The Headline: The Ville uses special meetings to advance crucial zoning matters.
The Fact: During the May 29 meeting, the council proceeded with the adoption of draft zoning bylaw 2026-102-85 (natural spaces).
The Timeline: Notice sent via newsletter on Thursday, May 28 at 4:15 p.m. for a meeting the following morning at 8:30 a.m.—representing a notice of just over 16 hours to citizens.
The Result: Despite a letter sent by Les Amis on May 28 requesting an urgent postponement of the vote to the regular meeting on June 8, this first draft by-law was adopted 6-2. With such short notice, only two citizens were available to take a seat in the visitors’ gallery, including our president Robert Boisjoli.
The Digital Blackout: Questioned by Les Amis, Mayor Pascal de Bellefeuille confirmed that during special meetings, the Ville provides no live broadcast, no YouTube recording, and no transcript of the question period.
The Crucial Question: It was during this unrecorded question period that we directly asked the mayor: “Are you aware of any individual, promoter, or real estate developer who has submitted, or is about to submit, a permit application or a project that would benefit directly from the regulatory changes introduced by this by-law?” After a long pause, he simply answered that he was not aware.
The Mayor’s Promises: In October 2025, candidate Pascal De Bellefeuille promised that transparency would be his absolute priority. In February 2026, he reiterated that the council embodied this transparency and fairness, vowing not to break the citizens’ trust. Forcing major votes with just over 16 hours’ notice to citizens directly contradicts this commitment.
Why It Matters: Why the urgency? The next regular council meeting takes place on June 8. Nothing justified avoiding public debate. Without a live stream or video archive, this format outright erases citizen interventions from the minutes. Recording these meetings is the bare minimum; above all, the Ville must minimize the use of such special meetings and justify their necessity based on clear and predefined criteria.
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.