By Michael Boriero
The MRC de Memphrémagog presented its development plan to the public on Tuesday, but while it aims to protect the local ecosystem, several environmental groups believe it could have been more restrictive to municipalities.
“It was the final step for the development plan. We have been working on this file for four years. There have been more than 50 meetings, six public consultations, one virtual, one written, which will continue until Sept. 7,” said MRC Prefect Jacques Demers.
This is the first major overhaul of the MRC’s development plan since the last version was adopted in 1998. There are several restrictions to residential development, including a ban on the construction of new streets outside of most urban sectors.
“There is 75 per cent of the territory that you cannot build new roads. It won’t be possible. A large part of it is already agriculture, 48 per cent if i’m not mistaken, you cannot build unless you get permission from the CPTAQ, which is above us,” Demers said.
The CPTAQ, or Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec, ensures the protection of agricultural land in the province. The MRC also placed restrictions on construction sites that choose to build on slopes with an incline of 30 per cent or more.
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