North Hatley council approves zoning changes amid anonymous donor speculation
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a unanimous decision, the North Hatley municipal council approved Jan. 13 a new zoning bylaw for the C-4 zone during its first public meeting of the year, facilitating a 22-unit residential development by local developer Richard Laliberté. The monthly public meeting, attended by roughly 15 residents, was marked by public speculation during question period over the identity of an anonymous donor offering to fund the development of the town’s master plan. Several attendees suggested a possible conflict of interest if Laliberté were the benefactor—a claim the council denied.
Zoning bylaw details
The newly adopted bylaw introduces significant changes to the C-4 zone, allowing for the proposed development while addressing North Hatley’s housing challenges. According to the bylaw:
- Building height: Maximum allowable height is increased to four storeys.
- Setbacks: Requirements are reduced to 1.5 metres for side and rear boundaries and 3 metres for the front.
- Mixed-Use development: The bylaw encourages mixed-use structures, stipulating that commercial units occupy the ground floor.
“These amendments are designed to address our pressing housing needs while ensuring that new developments harmonize with North Hatley’s character,” said Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish. The council stressed that the project complies with local planning objectives and reflects the village’s ongoing efforts to modernize while preserving its unique appeal.
Speculation over anonymous donor
Speculation surrounding an anonymous donor dominated the meeting. Several residents questioned whether Laliberté, whose development would directly benefit from the zoning changes, might be the donor funding the master plan development. “Without transparency, how can we trust the process?” asked one attendee, echoing the sentiments of many present.
Mayor Davis-Gerrish firmly denied the allegations, stating, “No member of the council knows who the donor is.” She explained that the donation was managed through the Ottawa Community Foundation, with Tom Wilcox acting as the intermediary. “We have been assured that there is no connection between the donor and Mr. Laliberté,” she added. The council further indicated their openness to requesting, via Wilcox, that the donor consider revealing their identity to alleviate public concerns.