MONTREAL, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Richard Bergeron, the leader of Projet Montréal, accompanied by Josée Duplessis, counsellor from De Lorimier and spokesperson for Projet Montréal in matters of sustainable development and the environment, deplore that the Tremblay administration has not respected its promises to acquire green spaces in the framework of its policies for the protection and enhancement of natural environments. "Since 2004, the Tremblay administration has promised more than $101 million for the acquisition and the physical planning of natural environments in successive budgets. Of that total, some $64.8 million has never been spent. Where has this money gone?" asks Richard Bergeron.
The protection and physical planning of natural environments by the City of Montréal plays a crucial importance in assuring the posterity of this resource for future generations. It also encourages a harmonious and balanced development of our territory. Access to green spaces and to natural environments is an indispensable part of the quality of life for Montreal citizens. "What we can see today is that the present administration has made beautiful promises on paper, but has never taken the necessary actions to realize these promises," adds Josée Duplessis.
Projet Montréal was able to compile data relating to the conservation of natural environments by virtue of an access to information request. "Between the doubtful choices for protection, such as l'Île Lapierre, the lost opportunities, like Meadowbrook Golf Club, and pending projects, only some 36% of the promised monies have ever been spent," notes Josée Duplessis.
The City of Montreal's 2012-2014 Three-Year Capital Expenditures Plan foresees another $36 million allocated for the protection, acquisition, physical planning, and the maintenance of natural environments. "Because the past often indicates what the future holds, we can already begin questioning the real intention the Tremblay administration to devote these sums to the protection of natural environments. Also given that we still don't know, after studying the budgetary documents, how or where the unspent $64.8 million was reassigned, we therefore formally request that the Tremblay administration informs the public without delay as to what is the current status of this dossier," concludes Richard Bergeron.
A motion to this effect will be proposed by Projet Montréal at the next municipal Council meeting on March 19.
To consult this motion and the various tables: www.projetmontreal.org/communique/1223
Catherine Maurice
Attachée de presse de la 2e opposition
(514) 601-5542
[email protected]
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