If the Legault government finds it difficult to curb urban sprawl, its main committee responsible for advising it on environmental matters believes that it has no choice but to do so. In a note made public on Monday, the Advisory Committee on Climate Change (CCCC) even recommends temporarily halting highway development in Quebec.
In a short notice titled Land use planning in Quebec: fundamental to the fight against climate change, the group of experts issues a clear warning against the impacts of urban sprawl. “In the current context, Quebec’s response is not […] not up to the climate emergency. Changes must be made to public policy so that our management practices stop exacerbating our GHG emissions. »
To avoid further contributing to the degradation of the territory, the government must stop “authorizing new projects that increase motorway capacity”, advances the CCCC. At least, as long as there is no evaluation mechanism as a watchdog for land use planning in Quebec. Rather than sprawl, the committee of experts prefers the densification of the urban fabric, which “has the potential to reduce travel [d’]between 20% and 40%”.
In presenting his updated project for a third link between Quebec and Lévis, the Minister of Transport, François Bonnardel, had refused to say whether or not he was a supporter of the densification of cities. “Who am I to say to a young family: ‘Since densification is in fashion, you’re going to live in a 12-storey tower’? he wondered last month.
“It’s a balance to be found,” reiterated the minister Monday on the sidelines of a speech in Montreal. “Whether or not the increase in urban perimeters, […] some municipalities could [la] to wish. »
Protection of ecosystems
In addition to calling for a moratorium on road development, the CCCC, which is chaired by Professor Alain Webster, also calls for immediate action to safeguard Quebec’s fauna and flora.
For the time being, the group of experts recommends “applying a moratorium on any zoning change leading to a loss of natural environments”. “Natural environments provide major ecosystem services in regulating the climate and preserving biodiversity. Their preservation and enhancement are essential to achieving carbon neutrality,” reads the notice issued on Monday morning.
Contacted on Monday by The duty, the office of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change said it was “in action for several of the aspects raised in this report”.
“We have already mentioned that Quebec will respect the new targets for protected areas that will soon be established internationally. […] Our colleague, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, is currently working on a land use strategy that will soon be presented,” indicated the office of Minister Benoit Charette.
With Jeanne Corriveau