A few weeks ago, I published an article presenting a series of ideas to restore true access to the lake for everyone in North Hatley. I would now like to explore each of these ideas separately, in its own dedicated article, to better illustrate their potential.
To give people access to the lake again, we don’t always need large, complicated, or costly projects. What we need first and foremost is a genuine willingness to collaborate and involve the community. The example of the public dock in Carleton-sur-Mer literally gives me chills—it’s such an inspiring initiative. I can easily imagine residents gathering once or twice a week on our municipal dock to enjoy the sunset together. WOW!
In North Hatley, the municipal wharf is a wonderful place, but it is underused and, above all, underdeveloped. It’s huge and could easily accommodate many residents and visitors. Improving it would be a concrete way to reopen access to our magnificent lake. It would take very little—adding some urban furniture, for instance: a few dining tables and chairs, just like Carleton-sur-Mer did. We could also install Adirondack chairs, as they do so well in Magog. I am once again ready to donate four or five brand-new Adirondack chairs, and I’m sure other citizens would be willing to contribute, whether financially or with materials. And in the worst-case scenario, everything can simply be put away after each event. When an initiative comes from the community, it becomes even more powerful.
Then, it would simply be a matter of:
- reactivating the existing lights on the dock to make the space welcoming and safe;
- installing a surveillance camera and clearly informing people that the area is monitored;
- defining a few simple rules and posting them clearly;
- inviting the community to help keep the place clean and accessible.
Of course, there will be issues—just like anywhere else. But we cannot penalize a respectful majority because of a few troublemakers. If we transform this space into something truly magical, I have no doubt that citizens themselves will ensure it remains pleasant. Residents make excellent guardians!
Sometimes, solutions are simple: all it takes is interest and involvement from the community. And on that front, we are fortunate—North Hatley has no shortage of motivated people. We already have several energetic and brilliant ambassadors who keep our village vibrant year-round. What’s missing, in my view, is the spark: a clear and visible commitment from the municipal administration, which for now appears completely absent.
With that, I hope we’ll one day share a dinner together on the municipal dock!
Photo credit: Public dock development, Village of Carleton-sur-Mer, Gaspésie.
