CPP-IDS

On February 2, the Verdun Council adopted a second draft of Zoning By-law 1700-74 so as to modify the minimum distance between swimming pools and woodland boundaries.

Currently there is a 3 meter margin as per the Quebec Ministry of Environment to reduce the impact of construction on the Nuns’ Island wetlands wood named Domaine Saint-Paul (PO3-86) and its riverside wooded buffer zone (PO3-92). However, Verdun proposes to reduce this 3 meter margin by 50% to 1.5 m.

9 out of 10 residents want to protect the Domaine Saint-Paul. Such strong public support should help Verdun Council Members enforce conservation measures such as the 3 meter margin bordering both Nuns’ Island wetland woods. This includes regulating the construction of garden sheds, pools, wiring etc. adjacent to these woods. Good governance protects woodlands.

This draft by-law was withdrawn last year. At last December’s Access to information request, Verdun had no study describing the impact of this reduced margin on both woods. On February 18, Council did forward technical comments dated January 15 regarding the feasibility of reducing the current margin. This runs counter to the Ministry’s studies.

The April 27-28 Summit on the Biodiversity and Greening of Montréal is hosting international and local experts who will study Montreal conditions. A responsible and transparent Council would maintain the 3 meter margin to protect municipal woods.

The CPP-IDS urges Council to withdraw the proposed reduction before the third draft of Zoning By-law 1700-74.