In brief: Despite a citizen petition with over 1,800 signatures, Councillor Élise Léonard opposes an immediate moratorium, using the excuse that the Ville’s expert consultants have not yet recommended one.
The two economic pillars: She maintains that Mont-Tremblant relies inextricably on tourism and construction (“Without them, Mont-Tremblant isn’t Mont-Tremblant”). While refusing a return to the pace of the past, she calls a full freeze unrealistic.
Two undeniable realities stand out:
The destructive loop: Coupling construction and tourism creates a vicious cycle. Overdevelopment degrades the very lakes and forests that give Mont-Tremblant its value. Overtourism then drives hotel expansion and short-term rentals, clogging infrastructure and burdening taxpayers.
The 2021 Financial Argument: Calling a freeze unrealistic doesn’t hold up against the facts. In September 2021, an interim control measure was enacted while Pascal De Bellefeuille served as a city councillor. The result? An $8.4M surplus for the 2021 fiscal year.
Our view: A moratorium is a temporary shield against a rush on building permits ahead of the 2027 plan overhaul. If a freeze was realistic in 2021 during Councillor De Bellefeuille’s term, why does it become unrealistic in 2026 under Mayor De Bellefeuille?
About Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant
Our mandate is to ensure the harmonious real estate development of the region while maintaining transparency and community acceptability.