Public information sessions start for controversial l’Anse-à-l’Orme development in Pierrefonds

A long-anticipated string of public information sessions kicked off Sunday on a controversial residential project in Pierrefonds-Roxoboro, west of downtown Montreal.

The aim is for Montreal’s Office of Public Consultation (OCPM) to recommend whether the park should be developed or maintained as is.

The proposed 5,500 residence project is expected to be built in a 185-hectare area around the park.

Get weekly money news

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.

Sign up for weekly money newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Hundreds protest at Montreal City Hall to save Pierrefonds green space

Environmentalists argue it will ruin the wetlands there.

“I think the public is very concerned about the sheer size of the project,” said Sue Stacho, with Sauvons l’Anse-à-l’Orme.

The borough defended the project as a way to keep working families in Montreal.

READ MORE: Environmentalists warn l-Anse-à-l’Orme eco territory threatened by light rail project

“We’ve always believed that this sector, as it was identified way back, that it was developable,” Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis said earlier this month.

“We believe that it can be done responsibly.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We believe that it can be done responsibly."

READ MORE: Public consultation announced over controversial l’Anse à l’Orme Nature Park development

The next consultation is slated for April 4 and a decision may not be known until 2018.