September 12, 2021 | MONT ROYAL
Press release for immediate release
CONTACT: Peter.Malouf.EPM@gmail.com
"OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IS NOT FOR SALE"
- Peter Malouf
Équipe Peter Malouf opposes the construction of residential housing in the industrial sector of Royalmount. We recognize the value of revitalizing this sector, however, we do not believe that residential housing should be part of this process.
For urban planning reasons and especially because of health risks, we do not believe that residential housing can coexist with industrial manufacturing in this sector.
Équipe Peter Malouf takes its due diligence responsibility seriously. Drawing on their professional expertise in urban planning, environment, law, government relations and multiple engineering disciplines, our candidates studied the issues from all angles in depth and listened attentively to opinions. and the concerns of families, friends and neighbors.
We consulted with traffic specialists and business owners in the Royalmount area. We examined the numerous public analysis documents made available by the city of Montreal, Carbonleo and the municipality of VMR, as well as the presentations made by neighboring municipalities. We have participated and asked questions during numerous Carbonleo consultations, (including the consultation presented by VMR with Carbonleo on June 22, 2021).
Équipe Peter Malouf recently declined an invitation to a private meeting as personal guests of promoter Carbonleo at their Royalmount offices. However, as unelected members of the community, we felt it was more important to be aware of all public reports and consultation presentations, to which any resident or official would have access.
Additionally, as Carbonleo CEO Andrew Lutfy himself posted on Facebook on June 14, "the city has 5X more information than it needs at this point."
RESPONSIBLE URBAN PLANNING AND DEMOGRAPHIC GROWTH
The 3,250-unit Royalmount residential project would increase the city's population by 24% (adding approximately 5,200 new residents to our current population of 22,000). This radical change to our small, integrated community cannot be done lightly. How will the addition of 5,200 new residents affect our schools, recreation programs, services, parks, libraries, traffic and community infrastructure?
We believe there is an urgent need to determine the optimal population that can be comfortably supported in our physical environment before approving irreversible zoning changes.
Therefore, Équipe Peter Malouf will develop a revised 10-year strategic urban plan to balance the needs of our residential, commercial and industrial sectors and engage in meaningful consultation with residents on the future of our garden city. The current urban plan adopted in 2017 is largely outdated by all recent new constructions and does not offer a vision of the future that respects our garden city.
SERIOUS HEALTH IMPACTS
Numerous health studies in North America and Europe show that living near highways and factories is linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease. and other neurological disorders. There is enough corroborating evidence to question the ethics of building residential developments adjacent to the 15/40 interchange - one of the most congested intersections in Canada.
Locally, the CIUSSS du Center-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal has identified many concerns associated with construction along major highways, including high noise levels and pollution caused by vehicles. automobiles, light trucks and heavy trucks.
AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE
The Royalmount area has been strategically located as an industrial zone on the outskirts of our residential community in order to generate income for our city. For decades this relationship has been very profitable and it is in our best interest to maintain the health of the industrial sector.
Studies show that the coexistence of industry and residential has rarely proven to be successful and frequently municipalities receive requests to meet the needs of newly arrived residents, which interferes with the ability of industrial partners to operate their businesses. companies, which has the consequence that our industrial partners are forced to move, taking with them their jobs and stable tax revenues.
Based on the evidence, we are convinced that to ensure the quality of life at VMR, it is essential to oppose residential housing in Royalmount. Our quality of life is not for sale.
Équipe Peter Malouf