Citizen consulted on green corridor

On October 6th, the MRC de Roussillon launched a public consultation process on the future of the Châteauguay-Léry green corridor. More specifically, the exercise is being held on draft regulation 215, which seeks to modify the planning model for the protection of the Châteauguay-Léry wooded area. It would authorize more construction within the affected zone- on 70% of the woodlands as opposed to the current 45%. This would be carried out according to two formulas: residential development in “clusters” in the zones that are considered to have a “lower ecological value” and the construction of individual homes on vast wooded lots. Information Session The public consultation will include three parts according to information provided by the MRC de Roussillon in a press release. An information session is being held on Wednesday, October 21st at 7 pm. It will be presented via videoconference. Those interested will be able to attend via a website created by the MRC for this regulation, roussillon.ca/215. “This information session aims to specify the draft regulation’s objectives, explain the regulatory provisions related to it and answer questions submitted by the citizens and organizations in attendance,” informed the MRC on the website in question. Consultation Assemblies Consultation assemblies will be held on November 17th, 18th and 19th at 7 pm. The MRC’s Consultative Committee will hear citizens and organizations that would like to comment, ask a question or submit a dissertation or opinion on the project. Those interested should sign up on the aforementioned site before 5 pm on Monday, November 9th. The MRC’s Consultative Committee is made up of Christian Ouellette, MRC de Roussillon Prefect, Mayor of Delson, Jocelyne Bates, Mayor of Sainte-Catherine, and Johanne Beaulac, Mayor of Saint-Philippe. Written Opinions Citizens or organizations can also send the MRC their comments, questions or opinions in writing by November 21st at 9 pm. Two Mayors, Two Visions The mayors of the two cities that are home to the green corridor have diametrically opposed visions for its future. Mayor of Châteauguay, Pierre-Paul Routhier tabled the draft regulation 215. According to him, it is a measure to strengthen the two cities’ position in the $50M lawsuit initiated by the owners of the woodland area, who believe that the current conservation regulations constitute a “veiled expropriation”. Walter Letham, the Mayor of Léry, says that he is against the draft regulation. “If we do this, it is the beginning of the complete destruction of the wooded area. In 10 years, 8 years, there will be no more woodland, ‘he affirmed on the radio with Radio-Canada on September 29th. Mr. Letham suggests that the government of Quebec purchase the lots as a means of putting an end to the dispute. (Translation Amanda Bennett)