2023-09-16 21:51:37
PQist Pascal Paradis is sad to see economic issues being prioritized at the expense of urban vegetation. “There really is a change in mentality that remains to be made to say: preserving trees is a priority.” According to Paradis, this is the message that the citizens of Sainte-Foy are sending to the government by gathering at Boisé Nielson.
The lawyer cites the expansion of the Quebec Aquarium parking lot as an example where trees were cut down for the benefit of cars, a situation he considers “unacceptable.” “I understand that there are economic questions that come into play with environmental questions, but we must stop opposing them,” adds the Parti Québécois candidate.
According to Québec Solidaire candidate Olivier Bolduc, the main risk to deforestation is urban sprawl. The trained stenographer argues that government initiatives are necessary to further protect urban vegetation, while allowing “flexibility” to municipalities.
Liberal candidate Élise Avard-Bernier praises the volunteer work that goes into preserving urban spaces like Boisé Nielson, but judges that government assistance is also necessary for its conservation.
CAQ candidate Marie-Anik Shoiry defends her party’s record, starting with the National Architecture and Land Use Planning Policy adopted in 2022 by the Legault government. It aims in particular to “protect green spaces and natural environments, such as the Boisé Nielson”, indicates Ms. Shoiry.
“The government recently announced the development of the fourth phase of the Samuel-de Champlain promenade. I think this is an example which demonstrates that it is important for the government to protect spaces [verts] and to develop new ones,” argues the CAQ candidate.
Tram and cut trees
Conservative Party of Quebec candidate Jesse Robitaille sees the protection of Boisé Nielson as an inspiration in his fight against the Quebec tramway. “We must lead this fight against the tramway project to protect the trees on René-Lévesque Boulevard and the Laval University woodland.”
According to the conservative candidate, “the government is neglecting the environment, especially when it comes to mobility. The real ecological choice is the Conservative Party of Quebec.” Jesse Robitaille says he is “always in favor of more trees” and “does not see the need to cut down 1,500 trees” in the construction of the Quebec City tramway.
Solidarity activist Olivier Bolduc recognizes that cutting down trees is inevitable for the construction of the tramway, but that the environmental gain is greater, by removing cars from the roads. “You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs,” he says. It’s a loss, but it’s worth it.”
According to Mr. Bolduc, the Quebec tramway will curb urban sprawl, which he considers to be the “main risk to deforestation” in cities. “When we allow the peri-urban sector to continually expand, this is the greatest risk to vegetation,” he argues.
For Pascal Paradis, the trees affected by the tramway are above all the subject of a “transparency issue”. “It seems that there is a study on the minister’s table. We haven’t seen it, we don’t know where we are,” denounces the candidate. Mr. Paradis still believes that “Quebec City is making a big effort” to cut down as few trees as possible.
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