Green Coalition applauds Dorval’s efforts to save McConnell woods
The Green Coalition is lauding the City of Dorval for its efforts to preserve the McConnell woods, the sprawling waterfront property currently up for sale.
Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau announced recently the city had submitted an offer of $15.1 million to buy and preserve the property. The tree-lined Lakeshore Road lot, which measures 540,000 square feet, is evaluated at about $11 million.
The Green Coalition, a non-profit association that promotes the conservation of green spaces and environmental causes, congratulated Dorval city council for “its efforts to protect this important natural space for citizens.”
“The cities of Dorval and Montreal are faced with the continuous erosion of natural environments and essential ecosystems in favour of real estate development,” the coalition said in a statement.
The Green Coalition also noted that natural green spaces help contribute to natural ecosystems that play a “key role in mitigating the effects of floods, noise, heat islands, air and water pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity.”
Dorval citizens have launched a grassroots movement to preserve the McConnell woods from being developed as a residential project.
The Green Coalition said other local environmental groups, such as Sauvons-la-Falaise group, the Technoparc oiseaux, CRE Montréal, Montreal Climate Coalition and the Friends of Meadowbrook Park, also support the “Save the McConnell woods” committee spearheaded by Dorval resident Chantal Ducharme.
The Green Coalition also cited the McConnell family’s admirable legacy in civic-minded matters.
Rouleau said the city expects to find out soon if it was successful in its bid to secure the property.