The minutes of September 8, 2025 (resolution 2025-09-08.166) confirm that the council mandated the firm Cain Lamarre to analyze files and take any appropriate legal measures to maintain a healthy work environment, free from intimidation, harassment, or damage to the reputation of employees. Reference: Missing minutes hinder citizen participation in North Hatley Mandate to the […]
Distinguishing between the roles of elected officials and senior management
The roles of elected officials and senior management are often confused—I myself have done so in the past. This article clarifies the responsibilities of each and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy distance between elected officials and the municipal manager. What is “sound municipal governance”? Governance is the decision-making framework that elected officials rely […]
Video: My journey: from entrepreneurship to municipal engagement
Here is a short video in which I present my entrepreneurial background and the skills I wish to put to work for the citizens of North Hatley. For full details:https://northhatley.info/en/2025/10/05/my-journey-from-entrepreneurship-to-municipal-involvement/
How much do mayors earn in Quebec?
En effectuant des recherche, je suis tombé sur un article du Journal de Montréal qui proposait un outil de recherche et de classement des élus du Québec par rémunération, j’ai retraité les données pour établir un classement de la rémunération annuelle par habitant (per capita). Précision méthodologique : un nouvel outil 2025 est disponible, mais […]
How does North Hatley compare to other municipalities in terms of administrative expenses?
You already know that I am critical of the municipal administration. However, my main criticism is of the way things are done rather than the results. In my opinion, it is essential to give citizens a representative picture of reality, not one that shows the administration in a favorable light. In fact, that is my […]
Let’s revisit North Hatley’s municipal debt from a different perspective
All analyses in this article are based on the ministry’s audited financial reports.Reference: North Hatley’s 2024 audited financial reports Some may say that I am insisting on this point—I readily admit it. However, since this issue has already led to a formal notice being sent to a citizen, I believe it is legitimate to continue […]
5,000 rainbow trout stocked in Lake Massawippi this weekend
Stocking rainbow trout in Lake Massawippi. Please excuse the amateur editing; it’s not my specialty. I had the privilege this Saturday with my sons, in Ayer’s Cliff, of witnessing an exceptional moment for our community and for the health of Lake Massawippi: 5,000 rainbow trout were stocked thanks to the efforts of the Lac Massawippi […]
Analysis of the facts — Mr. Reed v. Municipality of North Hatley
I would like to return to the formal notice sent to Mr. Reed and the municipality’s responses to it in its October 1 bulletin. In my opinion, this entire episode deserves more in-depth analysis. Of course, everyone must be protected from harassment, whether physical or psychological. However, in the municipal newsletter dated October 1, the […]
Closure of the Mercantile and surge of solidarity
I wanted to share this message circulating in the community about the closure of the Mercantile, inviting everyone to show kindness and solidarity. Faithful to the heart of the Village For over forty years, the “Hob Nob” has been part of our family. As owners, we have always been committed to ensuring that it remains […]
Who can vote and who can run for municipal elections?
Who can vote and run for office in municipal elections? With municipal elections approaching, many people are wondering who is actually eligible to vote or run for office. Here is a clear summary of the rules that apply in North Hatley and, more broadly, to all municipalities in Quebec. Right to vote and eligibility as […]
Key information for exercising your right to vote on November 2 in North Hatley
If you have any questions, please contact the Election Chair. Here is a simple guide to help you prepare to vote. Your Election Chair in North Hatley Benoit Tremblay direction.generale@northhatley.org330 chemin de la Rivière (cliquer pour un itinéraire)Phone: 819-842-2754Toll-free number: 1-877-842-2754 The impacts of the Canada Post strike On September 25, Canada Post went on […]
What is the candidates’ vision for the development of North Hatley?
Élection Montréal is an excellent example of a citizen platform. It provides all the essential information about candidates and important dates, presented in a simple and consistent manner. Each candidate has a page featuring their photo and a short text describing their motivations, platform, and priorities. This is a very interesting approach, as it allows […]
The NorthHatley.info blog surpasses 500 weekly visitors
The citizen blog NorthHatley.info is gaining popularity. In just a few months, the platform I founded, Philippe Marchesseault, now attracts more than 500 unique visitors per week, with an average reading time of more than three minutes per article. These are impressive figures for a local media outlet dedicated to municipal and political issues in […]
Closure of the Mercantile Café: the heart of the village loses its soul
The announcement came on Monday: Café Mercantile is closing its doors. This news saddens many of us. In a village already limited in its offering of cafés and restaurants, the loss of such a unique place leaves a void. The Mercantile, with its live music, carefully selected wine list, and unique atmosphere, was one of […]
Let us clarify the main statements made by the municipality about me
In the interest of transparency and accuracy, I am responding here, point by point, to the statements contained in the municipal newsletter of October 1, 2025, in order to set the record straight and provide the public with an accurate picture of the situation. Unlike the municipality, I do not have access to the complete […]
6 major priority areas in municipal management
Major municipal issues Here are the major issues facing a municipality in Quebec, grouped into six main categories and twenty-three subcategories. Rest assured, none of this is set in stone. I am sharing this classification because it will help me better organize future articles in the Municipal section. In my opinion, these categories provide a […]
Missing minutes hinder citizen participation in North Hatley
To date, the latest minutes available on the municipal website are dated March 3. However, these documents are essential for tracking council decisions and ensuring transparency for citizens. As for audio recordings, some sessions also appear to be missing: those of August 11 (originally scheduled for August 4), September 8, and October 1. This represents […]
My journey: from entrepreneurship to municipal involvement
Education I hold a technical degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Sherbrooke. I also began a master’s degree in e-commerce, which I put on hold due to the rapid growth of my business. In addition, I completed training in artificial intelligence at MIT to stay […]
Les rapports financiers 2024 de la municipalité de North Hatley viennent d’être déposés!
