Nature-Action Québec (NAQ), the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) and the City of Brossard ensure the protection of 23 hectares of natural environment, more than half of which has been restored to fit in with the vision of the Bois de Brossard, considered to be one of the richest and largest remaining natural environments on the South Shore of Montreal. The lot also includes nearly 11 hectares of terrestrial environments, which serve as a protective buffer zone for the 12 hectares of wetlands. This initiative is part of REM’s environmental compensation program, and represents more than double the land currently occupied by equipment for the REM terminal station on the South Shore.
With the aim of offsetting and limiting the environmental impacts of REM construction, REM has signed a tripartite agreement with NAQ and the City of Brossard. This agreement aims to identify, protect and restore the land near the Brossard station, and has enabled the City of Brossard to acquire a lot of around 23 hectares with the financial contribution of the REM project and the collaboration of NAQ. This lot is located on Chemin des Prairies in Brossard.
Several major restoration projects
Since the acquisition of this lot, several restoration projects have been carried out. Major restoration actions include the creation of two ecological corridors, the restoration of an ecological wasteland and the creation of a windbreak hedge, in particular to combat the invasion of common reed. NAQ laid over 4,500 metres of tarpaulin to eliminate targeted colonies of phragmites and planted over 11,000 plants. What’s more, in collaboration with the City of Brossard, REM has planted 2,400 trees on this lot, as compensation for the shrubs and trees cut down during REM construction.
” REM particularly stood out, because they decided to carry out a project where NATURE is the winner, and which goes beyond the basic requirements of the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) by way of compensation. The protection of 2 times the area of affected wetlands and the restoration of wetlands were well beyond the Ministry’s requirements. The project has a considerable positive impact on the environment, enabling the consolidation of Bois de Brossard and, in concrete terms, the protection and restoration of wildlife and plant habitats, as well as wetlands. This project is a remarkable and tangible example of the vision of those involved in protecting our natural environments for future generations. “
– Pascal Bigras, General Manager, Nature-Action Québec
“Our collaboration with Nature-Action Québec was an enlightened choice for our organization, not least because of its 32 years of experience in managing natural environments in Quebec, for its achievements in conservation, acquisition and private stewardship of natural environments, and also for its expertise in natural corridors and the creation of green belts. In addition, the long-standing collaboration between the City of Brossard and NAQ to achieve the protection of the entire Bois de Brossard in perpetuity makes NAQ a partner of choice in achieving our goals.”
– Elizabeth Boivin, Director Environment, CDPQ Infra
” We are very pleased with the agreement reached between Brossard, REM and Nature-Action Québec. These 23 hectares will soon be added to the 408-hectare Bois de Brossard nature reserve, one of Montérégie’s greatest ecological treasures. Over the past 10 years, Brossard has almost doubled the surface area of protected natural environments on its territory. Including the protected areas along the St. Lawrence River and the terrestrial conservation areas, we have far surpassed the objectives set by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, a clear demonstration of our determination to make environmental action a priority. In addition to the protected nature reserve, Bois de Brossard offers nearly 600 hectares of developable land, and we’re currently developing a brand-new outdoor center as well as trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. We have in our hands an incredible wealth that makes Brossard a benchmark in terms of sustainable development. “
-Doreen Assaad, Mayor of Brossard.
About Nature-Action Québec
For over 35 years, Nature-Action Québec, a non-profit organization, has been guiding individuals and organizations in the application of best environmental practices. The organization works with municipalities, businesses, community organizations and citizens to carry out concrete projects that contribute to improving the environment, health, well-being and quality of life of Quebecers.
About EMN
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new 67-km, 26-station integrated mass transit system designed to link downtown Montreal, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montreal-Trudeau airport by means of a fully automated, electric light rail system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days a week, 20 hours a day, and will be connected to the three main lines of the Montreal metro.
About Ville de Brossard
Brossard is a city where nearly sixty cultural communities live in harmony. With over 92,000 inhabitants, it is the 12th largest city in Quebec. It enjoys a leading environmental position, with a nature reserve of several hundred hectares in the Bois de Brossard and more than 80 parks accessible to its citizens. A major economic hub on the South Shore, Brossard is experiencing strong real estate growth. Its well-developed active transportation network includes three Metropolitan Expressway stations, direct access to the Samuel-de-Champlain Bridge and an extensive network of multifunctional trails. Brossard is also home to a Université de Montréal campus, facilitating access to higher education.
Information
Nature-Action Québec
Sarah Touchette
Communications Manager
450 536-0422, ext. 534
REM
Emmanuelle Rouillard-Moreau
Media Relations Advisor
438 881-1884
Brossard
Alain Gauthier
Director of Communications
450-923-6311 (Services Brossard)
