The Town of Hampstead has demonstrated unsatisfactory progress in modernizing its permit and certificate management systems, according to a recent follow-up assessment from the Commission municipale du Québec.
Five-Year Audit Follow-Up Reveals Persistent Delays
Five years after a comprehensive performance audit by the provincial government, Hampstead trails behind other Quebec municipalities in implementing recommended improvements to its permit processes for construction projects and major renovations. The original May 2020 audit examined Hampstead alongside Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, Otterburn Park, Saint-Honoré, and La Pêche, resulting in 10 specific recommendations for Hampstead to enhance its systems.
By March 2024, the municipality had completed only 60 percent of the recommended changes, placing it significantly behind the other audited municipalities, which achieved implementation rates between 67 and 89 percent. More concerning, the CMQ's recent follow-up letter indicates that Hampstead has failed to make any additional progress since the spring assessment.
Critical Recommendations Remain Unaddressed
The report highlights particular concern with four outstanding recommendations where progress has stalled completely. Hampstead received unsatisfactory ratings in three key areas:
- Establishing proper inspection procedures to ensure permits are used appropriately
- Creating systematic procedures for following up on infractions
- Developing performance indicators for the permit management process
Most alarmingly, the town made no progress whatsoever on the fourth recommendation: improving documentation and keeping city council better informed about the status of permits and certificates.
Municipal Response and Restructuring Efforts
Sarah-Eve Longtin, speaking for Hampstead, acknowledged the challenges while outlining the town's response. "In the past year, the town has undertaken significant internal restructuring to ensure that our regulatory practices align with municipal governance standards," Longtin stated.
She detailed ongoing work that directly addresses the four remaining recommendations, including:
- Development of updated inspection procedures
- Establishment of clear, measurable performance indicators
- Enhanced protocols for tracking infractions
- Strengthened management reporting tools
Longtin emphasized that the CMQ's recommendations stem from a performance audit rather than a compliance audit, meaning the suggestions aim to improve efficiency but aren't legally mandatory. Despite this distinction, she confirmed the municipality is accelerating implementation efforts and plans to meet with the CMQ within three months to present updated results.
Leadership and Historical Context
The permit system falls under Hampstead's urban planning and building inspection division, currently led by interim director Mario Duchesne. Duchesne assumed his position in February 2020, just three months before the initial audit report. Former mayor Bill Steinberg authorized Duchesne in October 2020 to create an action plan addressing all audit recommendations.
The town has been recruiting a new director of urban planning since April, with Duchesne remaining as interim leader through November 2025. Hampstead declined to specify reasons for the leadership transition, citing confidentiality in human resources matters.
This isn't the first time Hampstead has faced scrutiny from the CMQ. In 2024, the commission reported that previous director general Richard Sun spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on restaurants, international conferences, and purchases from Apple and the SAQ.
The persistent delays in permit system improvements raise questions about municipal efficiency and transparency as Hampstead works to align its practices with provincial standards while serving its residents' needs for streamlined construction and renovation approvals.
