For several weeks, the Canadian Pacific (CP) has been massively and ruthlessly cutting down trees near its railway line that crosses the town of Sainte-Thérèse. After receiving numerous complaints from citizens living near the level crossing on Rue Blainville Ouest, the city is trying to talk sense into the company.

“We contacted the CP and tried to draw their attention to it,” says Christian Charron, Mayor of Sainte-Thérèse.

With Héloïse Bélanger, councilor for the district of Chapleau, and Louise Chabot, federal deputy from Thérèse-De Blainville, they are also calling for the federal government to intervene. While they believe it is acceptable for CP to evacuate its land for reasons of visibility or safety, it is different when there is no valid reason to do so.

“Last week I called the Federal Minister for Transport, Omar Alghabra, to update him on the situation,” says Louise Chabot, who says she wants “CP to stop acting reckless without giving a single moment’s thought to theirs.” to make actions.” [peuvent] have consequences for the environment and the citizens of Sainte-Thérèse. »

The felling of these mature and healthy trees goes against everyone’s responsibility towards the environment and is in sharp contrast to the green values ​​that the city of Sainte-Thérèse upholds, according to Christian Charron. The mayor cautions that such behavior isn’t unique to the region, and is creating a clear cut that potentially extends across Canada.

“What is happening in Sainte-Thérèse has happened elsewhere and will happen elsewhere. »

The green wall, an important element

The reduction not only causes disturbances to the local ecosystem or problems related to the elevation change, but also has direct consequences for the residents of the sector. Chantal Papineau, who has lived in the neighborhood for several decades, regrets the situation.

“The trees showered us with noise, dust, pollution and heat islands,” she explains.

The Thérésienne put signs on the trees behind her house to prevent them from getting through, called the Canadian Pacific and met with the secateurs, to no avail.

“There was absolutely nothing to do,” she says. We haven’t seen that in 30 years. »

Sylvain Duhamel is also overwhelmed by events as the railroad is tied to his course. Not only have Canadian Pacific workers cut down all but the young shoots, they have covered the back of the land, as well as that of its neighbors, in wood debris.

“We have to be forced to take this up,” he says, outraged. It’s completely absurd. »

Sylvain Duhamel asks what he needs to do to get the company to come back and clean the area.

A “legal vacuum”

Currently, no law prevents the CP from felling trees in this way, although any other Theresian wishing to fell a tree on his property must apply for a permit and, if granted, then replant a sprout in the same spot.

” [Le CP] Christian Charron confirms that he is the only citizen of the entire city of Sainte-Thérèse who can do as he pleases on his land. He can cut down all trees. »

“Theoretically, CP could remove all greenery from its land and apply herbicides everywhere for no good reason, and that wouldn’t be illegal, although it would be totally immoral,” adds Héloïse Bélanger.

Canadian Pacific’s director of government affairs and communications, Stacy Patenaude, responded to the city’s inquiries.

“Madame Patenaude told us that she was willing to meet us so that we could discuss everything together,” specifies Christian Charron.

Planned CP clearances near two other Sainte-Thérèse crossings have been delayed due to recent damage events. The city hopes this will truly deter the company from irresponsibly cutting down forests.