JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

The future development of St. Lazare’s Cité des Jeunes sector and its village core were the focus of a public information meeting held at city hall last night, where municipal officials unveiled their plans that envision what both areas could look like in the next 10 years.

With the planned opening of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges regional hospital in 2026, the city noted the Cité des Jeunes area is now under increased pressure for real estate development.

The sector is currently characterized as a multi-use area with all types of activities and buildings in addition to large tracts of vacant land that could be developed.

While the area offers a range of assets and features to encourage development, the city said the sector may not necessarily be suitable for every type of project. Careful planning is needed to meet the diverse needs of current and future residential and commercial residents.

For its part, the village core represents what was described as the beating heart of St. Lazare, where a variety of activities and uses – including residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and leisure areas – are carried out each day to create a living environment that drives the city’s dynamism.

Renewing its vitality depends to a large extent on the development of a coherent mix of current and future uses.

Artistic renditions were displayed to show how both areas could like in 2035. The city said the aim is to enhance its community life, culture and heritage, promote economic revitalization and develop a renewed ecological and sustainable commitment for the city.

A public consultation meeting will be held at a future date to discuss the regulatory amendments that will be made to the city’s urban planning bylaws that will provide the framework for the development of these areas.

Both project plans will be posted on the city’s website over the next few days. Residents have until Feb. 23 to submit final comments by e-mail to ppu@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca.