Photo by William Crooks
Residents listen intently during the Jan. 13 North Hatley council meeting, voicing concerns about zoning changes and the anonymous donor funding the development of the town’s master plan

North Hatley council approves zoning changes amid anonymous donor speculation

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

In a unanimous decision, the North Hatley municipal council approved Jan. 13 a new zoning bylaw for the C-4 zone during its first public meeting of the year, facilitating a 22-unit residential development by local developer Richard Laliberté. The monthly public meeting, attended by roughly 15 residents, was marked by public speculation during question period over the identity of an anonymous donor offering to fund the development of the town’s master plan. Several attendees suggested a possible conflict of interest if Laliberté were the benefactor—a claim the council denied.

Zoning bylaw details

The newly adopted bylaw introduces significant changes to the C-4 zone, allowing for the proposed development while addressing North Hatley’s housing challenges. According to the bylaw:

• Building height: Maximum allowable height is increased to four storeys.
• Setbacks: Requirements are reduced to 1.5 metres for side and rear boundaries and 3 metres for the front.
• Mixed-Use development: The bylaw encourages mixed-use structures, stipulating that commercial units occupy the ground floor.

“These amendments are designed to address our pressing housing needs while ensuring that new developments harmonize with North Hatley’s character,” said Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish. The council stressed that the project complies with local planning objectives and reflects the village’s ongoing efforts to modernize while preserving its unique appeal.

Speculation over anonymous donor

Speculation surrounding an anonymous donor dominated the meeting. Several residents questioned whether Laliberté, whose development would directly benefit from the zoning changes, might be the donor funding the master plan development. “Without transparency, how can we trust the process?” asked one attendee, echoing the sentiments of many present.

Mayor Davis-Gerrish firmly denied the allegations, stating, “No member of the council knows who the donor is.” She explained that the donation was managed through the Ottawa Community Foundation, with Tom Wilcox acting as the intermediary. “We have been assured that there is no connection between the donor and Mr. Laliberté,” she added. The council further indicated their openness to requesting, via Wilcox, that the donor consider revealing their identity to alleviate public concerns.

Master plan overview

According to the town’s website, the master plan, currently under development, aims to guide North Hatley’s growth while preserving its charm and natural beauty. Covering areas from the old Baptist Church to the Farmer’s Market and from Capelton Road to the Massawippi River, the plan envisions what it describes as a cohesive and sustainable future for the village. It emphasizes enhanced green spaces, infrastructure improvements, and controlled development with the stated aim of being in harmony with the town’s character.

Community concerns

During the meeting, residents raised several concerns regarding the implications of the zoning changes:

• Cycling path impact: Some attendees worried that reduced setbacks might compromise the safety and accessibility of a nearby cycling path.
• Flood risks: Questions arose about the feasibility and safety of underground parking in a flood-prone area.
• Precedent for future developments: Critics feared the bylaw changes could open the door to future large-scale developments that might not align with North Hatley’s small-town character.

“This isn’t just about one project,” remarked a concerned resident. “It’s about ensuring that future developments respect the community’s vision.”

Council’s defence

Despite the pushback, the council defended its decision, arguing that the changes were necessary to address immediate housing shortages. “We’re balancing immediate needs with long-term planning,” said Davis-Gerrish. “This project aligns with the housing objectives outlined in our strategic vision and will bring much-needed tax revenue and vitality to our community.”

Looking forward

With the zoning bylaw now approved, the focus shifts to the town’s ongoing master plan process and its implementation. The council’s willingness to request the anonymous donor to consider revealing their identity may provide an opportunity to address residents’ concerns. As the project progresses, residents claim maintaining transparency and open communication will be essential to fostering trust and ensuring the community feels its values and interests are being respected.

“This is about trust,” said one resident. “Without full disclosure, how can we be sure these decisions are truly in the best interest of our community?”

Requests for more information

Inquiries directed to North Hatley resident Tom Wilcox went unanswered before press time. Similarly, requests for interviews or comments from Mayor Davis-Gerrish and Director General Benoit Tremblay received no response beyond the town’s administrative assistant saying the request would be forwarded. Notably, Davis-Gerrish has not responded to interview requests from The Record for over a year.

The Record contacted the Ottawa Community Foundation for more information and received the following statement from communications manager Barry Lam:

“While we are proud of our role in administering the North Hatley Village Improvement Society Fund, it operates as one of many donor-advised funds we hold at the OCF (i.e. they are established by donors who provide advice on granting). As such, we would not be in a position to answer with authority or knowledge any specific questions about North Hatley’s master plan.”