The City of Laval Secures $12.5 Million Deal to Transform Golf Ste-Rose Property into Nature Park
The City of Laval has announced a noteworthy move by offering $12.5 million to acquire the Golf Ste-Rose property, with plans to convert it into a sprawling nature park.
Mayor Stéphane Boyer expressed excitement about the potential transformation of the Golf Ste-Rose property, which spans an area equivalent to 75 soccer fields. Rather than allowing it to be developed for real estate purposes, the decision was made to safeguard and improve the land for public enjoyment. The vision is to collaborate with Laval residents in creating a sizeable riverside nature park that will cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Situated along the picturesque Mille Îles River, the property encompasses a total of 52 hectares, including 14 hectares of lush wooded area. Once the acquisition process, initiated last fall, was finalized on Feb. 3 at a city council meeting, the City of Laval confirmed that this new park will become one of the largest protected natural spaces in northwest Laval.
This initiative received financial backing from the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Quebec government, with a contribution of $4.5 million through the Greater Montreal Green and Blue Belt program. Minister Chantal Rouleau commended the effort to preserve the natural heritage and provide a vast outdoor retreat for the public.
The decision to acquire the Golf Ste-Rose property aligns with the larger vision of establishing a network of metropolitan parks for residents to enjoy recreational activities and relaxation within close proximity to home. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada emphasized the importance of protecting expansive green areas like this one in the heart of Greater Montreal, not only to enhance the region’s climate resilience but also to promote collective well-being.
The City of Laval plans to lease the site to Golf Ste-Rose until November 30, 2027, ensuring that ongoing activities, including two more golf seasons, can proceed smoothly. During this period, the public and organizations will have the opportunity to provide input on the future utilization of the site through a citizen participation platform to be launched this summer.
