 22 residential condominiums and commercial space on the ground floor, with indoor parking located at ground level rather than underground. The project was reviewed by the Comité consultatif d’urbanisme (CCU) and includes a full landscaping plan.
“These are condos for sale,” the mayor confirmed. “No underground parking. There are 22 indoor spots and an additional buffer of parking on the adjacent lot so residents won’t take over the municipal lot”. Council members said the developer hopes to begin construction as early as June.
Non-resident lake access fees stir debate
One of the most discussed items came during the public question period, as residents raised concerns about the new seasonal access fees for non-residents using Lake Massawippi.
The adopted rate for full-season motorized boat access for non-residents is a total of $450. However, Mayor Davis-Gerrish explained that neighbouring municipalities within the Parc régional Massawippi are charging even more—up to $575.
“That’s for people coming from places like Montreal for the weekend,” she said. “Here, we’ve kept it at $450, which helps fund the lake patrol. That’s how we manage to keep resident fees lower”. She also clarified that residents from Hatley Township can still register and won’t be classified as non-residents for fee purposes.
Traffic and noise from speeding vehicles and motorcycles
Several residents brought up speeding and early morning noise on roads such as Sherbrooke Road and Massawippi Road. One resident described the noise from motorcycles as a “public nuisance,” saying they begin around 6 a.m. and disturb the peace in the village.
Another resident highlighted safety issues on another street in town: “We see kids on bikes, skateboards, scooters—cars are coming down way too fast. I’m afraid there’s going to be an accident”.
In response, council members said they are considering further traffic-calming measures, including the possible installation of additional speed boxes and physical infrastructure such as raised strips or other barriers. “We know it’s a concern, and we’re looking into permanent solutions,” said Davis-Gerrish.
Provincial funding delay for infrastructure raises concerns
The mayor was also asked about the delay in redevelopment plans for Pleasant View Beach House and infrastructure on the west side of town. A council member explained that while North Hatley received a letter from the provincial government confirming up to $3 million in eligible funding, the PRIMO program has been put on hold.
“We’re waiting for final authorizations from the Ministère des Affaires Municipales,” the councillor said. “If the current funds don’t come through, we’ll look for other sources. But the existing building isn’t salvageable—it can’t be renovated. It would have to be rebuilt”.
Consultations planned for village master plan
Residents asked how they could participate in the development of the new master plan for the village. The mayor confirmed that consultations have already begun with local business owners and that a dedicated website is in development to allow for online surveys and submissions.
“They want everyone to feel comfortable sharing ideas,” said Davis-Gerrish. “Not everyone wants to speak up in a crowded meeting, so the platform will allow people to contribute at their own pace”.
Lake patrol and inspection powers renewed
In connection with lake management, council passed a resolution assigning patrol duties to the Régie du Parc Régional Massawippi and reappointed two officers as municipal inspectors. This allows them to issue tickets for infractions, particularly relating to environmental regulations.
“These are the same patrollers we’ve had for the past two or three years,” noted one councillor. “They’re in the cadet program and understand the environmental challenges well”.
Street sweeping contract awarded
Council also awarded a just over $17,000 contract to M&S Létourneau for sweeping streets and municipal parking lots this spring, based on a service offer submitted on March 11.
The next regular North Hatley council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5.