In its June 25 press release, the Municipality of North Hatley states that citizens have free access to the beach since they pay taxes. It makes perfect sense!
North Hatley denies that it has always set up the skating rink and that weather conditions may have affected the service. I’d like to point out that several citizens had complained about the late installation and poor maintenance of the rink. I can testify to this myself, as can several friends who use the rink. However, I would like to point out that the service has greatly improved over the past two years.
It’s important to understand that the intermunicipal agreement between the Municipality of North Hatley and the Canton de Hatley was designed to share the costs of recreation services 50-50.
- Fall, winter and spring programming;
- Summer day camp;
- Outdoor cinema;
- Choir;
- Family celebration in June;
- Winter fun activities;
- River run; and
- Table des commerçants (joint activity).
In return, North Hatley was to offer the following services:
- Beach (swimming and swimming lessons);
- Sailing lessons;
- Free tennis;
- Ice rink and ice trail;
- Summer concerts at Dreamland Park; and
- Canada Day celebrations.
The Township of North Hatley mentions that the Covid is largely related to increased salaries for beach lifeguards. According to information provided by the Township’s General Manager, salaries for North Hatley beach lifeguards have doubled since 2020.
On the other hand, the Canton de Hatley’s complaint, in addition to the doubling of costs, is also related to the fact that the municipality of North Hatley is sending invoices 2 to 3 years later. Also, Canton de Hatley requested supporting documents, which they claim were never provided.
I have the impression that the two municipalities blame each other. Of course, it’s not always easy to get along. However, if we share a house and you ask me to pay half the electricity bill, I demand to see the electricity bill within the current year, or else. How else can you maintain your budget?
The municipality of North Hatley reports that 391 citizens Canton de Hatley Township used the beach free of charge. According to Canton de Hatley, this information was not provided. Why not provide this information?
391 citizens is good, but are they families, couples or singles? The beach is very small and mainly suitable for children. In my case, I go there because my children want to play with other children. This allows parents to relax. What’s more, the beach is supervised.
Let’s imagine a scenario
Let’s calculate the cost of 391 Hatley Township residents accessing the beach during the summer season.
75% are families with 2 children and 3 adults. = 58.65 families (391 X0.75% / 5)
Each family has 5 members. Additional person, $125 extra.
58.65 families use the beach.
25% are singles = 97.75 singles.
How much does it really cost if the Canton de Hatley pays for its citizens? Access to North Hatley beach for non-residents is set at :
300$ per family (2 children, 3 adults). If you have 4 or more children, add $125 per child.$125 per single person.
125$ per person.
| Pourcentage | Individuals | Membership | Price membership | Sub-total | |
| Family (2 parents, 3 children) | 75% | 293,25 | 58,65 | 300$ | 17 595$ |
| Individual | 25% | 97,65 | 97,65 | 125$ | 12 218,75$ |
| 29 813,75$ |
Canton de Hatley bill without agreement
29,813.75$ per season (approximate)
Canton de Hatley’s bill with agreement
Cost of beach in 2019 = $35,000 (50% North Hatley, 50% Canton de Hatley)
$35,000 – $17,000 revenue = $18,000 // See agreement amounts below.
50% X $18,000 = $9,000 // Excluding subsidy.
If beach costs have doubled since 2019, the bill would currently stand at $70,000 (unlikely)
Have revenues doubled? Doubtful. Let’s say a 30% increase.
Revenues = $17,000 X 1.30 = $22,100
$70,000-$22,100 (revenues) = $54,900
50% payable by the Township = $27,450 per season (approximate)
In such a fictitious scenario, the Canton de Hatley, which decides to pay for all its citizens, would pay a bill of $29,813.75. Canton de Hatley may have calculated to pay à la carte for beach access for each of its citizens. Under the present scenario, it would pay a price similar to what it paid under the agreement. However, she would have her bill in hand in time to manage her budget effectively. This was the main complaint that led to the non-renewal. Indeed, to pay its bill, the Township would have to receive its bill! Perhaps the Canton de Hatley could offer the compromise of paying 50% of the beach fees to its citizens.
Harmonious relations between municipalities are essential to ensure quality services for all citizens of the region. Don’t forget that there are other recreational services in the agreement besides the beach. What will happen to these other services?
Certainly, the citizens of Canton de Hatley and North Hatley will pay the price for this misunderstanding. On the other hand, human beings being what they are, they’ll find another beach and other leisure activities.
On that note, the beaches of Ayer’s Cliff (for Canton residents) and Magog (for everyone) are free.
Budget for the interministerial recreation agreement between Canton de Hatley and North Hatley. Provided the same day by the municipality of Canton de Hatley following my access to information request.
