Ici Vert Forêt

Mémoire déposé par Judy Palmer en réponse aux scénarios d’urbanisation offerts par la Ville de Châteauguay au 14 août 2009.

Our home was purchase in ’67 and it borders the woods in the South West
sector.   Our boy would spend his days with other children in the
neighbourhood playing in the woods.  These are his fondest memories.  In the
summer, we would pack a lunch and dine sitting on a log while wildlife would
be stirring all around us and in winter, we would put on our skis and cut
through the fields and woods right through to the Bellevue golf club.

These woods are now threatened.  Development will destroy this ecosystem
adding more pollution to the city and surrounding areas.  Left untouched, it
will serve as a barrier against Autoroute 30.  You may say, “So what?  This
sector does not concern me.  I don’t live near the woods so I don’t see how
it will affect me.”  Then, I presume you might feel the same way about the
rain forests of South America – pity.  However, trees serve a purpose and
this 2.72 km forest provides oxygen for all living creatures and that
includes you and your children, shelter for many birds that help control the
insect population and its wetlands play an important role and are protected
by the provincial government.  The Chateauguay-Léry forest is the last
surviving forest in our region.  It must be saved.

If you the citizens of Chateauguay voice your opinion on the conservation of
this forest you and generations to come will benefit from what could become
a regional park.  As with other towns that developed a regional park,
property values may increase and municipal taxes may decrease.  Would you
not prefer to see your children hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and enjoying
nature rather than developing the land for more housing and seeing more
children wandering aimlessly in the shopping centres and around town?

Many organizations are ready to help with the purchase of these woods -
funds are available.  The city is ready to listen to you.  Tell them you
want to save this forest by e-mailing your desire. Do it if not for you, then for your children.

Show your true nature!

Note: ce mémoire a été publié dans le journal Le Soleil de Châteauguay sous la rubrique Lettres des lecteurs le 15 août 2009.