Merci à la municipalité d’avoir déposé les rapports financiers 2024 hier ou avant-hier tout au plus. Je tiens à rappeler que les municipalités ont au plus, 6 mois après leur fin d’année fiscale pour déposer leurs rapports financiers. La fin d’année fiscale des municipalités est le 31 décembre de chaque année. Donc, la date limite […]
Last-minute developments in the political race in North Hatley
Three new candidates entered the race yesterday in North Hatley. The deadline for filing nominations was October 3 at 4:30 p.m. Ms. Élizabeth Fee withdrew following a withdrawal from Mr. Claude Labry and then filed a brand new nomination at the last minute against Mr. Richard Gourde. Ms. Élizabeth Fee won her seat against Mr. […]
I applied for the position of advisor today
Those who read my blog know that I have been questioning and harshly criticizing North Hatley’s municipal government for several months now. Some may say that I am going too far, but if we want to eliminate laxity in our public finances, we need to raise the bar. On November 2, you will be able […]
Mr. Claude Aubry, a new candidate seeking a term as councilor in North Hatley
Ms. Elizabeth Fee, who currently holds the position of councilor for Ward 4, is now facing off against Mr. Claude Aubry, who is seeking his first term. Please correct me if Mr. Aubry has already served as a councilor in North Hatley. Current candidates for the November 2, 2025 elections Mayor position Marcella Davis-Gerrish (Occupait déjà […]
A ChatGPT analysis of North Hatley’s municipal newsletter dedicated to denigrating Philippe Marchesseault
Unfortunately, the current municipal administration seems to be accustomed to acting independently without anyone observing or questioning its actions. And when someone does question it, it does not hesitate to use public funds to send bailiffs and formal notices through law firms. I invite you to read the formal notice sent to Mr. Reed for […]
Adoption of the master plan tonight at the city council meeting, 8 days after its presentation without a question period for citizens
Forgive me for being critical again, and please know that I am working very hard to control myself. I was present at the presentation of the master plan on September 23 (download the plan). That presentation took place exactly eight days ago, or five business days to be more precise. Did you submit your comments […]
Thank you to the Samaritans who set up the soccer goals at Rivière Park
A few days ago, soccer goals were set up so that people could play. Obviously, there are no nets. Thank you to the Good Samaritans who took the time to set up the goals. It’s already fall, but at least that’s something! I took advantage of it with my boys, and several other kids played […]
October 15: Deadline to register to vote
September 5 was the deadline to register or update your registration. However, October 16, 2025, is one of the dates set for the revision of the electoral roll in certain municipalities, including North Hatley, according to the response from the Chief Electoral Officer. This means you have until October 15 to register. Be sure to […]
3 days: Time remaining to submit your candidacy for municipal elections
Nominations close this Friday, October 3. Now is the time to enter the 2025 election race. For the moment, all councilor positions are being filled by acclamation, meaning that votes do not need to be counted. In the case of North Hatley, subject to change, you must complete the following formhttps://docs.electionsquebec.qc.ca/MUN/67dc5b97824ea/SMPP-29-VF.pdf Collect five signatures of […]
Please note the phone number for the North Hatley election chair leads to a fax machine.
Okay, many will say that I am being harsh on the North Hatley municipal administration, but please allow me to mention this unfortunate situation. The address on the official documents of the Chief Electoral Officer leads to an office that is closed for renovations. This morning, I tried to reach the Chief Electoral Officer by […]
Two candidates in the race for mayor of North Hatley
North Hatley has two candidates in the race for mayor: Ms. Marcella Davis-Gerrish, the incumbent mayor, and Mr. Aaron Patella, a former city councilor. This makes the municipal elections more interesting, as we will not see a mayor elected by acclamation, as is currently the case for all councilors who have no opponents at this […]
Still no 2024 financial report available and no explanation of the debt from the municipality of North Hatley
Time is passing and time is running out. The elections are in one month. Where are the 2024 financial statements for the municipality of North Hatley? Where can we get explanations about the municipal debt? For now, there is radio silence from the administration. Yet shouldn’t we know our public finances inside and out? Excuse […]
