When the Nature Plan was tabled on June 6, 2023, a new Interim Control By-law was adopted and will be in place temporarily, until the government approves the Nature Plan and the City harmonizes its urban planning bylaws with the approved plan.

• See all documentation on the Nature Plan and the new Interim Control By-law

While the Interim Control By-law is in force, new development projects located in wetlands and woodlands of interest selected in the Nature Plan will be put “on hold,” so to speak. In addition, other construction and work projects likely to disturb the selected natural environments will also be subject to the Interim Control By-law.

This pause is necessary so that we can look ahead to the future and amend the regulatory framework in a context where the importance of conserving natural environments is no longer in question. Indeed, these areas greatly enhance our quality of life, have a significant impact on public health and safety, and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

Throughout this process, the following questions will be top of mind:

• How can we optimize land-use planning to ensure that natural environments continue to have a positive impact on our quality of life, while maintaining biodiversity?
• How can we rethink development to include the conservation of our natural environments?
• How can ecological connectivity between natural environments be integrated into land-use planning?

We are well aware that the Interim Control By-law will have an impact on projects—we are setting up various ways for you to get answers to your questions.

Interactive map of the natural environments subject to interim control

This map shows:

• Wetlands of interest and their zones of influence (15-metre strip surrounding each wetland).
• Woodlands of interest and the distinctive ecosystems or habitats within them.

Consult the interactive map to see whether a wetland or woodland of interest covered by the interim control is located on your property. It shows the natural environments identified on maps 1 and 2 appended to the Interim Control By-law no. 1274-1. These maps were modified in accordance with By-law no. 1274-1 amending the interim control regulation.

Consult the interactive map

By-law no. 1274-1 amending the interim control regulation

During its meeting held on April 9, 2024, City Council adopted By-law no. 1274-1 amending the Interim Control By-law no. 1274 for the protection of natural environments of conservation interest. The objective of this by-law is to add and amend permitted exemptions within natural environments of interest identified in the Nature Plan. This By-law has been in force since June 18, 2024.

You may consult By-law no. 1274-1.

Examples of additions and amendments provided for in By-law no. 1274-1:

• New and amended exemptions in wetlands of interest, zones of influence or protection strips.
• New and amended exemptions in woodlands of interest and distinctive ecosystems or habitats.
• Provisions regarding the construction of a new main building in woodlands of interest based on its distance from existing streets (maximum extent of deforestation).
• New exemption added for two types of projects (integrated project and subdivision project plan) that were covered by amendments to urban planning by-laws before June 6, 2023, which is the effective date of the interim control regulation. Projects covered by such amendments will continue to be analyzed if By-law no. 1274-1 comes into effect.
• New exemption added to authorize the construction of a new building within the protection strip of a wetland of interest on a lot existing as of June 6, 2023, provided that the conditions stated in By-law no. 1274-1 are met.
• Permission to build within distinctive ecosystems or habitats, provided that certain conditions stated in By-law no. 1274-1 are met.

Any permit application will now be analyzed taking into account the modifications made by By-law No. 1274-1. For more information, you can fill out the information request form at the bottom of this page.

Questions?

Are you planning a project in mind and are wondering what will happen to it during the interim control period? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.

FAQ

Do you need specific help? If you have questions about your property, please fill out the following form, let us know what information you’re looking for, and we’ll get back to you.

Fill out the form (available in French only)