Following my post about the “permanent orange cone,” I received a message from North Hatley’s new Public Works Superintendent, Mr. Francis Nadeau. He’s a proud resident of the village who, like many of us, wants streets without abandoned cones and a road network in good condition. It’s refreshing to finally feel that we’re speaking the same language! With only 4.6 km² of territory, we have everything we need to properly maintain our roads and live up to our status as a heritage village.
Regarding the cone on Capelton Road, across from Pub Vilandré, Mr. Nadeau explained that it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport. He assured me that he is pushing the Ministry to resolve the situation quickly. The cone on Capelton near the Scowen Trail should be removed this week. As for the one on Magog Road, the hole is significant and the rain complicates the work, but repairs are expected very soon and the cone will be removed immediately afterward.
I also encourage you to call the Ministry of Transport in Sherbrooke to remind them that a cone has been sitting there for 193 days now. As we say: it’s getting a bit ridiculous.
Phone: 819-843-2423
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It is genuinely encouraging to see proactive people who are proud of their village and who take action. Kudos and thanks to Mr. Francis Nadeau. It also raises a question for me: if more municipal employees actually lived in the village, would that lead to more proactivity and quicker identification and resolution of problems? One thing is certain: if you are a municipal employee living in North Hatley, every time you go for your daily walk, a resident will inevitably point out something that needs fixing.
In my view, people who live in North Hatley are deeply proud of their community and heritage. For residents, it is essential that the village be clean, welcoming, and lively. No one wants a village that looks dead, neglected, or disorganized.
As for me, when I look at the current state of Mill Street — which looks like it’s been hit by a bomb — it certainly doesn’t encourage me to invest more in the village. I sincerely hope that more citizens, elected officials, and municipal employees will share the desire to truly make our village shine, because the current situation is puzzling.
I want to believe that all of this is temporary — and that it won’t last as long as the Capelton cone. But let’s remember that the unsightliness of Mill Street has been dragging on even longer than that infamous cone. I have brought together local business owners to work on solutions, including relocating the garbage containers away from one of the busiest streets in North Hatley. This issue was discussed with the Municipality. The response was that the Master Plan would “soon” address the situation.
With that, enjoy your walk around the village!
