Official opposition says new by-law needed to protect trees from construction projects
Laval needs a new by-law to protect its trees from damage during major development projects – like the one that saw the creation of new public transit reserved lanes on Avenue des Bois last year, leading to the destruction of nature trails – official opposition leader Michel Trottier argued during the April 13 webcast of Laval’s monthly city council meeting.
Responding to Trottier’s suggestion, Mayor Marc Demers said Laval already has a tree-protection by-law on its books, although “it dates from another era and the sums of money, the penalties are no longer up to our expectations.”
The City of Laval’s executive-committee made some key moves during a meeting on March 31, including decisions involving the protection of the region’s riverside areas from floodwaters, and a special fund set up especially for the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases.
Flood warnings
The executive-committee approved the awarding of a five-year contract worth $1,109,234.37 (including taxes) to Hydro Météo to provide surveillance and weather forecasting services on the rivers surrounding Laval.
The contract requires the company to forecast flood overflows and ice jams during the cold months. The contract also requires the company to provide service during turbulent weather events. In all, the company will be expected to supply, operate and maintain 14 stream gauge stations across the island.