As part of the municipal council of February 9th , elected officials of the City of Saint-Lazare adopted draft by-law no. 1095. The purpose of this is to replace plan 9 of zoning by-law number 771 showing protected forest ecosystems.
Following the entry into force of by-law 1079 on March 13th , 2020, council was informed that to ensure the protection of a deep interior forest, it is necessary to ensure the protection of the forest edge. Draft by-law 1095 and the introduction of new plan 9 to the zoning by-law of the City of Saint-Lazare therefore continue the work of the council initiated by by-law 1079 to adequately ensure the protection of forest ecosystems in its territory.
The objective of the council is to avoid the fragmentation of large forest areas, to limit the impacts of human activities in wooded areas of great ecological interest, to ensure the protection of our underground sources of drinking water, to improve the collective capacity to adapt to climate change and maintain wildlife and plant habitats and natural green corridors.
The current draft by-law is one of a series of bylaws recently adopted by the council for the implementation of the Plan directeur de conservation which was adopted in 2014, but never really implemented.
Therefore, the protection of natural environments in the territory is based on considerations of general interest and helps maintain quality living environments which are a distinctive mark of the St-Lazare community. In addition, through its regulations aimed at increasing the protection of the rich forest ecosystems existing in its territory, the City of Saint-Lazare tends to recognize the structuring role of the forest as an essential component of the environment to maintain ecological, social and economic balances.
The consultation process required by law is still in progress regarding draft by-law 1095, until March 4th, 2021. Consequently, the period of dialogue and exchange between the municipal administration and the population continues and is certainly the best forum for everyone to express their concerns and interests about this draft regulation. Furthermore, following several discussions, elected officials are already considering a modification to Plan 9 in anticipation of the adoption of the final version of By-law 1095.
Finally, by adopting these measures to protect forest ecosystems, the City Council considers that the City of Saint-Lazare responds positively to the current issues we all face in terms of protecting biodiversity or adapting to climate change, and this for the benefit of the current population, but also of future generations.
The next step in the process is the adoption of the final version of By-law 1095 before it is sent to the Vaudreuil-Soulanges RCM. This adoption must take place at a council meeting in the spring of 2021.
