Press release - For immediate release

The CMCEL files an interlocutory injunction to halt the controversial Cité du Cinéma / Trudel Studios project.

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For Immediate Release, Laval, September 12, 2024 (👉PDF Format)

Subject : The Coalition for Environmental Citizen Mobilization in Laval (CMCEL) files an interlocutory injunction to halt the controversial Cité du Cinéma / Trudel Studios project.

CMCEL, represented by Jonathan Tremblay, announces the official filing of an interlocutory injunction with the Superior Court of Quebec. This action aims to halt the construction work on the Trudel Studios development project in Saint-François, a constantly evolving film complex, raising concerns over the removal of the training center, the green roof, and other elements. Supported by the City of Laval, this project continues to raise serious concerns among citizens and local environmental organizations.

The Trudel Studios project, located on a municipal land of more than 200,000 m² south of Avenue Marcel-Villeneuve, faces major citizen opposition, particularly due to environmental impacts, poor land management, and potential threats to democratic rights. The City of Laval proceeded with zoning changes to allow the project, disregarding principles of transparency and democratic rights.


Ignored environmental risks


According to Jonathan Tremblay, “Poor land management can have severe repercussions on citizens’ quality of life, compromise biodiversity, and increase flood risks, like those of August 9, 2024. The long-term financial losses far outweigh the short-term economic gains.” The absence of proper land management, including stormwater management and retention basins, represents a major risk that the City of Laval has chosen to ignore, despite multiple warnings from the Laval Regional Environmental Council (CRE), CMCEL, and organizations such as the SaluTERRE Alliance. 


Lack of transparency and pressures on authorities


The access to information request submitted by CMCEL to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH) revealed several inconsistencies. During the analysis of the land use plan's compliance, the ministry noted that several large industrial plots were available in Laval, but no justification was provided as to why these sites were not chosen for the film project. Furthermore, it was confirmed that pressures were exerted by the City of Laval to expedite the compliance notice, potentially affecting the thoroughness of the analysis.


Protecting farmland and biodiversity


The Coalition emphasizes that this fight is not against the City or the developers but to protect farmland, local biodiversity, and the right to a fair democratic process. “It is unthinkable to neglect these essential issues to fast-track an economic project, risking passing this burden onto future generations,” added Jonathan Tremblay.


Ministerial opposition and important upcoming steps


The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) initially opposed the regulation project through an informal opinion, requesting a thorough territorial planning exercise before proceeding. However, after several exchanges, an agreement with MAMH eventually led to a favorable opinion, despite initial concerns.


The next step in this battle will take place this fall, when the parties will agree on a date for the injunction hearing. CMCEL hopes to secure this injunction to suspend the work until a final decision is made, as the City recently approved, around August 21, 2024, a site planning and architectural integration plan (PIIA), which could eventually allow the issuance of construction permits. For the main lawsuit, trial dates could be set during the summer of 2025.


A political decision needed to protect the environment and democracy


CMCEL urges the City of Laval and other decision-making bodies to review this project more responsibly, taking into account ministerial recommendations on the protection of habitats for threatened and vulnerable species, such as the brown snake and bats, and to adopt concrete measures to limit environmental impacts. Beyond environmental considerations, it is fundamental to respect democratic principles, ensuring an adequate democratic process and allowing citizens to fully participate in decisions about their future.


Jimmy St-Germain, spokesperson for the Saint-François (Laval) Citizen Group - Ecosystems and Resilience and member of CMCEL, adds: "We are not against economic development, but it must be done with respect for the citizens and their environment. It is essential that the City takes into account the residents’ concerns and adopts a more transparent and ecosystem-respecting approach."


Press contacts:

Jonathan Tremblay, Co-spokesperson for the Coalition for Environmental Citizen Mobilization in Laval
info@cmcel.ca, Fundraising campaign :  https://www.cmcel.ca/campagne/financement .

References:

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