Technoparc wetlands: open
letter to Steven Gilbeault
The federal government should exercise its right of ownership for the environmental benefit of Canadians
October 30, 2024
The Honourable Steven Gilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
For a commitment of the Federal Government to conserve the natural spaces north of the airport
Dear Minister Guilbeault:
As you are aware, on October 16, 2024, Madame la mairesse Valérie Plante held a news conference to announce that the City of Montreal had agreed to purchase the Hypertec land in the Technoparc wetland ecosystem. The contributing partners included the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Communauté métropolitain de Montréal (CMM) and the Québec government itself — all part of a negotiation that will see Hypertec locate in Lasalle with Montreal using its new ownership to conserve 11 hectares of the wetlands in perpetuity.
The signatories of this letter were all present at the press conference. Unfortunately, a number of participants made it very clear that they noticed the glaring absence of the federal government. With all due respect, we not only feel that the government of Canada must fill that perceived void but also that it is very important politically for your government to add the federally-owned lands in the western sector of the Technoparc ecosystem to what will surely be a magnificent nature park. That is the environmentally right decision, but also a political winner for your government. Such is our sincere belief.
One of us, Mister Clifford Lincoln, has very clearly said that these public lands are held in trust by the Government of Canada on behalf of all Canadians and that the government should exercise its right of ownership for the environmental benefit of Canadians.
Indeed, on September 1, 2021, Mr. Lincoln wrote directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the need “to establish permanent protective status on the federal lands north of the airport” because “the commitment made by your government in the Speech from the Throne on September 23, 2020, must be respected and amplified.”
The September 23 commitment is paramount: “The government will work with municipalities as part of a new commitment to increase the number of parks in urban areas so that everyone has access to green space.”
We feel that your Ministry and the cabinet as a whole are now in a position to make that promise real in the area that Canada owns north of the airport.
Minister Guilbeault, imagine your government using its fiduciary heft to create a new, world-renowned wetland sanctuary, the size of Mount Royal Park, in proximity to the airport and the REM.
We believe that is what the Government of Canada can do. And must do.
Sincerely yours,
Green Coalition’s Technoparc Team,
Patrick Barnard, David Fletcher, Clifford Lincoln and Sylvia Oljemark
Feature image: Technoparc pond, by Ilana Block
The Green Coalition – representing more than 80 citizens groups dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Environment. Founded in 1988.
I agree whole heartedly with The Green Coalition team! Mayor Plante has come through with flying colours but where is the federal government? Justin Trudeau and Stephen Gilbeault talk green but are missing in action! This issue is a no brainer but the foot dragging continues – how shameful and embarrassing!
I applaud the efforts of the Green Coalition. Here is an opportunity for our Prime Minister to go beyond political rhetoric, and actualy follow-up on his words. Canadians from coast to cost have grown tired of simple talk and would love to see our Prime Minister actually “walk the walk” for a change.
Georges Dupras