DRAFT BY-LAWS P , P AND P PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN AND BY-LAWS RELATING TO THE BOROUGH OF PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO

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DRAFT BY-LAWS P-1047-204, P-1109-41 AND P-04-047

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN

AND BY-LAWS RELATING TO THE

BOROUGH OF PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO

PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT

AUGUST 8, 2007

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Montréal, August 8, 2007 •

Mr. Gérald Tremblay, Mayor

Mr. Frank Zampino, President of the Executive Committee Ms. Monique Worth, Mayor

Ville de Montréal

275 Notre-Dame Street East Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1C6

Subject: Public consultation report on the Pierrefonds-Roxboro chapter of the Montréal Master Plan and relevant zoning by-laws.

Dear Sirs and Madam:

I am pleased to submit herewith the report of the Office de consultation publique pertaining to amendments to the Master Plan and urban planning by-laws for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro (Draft By-laws P-04-047, P-1047-204 and P-1109-41).

Some 50 people participated in the sessions held by the commission. Of those, nine spoke and six filed briefs. Based on the opinions expressed, the commission has sought to position the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro as a leader in matters pertaining to sustainable development. It recommends that the borough chapter be adopted with certain amendments.

Firstly, the commission believes that the territory of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, especially the Western area of Pierrefonds, with its many kilometres of shoreline and three eco-territories, is a key urban component in terms of reconciling residential development and the conservation of natural environments. The commissioners’ principal recommendation pertains to the importance of drawing up a Plan particulier d'urbanisme (PPU) for the area, and maintaining its current zoning until that PPU is completed.

The commission also recommends that guidelines pertaining to the employment/housing balance and sustainable development be included in the detailed planning. The guidelines could reflect the orientations of the strategic sustainable development plan and transportation plan of the Ville de Montréal.

.../2 1550 Metcalfe Street Suite 1414

Montréal (Québec) H3A 1X6 Telephone: 514 872-3568 Fax: 514 872-2556 ocpm.qc.ca

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August 8, 2007 page 2 Mr. Gérald Tremblay, Mayor

Mr. Frank Zampino, President of the Executive Committee Ms. Monique Worth, Mayor

Among the other recommendations, one concerns the priority to be accorded the development of networks of integrated and protected bicycle and pedestrian paths. The commission suggests that planning guidelines for the intersections of major boulevards be modified to implement that objective.

In terms of the concordance between the Master Plan and zoning by-laws, the commission mentions specific cases, such as the Rapides-du-cheval-blanc nature park, the Domaine des Brises, and the Manoir Pierrefonds.

Lastly, the commission applauds the initiative of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, the first borough to submit it chapter to the public consultation process of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal. However, it suggests that, in future, two separate consultations be held on the borough chapter and zoning by-laws, as those documents should be examined from different perspectives.

The Office will make public its report on August 23, unless you would like it to do so at an earlier date. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Roy, President

c.c.: Mr. André Lavallée

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INTRODUCTION

The hearings on the draft Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough chapter of the Montréal Master Plan allowed members of the commission to observe the high level of interest in the borough’s opportunities for the future and the importance that Pierrefonds-Roxboro residents and decision-makers attach to their community’s enhancement. Although few residents were in attendance, their contribution provided ample food for thought, which the commission used in conducting its analysis.

The consultation process

The Montréal Master Plan was adopted in 2004. The boroughs are responsible for producing their own chapters to be included in Plan, and for bringing their urban planning by-laws into compliance with it. The mandate entrusted to the OCPM is twofold. The first involves draft Chapter 18 for Pierrefonds-Roxboro, which takes into account the January 2006 reorganization of administrative limits, consolidating the sectors of Pierrefonds and Roxboro. The second pertains to amendments to zoning by-laws and the production of site planning and architectural integration programs (SPAIP).

The borough must submit those drafts for public consultation before presenting them to the City of Montréal for approval. At the request of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, the City’s executive committee entrusted the consultation mandate to the OCPM. The public consultation was held, following usual OCPM procedures, at the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough hall, in a borough council meeting. A preparatory meeting was held between the borough and the Office on May 2, and a report on the meeting was included in the documentation file of the Office.

To inform citizens, groups and organizations of the consultation and invite them to attend, the borough published a notice in Cités nouvelles on April 22, 2007, and issued a press release on May 10. Flyers were made available to residents in the various borough offices and sent to a number of local stakeholders.

Some 50 people attended the public consultation sessions on May 15 and 29, 2007. Five people presented briefs before the commission on May 29, and one brief was filed without presentation. Appendix 1 contains the list of individuals, residents and organization representatives who participated in the consultation, while Appendix 2 provides a list of documents, briefs and meeting transcripts. Appendix 3 presents the draft concordance by-laws. Full versions of those documents are available on the OCPM Web site.

The documentation prepared by borough departments was made available at the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough office, and on the OCPM and borough Web sites. It was supplemented by additional documents filed by the borough and the commission following the first part of the public consultation and after the hearings.

This report provides an account of the commissioners’ findings, analysis and conclusions. It examines:

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• draft Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, and the draft amendments to the urban planning by-laws;

• the concerns, expectations and opinions of participants, as expressed in the public consultation meetings;

• the commission’s analysis and the conclusions it draws therefrom.

The footnotes refer to documents and notices received by the commission and serve to illustrate the content of documents filed and comments issued. They do not, in any way, represent an exhaustive account of all opinions expressed.

Acknowledgements

The commission would like to extend its most sincere thanks to Ms. Michèle Bertrand for her exceptional contribution.

The commission would also like to thank the officials of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and the City of Montréal, and their advisors, as well as the citizens who participated in the public consultation. The professional team that drew up the drafts submitted for consultation was responsible for presenting at the public meetings the fundamentals of a complex project. It answered the citizens’ questions and commission’s requests diligently. The staff of the Office de consultation publique also assisted the commission throughout the process. The commission would like to express its gratitude to all those people.

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1. Draft Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of

Pierrefonds-Roxboro

The Montréal Master Plan, in force since December 2004, is the reference document for all interventions made in Montréal territory. Part I of the Plan addresses City-wide issues. Each borough must produce its own chapter for Part II of the Plan, within the time limits prescribed by law. It must also ensure that its urban planning by-laws comply with the orientations of the Plan and the rules and criteria established in the complementary document in Part III of the Plan.

This chapter presents the draft of Chapter 18, Part II of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and the draft concordance by-law amending the Plan to include the chapter. It also presents the draft concordance by-laws on zoning and on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP).

1.1.

