Some citizens published that the debt was $10 million, while the mayor published that the debt was actually $4 million. This seems to have caused quite a stir, especially during election season! Finance is complex, especially municipal financial reports. You have to take into account boards of directors, subsidies, and certain amounts that do not […]
A look back at the presentation of the master plan by Domus Architecte et Design
I was there yesterday, September 23, 2025, to attend the long-awaited presentation of the master plan. First of all, I would like to highlight the excellent presentation by Domus Architecte et Design. I have drawn up a few master plans in a private context, and it is no easy task. Presenting a vision to citizens […]
Presentation of the municipal administration’s master plan tonight at 6:30 p.m.
The long-awaited moment is tonight at 6:30 p.m.: Presentation of the municipal administration’s master plan. Obviously, you know my biased opinion about the current municipal administration. Tonight, once again, there was a nice surprise in the middle of the election campaign. The presentation of a master plan with lots of computer-generated images (no doubt) that […]
The magic of the North Hatley community
On Thursday, September 18, ambassadors from North Hatley gathered for a fundraising event. More than 70 citizens enjoyed a magical evening on the terrace of Vilandré, right next to the North Hatley marina. Children, adults, retirees, and seniors gathered around a delicious lobster dinner. People from the French-speaking and English-speaking communities came together for a […]
Voting by mail in the municipal elections on November 2, 2025
Some citizens will be living outside North Hatley during the municipal elections on November 2 and will not be able to vote in person. However, non-resident voters can vote by mail. If you are eligible, you can vote by mail no later than the 10th day before election day. Here are the criteria for a […]
Is it useful to attend a municipal financial statement presentation meeting without having obtained the financial statements beforehand?
It is necessary to review the financial statements before the meeting If you have ever attended a presentation of financial statements and balance sheets, you know very well that if you are not sent the reports at least two or three days before the meeting, you will not be able to understand them and ask […]
How can major construction projects be launched before the master plan has even been delivered?
I am very surprised to learn that the current municipal administration of North Hatley is preparing to present its master plan this Tuesday, September 23, even though major construction projects are already underway. This means that important land use decisions have already been made, regardless of what you think. So, your opinion is important, provided […]
Did the municipality collect property tax to service the debt without paying the debt?
I note that we paid property tax “towards the 2024 municipal debt.” However, the administration does not appear to have used this money to pay off the debt in 2024. You paid off the municipal debt in 2024 using your property taxes When I look at my 2024 tax bill, I see a line item […]
Where are we now, nearly five months after the start of renovations on the city hall offices?
According to the July 7 city council meeting, the North Hatley municipal administration is scheduled to return to its renovated offices in September. According to statements made by the North Hatley municipal director general on July 7, there is a problem with the architectural plans. The municipality must obtain mechanical and electrical engineering plans for […]
Are we victims of a lack of financial discipline?
On September 16, the North Hatley municipal administration gave a presentation to the public on its finances and achievements for 2021 to 2025. Obviously, the document provided to the public seems to me to emphasize achievements rather than sound financial management. Quite frankly, the presentation is partisan rather than in the public interest. Unfortunately, the […]
September 16 at 7:00 p.m.: Presentation of the 2022-2025 financial results for the village of North Hatley
Fortunately, my friends informed me that there would be a presentation of North Hatley’s 2022-2025 financial reports this evening, as I did not receive an invitation by email. However, I am indeed subscribed, but my last email from the municipal administration was the “Entre nous” newsletter. So, there will be a presentation of North Hatley’s […]
Financial developments in the village of North Hatley from 2016 to today
In order to better understand the financial results of the municipality of North Hatley, I have analyzed and simplified the results to the best of my knowledge to make them understandable to everyone. Here is a brief financial analysis of the results from recent years, based on the municipality’s financial reports available on the ministry’s […]
Young people in the municipality “love playing soccer” at Rivières Park, according to the mayor of North Hatley.
Unfortunately, I can’t get over the issue of the soccer field at Parc des Rivières. It’s a symbol of poor management. Since early spring, the soccer goals have had no nets and are positioned right next to each other. They are completely unusable for children. I have three boys under the age of seven, so […]
Vue aérienne des 3 terrains étudiés pour y construire la patinoire réfrigérée de North Hatley
Afin de mieux comprendre les enjeux liés aux terrains disposés à recevoir la patinoire réfrigérée de North Hatley, voici un petit résumé des avantages et désavantages du parc des Rivières, du parc de Baseball ainsi que de la plage Pleasant View. Vue aérienne du parc des Rivières de North Hatley: 21 août 2025. Vue aérienne […]
Do donations to a municipality pose a risk of conflict of interest?
