Today marks the start of a wide public consultation on how to redevelop a huge amount of land in Pierrefonds West - an issue that has pitted several residents and environmentalists against real estate developers.
Sue Stacho is one of the founders of Sauvons L'Anse à l'Orme that's been fighting plans to build 5500 housing units on the land. Revised plans would see almost half of the area protected. But Stacho said that just means they're taking away about 60% of the green space, adding they're also concerned about possible impacts on existing wildlife.
"Nothing would be tweaked enough except 100% conservation and protection," said Stacho.
Mayor Jim Beis said the upcoming series of consultations is aimed at making sure everyone has a better understanding of what the project could be.
"The area is zoned to be developed but I've also said it can't be developed at all costs either. We need to make sure that we've taken into consideration not only everyone's concerns but also scientifically, what are we talking about here?" said Beis in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
The Open House takes place today at Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, 13800 Pierrefonds Boulevard starting at 11 a.m.