Fairview Forest is the LAST untouched natural space in the area.

“Once it’s lost, once the choice is made, it’s irrevocable,” said David Fletcher.
“You can’t get it back.”
from the Montreal Gazette article, April 18th, 2021

Reports and discussions, over the years, have stated that
we lose too much valuable natural space in urban settings to development.
We need to save what’s left.

Why aren’t we?

When Cadillac-Fairview corporation unveiled their proposed plans back in October 2020 to raze the forest and build a massive development, their message was clear: Nature wasn’t a priority and forests along with their inhabitants are seen as expendable.

Fairview Forest is NOT expendable!
It is of intrinsic value and must be saved.

Here’s a quick look at what Fairview Forest gives freely:

• The trees sequester carbon and purify the air (especially important for residents when the highway is on the other side of the forest from them);
• The forest acts as a sound buffer from the traffic;
• The forest keeps the temperatures cool on hot days while the surrounding areas bake under the sun.
• The forest absorbs snow melt and rain water. This plays an important role is lessening the risk of flooding;
• The forest is used by local residents as a way to feel connected to nature. It offers a respite and is a sanctuary to many;
• The forest provides shelter and nourishment to birds and ducks because they rely on the vernal pools (that are filled with amazing beings like Fairy Shrimp and Fingernail Clams!). Not to mention the red-shouldered hawks, brown snakes (mainly found in the Greater Montreal area), and foxes who call the forest home.

To learn more, another local group FOREST ACTION ALLIANCE prepared this powerpoint presentation called “Climatic and Environmental Impacts of Cadillac-Fairview’s Development Plans” in the summer of 2021. It gives us a more in-depth look at what’s at stake if we lose Fairview Forest.

What responsibility does the city of Pointe-Claire have?

To respect its own Sustainability report issued in 2017, there are many relevant points to pay attention to, this one in particular on page 36

Sector 6 Biodiversity Objective 14: Expand wooded areas. “Although the city is highly urbanized, it must conserve and expand its wooded areas, not only for the well-being of its citizens but also to ensure the survival of its biodiversity.”

And to hold public consultations over the fate of Fairview forest before it goes ahead with any further steps for determining whether to grant a permit to Cadillac-Fairview for the proposed development project.