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Tête-à-têtes with your local elected officials
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Andrew Pelletier, a well-established councillor in North Hatley, shared his views on the future of the small Eastern Townships municipality in a recent interview. With a rich career background spanning geography, environmental sciences, and the oil industry, Pelletier has brought a wealth of experience to his role on the council.
“I was in the oil industry for 37 years, working with companies like Gulf Canada and Petro Canada,” he shared. After retiring from the petroleum industry, Pelletier sought a quieter life and found North Hatley to be the ideal place. “We came to North Hatley right at the onset of COVID in 2020. My wife and I found a nice home here, and we’ve been very happy with our decision.”
Pelletier’s transition from the corporate world to public service has been seamless. “I was on a council before, in Candiac, between 1993 and 2005, so this isn’t new for me,” Pelletier explained. When the 2021 elections came around, he was acclaimed to the council. “It’s been a good situation, and I think we’ve accomplished a lot.”
Challenges facing North Hatley
When asked about the challenges facing the municipality, Pelletier was quick to emphasize the growing complexity of running even a small town. “Whether it’s a small municipality or a big one, the requirements of the provincial government are still the same. We need to be very cautious with how we spend the town’s money,” he noted.
One of the town’s biggest current projects is the Pleasant View development. Pelletier praised the administrative staff for their diligent work in securing funding for this project, which promises to significantly impact the town. “I think our admin has done an exceptional job going to get funding for Pleasant View. That’s a very big project, and it’s right to see that go forward.”
Other challenges on the horizon include the town’s marina and future development projects. “Any developers who might have projects for our municipality, we have to ensure they’re well managed—and they will be,” he emphasized.
Addressing public and council relations
One topic Pelletier was keen to discuss was the relationship between council members and the public, particularly in light of recent legislation aimed at curbing harassment of municipal employees. When asked for his perspective on this issue, he acknowledged its importance but highlighted that North Hatley has been fortunate in avoiding these challenges.
“Harassment has no place in the workplace. None of us want that,” he said firmly. “In North Hatley, I have to tell you, I’ve not had a problem. I’ve seen problems elsewhere, but I think when somebody isn’t acting correctly, you just have to be honest and address it directly. That’s the way I’ve always handled it.”
Pelletier, with his decades of experience in communications, believes in open dialogue to resolve issues. “I’ve had a 40-year career in the petroleum business, and I’ve never had a problem I couldn’t solve. You just have to be better than that and go forward.”
As for the new legislation, Pelletier expressed his support for applying it when needed but reiterated that in his town, there’s been little cause for concern. “If it’s needed, we should apply it, but here, it hasn’t been much of an issue.”
Community projects and daycare success
The town of North Hatley has seen several community-focused projects take shape recently, one of which is the new daycare located in the town hall. “I think we’re all pleased with the daycare,” Pelletier remarked, crediting the administration for their hard work in securing the arrangement with the provincial government.
The facility has received praise from the community, and Meals on Wheels has also benefitted from the shared space. “Meals on Wheels is working as we said it would. They’re using that section as well, and there aren’t any problems that I’m aware of.”
The strengths of North Hatley
Despite the challenges facing the town, Pelletier remains optimistic about North Hatley’s future. “This continues to be a great place to visit,” he said. The councillor spoke fondly of the town’s essential services and local businesses, which he believes are integral to its charm and economy.
“I frequently go to the local grocery store, LeBaron’s, and La Chocolatiere. We’re fortunate to have these merchants and services in our community,” he said. Pelletier encourages both locals and visitors to support these businesses, emphasizing the importance of keeping the town’s economy vibrant.
Homelessness and housing issues
Homelessness has been a growing concern in nearby municipalities and regions like Lennoxville and Brome-Missisquoi. However, Pelletier clarified that the issue has not manifested in North Hatley to the same extent. “I know we have an abandoned building in town that’s owned by a developer, and there’s a demolition permit to remove it,” he mentioned. However, he has not seen any squatting or homelessness issues in the area.
Still, Pelletier remains mindful of the housing challenges that may arise, particularly as North Hatley attracts a broader range of residents. “We have a cross-section of people in this town, and some are less fortunate than others,” he acknowledged. “But, for now, homelessness hasn’t been a pressing issue here.”
A dedicated council Pelletier concluded the interview by expressing his gratitude to his colleagues and emphasizing the council’s dedication to working for the town. “This council and this administration are working hard for the people of North Hatley,” he said. “We’re putting forward projects that are smart and meet the needs of the municipality, and we’ll continue to work hard.”