Work on a possible housing development in the Sainte-Marthe-du-Cap sector in Trois-Rivières is causing concern among residents because of the proximity of a wetland area that could be affected by the construction site.
Work was started by the town of Trois-Rivières behind rue Saint-Maurice, near rue P.-Dizy-Montplaisir.
Louise Thiffault, who lives near this neighborhood, is concerned. “What is going to happen here? Will we lose our swamp?” she wondered.
A little further is a wetland with high ecological value. “There are six, seven species of rare ducks. I couldn’t walk where I normally walk because it was a total devastation,” Ms Thiffault said. “Every time we cut down a forest, it worries me,” said another resident.
Trois-Rivières needs to build a storm drain, retention basin and overflow in view of future housing developments.
“These are works piloted by the city to ensure better management of municipal water,” replied Trois-Rivières city spokesman Mikaël Morrissette.
Taking into account the housing development in the vicinity and the future, there is a need for action, “specifically to add an overflow in case of flooding, to add a retention basin, and we will also come and add a pipe and come collect rainwater to prevent it from entering the municipal water supply.” reached,” he added.
The city wants 60% of the country to be protected. In this part is the wetland with high ecological value. However, the city assured on Monday that an official agreement with the client had not yet been reached.
So it’s a topic that’s part of the ongoing discussions. “We’re talking about about 40% that could be developed and 60% that would be retained,” said Mr. Morrissette.
Local residents on the edge of the plant also hope to preserve their wetlands. “If we remove all of this, all the animal diversity and flora will disappear,” fears a local resident. Others even admit to having moved to the area to take advantage of the wetland and so hope to keep it.
According to the city, the developer does not yet have a schedule for the construction.
First, Transport Québec requests a traffic impact study because it includes the Saint-Maurice road.