June 16th 2025
Dear Citizens,
We would like to inform you of the main reasons that led to the decision not to renew the Recreation Agreement between our municipality and that of North Hatley.
This agreement, signed in 2019, covered all recreational services offered jointly by our two municipalities, including access to the municipal beach and the North Hatley skating rink. It also provided for the participation of Canton de Hatley in the preparation of budget forecasts, as well as a maximum period of 60 days for the submission of invoices for services provided.
However, over the years, significant delays in the submission of invoices have hampered the preparation of our financial statements and budget planning. These delays also complicated the validation of cost increases, which turned out to be significant and unforeseen – including an invoice received in 2024, more than twice that of 2020, without sufficient explanation despite our requests for justification.
Considering all these factors and the failure of our negotiation attempts, the Municipal Council has decided not to renew the agreement, which expired on May 31.
That said, rest assured that Council wishes to continue to promote access to recreation for its residents, but within a healthy, transparent, and planned framework. Therefore, various solutions are currently under consideration, particularly regarding beach access. A decision on this matter will be made at the public meeting on July 8. In the meantime, we recommend that residents who pay the non-resident rate for the beach season pass retain their proof of payment.
We thank you for your understanding and remain available for any questions.
Vincent Fontaine
Mayor of Canton de Hatley
June 12th 2025
Dear Residents,
We wish to inform you that following the end of the recreation agreement with the Municipality of North Hatley, the municipality recently ceased offering free access to the municipal beach to residents of the Township of Hatley. Consequently, residents wishing to access this beach must now pay the same fees as non-residents.
We are aware that this situation may raise concerns, particularly regarding access to recreational activities during the summer. Municipal Council will analyze various options to address this new reality and will make a decision, if necessary, at the public meeting on July 8.
In the meantime, residents can go to Ayers Cliff Beach for free swimming. Please note that parking is available for $15 per day or $50 for the summer (season pass).
It should be noted that the Township of Hatley Municipal Council decided not to renew the intermunicipal agreement with North Hatley in October 2024. This decision was made after a thorough analysis of the agreement’s costs, which, according to the council, did not reflect the services provided to our residents.
We thank you for your understanding and invite you to stay tuned for municipal communications for further updates on this matter.