This article written in french by Benoit Leblanc was automatically translated using AI
The City of Laval is moving forward with the acquisition of the Golf Sainte-Rose property to turn it into a major nature park—an acquisition it describes as “strategic for protecting biodiversity along the Mille Îles River while offering new outdoor spaces.”
The City has thus taken an important step toward acquiring and protecting the Golf Sainte-Rose property.
The executive committee has approved a letter of intent to Groupe immobilier Van Houtte, the site’s owner, confirming the City’s interest in starting negotiations for acquisition for park, green space, and conservation purposes.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) as part of its actions to conserve 30% of the territory and create a network of metropolitan parks.
To support the planned transaction, the City will officially submit a grant application to the CMM through the Green and Blue Trame program.
Although the transaction could be finalized in 2026, the goal is for Golf Sainte-Rose to remain in operation until the end of the 2027 golf season.
Strategic Site
Surrounded by the Mattawa Forest and the Mille Îles River, the Golf Sainte-Rose property is an essential link in Laval’s network of natural areas.
Its protection would allow for the restoration of marshes and wetlands, the creation of a unique ecological corridor, stronger climate change resilience, and a vast outdoor playground for the community.
“The Golf Sainte-Rose site is unique in Laval, both for its ecological value and recreational potential,” said Mayor Stéphane Boyer in a press release. “Few Laval riverbanks offer such a large area suitable for recreation. Together, we will make this site a model of balance between nature conservation, outdoor recreation, and collective well-being.”
“Natural environments and green spaces are essential to address the climate crisis and preserve residents’ quality of life,” added Massimo Iezzoni, Director General of the CMM, in the same media release. “We must act concretely and quickly to protect them and increase their size.”
Participatory Approach and Continuity
In its press release, the City of Laval expressed its wish for the site’s transformation to follow a participatory approach.
Residents as well as Laval’s environmental and recreational organizations will be invited to contribute and help define the site’s vision and future uses.
This announcement builds on Laval’s ongoing efforts to expand its network of natural spaces and strengthen the territory’s climate resilience.
It should be recalled that in 2023, the City announced it had surpassed its conservation targets by reaching 18% of protected territory through regulations or ownership—nearly five times more than in 2009.
Since 2021, the City has also acquired nearly 100 hectares of natural areas thanks to investments totaling nearly $35 million.
Among its strategic acquisitions is Île Locas, located near Golf Sainte-Rose, which helps strengthen the Mille Îles River’s ecological corridor. (B.L.)
Simple and Free
Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is blocking your news from Courrier Laval, just as Google continues to restrict access in response to Bill C-18.
To stay connected and access your news, Courrier Laval invites you to download its app. You can also subscribe to the weekly newsletter. This way, you can continue reading your news for free and in real time, with fewer ads. Don’t forget to enable notifications and share this with your friends and contacts!
Apple: https://apple.co/3wsgmKE
Android: https://bit.ly/3uGPo1D
Newsletter: https://courrierlaval.com/infolettre/
