Courtesy
Mayor Vincent Fontaine (centre) with his election team, from left to right: Jacques Bogenez (seat 6), Lisa St-Pierre (seat 5), Patrick Clowery (seat 1), Mélanie-Alexandra Beauchamp (seat 3), Martine Pariseau (seat 2), and Éric Mathieu (seat 4).

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Hatley Township council’s Oct. 1 public meeting, presided over by Mayor Vincent Fontaine, was the last before the Nov. 2 municipal election. The evening covered the usual mix of bylaws, budgets, and building permits, but it was the story of raccoons taking over a pumping station and the questions raised by residents—particularly on how the election would unfold during the Canada Post strike—that stood out.

Raccoons invade pumping station

Council heard that the pumping station near Kingdom Street suffered major damage after raccoons broke in. The animals left excrement, tore holes, and even fell into the well. “It was a whole story,” one councillor remarked, describing the mess and the smell. The lowest bid to repair the damage came in at $17,850, and council approved moving ahead with the work.

The incident drew a mixture of humour and frustration around the table. “They made beds, it fell, there was excrement, the ceiling held up,” a member explained. “You can smell it from here!” another added. While the council chuckled at the retelling, the damage was no laughing matter. Fontaine and others agreed the repairs were essential to restore the station and avoid service interruptions.

Questions about the election and postal strike

During question period, residents turned to the looming election and the complications caused by the ongoing Canada Post strike. Concerns focused on how voter notification cards and registration updates would reach electors if the strike continued.

General Manager Gabriel Demers outlined the situation. “Because of the strike, we don’t have any information about the elections that are coming up,” he said, noting that the province was still preparing its response.

Demers explained that the government had a few options. “The first is that the government will put its foot down,” he said, referring to the possibility of compelling postal workers to handle election-related mail. If not, municipalities might have to take over.

These “letters” include the voter notification cards that confirm registration and polling location. Demers reassured residents that the township would still fulfil its obligations. “We’re going to meet our obligations, but we still have government support. We received a first email yesterday with the directives, and we’re waiting to receive further information,” he said.

He added that the electoral lists were expected Friday evening, and “from Monday morning, we’re going to have to make a decision on the list.” Distribution methods could change depending on costs and directives, but he emphasized that residents would remain informed. “That won’t change,” Demers said.

Councillor Danielle Côté recognized

The meeting also included a more personal moment. A councillor proposed a motion of congratulations for Councillor Danielle Côté, who has decided not to run again. She was praised for her years of work on committees related to waste management, donations, and municipal protocols. “I simply want to underline the extraordinary work that she has done all these years,” the councillor said.

While some suggested waiting until November to make the motion official, council agreed to record the sentiment in the minutes. Fontaine noted the recognition as fitting, given Côté’s longstanding contribution to Township affairs.

International day for older persons noted

Council also marked Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. A short statement was read highlighting the important role seniors play in the community and encouraging residents to take time to celebrate their contributions.

The statement pointed to the provincial government’s new five-year action plan on aging, which aims to improve support for seniors across multiple aspects of life. Council described the initiative as “very encouraging” and urged residents to spend time with older generations.

Routine business

The packed agenda also included:

• Environmental regulations: Council approved revisions to the Township’s pesticide and fertilizer bylaw, first adopted in 2012, tightening rules around domestic use and introducing permit requirements. They noted that the agricultural sector would not be affected.
• Speed limits: A stretch of local road was standardized to 50 km/h after previously having inconsistent limits of 50 and 70 km/h.
• Legal services: Council authorized an hour-bank agreement with a law firm for future needs.
• Small claims: Representatives were appointed to handle a file involving a grant request of less than $15,000.
• Urban planning: Architectural integration plans were approved for projects on local roads.
• Infrastructure: Beyond the raccoon-damaged pumping station, council approved the installation of new pumps on MacDonald Road at $12,800 and delegated authority to the director general to approve up to 10 per cent in additional costs for a $1.37-million paving project on de la Rivière Road, supported by provincial funding.

With the municipal election set for Nov. 2, Fontaine confirmed he will seek another term as mayor. He is running alongside his team: Jacques Bogenez (seat 6), Lisa St-Pierre (seat 5), Patrick Clowery (seat 1), Mélanie-Alexandra Beauchamp (seat 3), Martine Pariseau (seat 2), and Éric Mathieu (seat 4).

The meeting concluded around 7:30 p.m.