On Monday, November 18, the majority of Vaudreuil-Dorion’s municipal councilors voted against a proposal by independent councilor Karine Lechasseur to begin proceedings for the acquisition of the Camping Daoust lands in order to annex them to Harwood Nature Park.

Currently eyed by Habitations Sylvain Ménard Inc., the site could be transformed into a residential and commercial development. The well-known regional company has enlisted lobbyist Bernard Lefebvre to assist in the necessary steps to achieve the rezoning of the Camping Daoust property.

On Monday, Councilor Lechasseur officially proposed that the city take the necessary steps to seek government grants to protect the land, reminding everyone that, in March 2023, the municipal council imposed a right of first refusal on the targeted lots, specifically for the purposes of creating natural spaces, public areas, and parks, as outlined in the Municipal Right of First Refusal By-law.

Lechasseur also emphasized that the area is a key part of the Green and Blue Network proposed by the Montreal Metropolitan Community under the Metropolitan Land Use and Development Plan and is thus identified as a forest corridor and metropolitan woodland.

Opposing Lechasseur’s proposal, Councilor Paul Dumoulin voiced his concerns. “There are discussions happening right now regarding this land. We’ll have a chance to talk about it when we have something concrete on the table. It’s certain that the local residents will be consulted and will have the opportunity to oppose any rezoning if that happens,” he explained, adding that further details could not be disclosed at this time.

In the end, the proposal was rejected by a vote of 5 to 3.

When asked if water accessibility had been considered in evaluating the project, Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon was clear: “No potable water, no project.”

“Everything is planned, and it’s one of the conditions to determine whether a project moves forward. It will not be potable water provided by the City, nor will it be processed through the City’s treatment plants. They will need to be self-sufficient, regardless of the project. No potable water, no project,” Mayor Pilon stated.