Draft Chapter 18 for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro

Draft Chapter 18, adopted on its first reading by the borough council on April 17, 2007, pertains to the territory of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro according to the boundaries established by the municipal reorganization of January 2006.1 It is presented by the borough as an adaptation of the goals and issues of the Pierrefonds-Senneville borough chapter in force, and not as a revision.2 It consolidates the concerns and elements contained in previous versions of the chapters for the Pierrefonds sector of the borough of Pierrefonds-Senneville, the Cap-Saint-Jacques sector of the borough of L’Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève-Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, and the Roxboro sector of the borough of Dollard-des-Ormeaux-Roxboro. Draft Concordance By-law P-04-0473 aims to replace Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Senneville with the new Chapter 18 for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro.4

Draft Chapter 18 refers to the planning approach of the Montréal Master Plan and the City-wide orientations related to the borough.5 This chapter presents local issues, objectives and actions; it is completed by a detailed implementation action plan outlining the actors, priorities and timeframes. It also presents Detailed Planning Areas, regulatory parameters, including land use designation and construction density, and specific planning tools.

The principal amendments proposed by the borough to the preliminary version of Chapter 18 consist in removing the territory of Senneville; adding the territory of Roxboro and that of the Cap-Saint-Jacques nature park; correcting the limits of land use designation areas, construction density areas, parks and green spaces and zoning by-law zones; and updating issues involving sustainable development.6

1

Doc. 3.3.1 - Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough limits 2

Doc. 2.4 - Decisional summary, recommendation and resolution concerning draft Concordance By-law P-04-047, p. 1

3

Doc. 1.1 - Draft Concordance By-law P-04-047 4

Doc 1.1.1 – Montréal Master Plan – Part II - Chapter 18 – Borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro 5

Doc. 1.1.6 - Appendix F – Summary of City-wide orientations of the Montréal Master Plan - amended by Doc. .1.1.1

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1.1.1

Issues (Section 18.3)

Local issues include:7

• the consolidation and development of high-quality living environments that are diversified, attractive and complete;

• the consolidation of convivial local commercial areas that are well integrated with their surroundings; • the development of effective and efficient transportation networks;

• the production of a high-quality urban landscape that is respected and appreciated; • the protection and enhancement of the built, natural and archaeological heritage; • the achievement of a healthy, sustainable and safe urban environment.

1.1.2

Detailed Planning Areas (Section 18.4)

The borough proposed six local Detailed Planning Areas for which it has established goals and planning issues and guidelines.8

Figure: Source: Doc. 1.1.1, p. 19 – Established areas, areas to be built and areas to be transformed.

The six areas are the Eastern area of Pierrefonds, the Roxboro village core area, the Sources commercial area, the Central area of Pierrefonds, the Saint-Charles commercial axis, and the Western area of Pierrefonds. The borough associates the Western area to the l’Anse-à-l’Orme eco-territory classified as City-wide in Part I of the Montréal Master Plan.9

7 Doc 1.1.1, p. 7-16; Doc. 2.4, p. 2-3 8 Doc. 1.1.1, p. 19-31 9

Montréal Master Plan, Part I, Chapter 2, Section 2.6, p. 146, table 2.6.1 - Ecoterry conservation and development objectives; chapter 4, Detailed Planning Areas, Section 4.17, l’Anse-à-l’Orme,

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Western area of Pierrefonds (Section 18.4.6)

Of all the Detailed Planning Areas, the Western area of Pierrefonds, a principal area to be built, is by far the most important in terms of size and development potential, and of the issues it raises. It is bounded to the north by Gouin Boulevard West and Cap-Saint-Jacques, to the west and south by the eco-territory of the l’Anse-à-l’Orme nature park, covering approximately 40% of its territory,10 and to the east by the Highway 440 right-of-way. Most of the territory is made up of a rural area where farms are still in operation, and in which the few existing buildings are located along Gouin Boulevard West. It also comprises, on just under 20% of the territory,11 an area that is partly constructed and partly under development.

The borough plans to develop a new mixed residential neighbourhood there, with over 4000 new housing units, as well as a service and commercial area. It also plans to protect and enhance the natural environments of the l’Anse-à-l’Orme eco-territory and other fragile lands in the area, to build the road and municipal infrastructures required for residential development, to prioritize the construction of a road linking Gouin Boulevard West and Highway 40, and to develop new bicycle paths.12 Discussions are underway between the City and some owners to decide what land should be reserved for the l’Anse-à-l’Orme nature park.13 This area may be the object of a Programme particulier d’urbanisme (PPU), and may be submitted for public consultation.14

1.1.3. Regulatory parameters (Section 18.5)

The parameters and orientations of the Master Plan that are regulatory in scope are represented in the urban planning by-laws of the borough. The zoning code, the primary vehicle for the implementation of the Master Plan, determines the territory’s vocation, land and building use, and building siting and appearance. The borough proposes regulatory parameters to provide a framework for development in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

10 Commission’s estimate 11 Idem 12

Doc 1.1.1, p. 30-31; p. 55, issue 1, objective 2, action 1 13

Doc. 5.1, p. 17-19, lines 605-685, Daniel Hodder 14

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Land use designation

The land use designation determines an area’s vocation.

Figure 2: Doc. 3.3.2 - Amendments proposed by the borough to land use designation map 3.1.1 of the Montréal

Master Plan.

The borough would like to amend the land use designation map to adjust the limits of certain areas:15 this involves, among other things:

• attributing the designation “mixed-use area” to the Roxboro sector, along Gouin Boulevard West;

• adding areas designated as “Major green space or waterside park” to the extract of the map entitled “Parks and Green Spaces.”

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Construction density

Construction density and construction density parameters16 determine the number of aboveground storeys, the type of configuration, the building site coverage ratio, and the floor area ratio.

Figure 3: Doc. 3.3.3 - Amendments proposed by the borough to construction density map 3.1.2 of the Montréal Master Plan.

The borough proposes, among other things: • to amend map 3.1.217

entitled “Construction Density” in Part I of the Plan to adjust the limits of certain areas, including Sector 18-06 (from 1 to 8 storeys), to incorporate into it the land of the Polyvalente and Sector 18-C1 (from 1 to 10 storeys), and attribute to it the Roxboro density sectors;

• to amend construction density parameters for Sector 18-01 (1 to 3 storeys), create a new 18-07 zone (1 to 10 storeys) for the site of the Manoir Pierrefonds project within part of an existing zone 18-05 (1 to 3 storeys), and 18-T1; and

• to replace Sector to be constructed 18-C2 (2 to 10 storeys) for the Domaine des Brises in the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc eco-territory with Sector 18-C1 (1 to 10 storeys).

