Members of council have additionally voiced the need to address a number of other issues including deforestation, zoning, as well as the size of a house permitted on a lot, the protection of the trail network and the tree-cutting bylaw, particularly as it applies to developers. Again, we felt it more prudent to suspend the evaluation of existing permit applications in the PAE zones until pertinent regulations are modified to meet the objectives of council members.

As part of the changes we want to bring, we have asked the urban planning and environment department to find ways to protect, as much as possible, the Saint-Lazare zones already identified as having an important ecological value in the infamous “Genivar report” praised by local environmentalists. I will ask Council to include the Genivar maps and recommendations in the overall urban plan.

We understand the destruction of a forest is permanent and Council must take necessary steps to protect our forest and our wetlands. To do so however, we must understand, especially where our forests are concerned, that it will take municipal financing, your tax dollars. By taking a structured approach to conservationism, we can minimize the financial burden on our tax payers, by applying for subsidies for example. This project will require long-term and responsible planning as well as sound fiscal analysis.

As a first step to shape our Conservation Plan, Council voted in favour of starting negotiations with the developer of the high ecologically-valued land neighbouring le Parc naturel de la Tourbière-du-Bordelais also know as the Bordelais Bog. With the intention of expanding the bog’s size, we have informed the developer that we are “reserving” this land for municipal purposes. The Conservation Plan will target further areas of high ecological or environmental value on our Town’s territory, including a number of forested areas. More will follow.

Although Council feels it has initiated actions in what it considers to be the right direction and thinks it can get the support of all those residents who have long professed to preserve what little green spaces exists in Saint-Lazare, it cannot assume so. Council believes in democracy and will provide all residents with the means to voice their position on the Conservation Plan through a municipal registry or referendum. I believe in empowering and engaging our residents, especially when it comes to the future of their community.

Another resolution was also passed by Council on April 15th regarding the designation of a “green corridor” in Saint-Lazare. Initially drawn and proposed by the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges to link adjoining municipalities, preserve forested areas and allow the extension of trails for recreational purposes between municipalities and leading to the Rigaud Mountain, Council has voted to extend further and include additional forested areas. The designation of a “green corridor” will also allow municipalities to seek subsidies for land protection.

I am proud of the courage shown by Council to preserve our country character and to give residents the opportunity to be heard. I have the support of the majority of Council for this arduous process of protecting the reasons residents chose to live in Saint-Lazare – our precious green spaces. The new Council is taking Saint-Lazare in a bold new direction, withdrawing from the orientations of the past decades. Our vision will meet resistance from developers and criticism by those committed to the ways of the past. The media may choose to focus on the negatives and the financial costs rather than the benefits of offering ourselves and generations to come a great quality of life. We have a jewel of a city to protect. I cannot allow myself to be diverted by the negativity since the vision I have advocated for Saint-Lazare’s future requires me to be positive and focussed on building a unique country community with modern services for its residents. These ambitions require that I continue to hope we can build a better Saint-Lazare rather than abandon our future to the so-called “inevitable progress”. I have an obligation to residents to fulfill my conservationist mandate and I am committed to doing this responsibly. I am proud that Council is demonstrating the 21st century meaning of the words “development” and “progress” in terms of evolution and progression of values rather than the number of new homes.