As I understand it, North Hatley has received several donations from citizens and foundations owned by citizens throughout its history. In fact, it is probably not the only municipality to receive donations. These donations are welcomed with open arms by municipal officials. In fact, the municipality’s latest press release mentions this, as does the latest […]
Increase in waste containers and foul odors on Mill Street
Unfortunately, Mill Street is still in a state of World War II. Yet it is probably the busiest pedestrian street after Main Street, since everyone who parks at Parc des Rivières walks down Mill Street. Let’s call a spade a spade: the street is simply disgusting, and the smell is just the icing on the […]
Réponse à la question d’un citoyen quant au dossier Navigo à North Hatley
Un citoyen m’a posé la question suivante : Parlez nous donc du conflit qui vous a opposé a la ville dans l’histoire de Navigo. Soyez honnête et parlez nous des démarches et du déroulement dans ce dossier. Avez vous toujours respecté les demandes de la ville. Vous sembez amer contre la municipalité. Je vous réponds […]
Does the municipal inspector always apply bylaws in a uniform, impartial and compliant manner?
Some citizens find themselves in a bind when their municipal inspector interprets by-laws to their disadvantage. Imagine that this interpretation is biased because of personal or corporate conflicts with elected officials and the municipality. This citizen risks finding himself at an impasse with his municipality and its municipal inspectors. Is the municipal inspector totally sovereign? […]
The importance of protecting the riparian zone in North Hatley
Since the shock of the closure of Lobadanki Park beach, partly due to the weakening of the shoreline in that area, I have been wondering about the protection of the shoreline elsewhere in North Hatley. Obviously, it is crucial to protect our ecosystem to ensure its sustainability. As I travel by boat on the river […]
Still waiting for permission to install our awning in North Hatley
18 days later and still waiting for permission to put up our awning at 80 Main Street. North Hatley Info submitted its application for a permit to display its awning at 80 Main Street on July 10. The inspector requested additional information, which was provided on July 14. I also asked the inspector a few […]
Municipal elections on November 2nd, your municipality needs you!
Did you know that municipal elections will be held on November 2 in all municipalities across Quebec? Now is the time to contribute to your community by running for councilor or mayor. The current elected officials have been in office for four years now in municipalities across Quebec. It’s time to take stock! It’s time […]
The municipality of Potton has a refrigerated skating rink that is open 160 days a year.
The municipality of Potton has had a refrigerated skating rink since 2019. It’s a magnificent project that is available nearly 160 days a year. People can skate until Easter weekend. According to the mayor in 2019, the maximum number of skaters allowed at any given time was 25, and only 4-on-4 hockey was permitted. In […]
52 days later and still no response from the municipality of North Hatley
On May 30, I applied for a key to the gate at the federal dock boat ramp as a fishing guide. While talking with a fellow fishing guide on Lake Massawippi, I discovered that he had been able to obtain a key to the federal dock gate so that he could enter and exit with […]
Is this what municipalities pay for their legal fees?
Obviously, I am not a municipal lawyer, so check your sources before jumping to conclusions. However, legal fees are part of the operating costs of most municipalities. The issue is not very clear, as municipalities generally have insurance that covers their costs when they face major lawsuits. However, when a municipality wants to sue a […]
Can an apartment building be constructed in a flood zone?
A project to build 22 new homes with commercial space will begin in July 2026 in North Hatley on Mill Street, where Picalilli used to be located. Rumor has it that the land where it will be built is located in a flood zone. Obviously, I’m no expert, so check with the municipality. I am […]
$68,000 for Pleasant View Beach lifeguard salaries
At the last city council meeting, Mayor Guerrish stated that the cost of salaries for Pleasant View Beach lifeguards in 2024 would be approximately $68,000 for the season. At first glance, this amount seems very high. However, let’s calculate the total number of hours of operation for which lifeguards must be paid. First, let’s review […]
How much would it cost to build two clay tennis courts in North Hatley?
Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT, and here’s its response. Estimated cost for two clay courts – in Canadian dollars (CAD, 2025) Expense item Estimated cost Preliminary studies & preparation 10 000 $ à 20 000 $ Earthworks and foundations (x2) 25 000 $ à 40 000 $ Land construction (x2) 55 000 $ à 85 000 $ Nets, posts, lines, […]
Many questions surrounding the North Hatley refrigerated ice rink project
Reference in the audio recording of the city council meeting of July 7, 2025.Featured photo credit: Nordic At the last city council meeting, citizens’ opinions differed. Several wondered whether the refrigerated skating rink was a good or bad idea. Mayor Mairesse pointed out that, with the master plan, everyone supports this skating rink project (28:26). […]
Delay in the renovation of North Hatley Town Hall offices
Reference: Audio recording of the municipal council meeting of July 7, 2025. According to the general manager of the municipality of North Hatley, there is a problem with the architectural plans. The municipality must obtain mechanical and electrical engineering plans for the outlets. Ms. Guerrish thanks the Olden family for allowing us to rent the […]
What will happen to the tennis courts at Pleasant View Beach with the arrival of the refrigerated ice rink?
At the last municipal council meeting on July 7, citizens questioned the possible changes concerning the installation of a refrigerated skating rink where the current tennis courts are located at Pleasant View Beach. Rumors suggest that the tennis courts will be rebuilt at Parc des Rivières. Of course, the land is located in a flood […]