William Crooks
Mike Munkittrick addresses North Hatley council during the Sept. 8 meeting, raising concerns about traffic and parking on River Street, as fellow residents look on from the gallery

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Sept. 8 public council meeting in North Hatley, roughly 20 residents filled the hall to raise concerns about infrastructure, traffic safety, access to communal spaces, and village planning. Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish presided over the session, which covered both local frustrations and recent municipal achievements.

Master plan nearing adoption

Mayor Davis-Gerrish reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to proactive, resident-led development through a new master plan, which will be publicly presented on Sept. 23. Adoption is slated for Oct. 1.

Unlike earlier planning efforts in 2012 and 2021 that were never implemented, this plan will guide bylaw development and zoning. “This plan will put North Hatley residents in the driver’s seat,” she wrote in a recent municipal bulletin. The village has set aside funds to ensure enforcement and integration.

Emergency water repair draws praise—and questions

The Labour Day weekend water main break dominated early discussion. Public works staff and the mayor remained on site from Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning. “It was anything but a simple repair,” said Davis-Gerrish, thanking 3M and public workers for their overnight effort.

Residents affected by the incident expressed appreciation but also concern over the quality of existing infrastructure. A retired engineer urged council to conduct a technical evaluation: “These pipes should last 40 years—there are examples in Germany that last over 90.”

Council acknowledged the urgency and confirmed that a review is underway. Staff believe recent strain from a nearby fire and hydrant usage may have contributed to the rupture. A request for infrastructure funding had already been submitted to the province.

Residents push back against pathway ‘annexation’

A court decision allowing partial privatization of a long-used communal pathway between Rue Wadleigh and Rue Lebaron sparked passionate appeals. Residents described the trail as a piece of North Hatley’s soul.

“I’m absolutely astonished that an individual could decide to annex a road I’ve been walking on since 1970,” said one speaker, calling the path a symbol of communal spirit. Another asked to be connected with the citizens’ group challenging the decision.

Council voted to retain legal experts to analyze the ruling and explore options to preserve access. “We’ll do what we can to preserve these for the municipality and for the citizens,” Davis-Gerrish said. “This time it’s your neighbourhood—next time, it could be another.”

Community action helps prevent fires

Two separate fire incidents were reported over the preceding week, both averted by quick thinking and local collaboration.

Former mayor Michael Page spotted smoke coming from a home on Sherbrooke Hill and roused the sleeping homeowner before using an extinguisher and garden hose to slow the flames. Fire crews arrived shortly after.

In another case, a public works employee noticed a hedge fire on Chemin du Lac. He stopped his truck, deployed a fire extinguisher, and found a hose to contain the blaze before the fire department arrived.

“I’ve always been in awe of the fire department—they run in when others run away,” said Davis-Gerrish.

Parking, speeding, and access frustrations on River Street

Resident Mike Munkittrick criticized the lack of progress on paid parking infrastructure, citing years of deferrals. He also described River Street as a “zoo,” recounting repeated car accidents and loud early morning traffic over speed bumps.

Council said paid parking is still under study, with a mandate to find a town-wide solution. “We don’t want to just shift the problem to side streets,” Davis-Gerrish said. Speed bumps were described as temporary, with more permanent and less disruptive traffic-calming options, such as road narrowings, under consideration.

Gym access restored, recreation expanded

After the end of a previous arrangement, North Hatley negotiated a new agreement with the local elementary school to access the gymnasium on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Pickleball, badminton, and possibly volleyball will now be available to residents.

“We’re very happy with this,” said Davis-Gerrish. “The school was more than happy to share.”

Finances improving after years of debt

The mayor reported steady progress in reducing municipal debt—from nearly $6.9 million in 2019 to just under $4 million in 2024. Surpluses are projected to continue, and the village anticipates eliminating its debt entirely within five years.

“This opens the door to improving services, lowering taxes, or both,” said Davis-Gerrish. The new master plan will inform a long-term financial strategy to stabilize North Hatley’s budget.

Other updates

• Mill Building Redevelopment: A 22-unit condo project is set to begin construction this fall on the site of the demolished mill.
• Pollock Rink: Designs for a new covered, refrigerated rink in River Park are in development and will be presented to the public.
• Environmental Initiatives: Council approved the installation of a washing station using $50,000 in grant funding and moved forward with regulatory compliance to unlock TECQ infrastructure support.
• Cultural Symbol: A “generation chair” will be placed at council meetings to represent future generations and youth perspectives in local decision-making.
• Mobile Saunas: Council approved a three-year agreement with Solstice Sauna to operate seasonal mobile therapeutic saunas at the federal dock from October to April.

Election approaching

Council appointed Director General Benoît Tremblay as returning officer for the Nov. 2 municipal election and approved salary scales for election staff.

Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, who confirmed her intention to seek another term in earlier media coverage, is expected to be a candidate in the upcoming vote.

Residents are encouraged to attend the Sept. 23 master plan presentation or visit the municipal website for more details.

The meeting lasted over and hour and a half with the next scheduled for Oct. 1.