For several weeks now, I have been going out onto the ice to drill holes and measure its thickness. With ice measuring 6 inches or more, consistently observed at the various points checked, I was able to begin ice fishing in North Hatley with due caution. Last Sunday, I also invited a few friends from […]
What if we reclaimed our Lake Massawippi in winter?
Winter is usually quiet in North Hatley. Yet, when Mother Nature gives us a solid freeze—as is the case right now—there is tremendous room for creativity. Solstice Sauna is already proving that it can be done. In simple terms, once the ice reaches about 4 inches thick, it becomes possible to access the lake. Caution […]
Access to Lake Massawippi: between protection and exclusion
As you know, I have long been campaigning for access to the lake to be truly open to everyone. I often repeat that 98% of Quebec’s bodies of water are private or difficult to access. This issue is very close to my heart, because I am both a passionate fisherman and a lover of water—like […]
Access to the lake for all: myth or reality in North Hatley?
Let us recall that 98% of Québec’s waterways are private or inaccessible. In North Hatley, almost every access point to Lake Massawippi — as well as most nautical activities — is directly or indirectly controlled by the municipality: On top of that, extensive water-related activities (swimming, marinas, boat rentals, etc.) are only permitted in three […]
Is Lake Massawippi safe from invasive species at 10°C or below?
On October 16, the Municipality of North Hatley announced in its municipal newsletter that the gate at the public boat launch would be opened once the water temperature reached 10°C. I quote the Municipality of North Hatley: Federal dock and winter period North Hatley As soon as the water temperature reaches 10°C, usually around mid-November, […]
The limits of the boat ramp and car wash with an attendant
To fully understand the issue, you need to have used North Hatley’s boat ramp and its washing station. It quickly becomes clear that it is difficult—if not impossible—to adequately serve all types of users. Think, for example, of boaters who go out in the evening: motorboat owners, kayakers, paddleboarders… Many enjoy stargazing on the lake […]
Major economic benefits that North Hatley has been missing out on for a long time
As a passionate angler, guide, and someone who works closely with the Lac Massawippi Conservation Club, I’ve noticed that North Hatley has been missing out on significant economic benefits related to fishing activities for many years. This is especially true in the spring, as Lac Massawippi is one of the first accessible lakes at that […]
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 […]
Réponse à la question d’un citoyen quant au dossier Navigo à North Hatley
Un citoyen m’a posé la question suivante : Parlez nous donc du conflit qui vous a opposé a la ville dans l’histoire de Navigo. Soyez honnête et parlez nous des démarches et du déroulement dans ce dossier. Avez vous toujours respecté les demandes de la ville. Vous sembez amer contre la municipalité. Je vous réponds […]
$68,000 for Pleasant View Beach lifeguard salaries
At the last city council meeting, Mayor Guerrish stated that the cost of salaries for Pleasant View Beach lifeguards in 2024 would be approximately $68,000 for the season. At first glance, this amount seems very high. However, let’s calculate the total number of hours of operation for which lifeguards must be paid. First, let’s review […]
Rent a water bike at the North Hatley marina
Enjoy a ride on the lake to get some exercise. Location des Quatre Lacs now offers water bike rentals. You’ll see these big white bikes on the lake. Rentals are available from the North Hatley marina. Price for 1 hour: $30.44, taxes includedPrice for 2 hours: $46.10 including taxes Take advantage of this opportunity to […]
Who can obtain a key to the gate at the federal dock boat ramp in North Hatley?
It’s no secret that it’s possible to get access to the key to the gate at the federal dock in North Hatley. In fact, according to rumors, you can request the key from the municipality of North Hatley. No doubt you have to be a citizen, which I am. I am a residential citizen and […]
Can zebra mussels be eradicated once they have entered a lake?
Please note that I am not a biologist, so be sure to do your own research. This is a summary of my personal research. In order to better understand the phenomenon of zebra mussels, I met with and interviewed a few biologist friends who have expertise in invasive species. My main question was whether it […]
The Township of Hatley offers a 50% reimbursement for Pleasant View Beach in North Hatley.
Photo credit: Municipality of Ayer’s Cliff. Following the non-renewal of the intermunicipal recreation agreement, a press release from the Township of Hatley dated July 9 officially announced a 50% refund for access to Pleasant View Beach in North Hatley for its citizens. Did the Township of Hatley conclude that it was cheaper to pay for […]
Aerial photos of the village of North Hatley in the early 1950s
A citizen indicates that the photo was taken in 1958-59. Thanks to the citizens who sent me aerial photos of the village of North Hatley from the 1958-1959. It’s spectacular to see the village of North Hatley at that time. You can clearly see the railroad crossing the river and continuing along the shore of […]
North Hatley’s Parc des Rivières was once a municipal landfill, true or false?
