Courtesy
A stream winds through the Boisé du ruisseau Dodds, a humid woodland in Sherbrooke’s Université district that residents are fighting to protect from development

Dodds stream woodland should follow Ascot-Lennox model, says Sherbrooke candidate

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The humid woodland tucked between Chemin Sainte-Catherine and Boulevard de l’Université in Sherbrooke’s Université district has become the latest battleground over urban development and green space preservation. Independent council candidate Benoit Huberdeau is urging the city to permanently protect the Boisé du ruisseau Dodds and follow the example of the nearby Boisé Ascot-Lennox, which was preserved after years of citizen advocacy.

Though Huberdeau is seeking office in the Nov. 2 municipal election, he says the issue long predates his campaign. “I decided to run because I believe this situation needs a final and definitive solution,” he told The Record in a Sept. 11 interview. “But this is about protecting a vital green space, not politics.”

The Boisé du ruisseau Dodds is a roughly 10-hectare section of humid land interlaced with walking trails. Surrounded by residential development, the forested parcel is used regularly by families and walkers, even though it remains privately owned by developer Jacques Vallée.

“It’s not officially a park, but it functions like one,” Huberdeau said. “People treat it like a part of their neighbourhood. To lose it would be a mistake.”

Concerns have mounted recently after residents noticed trees being cut down and what some suspect are drainage changes on the site. “There’s a lack of clarity. The city hasn’t confirmed any project, but the owner seems to be preparing for construction,” he said. “That’s why people are worried.”

Huberdeau said the ground is already saturated, and backyards in neighbouring developments are wet year-round. “Adding more buildings and roads will make things worse. We’re talking about land that should never have been built on in the first place, going back to the Rock Forest era before the city merged in 2002.”

Beyond environmental concerns, Huberdeau raised issues about circulation in the sector. “It’s a dead-end zone. Everyone exits through two or three small streets onto Boulevard de l’Université. Traffic is a safety issue already,” he said. “More development here would hurt, not help.”

Inspired by the successful protection of the Boisé Ascot-Lennox—a forest preserved by Sherbrooke after sustained pressure from residents and environmentalists—Huberdeau said he wants to see the same model applied to Dodds Stream. “My dream is to replicate what the city did with the Ascot-Lennox woods,” he said. “Let’s have the city acquire this land, protect it permanently, and give it to the people for their enjoyment.”

The Boisé Ascot-Lennox, once similarly threatened by development, is now a green corridor known for its biodiversity and recreational value. “That’s exactly what we should do here. It’s the right precedent. We have an opportunity to get this one right,” Huberdeau added.

He has already met with residents involved in the grassroots group Sauvons le boisé du ruisseau Dodds, including spokesperson Mario Rousseau. The group maintains a public Facebook page and has been gathering support to pressure the city to intervene. “The citizens are organized, but they’re also left in the dark,” said Huberdeau. “They deserve answers.”

If elected, he pledges to bring together the key players—city representatives, the developer, and residents—for a mediated solution that avoids further delays. “We can’t keep dodging the issue. People need to know whether this will be protected or not. It’s time to sit down and resolve this.”

Although Huberdeau’s campaign is rooted in this cause, he insisted his primary concern is community well-being. “Whether I’m elected or not, I’ll keep pushing. But as a councillor, I’ll have more tools to make it happen.”