North Hatley condo project opponents could go to court

in hand all the elements that can influence the real delimitation of the flood zones.”

The notice is intended to delay the coming into force of the Management Plan in the flood zone of the Massawippi River – Village of North Hatley, which was supposed to be adopted on May 17. Meanwhile, the plan could be endorsed by the elected representatives of the Memphrémagog MRC at its meeting of June 21. The plan, if adopted, would allow the implementation of the real estate project proposed by promoter Richard Laliberté.

The Director General of the MRC, Guy Jauron, explains the delay by a reflection that continues to try to come to the best decision possible. Opinions will also be sought from the provincial Ministries of the Environment and Public Safety.

Grayson believes the wind is beginning to blow in favour of opponents since the April public consultation and, especially, since the floods that recently ravaged much of the province. Grayson believes that the plan could be changed, particularly as land nearby could accommodate a similar project

Opponents insist that the MRC apprival is based on erroneous maps and an unrealistic delineation of floodplains that do not take into account possible overflows of the river and Lake Massawippi. He says steps are being taken to obtain independent expertise to demonstrate that the problem of lake overflow has not been retained.

The issue of the delimitation of floodplains must be examined from a perspective of long-term sustainable development and not in the context of facilitating real estate development in certain areas near the lake or river that may overflow their banks.