“Municipality Plans to Develop 30-Hectare Forested Area in Chelsea: Residents Launch Petition to Protect Environment”

A 30-hectare patch of forest east of Route 105 between Chelsea Boucanerie and Hall Road is at risk, according to the Chelsea District 2 Residents Association.

The municipal council wishes to modify the zoning of the latter to facilitate its development. A petition has been launched to thwart the city plans and, at the time of this writing, nearly 200 signatures have been collected.

In a press release, the association explains that the municipality plans to divide the land into three zones: a portion allowing high-density residential construction, a recreational section with access to the river and then a nature conservation area.

% of Chelsea’s natural environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting development within the urban perimeter to avoid sprawl and destruction of wildlife habitat,”text “:”This project goes against several of the municipality’s objectives set out in its new master plan, including protecting 30% of Chelsea’s natural environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting development within the urban perimeter to avoid the sprawl and destruction of wildlife habitat””>This project goes against several of the municipality’s objectives set out in its new master plan, including protecting 30% of Chelsea’s natural environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting development to inside the urban perimeter to avoid the sprawl and destruction of wildlife habitatcan we read in the press release.

Development in this forest would irreparably damage and disrupt this delicate ecological system.explained Jacques Michaud, the president of the Association of residents of district 2.

According to the latter, the area identified by the municipality has remained untouched all these years and is home to fauna and flora that make it rich.

Mr. Michaud believes that the municipality should instead favor other lands to provide access to the river and proposes to turn to the lands that have been acquired by the City.

A smaller and decontaminated field

In the resolution adopted by the municipal council on March 14, we learn that the land targeted by it would rather be 20 hectares.

The by-law does provide for a subdivision of the land into three zones, but no location has been determined for residential construction. However, a municipal park with access to the Gatineau River and public roads are planned.

If the zoning by-law change is approved by the MRCthe municipality could also force the owner to decontaminate lot 3 030 091 in the cadastre of Quebec, at his expense, if necessary, further improving the natural environment of the territory.

According to the directory of contaminated sites of the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, the company Chelsea Auto Wrecker.

The municipality declined Radio-Canada’s request for an interview on the subject on Monday.

With information from Nelly Alberola