City Unveils Plans for Hydro-Québec Easement

After a consultation process that lasted several months, the City of Châteauguay presented the outline of its project of a linear park to be developed on lots where old Hydro-Québec pylons will be dismantled.

Translation Amanda Bennett

La TraVERTsée de Châteauguay is proposing to connect the Centre Écologique Fernand-Seguin and Kahnawake via a 7-kilometre-long biodiversity corridor. Two trails, namely a paved multifunctional path and a pathway where people can walk through different natural environments, are expected to be developed there. Rest areas where visitors can stop to observe nature, as well areas with gathering places such as community gardens and a public square are also in the works. In total, six sections with different landscapes have been identified. Details about each section are available on the city’s website. 

A footbridge will be built above the Châteauguay River at de La Verdure Avenue to connect the two paths of the corridor which will extend along each side of the body of water. 

The city awarded a $602, 813.93 contract to a firm by the name of TR3E Experts-Conseils Inc. for professional services related to the footbridge during the March 14th Council meeting this year, explained Christine Arsenault, City of Châteauguay Communications Advisor.

A grant application of $2,805M was submitted within the Fonds Pour le Transport Actif to cover a part of the construction costs for the footbridge and a multifunctional track in Chèvrefils Park that will meet up with the current bike path. The project will therefore connect the corridor with Île Chèvrefils.

Access to Île Chèvrefils

At the time of the unveiling, a citizen expressed concerns regarding access to Île Chèvrefils. “I think the project is beautiful, but I’m just worried about that island,” Gail Walker told Le Soleil de Châteauguay. “It brings me bad memories. If they make it more accessible, the kids are going to go back on the dam.”

Six people lost their lives on this dam after being sucked in. A passage for fish creates a strong suction effect. 

“Rest assured that security will not be overlooked in a process like this one,” responded Mayor Eric Allard. The plan is in fact still in the development stages. Citizens have until May 31st to submit the city their comments on the proposed project online or through MyAccount.

In total, the corridor is expected to cost approximately $4M, the mayor said. “We are looking for grants that will be spread out over several years. The details have not all been established yet.”

For the moment there is no specific date for the inauguration of the TraVERTsée, but it won’t be “within the next two years”, Mr. Allard explained.

The municipality hired Castor et Pollux, a landscaping and urban design firm, at a cost of $30,000 to hold the public consultation and come up with a proposal for the ensuing project. Some 500 people and four organizations have shared their opinions on what they would like to see become of the lots in question.