Photo by William Crooks
Pleasant View Beach House in North Hatley, voted to be demolished and replaced following a public consultation to present the demolition request held on Tuesday, Sept. 3
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The iconic Pleasant View Beach House in North Hatley is officially set to be demolished following a unanimous decision made at a public consultation on Sept. 3. After nearly a century as a central part of the lakeside community, the building will be replaced with a new structure, designed to fit the needs of modern North Hatley residents while preserving elements of the original building’s charm. The replacement project will be funded through a substantial provincial grant, although the exact cost to the town is not yet clear. Residents were given a 10-day window to formally oppose the demolition following an Aug. 27 public notice.
PRACIM funding and the transition to a new building
The demolition and replacement of Pleasant View Beach House are part of North Hatley’s participation in the PRACIM (Programme d’amélioration et de construction d’infrastructures municipales) program, which supports municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents in renovating or replacing key community buildings. When North Hatley officials initially applied for PRACIM funding in December 2022, the original intention was to renovate the aging structure. At that time, the estimated cost for the renovation was approximately $1.6 million, with plans to stabilize the foundation and update the building’s facilities.
However, after conducting a series of structural assessments, officials determined that the building’s condition was much worse than anticipated. The foundation had deteriorated beyond repair, and the building was in danger of further shifting due to unstable soil conditions beneath it. Faced with the cost of a full stabilization project that might still leave the building at risk, officials shifted the focus from renovation to demolition and rebuilding.
The total estimated cost for the demolition and replacement project is now around $2.5 million. The PRACIM grant could cover up to 95 per cent of this cost, though the exact amount the town will need to contribute remains uncertain. The grant’s percentage depends on certain factors, including the final cost of construction, which could fluctuate due to material prices, unforeseen expenses, and labour availability.
The building’s rich history
The Pleasant View Beach House has been a central feature of North Hatley’s waterfront since 1937. Originally built as a clubhouse for a private golf course, the structure was moved across the frozen surface of Lake Massawippi during the winter, an impressive feat that cemented its place in local lore. For decades, the beach house has served as a gathering point for local families and tourists alike, offering a place for summer recreation, events, and community activities.
The building underwent significant changes in 1982 when it was elevated, and a basement was added to expand its utility, according to officials. However, during the consultation, long-time resident and former town councillor Michael Munkittrick challenged the timeline provided by village officials, suggesting that the basement had been part of the building long before the 1982 renovations. This discrepancy, while noteworthy, was not a focal point of the discussion, which remained centered on the building’s future rather than debates about its past.
Structural failures lead to demolition decision
The primary reason for the decision to demolish the Pleasant View Beach House is its reported severe structural degradation. Over the years, the building has been subjected to the shifting and settling of unstable soil, causing significant cracks to develop in its foundation. The project’s manager presented findings during the consultation, revealing that the building’s foundation was beyond repair and continued to move due to the soil conditions beneath it. The foundation, initially built in 1937 and later altered in 1982, was found to be cracked in several areas. The cracks are evidence of ongoing movement caused by what geotechnical studies describe as soil instability resembling “quicksand.”
The project manager further emphasized that any attempt to stabilize the structure would be a temporary and costly fix, with no guarantee that it would prevent further damage. The building’s structural problems had reached a point where demolition and relocation were the only viable solution, according to officials.
In addition to the foundation issues, the building’s location within both a flood zone and a riparian strip further complicated matters. Provincial regulations prohibit significant renovations on buildings in such areas, meaning that even if the foundation could be repaired, the building would still face future threats from environmental factors. To mitigate these risks, the new structure will be built 15 metres inland, away from the flood zone, ensuring that it complies with modern environmental and building standards.
New design: A blend of tradition and modernity
The architects responsible for the new Pleasant View Beach House have focused on maintaining elements of the original building’s design while incorporating modern features to meet contemporary needs. The new structure will retain the white cladding and wood accents that have become hallmarks of the original building’s aesthetic. In addition, the design includes larger windows to allow more natural light and provide enhanced views of Lake Massawippi, a key feature for residents and visitors who value the building’s scenic location.
Balconies have been added to the design to improve functionality, and the new building will be fully compliant with modern safety standards, including the installation of an emergency exit and accessible bathrooms. The architects also intend to reuse some materials from the original building, including wood beams and windows, as decorative elements in the new structure. This reuse of materials is intended to honour the legacy of the old building while ensuring that the new facility is practical, sustainable, and able to serve the community for decades to come.
The new Pleasant View Beach House is designed to be a year-round facility, unlike its predecessor, which was primarily used during the summer months. The inclusion of modern amenities will allow the building to host events and activities during the winter, ensuring that it becomes a central hub for community life throughout the year. It will also serve as the municipality’s emergency shelter. The village hopes that by modernizing the structure, they can better serve residents while also attracting more visitors to North Hatley’s scenic lakeside.

The Sainte-Élisabeth Church Community Hall in North Hatley was packed for the public consultation, with some for and some against the demolition decision
Public concerns and financial questions
The consultation provided an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the project, with many raising concerns about the financial implications. While the PRACIM grant could cover up to 95 per cent of the estimated $2.5 million cost, some residents expressed concerns about potential cost overruns and the possibility that the village might need to contribute more than initially anticipated. The village’s financial responsibility will depend on the final cost of the project and any unforeseen challenges that arise during construction.
Munkittrick questioned whether the village could have taken action earlier to prevent the need for demolition, suggesting that timely repairs might have saved the building. However, village officials explained that the structural damage had progressed too far for repairs to be a viable option. “By the time we fully understood the extent of the damage, demolition was the only practical solution,” one official said.
Despite concerns about the costs and the loss of the historic structure, many residents expressed relief that PRACIM funding would significantly reduce the financial burden on the village. “Getting up to 95 per cent of the costs covered is a great help, and it makes this project much more feasible for our small community,” one resident noted. Others voiced mixed feelings, acknowledging the need for a new building while mourning the loss of a community landmark. “It’s difficult to see the old building go, but I’m hopeful that the new facility will serve us well for years to come,” said another attendee.
The demolition vote and the mayor’s assurances
The demolition committee reviewed the project based on 11 criteria, including structural integrity, historical significance, and potential community impact. After a review, the committee unanimously voted in favor of demolishing the building. The decision was driven by the building’s ongoing structural failures, its location in a flood zone, and the limitations these factors placed on any potential renovations.
Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish, who attended and made some comments but was not a part of the three-person panel, reassured residents during the consultation that no work would begin on the building until all the details of the project had been fully worked out. “The building will not be touched until everything is sorted out,” she stated, providing some comfort to residents concerned about the transition process.
Resident Michael Grayson expressed disappointment that the building’s historical significance wasn’t given more weight in the decision-making process. “To suggest that this building isn’t unique, given its long history in our community, is misleading,” Grayson remarked during the meeting.
With the demolition now approved, the village will move into the planning and preparatory phases for the new Pleasant View Beach House. Although no specific timeline for construction has been confirmed, the village’s next steps will involve further consultations with architects and contractors to finalize the design and ensure that the project remains within budget.