16

Doc. 1.1.7 - Appendix G – Montréal Master Plan - Construction density parameters 17

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Parks and green spaces

The parks and green spaces identified in the Montréal Master Plan illustrate the intentions of the City and borough to ensure their protection and enhancement.

Figure 4: Doc. 3.3.4 - Amendments proposed by the borough to parks and greens spaces map 2.5.1 of the Montréal Master Plan.

The borough proposes to amend parks and green spaces map 2.5.118 in Part II of the Master Plan to include borough parks. This involves, among other things:

• adjusting the limits of Alexander,19

Olympia,20 Des Arbres and Des Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc parks;

• creating a narrow park zone along the Highway 440 right-of-way; and • adding Île Ménard.

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Doc. 1.1.3 – Map 2.5.1 of the Montréal Master Plan – Parks and Green Spaces 19

Doc. 4.3.4 - Question 1 of the OCPM and borough’s answer on June 14 and Doc. 4.3.5 from June 21; Doc. 4.3.5 - Question of the OCPM on June 21 and borough’s answer on June 22; Doc. 4.5.1, 4.5.2

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Built heritage

The built heritage must be subject to strict controls in areas of exceptional value, such as waterside roadways Gouin Boulevard West and Lalande Boulevard, on large sites of institutional character, and for buildings located outside areas of exceptional value identified in the list.21 These controls would be exercised through the draft by-law on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP) proposed by the borough.

The borough proposes:

• to amend built heritage map 2.6.1 of the Montréal Master Plan to add the Roxboro area of value to those of Pierrefonds; and

• to include the Roxboro sector buildings in the list of buildings of heritage and architectural interest located outside areas of exceptional value.

1.1.4. Specific planning tools (Section 18.6)

The borough aims to promote a concerted approach on the part of development stakeholders. It proposes the creation of concerted planning committees for each of the Detailed Planning Areas. These committees would be placed under the borough’s Advisory Committee on Urban ¨Planning, and composed of property owners, elected officials, developers and representatives of municipal departments, ministries, parapublic organizations and citizens’ groups.

1.1.5. Action plan (Section 18.8)

The borough has drawn up a detailed action plan identifying the priorities, timeframes and players in relation to targeted issues and objectives, and required actions.22

1.2. Urban planning by-laws

The borough proposes draft concordance by-laws on zoning for the Pierrefonds sector and on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP) for all territories combined to bring them into compliance with the Montréal Master Plan and its complementary document.

Although submitted for consultation at the same time as draft Chapter 18 for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, these draft by-laws will be the subject of a separate request for adoption. The borough plans to draft the concordance by-law on zoning for the Roxboro sector and to revise them with those of the Pierrefonds sector in winter 2007-2008.23

21

Doc. 1.1.1, p. 48, built heritage; p. 49, list of buildings 22

Doc. 1.1.1, p. 55-62 23

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1.2.1.

Draft Concordance By-law 1047-204 on zoning

The borough proposes amendments to Zoning By-law 104724 under Concordance By-law 1047-204.25 They include:

• amending the zoning plan to include changes concerning authorized uses, and to create new zones from existing zones or replace existing zones; there are changes in 11 cases;26

• adding a group of uses that includes waste snow disposal facilities, filtration plants and public utilities, and limiting those uses to sites utilized for waste snow and the filtration plant;

• adding exception measures regarding heights, types of configuration, floor area ratios and building site coverage ratios that vary according to density zones, and adding a map showing the new density zones;27 13 density zones are subject to those exception measures;28 and

• adding provisions aimed at reducing parking requirements in zones located 500 metres or less from the Roxboro-Pierrefonds and Sunnybrooke commuter train stations.

1.2.2.

Draft Concordance By-law 1109-41 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP)

The borough proposes amendments to By-law 110929 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs under Concordance By-law 1109-41.30 These involve, among other things, the addition of three new zones that are subject to producing SPAIP for which specific provisions apply. The existing By-law 1109 covers 27 zones. A Zone 28 for the Domaine des Brises in the eco-territory of the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc nature park is under completion. A Zone 32 has been established for a woodland on Brooke Street slated for residential development. Those zones are not included in the draft by-law that was made public, as they are in the process of being enacted.31

24

Doc. 3.1.2 – By-law No. 1047 pertaining to zoning in the former City of Pierrefonds 25

Doc. 1.2 – Draft Concordance By-law No. 1047-204 amending the zoning by-law of the former City of

Pierrefonds; Doc. 2.5 – Decisional summary, recommendation and resolution concerning draft By-law 1047-204; Doc. 3.8.1

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Doc. 1.2 – article 1, cases “a” to “k;” at the request of the commission, the borough produced a series of maps illustrating the areas affected by the zoning amendments, see: Doc. 3.3.5 Concordance Zoning, City, Doc. 3.3.6 – Concordance Zoning, Centre, Doc. 3.3.8 Concordance Zoning, West, Doc. 3.3.8 Concordance Zoning, East; see maps in appendix to chapter 1

27

Doc. 1.1.5 28

Doc. 1.2 – article 8, addition of article 41.1 on exception measures concerning heights and floor area ratios in 13 zones

29

Doc. 3.1.3 – By-law No. 1109 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs of the former City of Pierrefonds

30

Doc. 1.3 – Draft By-law No. 1109-41 amending By-law 1109 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs; Doc. 2.6 – Decisional summary, recommendation and resolution concerning draft By-law 1109-41; Doc. 3.8.1

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The three new zones proposed are as follows:32

• Waterside roadways Gouin Boulevard West and Lalande Boulevard (Zone 29, Plan 30): The provisions apply to all land lining the roadway, with respect to the construction or expansion of a main building and to the construction or expansion of an accessory building, wall or fence. They target the enhancement of Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies, and the respect of the urban and architectural character of the surrounding area; the main project evaluation criterion is the enhancement of waterways, taking into account the plant life and site levels of existing and projected sites.

• Territories and buildings of heritage and architectural interest of exceptional value, and large sites of institutional character (Zone 30, Plan 31): The provisions apply primarily to the construction or expansion of a main or accessory building, changes to the appearance of existing buildings, and exterior site improvements. They also apply to a list of specific residential buildings, places of worship and school buildings. The objectives are primarily to preserve features of interest on heritage buildings, restore original heritage features, and ensure harmonious architectural integration of new buildings. The evaluation criteria pertain, among other things, to building volume, architectural form and layout, building height, roof dimension and shape, openings and overhangs, exterior siding materials, and colour.

