Here is a summary of the Entre Nous newsletter – Follow-up to the public meeting of December 1, 2025.
Ethics and Transparency
- No elected official reported receiving gifts, hospitality, or other advantages.
- All council members updated their 2025 financial interest declarations and “related parties” disclosures.
Human Resources
- Hiring of Dany McKelvey as a seasonal laborer for public works.
- Hiring of Nicolas De Francesco as a full-time employee for public works.
MRC Memphrémagog – 2026 Budget
- Total MRC budget: $4,493,729, an increase of 4.6%.
- North Hatley’s contribution: $90,069 + $661 for the Chemin des Cantons.
Local Road Assistance Program (PAVL)
- Submission of an accountability report for $60,681.99 in work (maintenance, planned paving, and emergency repairs).
- The disbursement of financial aid will depend on the Minister’s approval of the report.
New Agreement with the Magog Ecocentre
- North Hatley residents will have access to the Magog Ecocentre starting January 2026.
- Practical details (address, schedule, procedures) will be shared in January.
Urban Planning and PIIA Projects
- 575 Hovey Road (Manoir Hovey): approval of a new 22.91 m² changing room, with a suggestion to include a green roof.
- 190 Main Street: modification of a previously authorized project to allow a metal roof, approved by council.
Modernization of Boat-Wash Stations and Launch Ramps
- North Hatley confirms its participation in the MRC project to upgrade wash stations and boat ramps.
- Estimated municipal cost: $63,075.
Recreation Agreement with the Township of Hatley
- Both municipal administrations are mandated to draft an intermunicipal recreation agreement, to be submitted to both councils.
- Objective: create a structured, accessible, and mutually beneficial recreational offering.
North Hatley Jazz Festival
- Official council support for the 2nd edition of the festival, August 6–9, 2026.
- Temporary occupation permits granted for the use of public parks.
Notice of Motion – Safety and Public Order Regulation
- Presentation of by-law 2025-775, amending by-law ru-2024-01.
New rule: It will be prohibited to be in a public place with a firearm, bow, or crossbow outside its case without a reasonable excuse.
Self-defense is not considered a reasonable excuse.
Final adoption is expected at the next council meeting.
Additional Note
It is specified that the minutes of the current council meeting will only be approved at the next meeting.
Legal Clarification
It has long been illegal to carry an uncased firearm outside of a hunting or shooting context. The proposed municipal by-law simply adds a local layer, but the rule already exists in federal and provincial law.
- The Ending the Long-gun Registry Act and the Criminal Code require firearms to be unloaded during transport.
- The Off-Road Vehicle Safety Regulation, the Quebec Wildlife Conservation Act, and the guidelines of the Sûreté du Québec require firearms to be inoperative, unloaded, and transported in a case outside of hunting or shooting activities.
- In inhabited areas, it is strictly prohibited to carry a firearm that is ready to fire or openly displayed.
References:
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-98-209/page-1.html
https://mailchi.mp/ec37623a0f0e/entre-nous-bulletin-municipal-17992836?e=b5cd2dccf2
