Procedural Update: The Ville Clerk, Claudine Fréchette, explained that due to an error during the January 19 session, the project for 8 duplexes (16 units) on Chemin du Village (Mont-Plaisant)—initially rejected following a 4-4 tie—was resubmitted to Council for a second vote.
Second Vote: During this new vote, the review of the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (PIIA) was refused by a divided council, by a vote of 5-4.
The file is not closed: Mayor Pascal De Bellefeuille informed Patrice Vachon, President of the Association du lac Mercier, that he should collaborate with the developer. According to the Mayor, although the visual aspect of the plan was refused, the project complies with municipal by-laws and will be submitted to a subsequent vote.
Association du lac Mercier: The Association is concerned that if this project is approved, it could set a dangerous precedent for all lake watersheds in the region. In agreement with this position, we officially reiterated our support for the Association du lac Mercier during the Municipal Council meeting.
Authorization request for a real estate project (Rue Labelle): The project, comprising 28 units, was approved by a vote of 5 to 3. Councillors Élise Léonard, Mathieu Paquette, and Patrick Léonard opposed the project, all citing Law 31 during the council session to explain their vote. Law 31 allows the Municipal Council to derogate from its own urban planning by-laws—specifically regarding zoning, density, and height—to authorize non-compliant projects, while limiting citizen participation by removing the referendum approval process.
Village Sector: A presentation of the overall vision and strategic direction of the proposed project for the Village will take place on Friday, April 10, at 5 p.m. at the Village Church (expected duration of three hours). Some municipal councillors are considering the sale of municipal assets to a Gatineau-based affordable housing cooperative and wish to use Law 31 to change the zoning of certain streets currently reserved for single-family homes (class H-1). This approach raises concerns regarding respect for the existing development framework and the maintenance of coherent urban planning.
Our point of view: Les Amis opposes the use of Law 31 in these files. We believe it allows for the bypassing of current urban planning rules while weakening the usual mechanisms for citizen participation. We also remain concerned about the use of this law to modify development rules in sensitive sectors, particularly near lakes, where rigorous, sustainable, and respectful planning must remain the priority.
Human Resources: After accepting the position of Director of Urban Planning in January, the prospective candidate withdrew. The Ville is still seeking to fill this position, which has been vacant since May 2025.
Budget Surpluses: The Mayor read a note from Ville Treasurer Benoît Grou regarding our public statements about the $49.7M surplus accumulated by the Ville between 2018 and 2024.
Code of Ethics: We mentioned the letter sent on February 4 regarding draft by-law (2026)-239 relating to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Versant Soleil: Following our questions asked in January regarding Club Med and Groupe Brivia, the Mayor provided an update on the number of planned units.
Bell Mobility Cell Tower Project: Several citizens expressed their concerns regarding Bell’s projects in Mont-Tremblant. The Mayor mentioned that the Ville will continue to analyze the information received to determine if the proposed location is situated on a protected summit. Although some councillors consider the matter closed, the mayor has stated that he remains open to discussion.
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.