This awning existed in 2023, and it was the same color and size. It was used by the hair salon at the time. We requested to put this awning back up to display our North Hatley Info website logo.
Along with the permit application form, we also provided details of the writings on the awning located in a backyard in the center of the village of North Hatley.
In order to help you fully understand the entire process involved and the exchanges with the municipality, we will publish the inspector’s responses. This will allow other merchants and citizens to know the steps to follow, the rules to respect, and the expected timeline. Sometimes, we think we are doing the right thing, but we are actually on the wrong track. So here is
Ma demande le 10 juillet 2025.
The municipal inspector’s response on July 14, 2025.
According to the response from the North Hatley municipal inspector, it is essential that the request for this awning be made by the owner and not the tenant. Although we have a valid commercial lease, the owner must approve our signage request directly with the municipal inspector for it to be valid.
I somewhat regret the inspector’s response, which states in his email: “As you know.” Unfortunately, as citizens, most of the time we don’t know or misunderstand regulations and their application. After all, it’s not our profession. For my part, I have read the zoning regulations and yet I still seem ignorant in my requests. However, I expect to get help from the inspector. For me, it’s a service to citizens. Unfortunately, I get the impression that citizens are often seen as “ignorant” when it comes to municipal regulations.
In fact, I took the trouble to invite the inspector to come and answer questions and help explain municipal regulations and zoning issues on the North Hatley info website. This would be really useful for the community. In my opinion, it’s difficult for the average person to navigate these issues. Plus, if the inspector contributed to the site, the topics would be simplified and indexed on Google to help people find their way around easily. Everyone would waste less time!
My response to the municipal inspector’s reply on July 14, 2025.
Besides, most people aren’t very excited about reading and understanding municipal regulations. For me, it’s the municipal inspector’s job to help and explain the regulations to citizens. However, I rarely felt that the inspector was trying to help me. Unfortunately, I often feel that the inspector’s mission is to block me or prevent me from doing something rather than helping me find solutions while complying with the regulations.
Basically, the installation of the awning that was present in 2023 for the hair salon must go through the following process:
- Fill out a permit application.
- Permission from my landlord.
- Information about this company’s activities.
It is a municipal news site that will possibly become a local newspaper with the mission of publicizing and explaining local issues. In other words, keeping the population informed about what is happening in the municipality.
- Authorization from the CCUP.
Committee composed of the following individuals
- Authorization by the municipal council.
Where the shoe pinches,
A company that raises issues that could potentially put elected officials in a bad light must have its poster approved by those same people. Isn’t there a striking conflict of interest here that could slow down or block the approval of this company’s poster? Especially with municipal elections coming up this fall!
With that said, I hope this article will help simplify your dealings with the inspector.
