MRC to purchase Brownsburg-Chatham waterfront properties for park development

The next evolution in the development of recreational tourism in Argenteuil involves the proposed purchase of two, prime waterfront properties from the Municipality of Brownsburg-Chatham.

The adjoining properties, to be purchased by the MRC d'Argenteuil for $200,000, are located between Montée St. Philippe and Carillon in a sector just north of the Belvedere.

The property extends almost one kilometre inland and four and a half kilometers east-west along the river.

"For Brownsburg-Chatham that sector is developed for preservation and it can only be used as an asset," said MRC d'Argenteuil director general Marc Carrière. "For the MRC to own that big piece of land it's also a way to valorize a piece of land that adjoins our bicycle path."

A great variety of birds, turtles and other animals live on the property, which spans 450 hectares, and Carrière said the MRC hopes to seek out grants to create bird-watching and hiking trails that will intersect with the Argenteuil Route Verte.

One of the two parcels was formerly maintained by the provincial government, who sold the property to Brownsburg-Chatham in 1993 for one dollar. Within the sale, it was negotiated that the property could only be used as parkland or for other public use.

It was further designated that the province needs to approve any proposed development.

The second parcel of land was bought in 2004 for the evaluation cost of about $200,000.

If the sale proceeds, it will allow the MRC to begin planning for future development.

"Since Brownsburg-Chatham is a part of our MRC, it's a win-win situation for everyone," Carrière said. "Getting grants will also be easier because it will go from a municipality of about 7,000 people to a project representing the interests of over 31,000 people."