In keeping with its commitment to preserve its natural spaces, the Town of Rosemère has carried out its last transactions aimed at safeguarding the Grand Coteau Forest, acquiring three pieces of land on the southwest side totalling close to a half a hectare. This marks the finalization of the Town’s efforts to take ownership of these environmentally significant areas in order to protect them in perpetuity from real estate development. 

Rosemère would like to thank the Gouvernement du Québec and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) for their contribution of $11,454, split equally between the two, which enabled the acquisition of these mature woodlands. The Town itself invested $6,230 in this environmental preservation initiative. 

The Town initially purchased 13.1 hectares of these woodlands in 2021, followed by 7 additional hectares in 2023 with the support of the CMM and the Gouvernement du Québec. In total, close to 20.5 hectares of woodlands will be conserved as a result of these acquisitions, which are part of the Trame verte et bleue du Grand Montréal. They will add to the Grand Coteau Forest Corridor, which stretches from the flat farmlands of Mirabel in the west to the peat bogs of L’Assomption in the east. The Town is also a member of the Grand Coteau Forest Corridor Committee (CFGC), the goal of which is to conserve and ensure the stewardship of this extraordinary natural asset.

Quotes

“The acquisition of these three lots will help protect the natural habitats in the town of Rosemère so that residents can enjoy the ecologically valuable green spaces in the Grand Coteau Forest to the fullest,” said Eric Girard, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers and Member for Groulx. 

“Each successive acquisition has been important in achieving our goal of protecting 30% of the metropolitan area by 2030 and helping it become more resilient to climate change,” said Valérie Plante, Chair of the CMM. “I congratulate the Town of Rosemère on delivering on this vision and safeguarding the Grand Coteau Forest, whose contribution to biodiversity and the quality of life of the people who call Greater Montreal home is truly priceless.”

“With these latest purchases, the Town now owns the entirety of the section of the Grand Coteau Forest that falls within Rosemère,” stated Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. “We are committed to ensuring that this lush and incredibly biodiverse natural space is protected in perpetuity, for the good of our community, both today and tomorrow — a naturally responsible decision.” 

About the Trame verte et bleue du Grand Montréal

The Trame verte et bleue is a recreation and tourism network that aims to protect and enhance Greater Montreal’s natural environments, landscapes and built heritage for residents’ enjoyment. Funded by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec and municipal administrations, the multiple initiatives carried out under the Trame verte et bleue promote active public transportation and help maintain biodiversity, mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve people’s quality of life and strengthen Greater Montreal’s overall appeal. To learn more, visit www.cmm.qc.ca.