Power backup, road maintenance, and SQ cost hikes
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Hatley Township council, presided over by Mayor Vincent Fontaine, convened on Dec. 3 at the town hall with seven members of the public in attendance. Discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, from emergency preparedness to infrastructure improvements and the escalating costs of Sûreté du Québec (SQ) policing.
During a question period, concerns were raised about rising SQ costs, echoing frustrations voiced at Cookshire-Eaton’s Dec. 2 council meeting. Mayor Fontaine explained that the SQ’s new collective agreement included salary increases of up to 30 per cent. “This impacts small municipalities like ours significantly because the costs are calculated based on property values,” he said. “We’re paying for services we barely see—how often do you even see an SQ officer here?” Fontaine noted Hatley Township’s efforts to create fairness by implementing a $275 per household flat rate for policing costs, supplemented by property taxes. “It’s not perfect, but it’s better than relying solely on property values,” he added, acknowledging that other municipalities in the MRC are considering similar approaches.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the approval of a Hydro-Québec program offering 15 portable batteries for $1. The batteries, intended for use during power outages, will ensure essential municipal services remain operational while supporting vulnerable residents. “This is a huge win for our community,” Fontaine remarked. “It saves us from having to invest over $100,000 in a generator, and it allows us to keep critical systems running during outages.” Ten larger batteries will be reserved for municipal use, while five smaller units will be loaned out during emergencies. “For people who rely on medical devices, this could be life-changing,” Fontaine said.
In a show of community spirit, the council also approved the donation of unused materials from the municipality’s former day camp to the local primary school. Items such as craft supplies and sports equipment will now support recreational activities at the school. “This is about making sure these resources don’t go to waste and directly benefit our kids,” Fontaine commented.
