Photo by William Crooks
Attendees of the North Hatley Town Council’s public meeting on Sept. 9 listened as local residents raised concerns about the new invasive species bylaw and ongoing zoning issues in the village center

Invasive species, zoning changes, Beach House resolutions, and reported squatters

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The North Hatley Town Council’s monthly public meeting on Sept. 9, presided over by Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, focused on a variety of important local issues. These included a new invasive species bylaw, a zoning change for the Interfaith Centre, resolutions on the new Pleasant View Beach House, and concerns over squatters near a local dental clinic. These topics sparked lively discussion in the small hall adjoining Sainte-Élisabeth Church, highlighting the Council’s ongoing efforts to address environmental protection, community safety, and infrastructure development.

New invasive species bylaw

The Council passed a bylaw targeting invasive and exotic species in the municipality, aiming to protect both public and private properties from species that could damage the local ecosystem. This legislation stems from regional MRC guidelines and is part of a broader environmental strategy. Under the new bylaw, property owners are responsible for removing invasive species from their land at their own expense, while the town will offer guidance and resources to assist with identification and management.

A few residents raised concerns about the costs associated with compliance, particularly for larger properties. One resident questioned the effectiveness of enforcement, citing past difficulties the town has had in implementing similar regulations. A member of the Council acknowledged these concerns but stressed that the town is committed to better enforcement this time around. Education campaigns are planned to help residents understand their responsibilities under the bylaw and how they can contribute to the overall health of the local environment.

The Council emphasized that the bylaw is a proactive measure, designed to prevent the kinds of environmental damage seen in other regions where invasive species were allowed to spread unchecked. Specific species covered by the bylaw will be identified in a list provided by the MRC, and property owners will be informed about best practices for removal. The Council assured residents that enforcement will be accompanied by town-led initiatives to address invasive species on public lands, setting an example for private landowners.

Interfaith Centre zoning change

The potential rezoning of the Interfaith Centre at 124 Church was another key topic of discussion. The current owner said he has been seeking a zoning change for over 14 years, hoping to convert the building from its current designation as a place of worship to a commercial property. The owner explained that dwindling congregation numbers and rising maintenance costs have made it impossible to continue using the building for its original purpose.

Several residents voiced concerns about rezoning the property before the town completes its master plan for the village center. One resident, who has been involved in local planning efforts, urged the Council to delay the decision, arguing that the rezoning should be considered as part of a broader strategy for the area’s development. The resident pointed out that hasty zoning changes could lead to disjointed growth and that the Interfaith Centre’s historical significance should be factored into any future plans.

In response, the Council acknowledged the importance of the master plan and agreed that it would be premature to approve the zoning change before its completion. They indicated that the master plan, which is expected to be finalized in the coming months, will provide a clearer framework for decisions about zoning and development in the village center. However, the Council also recognized the financial pressures faced by the building’s owner and assured them that the issue would be revisited as soon as the master plan is complete.

Despite the assurances, the owner expressed frustration, noting the years of delays and the cost of maintaining the building in the meantime. The Council reiterated that their goal is to balance the needs of property owners with the long-term vision for the community, and that the master plan will provide a comprehensive approach to zoning decisions moving forward.

Pleasant View Beach House resolutions

Resolutions regarding the Pleasant View Beach House project were another major focus of the meeting. This long-standing community fixture, originally intended for summer use, has been deemed beyond repair due to structural issues and its location in a flood zone. What began as a renovation plan has evolved into a complete rebuild, and the Council is working to secure provincial funding to cover the costs.

The meeting saw the passage of resolutions authorizing the town to move forward with architectural, civil, mechanical, and structural engineering plans for the new building. These plans are necessary to meet government funding requirements. The Council made it clear that without provincial support, the town would not be able to afford the estimated $2 million plus required for the project.

During the meeting, a resident raised concerns about the design of the new building, particularly the decision to replicate the original structure, which was intended for seasonal use. The resident suggested that a more modern design, better suited for year-round use, would be more cost-effective and energy-efficient, especially given the high heating costs associated with the original design.

The Council acknowledged these concerns and explained that while the current plans reflect the original structure, adjustments could be made once the costs are fully evaluated. They emphasized the importance of securing the funding first, before making any major changes to the design. The Council also indicated that energy efficiency will be a priority, with options for modern heating and insulation systems under consideration. The new building is expected to serve as a multi-purpose space for the community, with the potential to host events year-round, rather than being limited to summer activities

Community input will continue to be an important part of the process, and the Council assured residents that there will be opportunities to provide feedback on the design and function of the new building as the project moves forward.

Concerns from local dentist regarding squatters

A local dentist raised serious concerns about squatters occupying an abandoned building near her clinic on Church Street. She explained that the building, which has been vacant for several years, has become a safety hazard for both her business and nearby residents. The dentist, who operates a clinic and commercial building serving 30 to 50 people daily, described how the presence of squatters could lead to a fire, putting her patients and staff at risk.

She reported that the building’s windows had been broken and that people had been seen entering the property despite the town’s attempts to secure it. She emphasized that the derelict building, which is slated for demolition, had been in this state for far too long, and that immediate action was needed to prevent a potential disaster. She noted that she had been raising these concerns for five years, but little progress had been made.

The Council responded by acknowledging the delay and the safety risks posed by the building. They indicated that legal and logistical challenges had slowed the demolition process but assured her that the building’s removal was a priority. In the meantime, the Council will work with local authorities to increase security around the site and ensure that the property remains as safe as possible until demolition can be completed.

The discussion highlighted the broader issue of abandoned buildings in North Hatley, with other residents expressing concerns about the safety and appearance of such properties. The Council agreed that more needs to be done to address these issues and confirmed that they are exploring options to expedite the demolition of hazardous structures throughout the village.

The meeting lasted over an hour and a half and was adjourned around 8:40 p.m.