• Natural environments, which essentially include woodlands, the nature park, eco-territories and wetlands, and waterways and their shorelines, according to the natural environment plan (Zone 31, Plan 32). The provisions apply to cadastral operation projects, buildings, and backfill and excavation work. The main objectives are to preserve and enhance environments of interest, to create an ecological corridor for the Rivière à l’Orme and a recreational corridor linking the Cap-Saint-Jacques nature park, and to preserve the biodiversity of the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc area while maximizing access to shorelines. They also target the conservation of woods, wetlands, and inland bodies of water, the establishment of recreational and ecological corridors, and the protection of a shoreline buffer strip.

1.2.3.

Draft By-law P-1051-25 on permits and certificates

Although included in the documents filed by the borough, the draft by-law33 amending the by-law on permits and certificates was not addressed in the consultation held by the OCPM; it was not required to ensure concordance with the Montréal Master Plan.

32

Doc. 1.3 – art. 2 – Amendments proposed by the borough to create three new zones subject to the production of Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP): zone 29, Plan 30, 64.26 to 64.29; zone 30, Plan 31, 64.30 to 64.33; zone 31, Plan 32, 64.34 to 64.37; at the commission’s request, the borough produced, following the public consultation, a series of maps illustrating all the zones targeted by SPAIP, including the three new zones proposed and above-mentioned zones 28 and 32; see Doc. 4.3.3.1 SPAIP-City, Doc. 4.3.3.2 SPAIP-Centre, Doc. 4.3.3.3 SPAIP-West, Doc. 4.3.3.4 SPAIP East; see maps in appendix to Chapter 1

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Appendix to Chapter 1

1 Draft Concordance By-law P-1047-204 on zoning - Maps illustrating the zones

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2 Draft By-law on SPAIP P-1109-41 - Map illustrating SPAIP

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2. Citizens’ concerns, expectations and opinions

This chapter outlines the citizens’ concerns regarding Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan, for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro. It also deals with draft concordance by-laws on zoning and SPAIP. The commission has divided the interventions, taken from the sessions and briefs, under the following topics:

- quality of life and development - transportation and traffic

- eco-territories, parks and green spaces - heritage

- sustainable development - draft urban planning by-laws - general considerations

2.1. Draft Chapter 18 – Draft Concordance By-law P 04-047

2.1.1. Quality of life and development

The commission noted the citizens’ interest in preserving and enhancing the quality of life in the borough.

Development of new Detailed Planning Areas

Some citizens are concerned about residential and other development projects proposed on vacant lots in areas to be developed, or that form part of major green spaces, as well as in areas to be redeveloped. They worry about the impact of those projects on land use designation, the densification of urbanized areas, increased traffic, and the fate of green spaces to be protected.

Western area of Pierrefonds

In view of the little information provided by the borough concerning planning for the Western area of Pierrefonds, a resident asked why the agricultural lands, which are among the last on that part of the island,34 shouldn’t be preserved. Others also asked how the fragile green spaces in the area, which are part of the Rivière à l’Orme eco-territory, would be protected; what development was planned; what type of road network would be constructed there;35 and whether or not the project would be submitted for public consultation.36

34

Doc. 5.1, transcript of the session on May 15, 2007, line 895 – Martha Bond, 35

Doc. 6.1– Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen 36

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Land use designation

One citizen37 expressed concern about the loss of agricultural lands, especially through major zoning changes in the Western area of Pierrefonds, already identified as a Detailed Planning Area in the Montréal Master Plan in 2004.

Construction density

Participants38 expressed concerned about the increased construction density in certain areas, as proposed in draft amendments to the Master Plan39 and zoning by-law. They fear densification and higher development, up to 10 and 16 storeys in some cases, which they believe would transform the urban landscape and increase automobile traffic. The proposed amendments are announced through the density parameters40 for areas to be built or transformed.

According to some participants, the specific case of the Manoir Pierrefonds real estate project on Gouin Boulevard West is a good illustration of concerns regarding increased construction density. It concerns a low-density area where the borough has authorized the construction of a ten-storey residential building, as permitted by the zoning by-law in force.41 The borough is now proposing to amend the land use designation in the borough chapter to allow a higher density (Sector 18-07), where the construction of a ten-storey building would be permitted. Some residents worry about that way of doing things. They fear that when the borough chapter is adopted, it will be easy to make such amendments to it in the future.42

Nuisances - Odours

A resident43 underscored the inconvenience to residents living near commercial enterprises emitting odours that effect their quality of life, such as industrial barbecues and restaurants on Sources Boulevard. The odours are a nuisance to residents of neighbouring residential areas, in all seasons, especially those under the dominant western winds. He asks that the borough establish measures to avoid such inconveniences in the future.

2.1.2. Transportation and traffic

Public transit improvement and Montréal transportation plan

The proposals concerning the improvement of public transportation, although well received, elicited some comments. Measures were proposed that residents would like to see implemented as soon as possible to improve the service. One resident asked how long the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) project would take. The project aims to double commuter train capacity on the

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Doc. 6.3, p.1 – Martha Bond 38

Doc. 6.5, p. 2 – Elena Benavides; Doc 6.3, p.4 – Martha Bond; Doc. 6.2, p.69 – Lewis Poulin, 39

Doc. 1.1.5 – Appendix E to Doc. 1.1 – Map 3.1.2 – Construction density 40

Doc. 1.1.7 – Appendix G to doc. 1.1 – Construction density parameters – p. 40 and 41 41

In the RG Zone, sub-group H4-3 authorizes 5 storeys or more, according to information received from the borough after the meetings.

42

Doc. 5.2, p.24 – Lewis Poulin; Doc. 6.3, p. 3 – Martha Bond 43

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Deux-Montagnes line.44 Others would like45 the borough to promote utilization of an unused CN railway track to link the West Island to the metro network, and believe that this should be included in the Montréal transportation plan.46

One participant asked for better schedules, increased frequency, and more reliable bus service throughout borough territory.47 She believes that train commuters could thereby reduce their reliance on automobiles as a means of travelling to and from the train stations, and help to reduce automobile traffic and atmospheric pollution.

Parking availability near commuter train stations

Participants48 mentioned the apparent contradiction between the aim of the Montréal Master to promote public transit and commuter train use by increasing incentive parking capacity at the Sunnybrooke and Pierrefonds-Roxboro train stations,49 and the obligation imposed by the complementary document to reduce the number of parking spaces within a 500 m radius of the stations. People50 worry about the impact of this reduction on street parking and incentive parking for commuter train users.51

Public roads, bicycle paths, sidewalks and place reserved for pedestrians

Many requests had to do with the network of bicycle and pedestrian paths. One resident requested that the network of bicycle paths be improved, which would entice more people to use this form of active transportation and contribute both to reduced automobile traffic and environmental protection.52 Such a request reflects the general concern regarding sustainable development and measures to be adopted to protect resources.53 Another asked for better identification of bicycle and pedestrian paths for active transportation, and their inclusion in the transportation plan as a legitimate form of travel.54 Someone55 also asked that bicycle paths, sidewalks and pedestrian paths be clearly indicated as travel routes on the borough’s transportation map, in compliance with definitions under the Act respecting Land Use Planning and Development.56 Lastly, a participant asked that security and maintenance be improved. Participants also asked that changes be made to several intersections that present a danger to pedestrians, primarily on Sources Boulevard and in the Roxboro sector, and that sidewalk maintenance be improved, especially in winter.

