Council approves exemptions

The properties that are the subject of these requests are located in the Symphonia project in the southern tip of L'Île-des-Sœurs. While regulations provide for a minimum distance of 3 meters, the council accepted to reduce this distance to 1.5 meters.

In response to various questions, council members explained that the lands in question have been over-elevated by three meters vis-a-vis their natural soil level. The roots of the neighbouring trees (in the wooded shoreline) will therefore not be endangered by the pool construction because their floor surface will be higher. Moreover, the Environment Minister demanded that a sloping path be introduced so that no supporting wall is built between the lands and the nearby forest.

The elevation of the earth and sloping path no longer necessitate the distance of 3 meters as provided for in the regulations. For the council, and based on the viewpoints expressed, it is a question of adjusting to reality. These exemptions are therefore in compliance with the certificate of authorization issued by the Environment Minister for the properties concerned.

The target properties are adjacent to the zone known as the “boisé riverain” (wooded shoreline), a young forest site dedicated primarily for preserving wildlife. The main difference between this zone and that of the Saint-Paul wooded area is that the latter is swamp land containing a great diversity of plant life.