Another major project for North Hatley—probably one of the most significant in recent years—is the refrigerated ice rink. We recall the many twists and turns surrounding its construction, particularly the discussions about the use of the tennis courts and their potential relocation to Rivière Park. The initial site presented several challenges, including issues related to soil conditions and the land’s history, which led to various analyses and adjustments before a viable solution was finally selected.
I therefore offer you a summary of its progress since its launch. The following information is approximate and based on data available in the municipal meeting minutes.
Event Recap
- The refrigerated ice rink will be built at the public beach
- Questions from the public during the council meeting
- The municipality will not hold a referendum on the indoor ice rink project
- City council votes “unanimously” to install a refrigerated ice rink at the public beach
- New technology will make it possible to set up the ice rink at Rivière Park
- Building the refrigerated ice rink at Parc de la Rivière using a raft foundation
Timeline of decisions and steps
October 7, 2024 — Project launch (earlier reference)
A prior resolution is cited as the starting point for preliminary architectural services for the project.
References:
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PV-2024-10-07.pdf
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PV-2025-07-07finale.pdf
January 13, 2025 — Geotechnical study
Council awards a contract to carry out the geotechnical study required to characterize the soil at the Parc de la Rivière site.
Objective: properly prepare for future work.
Reference:
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PV-2025-01-13.pdf
July 7, 2025 — Final plans and engineering
Council awards two important professional mandates:
Architectural services (final plans)
Contract awarded to Exode Architecture
$32,950
Mandate: prepare the final plans for the refrigerated rink
Civil engineering services (related tennis courts)
Contract awarded to Côté Jean et Associés
$20,500
Mandate: required redevelopment around the site
Reference:
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PV-2025-07-07finale.pdf
February 2, 2026 — Authorization of public tender call
Council mandates the general management to launch a public call for tenders on SEAO.
Objective:
• construction of the refrigerated surface
• construction of the accessory building (Zamboni storage)
This step marks the transition from planning to the construction phase.
Reference:
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PV-2026-02-2.pdf
Status as of the latest available minutes (February 2026)
Completed steps
• Soil studies
• Architectural plans and specifications
• Civil engineering plans
• Authorization of the public tendering process
Upcoming steps
• Publication of the tender on SEAO
• Opening of bids
• Awarding of the construction contract
• Start of construction
• Commissioning of the rink
Reference:
https://www.northhatley.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PV-2026-02-2.pdf
Conclusion
The project is ready to move into the implementation phase, but no construction contract has yet been awarded according to the documents reviewed.
The minutes indicate a structured progression of the project (technical studies, professional plans, and tendering process). Funding is reportedly based largely on private contributions, as mentioned during the budget meeting by Ms. Gerrish. However, the exact amount of the donation does not appear in the public documents.
I sincerely thank the donors for their great generosity.
With that, happy building!
