Dorval moves to protect trees, green space at McConnell Woods
Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau says the city is working with real estate developers of the McConnell Woods property to preserve as many trees as possible on the sprawling lot. City council recently adopted a bylaw amendment that will allow the city to preserve trees on large private properties that are to be developed, including McConnell Woods. The mayor said the bylaw will help preserve majestic trees on the 540,000-square-foot property. But some trees, like ash, had to come down anyway, he added. Ash trees are at risk of becoming infected by the emerald ash borer insect, the mayor noted. “The bylaw is not just for (McConnell Woods) but for any large wooded area,” he said. Rouleau said the promoters of the residential project at 1200 Lakeshore Rd. are also interested in preserving trees on the property. “Obviously keeping some beautiful trees increases the value of the property,” the mayor said. Rouleau said the city is also seeking to preserve more than 10 per cent of the property’s as green space. While he didn’t have an exact figure, Rouleau said he was hoping to preserve about 15 per cent of green space. He said the city will also insist on having some green space on the waterfront so future residents will have access to Lake St. Louis. “That is a must,” Rouleau said. The mayor said the residential project could have anywhere from 25 to 30 homes, with a minimum of 8,000 square feet per property. “But you know, some people might buy two or three lots to build one or two houses,” he added. He said the luxury homes close to prime waterfront real estate could fetch well over a $1 million. He said the city has not yet approved the developers plans for the residential project, but he added that discussions were taking place with the city’s urban planning development. He identified Laval-based Presti Homes and Developments as the developer. Some local residents fought to preserve the McConnell Woods property last year when it went on the real estate market. The city was unsuccessful in trying to buy the property for $15.1 million. The property was valued at about $11 million.