Allow me to emphasize the importance of publishing the minutes of each meeting the following day in order to encourage citizen participation. Many citizens have told me that it is difficult for them to attend council presentations; several have also questioned the lack of virtual broadcasting, as was done during the pandemic and during the […]
Paid parking in North Hatley: good or bad idea?
The introduction of paid parking in North Hatley seems imminent. Before making a decision, the objectives and implementation details must be clarified. After listening to a few citizens, opinions differ: some are in favor (“yes, go for it! I can never find a spot at the Saturday market“), others remain cautious (”maybe… do we have […]
Could the elected officials in office intervene in my situation?
Several residents asked me whether the elected officials could have intervened in my situation once they became aware of it. Based on my research, the answer is yes—through specific channels—without interfering in day-to-day administration. What the elected officials could have done, in brief: Context of my situationThe elected officials present at the candidates’ presentation (October […]
A lawsuit against the municipality that will cost more than $35,000 and take several months
Several citizens have asked me what remedies are available to have my name re-entered on the electoral list for the current election. Demand letterOne could be sent as early as today, but its practical effect in this context is very limited, if not useless. Judicial review (judicial control)This is the appropriate remedy, but the timelines […]
To clarify my eligibility to be entered on the electoral list
To clarify my eligibility for registration on the electoral list, here are the relevant legal provisions and explanations. Legal framework (LERM, s. 47). An elector is any adult person of Canadian citizenship who is not disqualified (s. 53 or by a judgment under art. 288 of the Civil Code of Québec) and who meets one […]
The North Hatley electoral list review committee, composed of municipal employees
On October 22 at 11:00 a.m., I hand-delivered to the election president (who is also the municipality’s director general) the information requested by the revision commission, following a summons seeking my removal from the electoral list. On October 23, late in the morning, I went back to check with the election president whether any additional […]
Impartiality in question: what we heard at North Hatley Town Hall
This article is published in good faith, in the public interest, and is based on verifiable facts. Its sole purpose is to defend the fundamental right to impartial and fair administrative treatment for all citizens. We hesitated for a long time before making the following facts public. We first tried to obtain answers privately, in […]
Statement from the North Hatley election president regarding the voting
PUBLIC NOTICE OF ELECTION (corrected version of the October 23rd version) PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to voters registered on the municipal electoral roll that an election will be held and that the candidates for this election for the positions mentioned below are: For mayor:Marcella DAVIS GERRISHAaron PATELLA To the positions of councillors in the […]
North Hatley: A show of force to push me out of the council race
Since filing my candidacy, the obstacles have been piling up. Timeline September 30 — With confirmation from the election president(who is also the director general), I registered on the electoral using the prescribed form. You can listen the information from the election president here. October 3 — I filed my candidacy for the position of […]
Video presentation of the candidates for the 2025 North Hatley election
Residents of North Hatley were invited to the Unitarian Universalist Church on October 23 to meet the candidates for the North Hatley municipal elections during an evening where they presentedtheir vision and priorities for the future of our village. (5 minutes each) Thank you to Ms. Nathalie Meunier, organizer of this evening, and to all […]
Meet the candidates for the North Hatley municipal elections tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Residents of North Hatley are invited to the Unitarian Universalist Church to meet candidatesof North Hatley’s municipal elections at an event during which they will present their visionand priorities for the future of our village. 19:00 – Candidates’ presentations (5 minutes each – timed).20:00 to 20:30 – Refreshments. Candidates who have confirmed their presence as […]
City council: 50% of councilors have left their posts since 2022
Over four years, 4 of the 8 people who held council seats resigned (50%). In the same period, 2 of the 6 city councilor seats (33%) were filled by acclamation due to a lack of candidates—so no election was held. Some may say that I am attacking elected officials. However, the resignations occurred before NorthHatley.info […]
First things first: what’s North Hatley’s shared objective on debt?
In theory, you can try to do it all. In practice, a tight budget forces choices. A concrete benchmark: a day-to-day example You have a low-rate mortgage (1.89%) maturing in December 2025 and likely renewing around 4%. Your budget barely covers essentials (food, energy, maintenance, taxes, fuel, repairs). You can just manage one trip per […]
Why have North Hatley’s financial statements been subject to a qualified opinion since 2023?
In my view, the village’s debt is a priority: it incurs significant financing costs ($346,440 in 2024). Each taxpayer contributes, through their municipal taxes, a portion dedicated to repaying this debt: $0.21 per $100 of assessed value. This represents $1,205.40 for a house valued at $574,000 (average property value in North Hatley in 2025). Reference: […]
Could North Hatley be more indebted than people say?
This article aims first to define the decommissioning of fixed assets (OMHS) in order to support other texts on related issues. The objective is to clarify what these expenses cover and their impact on the municipality’s future debt. As the debt was highlighted in the September 6 municipal newsletter, mentioned in the formal notice sent […]
Does owning a building or occupying a business premises entitle you to vote in municipal elections?
Verification with our election chairperson To verify, we first called Elections Quebec, which then referred us to the election chairperson for our municipality. We contacted him. As a precaution, I recorded the call so that I could follow his instructions accurately. I invite you to listen to it to fully understand the voting rights of […]
Beautiful election posters in North Hatley
It’s good to see diversity and competition for the 2025 municipal elections. Elections by acclamation—without opponents—disappoint me because they give the impression of low interest in municipal politics. I know that getting involved in municipal politics is demanding and often thankless, for modest compensation. In the current tense climate, it is not easy to encourage […]
Significant improvements in municipal communications in recent days
I would like to highlight the welcome improvements in communications from the Municipality in recent days. The minutes—which had not been updated since March—have been published, and useful information about the municipal elections (including where to vote) is now available, which is essential for everyone. After a final update to the website in February 2025, […]
Aaron Patella – Candidate for Mayor of North Hatley
Aaron Patella Website | Linkedin Profile Candidate’s Introduction Aaron moved to North Hatley after spending several years in Alberta. His parents founded the well-known local business, the Auberge Le Cœur d’Or. Professionally, he has extensive experience in real estate, including property management and project delivery that respects both timelines and budgets. He also worked in […]
Introducing Richard Gourde – Candidate for Councilor at Seat #2 in North Hatley
Richard Gourde, urban planner Introduction of the candidate I have been a professional urban planner for nearly forty years and continue to work in this capacity for the municipality of Stanstead Township. As co-editor, we are currently completing the overhaul of urban planning regulations and the implementation of a Special Planning Program (SPP). Before the […]
Access to a public contract in North Hatley: 15 months and $1,000 later
On July 15, 2024, I asked the Municipality of North Hatley for a copy of a public contract—a request that, in my opinion, was quite routine. When I did not receive a response, I had to refer the matter to the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI), attend a hearing that was postponed at the request […]
Attempts to discredit: attacking the person rather than debating ideas
Since announcing my candidacy, I have noticed that some people prefer to resort to denigration rather than debating ideas or projects for North Hatley. Attempts are being made to discredit my campaign by attacking me personally rather than discussing municipal issues. My private address has even been made public for the sole purpose of harming […]
Access to information: in North Hatley, an obstacle course
On July 15 and 16, as well as August 1, 2024, I filed three access to information requests with the municipality of North Hatley. No response was received within the legal deadline of 30 days. Administrative silence. I therefore had to refer the matter to the Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI), as provided for by […]
Legal mandate to counter bullying, harassment, and defamatory statements
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 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 […]
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 […]
