A major resort project at the foot of the Montagne Noire, in Saint-Donat, one of the most popular areas of the small municipality of Lanaudière, has sparked strong opposition from local residents.
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A first phase of the project was initiated a few years ago with the planned development of a little less than forty houses or alpine chalets giving access to 200 km of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Still to come is the construction of a 3,200 square foot condominium clubhouse which will include an indoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a dry sauna area and a training gymnasium.
The promoter, Domaine La Montagne Noire, now plans in a second phase the construction of eight buildings, totaling 13 furnished units with services, a reception building with toilet block, a tourist information center and a museum. The project as a whole is approaching $60 million.
Current petition
Citizens of the community of 4332 souls, however, oppose the project. A group, Citizen Action Saint-Donat, published a petition on the internet to demand its abandonment. By midday Thursday, more than 5,500 people had signed the petition.
“The municipality of Saint-Donat has chosen to exclude the population from a major decision that will have a direct impact on our lakes, our quality of life and the future of our municipality, can we read on the website of the petition. Indeed, the municipality has not implemented any measure of transparency or consultation of the population aimed at ensuring the social acceptability of this megaproject which will destroy several hectares of nature and will cause a major transformation of our living environment.
“So, how can the mayor state in the local media that the population is behind the project?” asks the group.
The mayor of Saint-Donat, Joé Deslauriers, points out that two public presentations have already been organized to explain the project and that it was well received, adding that, for the second phase, the municipality did not have to hold public consultation since it is a simple change of use.
“No real consultations, according to the spokesperson for Citizen Action Saint-Donat, Carine Ricci. We are in a residential area. Residents and vacationers of Saint-Donat are here to enjoy the outdoors and the tranquility of the environment. We don’t want an integrated project like that.”
The mayor assures us that “Montagne Noire is a bit like our own Mount Royal”. “It is imperative to preserve it. No less than 95% of the territory will remain in its natural state because it is public land.
He adds that, according to him, “it is a dispute between neighbors which is at the origin of this conflict”, which Ms. Ricci formally denies.
The promoter of the project, Kevin Richer, insists for his part on the fact that he has received all the necessary authorizations from the advisory planning committee (CCU) and the municipality of Saint-Donat. “We are 100% compliant. I live in Saint-Donat and my children go to school here. We want to be one with the people of Saint-Donat to offer the best possible project, in the interest of the whole community.”