44

Doc. 6.5, p.1 – Elena Benavides 45

Doc. 6.1, p. 6 – Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien , Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen 46

Montréal transportation plan – consultation document made public on May 17, 2007 (see City of Montréal Web site

47

Doc. 6.1, p. 6 – Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen 49

Montréal Master Plan, Part I, Chapter 2, Issue 2.2, Objective 3, Action 3.5. 50

Doc. 5.1, p. 32, line 1315 – Anne Bennett 51

Doc. 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 – See the borough’s response, on June 14, 2007, to the Commission’s question no. 6 on June 5, 2007 and question no. 4 on June 6, 2007

52

Doc. 5.2, p. 46, line 1855 – James Bond 53

See Section 1.5 of the present chapter 54

Doc. 6.2, p. 51 Lewis Poulin; Doc. 5.1, p. 54, line 2240; Doc. 5.2, p. 21, line 845 – Lewis Poulin 55

Doc. 5.2, p. 3, line 115 – Carmen Laroche-Vrana 56

Extract from the Act respecting Land Use Planning and Develoment, section 10: “thoroughfare” means any place or structure intended for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, in particular, a road, street, lane, sidewalk, walkway, bicycle path, snowmobile trail, hiking path, square or public parking area.”

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One citizen believes that an overly large number of vehicles coming from Dollard-des-Ormeaux use local roads in the Roxboro sector to reach the commuter train station. The traffic, speed, noise, exhaust fumes and atmospheric pollution constitute nuisances for residents of this residential neighbourhood, not to mention the fact that they are a risk to children’s safety.57

Extension of Pierrefonds Boulevard and Antoine-Faucon Street

Some were concerned about the projected extension of Pierrefonds Boulevard58 towards Morgan Road, fearing its impact on sites of ecological value in the Western area of Pierrefonds. They recommend that Pierrefonds Boulevard not be extended towards Morgan Road, as implied on the composite map of the City’s orientations and the English version of Chapter 18.59 One participant also asked that Pierrefonds Boulevard not be extended westwards, as proposed,60 to avoid overloading traffic on Gouin Boulevard West.61 For similar reasons, it was requested that Antoine-Faucon not be extended.

2.1.3. Eco-territories, parks and green spaces

The commission again noted the importance that citizens attach to the protection of the borough’s parks and greens spaces.

Eco-territories identified in Montréal Master Plan

One speaker62 pointed out that the City and borough both promised to protect green spaces. She worries about the fate awaiting two designated eco-territories in Pierrefonds, i.e. l’Anse-à-l’Orme and the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc nature park, and about the development that may be permitted there. According to her, the definition of eco-territory is only vaguely outlined in the Montréal Master Plan and the Policy respecting the Protection and Enhancement of the Natural

Environment, but neither offers real and sufficient protection for those fragile spaces that should be

preserved.

L’Anse-à-l’Orme eco-territory and Western area of Pierrefonds

Citizens expressed their concerns regarding development of the Western area of Pierrefonds, a significant portion of which falls within the l’Anse-à-l’Orme eco-territory.

57

Doc. 6.2, p. 49 –Lewis Poulin 58

Doc. 5.1, p.26– line 1045 -- Tom Schward; Doc. 521, p.31 – line 1275– Martha Bond; Doc 6.3, p. – Martha Bond 59

At the commission’s request, changes were made subsequently by the borough confirming that it does not intend to extend Pierrefonds Boulevard towards Morgan Road; see Doc. 1.1.1.1 - Appendix F - summary of City-wide orientation; the same applies to the English version of draft Chapter 18

60

Doc. 1.1.1– p. 31, planning guidelines 1, 5 and 6 61

Doc. 6.3, p.4 –- Martha Bond 62

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Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc eco-territory and nature park and Domaine Des Brises

Some had concerns about the environmental impact of the Domaine des Brises real estate project on the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc eco-territory.63 They also worry about the vocation of the rest of the land, located in large part in flood zones, of which only one area has a park designation, while the three remaining parcels retain their residential vocation. Despite intentions announced by the City and borough at the information night to acquire those properties, which are located, it bears repeating, partly in flood zones, participants want the assurance that the land cannot be used for residential purposes and that there will be no room for backtracking. They therefore asked that the assigned zoning (RG-1) be changed.

One participant64 worried about the loss of a playground located near the Domaine des Brises, whose site will be used for the construction of the project. She would like the new playground to be separate from the future nature park, and measures to be taken to provide play and park areas elsewhere.

Preservation of trees and woodlands

Citizens questioned conservation measures for woodlands that are not owned by the borough and not identified as parks. At issue are woodlands on Brooke Street65 and on the Domaine des Brises site,66 and another on 9th Avenue, which may be a vestige of the original Roxboro forest.67 They would like the borough to investigate the latter’s seemingly ancestral character.

Shoreline protection

One participant,68 referring to the objective to enhance bodies of water and other important elements of the urban landscape included in the Montréal Master Plan,69 and to the state of the nature park, asked what protection it provides for land identified as “important” located along the river and shoreline while, according to him, they have not been to this day.

2.1.4. The built, natural and archaeological heritage

Despite plans to enhance Gouin Boulevard West in the Pierrefonds area (18.4.1) and in the Roxboro village core area (18.4.2), citizens70 would like greater protection of the heritage character of Gouin Boulevard in order to avoid the errors of previous years and protect old buildings. They called for tighter controls on building construction and architectural integration, and fear that the draft concordance by-law on SPAIP, including its amendments, does not ensure such protection.

63

Doc. 6.2, p. 23 – Lewis Poulin; Doc. 6.1, p.1 - Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen

64

Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen 65

Doc. 6.1, p. 3 – Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen 67

Doc. 6.2 – p.64 Lewis Poulin 68

Doc. 6.2 – p.55 Lewis Poulin 69

Doc. 1.1.1, p. 13 70

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2.1.5. Sustainable development and urban planning.

