Despite the potential environmental impact, citizens and stakeholders were not invited by the Ville to participate in the process.
Precedence will allow developers and property owners throughout Mont-Tremblant to increase urban density by installing additional Car Elevators.
To learn more about how Les Amis obtained the Car Elevator information, please read the timeline noted below.
Key Dates
November 16, 2020: Superior Court Injunction. Decision affects direct road to access to underground parking at LAGO Lac Tremblant (building 2).
September 17, 2021: Municipal Election begins.
September 26, 2021: Les Amis informs the public via our Newsletter that due to the Superior Court Injunction for underground parking, LAGO is interested in installing a Car Elevator at Lac Tremblant.
September 27, 2021: At the Ville’s request, the MRC des Laurentides signed an interim control resolution for the territory of Mont-Tremblant.
October 4, 2021: The Ville announces they would like to modify the interim control resolution.
November 7, 2021: Municipal Election. Mayor is re-elected.
December 7, 2021: Les Amis files an Access to Info Request for documentation regarding a Car Elevator at LAGO Lac Tremblant.
December 20, 2021: The Ville takes charge of the interim control measure from the MRC des Laurentides.
December 20, 2021: Interim control measure expires.
December 20, 2021: In a PowerPoint presentation, the Ville mentions a draft rule about a Car Elevator. The property location is not identified.
December 21, 2021: Hours after the interim control measure expired, the Ville issues a permit for a Car Elevator at LAGO Lac Tremblant. Neighbours, citizens and stakeholders are not advised.
December 21, 2021: The Ville responds to our Access to Info Request. They state that they have no information about a Car Elevator at LAGO Lac Tremblant. The file is closed by the Ville.
January 10, 2022: Les Amis files a new Access to Info Request for a Car Elevator at LAGO Lac Tremblant. The Ville states that they require additional time to comply with our request.
February 3, 2022: The Ville responds to our Access to Info Request by providing an 11-page permit for a Car Elevator at LAGO Lac Tremblant.
February 4, 2022: The Ville cancels a public consultation meeting scheduled for February 7.
February 6, 2022: Les Amis publishes the permit that authorizes the installation of a Car Elevator.
February 14, 2022: Les Amis asked Mayor Luc Brisebois when the Ville would be conducting a Municipal Audit on a controversial file. Our request was denied. Click here to hear our question and the Mayor’s answer.
February 16, 2022: The Ville responded to our Car Elevator story by purchasing a full page ad in L’info du Nord Mont-Tremblant. A few points to consider:
— The Ville states: “There is no case in which a public consultation can be held in connection with the issuing of a permit.” And this is precisely the problem; unless the process is changed – you will continually hear about projects after they are approved. Only developers and the Ville get to participate; the public is completely excluded.
— The Ville states that LAGO is a “tourist accommodation project.” However, the developers marketing states that LAGO is a “residential complex.” Les Amis will continue to seek clarification on these vastly differing statements.
— LAGO was originally approved by Council in 2020 (PIIA). Les Amis views the addition of a Car Elevator as a material change. Accordingly, the matter should have been voted on by Council instead of being treated as an amendment with the permit department.
— The Ville states that the permit for the Car Elevator was issued on December 21, 2021. Why did the Ville respond to our Access to Info Request on that exact same date by stating that they had no information about a Car Elevator? The amendment the developer submitted to the Ville is dated October 14, 2021.
If the ambiguity of the Ville’s management concerns you and you would like to know more about this project and receive clear and complete answers from the Ville, we encourage you to write an official letter stating your consternation at this flagrant lack of transparency towards citizens, for the benefit of developers.
About Les Amis
Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant is a non-profit organization established by concerned residents with the goal of protecting the environment, unique character and community of Mont-Tremblant for current and future generations.