Laval’s Centre de la Nature Farm Faces Closure Amid Community Outcry
The Centre de la Nature farm in Laval has become the focal point of a contentious debate following Mayor Stéphane Boyer’s surprise announcement in December that the farm will shut its doors later this year.
The decision, which was made without consulting the public first, has triggered a wave of opposition from residents and local organizations who view the farm as a valuable hub for both education and recreation.
In response to the closure plans, concerned citizens gathered outside the farm on January 31 to demand a formal consultation about its future.
Dennis Fiévèt, the initiator of the petition “Non à la fermeture de la fermette du Centre de la nature de Laval,” united forces with local council member Isabelle Piché and interim leader of Action Laval, Achille Cifelli, to call for a reevaluation of the closure decision.
Over 20,000 residents have lent their support to Fiévèt’s petition advocating for the farm to remain operational.
Action Laval released a statement criticizing the lack of transparency and citizen engagement in the closure process, asserting the importance of involving the community in such decisions.
The issue was formally presented to the Laval city council on February 3 by Action Laval, proposing a public consultation on the farm’s fate. Fiévèt’s petition will also be formally submitted for consideration.
Advocates of the farm highlight its pivotal role in environmental education, promoting agricultural awareness, and nurturing animal welfare. They stress the farm’s significance as an inclusive and cost-free resource for individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Action Laval underscores the necessity of transparent decision-making processes and citizen involvement in determining the future of municipal amenities like the Centre de la Nature farm.
Residents are urged to monitor council discussions either online or in person to stay informed about the farm’s future. Action Laval insists that the outcomes of any public consultation should be presented to the council before any final determinations are made, to ensure that the community’s perspectives are taken into account.
