Written to  ministre du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs / Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks
May 24 2010

line.beauchamp@mddep.gouv.qc.ca


I am writing concerning the destruction of a forested area in Laval.

Let me start by saying that I am not an environmentalist but do feel that a tragedy is in the making.

I will try to keep this brief.

Here in Fabreville, Laval, we have a small forested area that, at one time, was supposedly a protected area. It is one of the few remaining "green areas" in the western side of laval (check with google maps...and this is outdated). People have come from Chomedy, Rosemere & St Eustache to walk in this forest. In the last 4 years (approx.) due to continues construction, this area has shrunk significantly and no longer contains the wildlife it once had.

To add to the problem, there will be a "Path" created ( http://www.tigger5.com/Forest/PathsMap.html ) in what is left of a "protected" forest. If I understand correctly the markers placed in the forest, this path will result in the destruction of MANY trees and cut a large swath through the little wetland that is left ( http://www.tigger5.com/Forest/ForestRazoring.html ).
With this, access to the forest will in all likelihood be limited due to the fencing and the few access points to this path ( http://www.tigger5.com/Forest/PathsMap.html ).
There is no need for this path because there already exists many natural paths ( http://www.tigger5.com/Forest/Paths.html ). Creating the new path would lead to unnecessary destruction, waste of taxpayers money and a waste of resources that could be used for more important items.

Also due to a total lack of respect for the residents that already live here, there is a big problem with the air quality. The contractor(s) having never ever cleaned up as they should at the end of the day(s), the construction area has a thick layer of mud/dirt that every-time a vehicle passes, it creates a huge dust cloud ( http://www.tigger5.com/Forest/DustProblem.html ) that leave a thick layer everywhere including inside our residences. We are left with the choice of never being able to enjoy the outdoors and opening our windows OR leave our windows open and continuously clean and breathe dust.

It is with great hope that you can intervene to keep what little is left of this forest, protected, to have the paths left as they are and to NOT build any new paths, and to have those responsible for the construction to clean up properly and have some respect for the residences here.

Should you care to visit the area or would like further information, it would be my pleasure to show you first hand the area in question and answer what I can.

I hope to hear from you before it is too late..

Thank you for your time..