Participants expressed concerns about sustainable development issues ranging from the preservation of fragile environments and the use and conservation of resources, to public transit and urban development. They would like the borough to meet those expectations in planning and managing its territory, and to have their concerns reflected in the draft borough chapter under review.

Citizens’ contribution to sustainable development

One participant71 asked whether the borough had included, in its draft borough chapter of the Master Plan, incitement measures for homeowners wanting to do their share to protect the environment by using non-traditional energy sources or re-using waste water, for example.

Protection measures against risks associated with climate changes

One speaker72 based himself on documents of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to submit that environmental risks associated with climate changes are within the jurisdiction of both municipal and national governments, and that they should be taken into consideration in planning programs and their sustainable development goals, which is not the case with Pierrefonds-Roxboro. This led him to suggest a number of goals to be added to action plan 18.8. He asked, among other things, that it include measurable performance criteria concerning the environmental aspects of all projects, and climate changes. He pointed out that if the Plan has a ten-year horizon, the borough should plan citizen protection measures over the same period.

71

Doc. 5.1, p.33 line 1370 -- Anne Bennett, May 15 session 72

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2.2. Urban planning by-laws

2.2.1. Zoning – Amendment draft By-law 1047-204

Draft by-law is not subject to approval by referendum

The citizens’73 concerns have to do with the fact that the borough is proposing, all at once, 11 amendments to the zoning by-law, some of which they consider to be major changes. They point out that concerned residents would not be informed of the implications of the draft submitted for consultation. Through this process, homeowners and residents of an area targeted by those amendments would not have the option of contesting them and demanding a referendum, as confirmed by borough representatives, since the draft by-laws presented in public consultation are not subject to approval by referendum74 under the Act respecting Land Use Planning and

Development.

Referring to the proposal to designate a strip of land bordering the right-of-way of the old Highway 440 project as a park zone, a resident75 believes that the borough does not have to resort to zoning amendments to build bicycle paths, and that a right-of-way should suffice.76 This would allow residents of neighbouring zones to exercise their right to oppose subsequent zoning amendments. For the same reasons, residents are also opposed to the subdivision of existing zones into smaller zones of the same or different categories.

Main proposed amendments eliciting comments

Five amendments concern the Western area of Pierrefonds:

• The case illustrating the above-mentioned concern involves a new “park” zone on a strip of land along the western limit of the Highway 440 right-of-way, in the Western area of Pierrefonds, between Gouin Boulevard West to the north and Pierrefonds Boulevard to the south, along which a bicycle path would be built.77

• Zoning changes for two parcels of land in the Western area of Pierrefonds from agricultural (AG) and agricultural, heritage category (AG-P) to residential (RA);78

• The creation of two residential zones within one in the Western area of Pierrefonds;79

• The creation of a new zone (PB-5) for the waste snow disposal facility within the residential zones west of the Highway 440 right-of-way, between Gouin Boulevard West to the north and Pierrefonds Boulevard in the Western area of Pierrefonds.80 Someone asked if the borough has implemented the necessary measures to protect bodies of water and neighbouring lands from risks associated with the expected contamination of the site;81

73

Doc. 6.1 p.7 - Carmen Laroche-Vrana and Susan Kiepprien, Groupe Vigilance Action Citoyen; Doc. 5.2, p. 46, line 1840 - James Bond

74

Doc. 5.1 p. 20-21, line 820-855 - Suzanne Corbeil, borough clerk 75

Doc. 5.2, p.46 - James Bond, 76

Idem, line 1840; see Section 2.1 of the report 77

Doc.1.2, art. 1 “F”; Doc. 3.3.7, Case “F” 78

Doc. 1.2, art. 1 “H, I;” Doc. 3.3.7, Cases “H, I” 79

Doc. 1.2, art. 1 “J;” Doc. 3.3.7, Case “J” 80

Doc. 1.2, art. 1 “A”; Doc. 3.3.7, Case “A” 81

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Zoning amendments are proposed for the Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc eco-territory, comprising the nature park of the same name, where the Domaine des Brises residential development is under construction:

• The creation of three new residential zones (over and above the one for the site of the Domaine des Brises) and three park zones, within a residential zone;82

One participant83 would like the “P” formerly attributed zones of that category to be maintained, to allow some of the buildings in agricultural or rural zones to benefit from that designation.84

2.2.2. Draft By-law on SPAIP - P 1109-41

Citizens’85 concerns have to do with the little protection that would be afforded under the draft by-law on SPAIP against the construction of new buildings that are incompatible with existing buildings in certain zones of heritage character, especially along Gouin West.

2.3. Other considerations

2.3.1. Public consultation process

One participant86 pointed out that the ongoing consultation did promote the participation of a large part of the Pierrefonds-Roxboro population that is not familiar with or does not have access to the Internet, or that could not easily get around to read the documentation. He mentioned, among other things, the large number of documents, difficult access to those documents, differences observed between different versions of the same document, the complex vocabulary ill adapted to the average citizen, the tight time limits and the few information and consultation meetings, which make it difficult to understand the project, even for those familiar with the subject matter. He suggested that the public should be better informed of the borough’s projects.

2.3.2. Possible conflicts of interest

The same resident wondered87 about possible conflicts of interest in urban planning practices. He suggested that, in future, people working for the City or borough on files of that type be required to declare any potential conflict of interest.

2.3.3. Citizen’s recommendations

In addition to a few amendments proposed to the documents submitted for consultation, general recommendations were also made. Given the changes proposed to the Master Plan and draft by-laws, taking for example the Manoir Pierrefonds project, residents are concerned about changes

82

Doc. 1.2, art. 1 “K;” Doc. 3.3.6, Case “K” 83

Doc. 6.3, p.4 - Martha Bond 84

Doc. – See the borough’ response on June 14, 2007, to the commission’s question no. 5.1 on June 5, 2007 85

Doc. 6.3, p. 4 - Martha Bond; Doc. 6.4 - James Bond 86

Doc. 6.2, p. 7 - Lewis Poulin; Doc. 5.2, p. 16 line 625 – Lewis Poulin 87

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that may follow the adoption of the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough chapter. Some wonder if a precedent is being set.88 They fear that the continuity of the Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro may be at stake.

Following those observations, a resident asked that the draft borough chapter of the Master Plan for Pierrefonds-Roxboro not be adopted, that it be revised to make the necessary changes, and that it be re-submitted for public consultation.89

One citizen also asked that the draft borough chapter of the Master Plan for Pierrefonds-Roxboro and the draft concordance by-law on zoning not be adopted as proposed, and that they be revised to take into account various considerations.

