How is managing a municipality different from managing a private company?
In order to clearly distinguish how each one is managed, let’s first look at the main objective of each. The municipality Private enterprise Ultimately, the municipality has a social responsibility and must serve the common good, while the company is primarily focused on financial results to serve its shareholders. In this respect, in many ways, […]
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 […]
A magnificent refrigerated skating rink coming soon to North Hatley
Featured photo is the skating rink at Parc Haendel in Candiac.Photo credit: Nordic Structure. For me, the refrigerated skating rink with a roof in North Hatley is an incredible architectural project that will add “panache” to North Hatley. Especially in winter, the area is somewhat lacking in activities! What’s more, our winters are very variable […]
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. […]
Who has the final say on zoning changes?
As a citizen, you don’t always know how the municipal system works. I’m often confused when it comes to reading bylaws and understanding the municipal legal aspect. Especially when the time comes to request a zoning amendment, who decides? I’m not a lawyer or a municipal inspector, so do your research on the subject. Here’s […]
Religious community interested in acquiring North Hatley’s Inter-foi Church
The owner of the Inter-Foi North Hatley spiritual church has been approached by a religious group interested in acquiring the site. According to this group, the location is perfectly positioned. The religious group is very interested in acquiring the church to house their congregation. In fact, I can understand their interest, since the site offers […]
North Hatley has a population of 675, with 50% of residents aged 55 and over
North Hatley has a population of 675, with over 50% of residents aged 55 and over. Very often, when I say that there are only 675 residents (2021) in North Hatley, people get confused. Their response is often, “Come on, that’s not a lot!” That’s the population of my street in Longueuil! If we compare […]
Sherbrooke’s refrigerated ice rink costs $130,000 a year to maintain
Many towns and cities have had the opportunity to install a refrigerated ice rink. Such a rink makes it possible to extend and promote the practice of skating and ice hockey for the entire surrounding population. North Hatley will also have this opportunity, thanks to a million-dollar donation from the Pollock family. What’s more, the […]
Chemin des Rivières almost looks like a cycle track
A magnificent renovation has been completed on Chemin des Rivières in North Hatley. Beautiful new lines and a speed bump. By the way, the speed bump is hard on the car. But it’s great for slowing people down! The street is really very nice and clean. Bravo to the municipality for a job well done! […]
When is an elected municipal official in conflict of interest?
I’ve been asked this question several times recently. Obviously, I don’t specialize in municipal law, so do your own research. On the face of it, I do believe that an elected official should withdraw as soon as there is the slightest risk of a conflict of interest. Of course, a conflict of interest arises when […]
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 […]
Le Katevale, a new café-restaurant to discover in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley
I spotted a new café-restaurant on Main Street in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley. This lunchtime, I decided to check out this local café with my partner. With easy parking right across the street, we were warmly welcomed. Coffee smell, unique atmosphere, fast service and excellent food! What a discovery! The place opened on June 21. I invite you […]
North Hatley’s Inter-Foi spiritual church wants to change vocation
All over Quebec, churches are being put up for sale for lack of funds and congregations to ensure their continued existence. In Quebec, there are 2751 listed places of worship, 165 of which have been demolished and 680 sold and converted. Churches transformed into climbing centers (vertige), libraries(Magog), hotels (Saint-Crème), restaurants (OMG) and even distilleries […]
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. […]
North Hatley clarifies intermunicipal recreation agreement with the Canton de Hatley
In its June 25 press release, the Municipality of North Hatley states that citizens have free access to the beach since they pay taxes. It makes perfect sense! North Hatley denies that it has always set up the skating rink and that weather conditions may have affected the service. I’d like to point out that […]
What happened to our speed bumps in downtown North Hatley?
From May 1 to October 31, we had magnificent speed bumps in the heart of North Hatley to slow down motorists during the summer season. This excellent initiative protects pedestrians and cyclists in addition to the 30 km/hour limit. According to the Ministère des TransportsIt’s also an area with a special geometry. It’s a narrow […]
Still no soccer goals in place at Parc des Rivières as of June 23
I understand that the Municipality of North Hatley has its hands full with the master plan, managing the many grants and dock rentals. However, placing soccer goals so that children can play is essential in my opinion. It doesn’t take much! In fact, I just passed the park and some kids were playing soccer farther […]
Nice improvements on Mill Street in the last few days
A green strip now hides the horrible view we had of the hole left by the old Picalili. I’d like to congratulate the initiative, which makes the area much cleaner to the eye. Also, the grass was cut a few days ago. Finally! phew! It’s now much cleaner to walk on. There’s still work to […]
The national holiday will be held in Canton de Hatley Township on June 23, 2025.
Tonight is the national holiday. Unlike last year, the party will be held in Hatley Township at the Town Hall. The event kicks off at 6:00 pm. You’ll be able to enjoy live entertainment, as well as food and beverage service. Bravo and thank you to all the volunteers who make the Fête nationale possible. […]
When can we expect our new “Welcome to North Hatley Village” sign on Capelton Road?
I drive by Capelton Road several times a day. For several months, if not more than a year, there have been no “Welcome to North Hatley Village” or “Goodbye North Hatley” signs when entering or leaving the village. Evidently, the sign that was in place was completely rusted and left a somewhat dilapidated image of […]
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, […]
Canton de Hatley: Reasons for refusing to renew recreation agreement
A press release was published on June 16, 2025 on the Township of Hatley’s website detailing the reasons for refusing to continue the Recreation Agreement with North Hatley, including access to Pleasant View Beach. When I called North Hatley on June 13, the response was that the Township of Hatley had refused the agreement. At […]
Cleaning up Capelton Street in North Hatley following culvert overflows
IMPORTANT: Front-page photo taken on June 16, 2025. The torrential rains of May 18 caused major flooding. Streets in North Hatley and Canton de Hatley were heavily impacted. Unfortunately, there is still rock on Chemin Capelton. I wonder whether it’s the role of the Ministry of Transport or that of the Municipality of North Hatley […]
Would you accept invoices sent years later at twice the price, without explanation?
Obviously, no one wants to go through this. It’s unacceptable for any organization. To help you understand the impact, here’s a small scenario showing the magnitude of the financial and tax implications. Please note that I’m not an accountant, so you may want to double-check my example to make sure it’s accurate. FICTITIOUS SCENARIOLet’s say […]
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 […]
When will we have well-positioned soccer goals with nets?
It’s June 12 and the soccer goals are still in a terrible state. It’s impossible to play soccer with these goals. It’s a shame for our youngsters, they can’t even kick the ball towards the goal because the other goal is blocking them. No doubt there’s a lot to be done in the village and […]
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 […]
Is the North Hatley marina a danger to people?
Every time I pass by the marina, I ask my children to step aside, because I’m afraid it’s going to collapse on them. Now I see young people working for the 4 Lakes rental company going in and out of the marina. It really worries me that a sad accident could happen. But, I figure […]
