WATCH ABOVE: Dorval residents are worried the value of their houses will diminish once the train de l’Ouest is finally built. Global’s Rachel Lau has more.
DORVAL – Some of Heather Wares Lauzon’s fondest memories are at Dorval’s Municipal Golf Club.
“I met my husband on the course,” she told Global News
“A year and a half later we ended up getting married on the golf course.”
The golf course has been a part of her life ever since she was a little girl.
“I grew up on the course,” she said.
“People that I played with then, I see them bringing their kids, they’re bringing their grandkids now so it’s like we all grew up together.”
The club sits on land leased by Aeroports de Montreal.
It’s about to embark on its last season to make room for the much anticipated train de l’ouest and an airport expansion.
READ MORE: Train de l’Ouest slated to roll out by 2020
“We’re a family,” said Wares Lauzon.
“It’s like you’re breaking up a family. That’s probably what concerns me the most.”
The development is also causing concerns for families living near the golf course.
Some of the residents on Thorncrest avenue, which faces the course, told Global News that they didn’t even know that they might be losing their green space.
“The impact would be very high, I would imagine,” said Anna Campagna, a resident.
“I don’t know if expropriation would be part of this plan.”
Some are worried about what that could mean for their homes.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Lenard Coull, a resident.
“It’s definitely going to affect the value of the houses along our entire street.”
Paul Hatfield, a Royal LePage senior real estate agent, says Dorval is a busier town than most.
The train, which West Island residents have been asking for, for years, has to go through some neighbourhood.
“Ultimately, I can’t see a scenario where it becomes inhabitable,” said Hatfield.
“I just can’t see that. It doesn’t make sense.”
READ MORE: Dorval Municipal Golf Club an early casualty of Train de l’Ouest
He points out residents on Thorncrest and Westwood streets should not panic.
“There are highs and lows,” said Hatfield.
“Right now you’re looking at a bit of a low with this information, but it will – houses always retain their value. That’s the beauty of the Montreal real estate market.”
Yet, for some, like Heather Wares Lauzon, it’s not about the noise or the tranquility – it’s not even about “just a golf course.”
“I’m proud of it” she said.
“It’s not the most spectacular course, no, but I’m very proud of my course.”
It’s about a club that has been a significant part of her entire life.
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