Photo by William Crooks
Hatley Township council members discussed key issues during the Nov. 5 meeting, addressing topics from contaminated soil management to local infrastructure

Hatley Township Council tackles issues in monthly meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Contaminated soil, public works, and residential development were at the forefront of Hatley Township’s monthly council meeting on Nov. 5, led by Mayor Vincent Fontaine. Roughly eight residents attended, actively engaging in the question periods, which were the main platform for discussing pressing local concerns.

Contaminated soil management

Contaminated soil management, a major municipal and environmental issue, raised heated discussion during question period. Council members detailed the rising costs and logistical challenges of handling naturally occurring contaminants such as manganese, sulfur, and various metals. Current regulations require municipalities to transport even mildly contaminated soils to designated treatment sites, which often lie hundreds of kilometres away. These requirements are costly and have notable environmental repercussions, as soil hauling generates greenhouse gas emissions.

A council member noted the difficulty Hatley Township faces in following regulations that are perhaps overly broad. “We’re dealing with a situation where the soil might naturally contain substances like manganese and sulfur,” the council member explained. “It’s not truly ‘contaminated’ in the way people often think, but we’re obligated by the Ministry of Environment to treat it as such.”

Mayor Fontaine pointed out that compliance with these guidelines adds a considerable financial strain on the municipality, one that is expected to grow if the rules remain unchanged. The township now plans to lobby for regulatory changes, hoping to make a case for specific adjustments based on natural soil composition.

A resident expressed curiosity about whether Hatley Township was tackling this issue alone or if other municipalities shared similar frustrations. “Is Hatley (Township) the only one looking at this, or are other municipalities concerned?” he asked. Mayor Fontaine assured him that Hatley Township was part of a broader effort, with the Quebec Federation of Municipalities supporting municipal concerns over the cost and sustainability of these soil transportation rules.

“We’re not alone in this,” Fontaine responded. “The situation isn’t sustainable for a lot of us,” he added, emphasizing the financial and environmental costs of transporting low-risk soils across the province.

Public works department under review

The council also addressed a diagnostic assessment for the Public Works Department, intended to streamline operations and optimize service delivery. Public works, a vital component of Hatley Township’s municipal services, faces budgetary and operational challenges that impact the quality of services provided to residents.

The municipality has allocated $15,000 for a consulting service aimed at identifying areas for improvement in Hatley Township’s public works. “It’s about giving our Director General the tools he needs to keep everything running smoothly,” explained a council member. The assessment will include recommendations on minimizing lost time, prioritizing tasks, and evaluating staff resources to ensure they align with community needs.

A resident raised questions about the allocation, inquiring whether the funds would go toward physical projects or would focus strictly on internal review and improvement. “Are we looking at real on-the-ground projects here, or is this more of an operational review?” he asked. The council confirmed that the focus was strictly on assessing current processes. “It’s organizational, not a project-based allocation,” they clarified, explaining that the goal is to improve efficiency rather than to launch new projects.

The assessment, which is expected to start this month, will look closely at which public works tasks require immediate attention and which may benefit from re-prioritization. “Ultimately, it’s about knowing where our efforts are most needed and having the right people in the right places,” added another council member. This internal review aligns with the township’s aim to better serve residents through more efficient planning and resource use, which the council believes will support long-term sustainability within the department.

Victoria Street residential development sparks interest

The final key issue raised during question period involved the future of Hatley Township’s residential development, particularly on Victoria Street. The township has been overseeing new projects that aim to attract residents while balancing environmental and infrastructure concerns.

A resident expressed interest in connecting Victoria Street to nearby recreational trails or pathways to create expanded green space for the community. “Could we look at making a connection between Victoria Street and trails, maybe a bike path or something similar?” he suggested.

While the council expressed interest in enhancing recreational spaces, they also noted logistical challenges. “It’s a great idea, but the area to the east is mostly wetlands,” the council responded, explaining that environmental restrictions would prevent any new road or trail connections. Even though new pathways would enhance Hatley Township’s recreational appeal, they must comply with provincial land-use regulations that protect these sensitive areas.

Despite these limitations, the council remains optimistic about the Victoria Street project’s contribution to Hatley Township’s growth. They describe it as a “beautiful development” that will enhance the township’s residential offerings while respecting local ecosystems. Residents were encouraged to view the development plans on the township website, where detailed maps and lot locations are available.

The meeting lasted roughly 40 minutes before being adjourned around 7:40 p.m.