Adoption of the PPU: a turning point for the future of the former golf course site
On October 1, Rosemère’s Town Council adopted the Special Urban Planning Program (PPU) for the Regional Hub, which includes Place Rosemère.
Read the following carefully to understand how this new urban planning framework fundamentally changes the outlook for protecting the former golf course site—our town’s last major green space!
In summary
📜 Rosemère’s Town Council has adopted the Special Urban Planning Program (PPU) for the Regional Hub, including Place Rosemère.
🌳 This redevelopment focuses on an already urbanized area and does not involve destroying natural environments, unlike a project on the former golf course site.
📊 The planned housing supply (1,400 to 2,000 units) far exceeds the demographic projections recently adopted by the MRC for Rosemère up to 2041.
🚗 Any development on the former golf course would overburden existing infrastructure and worsen traffic congestion.
⚖️ There is no obligation to develop the former golf course: 88.5% of the site remains zoned as public and recreational, protected by a CMM’s interim bylaw.
🌱 Protecting the golf course means taking concrete action on climate change and preserving residents’ quality of life.
Adoption of the Special Urban Planning Program (PPU) for the Regional Hub
The recently adopted PPU for the Regional Hub establishes the redevelopment framework for this area. We welcome the intent to revitalize Place Rosemère, a built-up commercial sector whose economic activity contributes significantly to the town’s finances.
However, this redevelopment must be based on the results of ongoing studies regarding traffic flow and water infrastructure, to ensure it respects Rosemère’s carrying capacity.
Unlike development on the former golf course, this project focuses on converting impermeable, non-vegetated surfaces, thereby enhancing residents’ quality of life and urban resilience.
Confirmation that development on the former golf course is not required
The housing supply resulting from the Regional Hub’s redevelopment far exceeds the demographic growth forecast recently adopted by the MRC.
Indeed, the project could create between 1,400 and 2,000 new housing units, representing a population increase of up to 30%, while the MRC projects only 4.5% growth (305 units) between 2021 and 2041. The redevelopment of the Regional Hub already risks overstretching existing infrastructure.
In this context, considering any development on the former golf course—even partial—would strain potable water, stormwater, and wastewater systems, while worsening congestion in an already saturated area.
In addition, substantial financial investments would be required to make such a project feasible.
Adapting to climate change by protecting the former golf course
This past year, Rosemère experienced extreme weather events—intense rainfall that flooded basements, followed by a prolonged drought.
In this context, it is crucial to remember that natural environments provide essential ecological services:
they absorb rainwater, reduce the risk of flooding, recharge groundwater, and lessen the impacts of droughts.
Preserving the former golf course—our last major green space—is a concrete and effective way to help Rosemère adapt to climate change and to protect the community from the growing risks of flooding and drought.
Examples Rosemère should follow
Cities such as Laval and Terrebonne have recognized the importance of preserving natural environments for the collective good. They have shown strong political will by protecting their former golf courses and converting them into urban parks for their residents.
The situation in Terrebonne closely mirrors that of Rosemère, as developers in both cities have filed lawsuits claiming disguised expropriation.
It is also worth noting that municipalities are no longer legally required to compensate property owners when the protection of natural environments, people, or property is at stake, under Article 245 of Quebec’s Act Respecting Land Use Planning and Development.
Conclusion
In light of the adoption of the PPU, development on the site of the former golf course would be unjustified and unsustainable. Preserving it is the only viable option for protecting the rural character of the city and the quality of life of Rosemère residents today and tomorrow.