88

Doc. 5.2 p.24, line 970- Lewis Poulin: “How do we know that this planning program will be respected? As far as I can tell, and I may not have all the information, the last one wasn’t respected by allowing a ten-storey building in a zone permitting only three. So, is that a precedent that will be used to make changes as soon as it is adopted, or would it be better to be more vigilant and agree that if we have a planning program, we will abide by it?” 89

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3. The commission’s analysis of the draft borough chapter of the

Master Plan

The mandate entrusted to the Office de consultation publique is twofold. The first part consists in consulting the population on draft Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and on the draft by-law to bring it into compliance with the Plan. The second aims to ascertain the citizens’ opinions on draft amendments to the zoning by-law of the Pierrefonds sector, and on the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (SPAIP) of the borough as a whole.

Despite the particulars provided by the borough, the commission observed that the duality of the mandate and gaps in the borough’s document preparation and presentation frustrated and confused citizens who participated in the consultation process. This made the commission’s work more complicated and, on several occasions, it had to ask the borough for additional information following hearings. These exchanges were made public on the OCPM Web site.

The present chapter deals with the commission’s analysis of draft Chapter 18 of the Montréal Master Plan for the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro,90 and with its opinions and recommendations. The issues raised in public hearings are divided among the following topics: - the importance of a distinct urban vision for Pierrefonds-Roxboro

- the borough chapter, the Montréal Master Plan and other planning tools - road infrastructures, public transportation and traffic

- sustainable development and urban planning - Detailed Planning Areas

- the protection of natural environments: eco-territories, parks and green spaces - the protection of woodlands and trees

- documents and information made publicly available

3.1. The importance of a distinct urban vision for Pierrefonds-Roxboro

According to the borough council of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, the Montréal Master Plan, adopted in 2004, constitutes a social contract with a time horizon of ten years.91 Sustainable development, at the heart of the Plan’s planning approach, is indissociable from a long-term vision aimed at establishing a stable framework for the enhancement of city territory. This approach is in keeping with the citizens’ stated objectives.92 The commission finds that these are legitimate concerns and, even though the Master Plan is not written in stone, it is important that it ensure the continuity of interventions for a foreseeable future.

However, the commission believes that the borough must do more than reproduce the general orientations outlined in the Plan. This is an opportunity to implement its vision for the future and to highlight the territory’s assets, while preserving and enhancing natural resources. From the outset,

90

Doc. 1.1.1 91

Idem, word of council 92

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Pierrefonds-Roxboro has presented its draft borough chapter as an adaptation for the Pierrefonds sector of the objectives and issues of the Pierrefonds-Senneville chapter, in force since 2005, and not as a revision.93 Similarly, it adds considerations for the Roxboro sector drawn from the preliminary version of the Dollard-des-Ormeaux-Roxboro borough chapter in the 2004 Plan. The commission notes that the draft borough chapter for Pierrefonds-Roxboro essentially reproduces the content of Part II of the 2004 Plan, for the sectors combined. The April 2007 draft makes only a few amendments to it, save removing considerations relating to the Senneville sector and adding those pertaining to the new Roxboro sector, the modification of the limits of certain Detailed Planning Areas, and the addition of the Roxboro village core area, as to sustainable development.

 The commission invites the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro to develop its own urban

vision, one that is inspiring and dynamic and that represents a true social contract closely involving citizens throughout its planning and implementation.

3.2. The borough chapter, the Montréal Master Plan, and other planning

tools

The Montréal Master Plan, which includes 19 borough chapters, falls within the scope of a larger context involving the island of Montréal, the Montréal agglomeration, and the Montréal metropolitan community. The Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough chapter falls within the scope of an urbanization dynamic touching several municipalities. The commission believes that land-use and service planning for Pierrefonds-Roxboro should better reflect that reality, especially with respect to issues involving border territories. It is important that the boroughs, the City and the Montréal metropolitan community co-ordinate their common vision and objectives in their respective jurisdictions.

The borough chapter, following its adoption by the Montréal city council, will become an integral part of the Montréal Master Plan. In that context, it must not only reflect the Montréal-wide orientations outlined in the Plan, but also support and develop them for the benefit of the borough’s territory and residents. Those city-wide orientations weave a fabric encompassing and affecting the territory of neighbouring boroughs and adjoining municipalities. The coherence and continuity of planning and interventions on the territory are essential, and call for sustained coordination among the various municipal entities of common issues.

In that context, it would also be to the borough’s advantage to take into account the major orientations outlined in the Projet de schéma métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement of the Montréal metropolitan community94 that affect its territory. This applies, among other things, to the protection of agricultural lands, rural zones and landscapes, the conservation and enhancement of shorelines, waterways and woodlands that have been the object of many citizen interventions.95 One of the longest segments of the littoral land on the island of Montréal is located on Pierrefonds-Roxboro territory, along the Rivière des Prairies and Lac des Deux Montagnes,

93

Doc. 2.4, p.1 94

Projet de schéma métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement de la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), adopted by the CMM council in February 2005, and currently undergoing a consultation process.

95

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over almost 30 km.96 It will therefore play a major, even leading role in the “Blue Montréal” project.97

The draft Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough chapter briefly refers to City-wide orientations taken from the Montréal Master Plan. These orientations pertain to the enhancement and protection of waterways, shoreline development, the enhancement and protection of woodlands, public transportation, major road axes of inter-municipal and city-wide vocation, major networks of bicycle and pedestrian paths, and rural zones and agricultural lands. It would be in the borough’s best interest to develop and enrich its reflections with that of neighbouring territories, and to combine their interests.

This reflection should address common issues such as public transit, the road network, the protection and development of eco-territories and natural environments, the rural zone and agricultural lands, the extension and integration of the network of bicycle paths, and the development and revitalization of the shorelines of the Rivière des Prairies, Lac des Deux Montagnes and other waters within its territory.

The following table highlights City-wide issues of common interest for Pierrefonds-Roxboro and neighbouring municipalities and boroughs.

96

Site of the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro 97

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Table 1 Montréal-wide issues relevant to Pierrefonds-Roxboro

Elements of the borough chapter of the Plan Other boroughs and municipalities affected

Public transit and alternate modes of transportation, commuter trains, extension and integration of bicycle paths

Kirkland; Dollard-des-Ormeaux; and maybe Beaconsfield

Road infrastructure, extension and integration of Pierrefonds and Jacques-Bizard Boulevards and of the road link with the Highway 440 right-of-way

Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève; Kirkland; and maybe Beaconsfield

Detailed Planning Areas • Eastern area of Pierrefonds • Sources commercial area • Central area of Pierrefonds • Saint-Charles commercial axis • Western area of Pierrefonds

Saint-Anne- de- Bellevue; Senneville; Dollard-des-Ormeaux; Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève

Eco-territories, parks, green spaces and natural heritage • permanent agricultural zone and rural area

• the Rivière à l’Orme eco-forest, also considered a high-potential area of archaeological interest • Coulée verte du ruisseau Bertrand

Ahuntsic-Cartierville; Saint-Laurent; Senneville; Dorval; Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Development of the Rivière des Prairies shoreline Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève; Laval

 The commission invites the borough, and the City of Montréal as required, to discuss

common issues with neighbouring boroughs and bordering municipalities.

