Montreal and Varennes want to transform the immense Sainte-Thérèse Island into a natural park a stone’s throw from the metropolis.
This territory, located in the St. Lawrence River between Pointe-aux-Trembles and the South Shore of Montreal, is currently used for agriculture and for vacationing.
For decades, the public authorities have tried to open the island to visitors, but the projects have failed one after the other.
“The recreational tourism potential is absolutely amazing,” said Caroline Bourgeois, the mayor of Rivière-des-Prairies – Pointe-aux-Trembles. “Giving back the banks to the population is an important issue and a priority. ”
PHOTO OLIVIER PONTBRIAND, THE PRESS
A few dozen people have maintained small chalets for decades on Île Sainte-Thérèse, without however owning their land. The Quebec government wants to evict them, but the owners have gone to court to be able to stay where they are. The trial is scheduled for next year.