A number of citizens have told me that the current location of the soccer field (where the goals are poorly placed!) and skating rink in winter was once a municipal landfill site. This would have prompted a move from the refrigerated skating rink in Parc des Rivières to the tennis courts at Pleasant View Beach. […]
A magnificent fireworks on the lake for Canada Day in North Hatley
Crowds gathered at Dreamland Park, on the pedestrian bridge and on numerous boats to marvel at the fireworks. 10:00 pm to 10:12 pm, a light show to celebrate Canada Day in style. It was like Christmas for our kids, who we put to bed only to wake up 30 minutes before the fireworks. All dressed […]
Fireworks on the lake return to North Hatley
The village of North Hatley is back in force with a Canada Day fireworks display on June 30 at 10 p.m. in Dreamland Park. North Hatley has always had a magnificent Canada Day fireworks display, with the exception of a few years, including 2023 and 2024 to my knowledge. I may have missed the 2024 […]
New: motorized fishing boat rentals at North Hatley Marina
Location des Quatre Lacs now offers motorized and non-motorized watercraft rentals in North Hatley. You can rent a fully equipped fishing boat with motor at the North Hatley marina. Motorboat rentals in North Hatley are a great solution for people who don’t have a boat. Ponton Location des Quatre Lacs available to Manoir Hovey guests. […]
Souvenir : The Wippi, a pontoon crossing Lake Massawippi for cyclists and pedestrians
Remember, a few years ago, the surrounding municipalities set up a bicycle transport pontoon project between Ayer’s Cliff and North Hatley. It was an excellent initiative, enabling tourists on foot or by bike to visit the region and discover Lake Massawippi. It was offered at a very affordable price, making it accessible to all. Unfortunately, […]
Lobâdanaki Park is owned by Bleu Massawippi
Many people are wondering about the situation of the small beach at parc Lobâdanaki next to the federal wharf, which is now fenced off. Many believed that the land belonged to the Municipality of North Hatley. However, after verification, the land is the property of L’ASSOCIATION POUR LA PROTECTION DU LAC MASSAWIPPI INC. known as […]
The battle for public access to Quebec’s waterways is just beginning
The Fédération des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs (Quebec Federation of Anglers and Hunters) rises up to counter restrictions on water bodies in Quebec. In its June 4 press release, the federation sounds the alarm. To the great despair of hundreds of thousands of Quebec hunters and anglers, water bodies are no longer accessible. The federation has […]
North Hatley’s last free beach parcel is now fenced in
At the same time as the citizens of Hatley Township learn that they’ll have to pay $125 per person to access the beach this summer, fences have just been installed in the park next to the federal wharf (public descent). I’m not going to be paranoid, it’s probably just a coincidence! The purpose of these […]
Boat dock rentals seem to be on the wane in North Hatley
So far, the North Hatley marina hasn’t been very busy. No doubt the weather hasn’t helped boaters settle in at the dock. On the other hand, if you count the number of boats at the marina, the occupancy rate looks worrying. On a rainy day when boats are rarely on the lake, I counted 11 […]
It’s official: there’ll be an ice fishing tournament in North Hatley this winter!
The Fish le Camp fishing team, in collaboration with local merchants and volunteers from the village of North Hatley and surrounding area, is organizing an ice fishing tournament in North Hatley on Lake Massawippi. With the aim of revitalizing the region during the winter season with an activity accessible to all, the Fish le Camp […]
Lake Massawippi, a wonderful playground for anglers
Did you know that Lake Massawippi is teeming with magnificent lake trout? Probably one of the healthiest lake trout lakes in Quebec. With depths of up to 300 feet and numerous rock walls, Lake Massawippi offers specimens of lake trout in excess of 25 pounds. Of course, lake trout fishing requires a boat and deep-sea […]
A small dock at the federal dock to ensure the safety of boats and passengers
As I understand it, it was the municipality of North Hatley that installed this small dock equipped with boat guards at the federal dock. This was necessary because when you launch your boat from the federal descent, mooring on concrete curbs presents a significant risk of damaging your boat and injuring yourself. As soon as […]
Congratulations to the team of divers from the Aquarium de Québec and Bleu Massawippi
Reference: The photo was taken on the Friends of Lake Massawippi group. A garbage collection they call “pay to collect”. A total of 1,200 pounds of garbage were collected in Lake Massawippi. It’s hard to understand how all this garbage ended up at the bottom of the lake. Toilets, tires and a nasty bunch of […]
Difficult start to the season for boaters on the Massawippi River
As you’ve no doubt noticed, the weather is not at all kind. The rain never stops falling. The water in the river is as high as when the snow melted! The docks are almost submerged and it’s now May 23. I’ve been out fishing almost every day, and I’ve noticed that there are few, if […]
Is renting out your private dock authorized or prohibited by local municipalities?
Here is the response of 6 riverside municipalities after a telephone conversation with each of them. I would like to thank each of them for taking the time to answer my questions. Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley Renters can go to the commune with their private dock rental contract to obtain their sticker. The important thing is to respect […]