 The commission invites the borough to address in a more comprehensive manner in its

borough chapter City-wide orientations that have a direct effect on Pierrefonds-Roxboro territory.

3.3. Road infrastructures, public transportation and traffic

Many citizens spoke about the absence of transportation infrastructures linking the West Island to the rest of the borough and to the highway network, the extension of Pierrefonds Boulevard and the north-south links to be developed, the improvement of public transit, and other forms of transportation. The development of efficient and productive transportation networks is one of the main issues for the borough.98 The commission also considers this issue to be of primary importance not only for Pierrefonds-Roxboro, but also for the West Island as a whole. In addition

98

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to being essential to making a dynamic expanding community work, it is a structuring element of all new development based on sustainable development principles. The commission encourages the borough to explore various avenues of thought that could lead to a positive turn in public transportation.

 The commission invites the borough to explore the unique potential of the Highway 440

right-of-way between Gouin Boulevard West and Highway 40, with a view to developing, in conjunction with the proposed road link, major and maybe innovative public transit facilities, serving Pierrefonds-Roxboro, especially the Western area of Pierrefonds, and the municipalities of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Beaconsfield, and linked to the Beaurepaire train station in Beaconsfield.

The commission recognizes the importance of an integrated, protected and enjoyable network of bicycle paths for the entire island of Montréal. The waterside path along Gouin Boulevard West and Lalande Boulevard is an important segment of that network. The commission supports the borough’s intention to develop an integrated network of bicycle paths. It underscores the importance of making it a legitimate mode of travel on roads conducive to user transportation and safety, not only along the waterside path, but also on major north-south axes. Similar considerations apply to the place accorded pedestrian travel, whether on sidewalks, along walkways and paths, or at intersections and entrances and exits of parking lots along the major commercial axes, among others. Both a bicycle path and a pedestrian path could easily be built on the Highway 440 right-of-way, in conjunction with transportation infrastructures, thereby encouraging north-south bicycle and pedestrian travel, and developing the full potential of the Highway 440 right-of-way as a multimodal and ecotourism transportation corridor.

 The commission recommends that the borough prioritize the development of integrated and

protected bicycle paths and pedestrian paths; that those networks be formally recognized as public travelways, and that they be included in the draft borough chapter.

3.4. Sustainable development and urban planning

Sustainable development is visibly a shared concern among the citizens who attended the hearing. They have many expectations regarding the preservation of fragile environments, the healthy use and preservation of natural resources, the reduction of dependence on the automobile through appropriate means, the improvement of public transit and alternate modes of travel, urban planning and development, and risk management and the borough’s share of responsibility in efforts aimed at reducing green-house gases and the impact of climate changes. Participants would like the borough to meet those expectations in the planning, development and management of its territory, and this concern be reflected in the draft borough chapter under review. The commissions shares those concerns.

3.4.1. Planning guidelines for sustainable development

In this Kyoto era, with discussions on a post-Kyoto already underway, the commission is impressed by the quality of citizens’ comments on the risks that the cities and boroughs will be called to manage in the future. Some citizens are concerned about sustainable development, both in terms of integrating it into their own activities and seeing how the borough takes it into account in setting its objectives and carrying out its activities. Incidentally, the draft Pierrefonds-Roxboro

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borough chapter identifies the achievement of a healthy, sustainable and safe urban environment99 as one of the main planning issues. In 2004, the Montréal Master Plan already took a position favouring sustainable development, underscoring the important role the City would play in implementing the Kyoto Protocol, both as a municipality and as a member of the Montréal metropolitan community. The sustainable development model proposed by the City aims, among other things, to diminish dependence on automobiles and protect natural environments. Until now, except for a certain control with respect flood risks, as required by law, the other aspects do not seem to be have been addressed by the borough.100

The commission strongly supports the borough’s intention to take into account the growing concerns of the population regarding sustainable development.101 It encourages the borough to strengthen its commitment, and to provide a clear and detailed description of that commitment in the draft borough chapter.

Several documents and policies issued by the City of Montréal offer development guidelines, as illustrated in the following table.

99

Doc. 1.1.1, p.7 100

Montréal Master Plan, November 2004, p. 5 – Planning approach 101

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Table 2 Development guidelines relevant to Pierrefonds-Roxboro

Development guidelines - City of Montréal Source

A concern for economically efficient, socially equitable and ecologically sustainable development.

Montréal’s First Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. April 2005.

The protection of natural environments as natural habitats for the fauna that feeds and reproduces there.

Policy respecting the Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Environment, 2004.

The protection of plantations of rare, mature, and hundred-year-old trees, or trees of local interest in new development projects (including forest plantations of interest).

Tree Policy, 2005 http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page

/conseil_patrimoine Restriction of construction and work in floodplains and

along shorelines.

2.7 Master Plan Section 2.7. November 2004. The maintenance of the water regime of inland waters

by controlling project development planning.

Master Plan Section 2.6 An enhanced built, archaeological and natural heritage, September 2005

The conservation of energy, water and other natural resources.

Montréal’s First Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development, April 2005.

The replacement of landfills with recycling, reduction at source, re-use, reclamation and composting.

“Les Trois R-V”; Web site of the City of Montréal.

The integration of sustainable development criteria in decision-making processes to add to the economic analysis an evaluation of social and environmental impacts, notably through strategic environmental evaluation.

Montréal’s First Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. April 2005, Action 1.23.

The decrease of travel by private automobile and increase in public transit use.

2007 transportation plan, consultation document, May 17, 2007

The reduction of dependence on the automobile through increased use of public transportation and active modes of transportation.

Transportation plan, May 2007.

The improvement of air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Montréal’s First Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development, April 2005, Priority orientation. The evaluation, using indicators, of progress towards

sustainable development.

Montréal’s First Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development.

Appendix 3: Detailed description of indicators.

The increased availability of waterside public spaces; the improvement of the quality of the shoreline.

Les objectifs du Réseau bleu

http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pagei d=3096,3533465&_dad=portal&_schema=PO RTAL

 The commission recommends that the borough include sustainable development guidelines

in the detailed planning of identified areas and amend the draft borough chapter accordingly.