Chelsea property with mature forest, wetlands and diverse wildlife under threat of development!
Proposed Zoning Change
Zoning changes were proposed in March 2023 by the Municipality, contrary to the new Municipal Master Plan, which would allow the construction of up to 20 residences in the forest to the north end of the lot. The zoning change also suggests the development of a public water access site and a conservation area to the south, which the FMF supports.
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If the proposal comes to pass, it would see a major forest canopy containing wetlands and wildlife habitat adjacent to the core of Chelsea irremediably damaged.
This lot - located between Chelsea Smokehouse and chemin Hall, and wedged between Route 105 and the Gatineau River - has one of the last pieces of mature forest land along the Gatineau River and has significant ecological value. It contains a substantial intact forest, many diverse species of flora and fauna, as well as nesting sites for resident species, migratory species, some being at risk. It has many walking, snowshoe and dog walking trails which run through it connecting to the Voie Verte and Gatineau Park.
The Friends of the Meredith Forest
The Friends of the Meredith Forest is a group of concerned Chelsea community residents and environmentalists of the region working to raise awareness to the Meredith Lot, particularly the mature forest. We oppose a zoning change for the Meredith Lot. However, if any zoning change is to happen, we would want further protection and conservation of this beautiful lot. FMF wants to work in concert with the Municipality to develop this lot.
We want to raise awareness of this potential development project before it's too late.
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What can you do? You can help!
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Sign up with us so we can develop a substantial list of concerned citizens to present to Council
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Learn more and spread the word to your neighbours
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Write your councillor with your concerns
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Write Mayor Guénard with your concerns
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Make a personal commitment so that the FMF can achieve their goal of protecting this lot from residential development.
Raising Public Awareness of the Facts
The proposed zoning change sacrifices a beautiful forest to residential housing. The by-law proposal is quite attractive in that it includes a public access to the river and a conservation area.
Since the proposal offers no detail on where and how the river will be accessed and fails to mention the current state of the remainder of the lot, FMF have prepared an analysis of the proposed by-law and the property itself.
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Together we can improve Chelsea!
Our community is so passionate and skilled! Our goal with this website is to inform and connect those who are concerned about this project so we can prevent residential development in this large intact forest and wetlands.
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Your opinion matters and your contribution
to building our community is valuable!
The proposed development is contingent on re-zoning, which had its first of three readings before the Municipal Council in March 2023. There is time to halt the process.
Signing up for our email list helps us to communicate urgent new developments quickly and allows you to share information with uninformed neighbours.
We need volunteers to help us raise awareness, advocate with Municipal Council, and engage the community in this important effort to save the Meredith Forest!
Connect
Forest Location
Meredith Forest is wedged between Route 105 and the Gatineau River, starting at the Chelsea Smokehouse (706 Route 105) and chemin Hall to the north.