William Crooks
Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish leads the special council meeting on Jan. 24, 2025, where the contract for North Hatley’s master plan was unanimously approved
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Municipality of North Hatley took a significant step toward transforming its village core at a special council meeting on Friday, Jan. 24, at 11:30 a.m. Presided over by Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish and attended by three residents, the council unanimously approved awarding the contract for the realization of a master plan and implementation strategy to Domus Architecture and Urban Design.
The approved contract, valued at $121,298.63, followed a public tender process conducted through Quebec’s SEAO platform. During the question period, a resident asked how many firms had been approached, and council members explained that 20 to 25 firms downloaded the tender documents. By the Jan. 16 submission deadline, three firms had submitted proposals. Domus Architecture received the highest score from the evaluation committee, meeting the required threshold of 70 points.
According to the North Hatley website, the master plan aims to redevelop a 130,000-square-metre area in the village’s core, encompassing landmarks such as the old Baptist Church and the Massawippi River. The project’s scope includes replacing deteriorating structures with environmentally friendly designs, such as cluster housing, permeable parking, and renewable energy solutions. The website emphasizes that the plan is integral to revitalizing North Hatley while adhering to principles of sustainability and economic development.
The recent Jan. 13 council meeting provided additional context about the master plan’s background and funding. During that meeting, attended by 15 residents, speculation emerged about the identity of an anonymous donor offering to fund the plan. Residents expressed concerns over a potential conflict of interest if local developer Richard Laliberté were involved, as his C-4 zoning project stands to benefit from the broader planning efforts. The council, however, denied any connection, explaining that the donation was managed through the Ottawa Community Foundation with Tom Wilcox acting as an intermediary. Mayor Davis-Gerrish stated, “No member of the council knows who the donor is,” and assured attendees that the funding process adhered to transparency and ethical standards.
The project will be overseen by a five-member committee, including two councillors and three residents. An open call for committee members was announced at the meeting, with applications accepted until Jan. 31, 2025. Appointments will be finalized at the council’s Feb. 3 meeting. Council emphasized that community involvement is crucial to the project’s success, noting that the committee’s role will include providing feedback throughout the implementation process.
The North Hatley website also highlights funding efforts for the project. According to the website and the council’s discussion, the Ottawa Community Foundation has pledged to cover costs associated with developing the master plan. This funding aligns with the municipality’s broader efforts to secure financial support for initiatives such as a $2.5 million grant application for a new community centre.
The Jan. 13 meeting also addressed zoning changes for the C-4 zone, which were approved to facilitate a 22-unit residential project by Laliberté. These changes—including increased building heights and reduced setbacks—were presented as essential to addressing North Hatley’s housing challenges while remaining consistent with its character. Critics at the meeting voiced concerns over transparency and the potential impact on cycling paths and flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with community preservation.
The Jan. 24 meeting, lasting six minutes and with no final question period, concluded at 11:36 a.m., with council members expressing optimism about the potential impact of the master plan. As implementation begins, the project is avowed to position North Hatley as a model for sustainable development in the region.