3 October 2022
October 3, 2022

Old Village

Old Village | Statement

Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant attended the presentation of the Old Village on September 20, 2022. Our Urbanism Committee reviewed the 107-page report submitted by Atelier Pierre Thibault.

 

Preamble

Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant would like to positively underline the Ville’s gesture to start from scratch the development project of the Old Village, by putting aside the proposals presented last year and that the leadership be given to the director general of the Ville to ensure that it first meets the expectations of the population of the Old Village and, secondly, the expectations of the rest of the population of Mont-Tremblant.

Julie Godard’s decision to call on external expertise by giving a mandate by mutual agreement to renowned architect Pierre Thibault to develop a vision for the development of the Old Village clearly demonstrates a desire for change.

Mandate of Pierre Thibault

“Pierre Thibault’s mandate will consist in proposing creative ideas as to the function and the link between certain lands and buildings, including the Lac Mercier beach, the Félix-Calvé and Couvent buildings, Daniel-Lauzon Park, Place de the Station and the land of the Abbé du Nord. Mr. Thibault is supported in this process by the architect Jérôme Lapierre, who is one of his closest collaborators.

“Both Mr. Thibault and the Council wish to develop a vision that respects the rural character that the residents of the neighbourhood hold dear, while being welcoming and highlighting the beauty of the place, its natural attractions and the potential of the buildings.”

Commentary

Interesting and dynamic presentation ;

Quality Citizen Committee;

Relevant historical background;
Very buoyant and unifying theme: “Imaginer un Village authentique pour les Tremblantois(e)s qui pourra aussi bénéficier aux visiteurs de passage”;

Clear and precise identified issues:

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Improve the pedestrian and cycling experience of the Village;
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Revitalize the heart of the Village;
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Improve recreational, cultural and community infrastructure;
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Architectural and material characteristics of Ville buildings;
Citizen participation of more than 300 people.
Question period during which significant concerns were raised
Impact on traffic (pedestrians, motor vehicles, bicycles, watercraft, etc.);
Impact on security (fire, civil security, etc.);
Impact on the environment (water, pollution, aqueduct, sewer, etc.);
Consequences on commercial activity in the Village sector;
Adjustment at the level of urban infrastructures.
While acknowledging the quality of the presentation, the work accomplished by the citizens’ committee and the leadership of the Ville’s general management, it seems obvious to Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant that the Ville must assess the level of density that the plan Mr. Thibault would create and the consequences related to an increase in construction in the sector of the Old Village. Take into account the comments made, following Mr. Thibault’s presentation, by the following:
Residents of rue du Couvent;
Residents and merchants of the Village sector;

The Lac Mercier Association: one-way traffic, development of a large quay, access to the lake, a delimited swimming area, a staircase to reach the top of the hill;

Other stakeholders.
In addition, it would be important to take into consideration the plans related to the future of the Beach and Tennis Club in the development of the Lac Mercier waterfront. Finally, a multidisciplinary approach (urban planning, public safety, traffic, environment, marketing, infrastructure, etc.) would be desirable for optimal planning of the development of the Village of Mont-Tremblant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ville de Mont-Tremblant is committed to greater transparency in the development of our region and to better defend the interests of citizens versus those of developers. To do this, it must stop operating in silos (by service) and piecemeal in order to develop a real overview resulting from strategic and budgeted planning.

It is important that the Ville take into account the issues of the Village sector, lacs Mercier and Moore, but also the other lacs in the region, including those of lacs Ouimet and Tremblant.

Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant salutes the work accomplished and hopes that the region will benefit from this new approach by the Ville in connection with greater transparency but above all better promotion of the interests of all citizens of the greater Mont-Tremblant region.

 

About Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant
Our goal is to protect Mont-Tremblant’s environment, unique character, and community, for current and future generations. Les Amis de Mont-Tremblant advocates for transparency, public consultation, responsible development, and environmental protection.

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