The City of Rigaud announced at the municipal council meeting on February 11 that it had rejected the zoning change request in the area of Maison Charlebois. Both real estate developers were present at the council meeting to express their views on the decision of the elected representatives.

Samuel Mainville owns a completely independent plot of land next to the Maison Charlebois. Owner since the summer of 2024, he has filed an application for zoning change in order to build a multi-family residential project on his land.

In an interview with Néomédia, the contractor Samuel Mainville explained the situation regarding his zoning change request.  “I have the impression that there were two applications, mine and my neighbour’s, and that the City handled it as a single application,” said Mainville.

Contacted by Néomédia, Jean-Charles Goyeche confirmed that he had not made any zoning change request. 

Confusion and speculation

Citizens living in the area near Maison Charlebois and Samuel Mainville’s land voted against the zoning change, cancelling both projects. 

The contractor feels that there has been a lot of confusion and speculation surrounding his project. According to him, citizens did not have all the information, which led to concerns and negative reactions. “There was a misunderstanding, which made me feel impacted by this at the council meeting.” 

An open and transparent approach

Samuel Mainville is open to explain his project during a public consultation for information purposes. However, it points out that decision-making cannot be subject to the approval of all citizens. 

“It would take another type of meeting that would be informative in the process, it could be done but it would be explanatory. There will be no voting rights for citizens.”

A project that is well thought out and respects the natural environment

Asked about a potential tree cutting, Samuel Mainville confirmed that indeed, trees will have to be cut, but that there is no question of doing a clear cut on the ground. 

“There will be tree felling, yes, but there are high-value trees on the land and we will do our best to keep them, improve them and enhance their value.”

Its goal is to work with the City to come up with a new project offer and meet environmental criteria. 

To date, municipal regulations do not regulate the cutting of trees on land and no measures are in place to require a landowner to replant trees on his properties.