By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A major residential development proposed for Ayer’s Cliff is progressing, though construction permits have yet to be issued. The Terrain Madore project, which could bring 200 to 500 new residents to the municipality, has undergone significant regulatory changes and sparked considerable public interest.
Located north of Wulftec International Inc. and west of Tyler Road, the Terrain Madore site was rezoned in 2023 to allow for residential use in zone RES-17. As Ayer’s Cliff Director General Abelle L’Écuyer-Legault explained, this required both a change to the town’s zoning bylaw and an amendment to the MRC’s land use plan to include the area in the urban perimeter. “No permits have been issued for residential development,” she clarified in an email, noting that while architectural plans have been validated, further municipal authorizations are still required.
In a recent interview, Mayor Simon Roy said the proposed development includes 24 buildings with up to 8 units each. “It could start, I would say, this fall or maybe next spring,” he added, though no timeline has been confirmed.
The mayor emphasized the town’s intention to provide more housing options for local residents who wish to remain in the area. “We feel that it’s going to offer more options for people from our city who want to sell their house but want to stay in the region,” he said. He also pointed to potential benefits for local businesses, especially during quieter winter months. “We’re expecting something like 200 to 500 more people… to make sure that even during the down months of winter, there’s going to be enough people around.”
According to L’Écuyer-Legault, a study of infrastructure capacity was commissioned by resolution in August 2024 and completed in December. The report found the town’s drinking water network—including wells, reservoir and distribution—would be able to handle the projected increase in demand. For wastewater treatment, the report recommended enhanced monitoring of the biological process to ensure stable performance as volumes increase. This monitoring began in early 2025 and remains ongoing.
Concerns about housing density led to a revision of the development plan earlier this year. During the April 2, 2024 council meeting, residents raised objections to the number of units per building. Thirty-four of the 103 eligible voters signed a register opposing the previously approved density of up to 24 units. In response, the town repealed the regulation that allowed for more than eight units per building and adopted a new rule capping buildings at exactly eight units.
Council members said they saw the community feedback as a “clear message,” and the decision to limit the number of units was unanimous. The updated regulation does not permit single-family homes in this zone but allows apartment or condo-style buildings within the revised density limits. According to the mayor, the developer is prepared to proceed under the new rules.
Environmental concerns have also been addressed. Though the site is near the Tomifobia River, L’Écuyer-Legault clarified that “the nearest lot line is more than 200 metres from the river.” Wetlands and flood zones on the property are excluded from the development area. “No construction is planned in these zones,” she confirmed.
The municipality has not yet budgeted for additional municipal services—such as snow removal or waste collection—pending confirmation of the project timeline. However, Ayer’s Cliff has contracted the Fédération québécoise des municipalités for municipal engineering support to help anticipate maintenance needs and avoid overextension of resources.
No formal agreement has been signed between the town and the developer. “We can simply affirm that the municipality has made it clear to the developer that affordable and accessible housing is important to council,” L’Écuyer-Legault wrote. The developer has reportedly shown openness to this request, though negotiations have not yet begun.
A public information session is planned, with the date to be confirmed soon. The developer has expressed interest in transparency, and the town has committed to being present to answer residents’ questions.