Urgent: Sherbrooke Candidate Kibonge Doubles Down on Green Space Protection, Prioritizes ASCOT-LENOX Wood
Sherbrooke, QC – In a significant development for environmental advocates, Raïs Kibonge, leader of Sherbrooke Citizen, has publicly committed to preserving the ASCOT-LENOX wood, a cherished natural area within the city. This pledge, made during a press briefing Monday morning, comes as current interim control settlements (RCIs) protecting the wood are set to expire during the next mayoral term. This is breaking news for Sherbrooke residents and signals a potential shift in the city’s development priorities.
Protecting a ‘Natural Jewel’: The Future of ASCOT-LENOX
Kibonge’s commitment isn’t simply about maintaining the status quo. He emphasized a proactive vision for the wood’s development, linking environmental protection with social responsibility. “We are talking about a social project,” Kibonge stated, framing the preservation of ASCOT-LENOX as integral to the well-being of Sherbrooke’s citizens. He plans to leverage the city’s strategic envelope for acquisitions, not only to purchase land within the wood itself, but also to secure land for much-needed social housing across Sherbrooke. This dual approach aims to address the often-polarized debate between development and conservation.
“People, when they are in housing and there is a heat wave, they want to go to the wood,” Kibonge explained, highlighting the interconnectedness of urban living and access to nature. He’s aiming to move beyond the “either/or” mentality and create a city where both housing and green spaces can thrive. This is a key element of his party’s broader strategy, which views ASCOT-LENOX as part of Sherbrooke’s environmental heritage – a “natural jewel” that deserves continued protection.
Caption: The ASCOT-LENOX wood provides vital green space and recreational opportunities for Sherbrooke residents.
A Track Record of Environmental Action
Sherbrooke Citizen’s commitment to environmental protection isn’t new. Over the past four years, the party has championed several key initiatives, including the development of a densification-focused urban planning plan and the implementation of a comprehensive nature plan. This nature plan currently protects 45% of Sherbrooke’s territory, demonstrating a long-term dedication to preserving the city’s natural assets. The party also intends to protect smaller, locally significant wooded areas beyond ASCOT-LENOX.
Understanding Interim Control Settlements (RCIs): RCIs are temporary regulations used by municipalities to control land use while more permanent planning policies are being developed. They provide a crucial buffer against rapid development and allow time for careful consideration of environmental impacts. Maintaining the RCI for ASCOT-LENOX is legally permissible and a key component of Kibonge’s strategy.
The Bigger Picture: Urban Green Spaces and Community Well-being
The focus on ASCOT-LENOX reflects a growing global trend: the increasing recognition of the vital role urban green spaces play in community health and resilience. Studies consistently show that access to nature reduces stress, improves air quality, and promotes physical activity. Furthermore, preserving green spaces can enhance property values and attract investment. Sherbrooke’s potential approach, balancing housing needs with environmental preservation, could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. This is particularly relevant in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Raïs Kibonge’s pledge to protect ASCOT-LENOX and expand green space initiatives represents a significant moment for Sherbrooke. It’s a clear signal that environmental considerations are taking center stage in the upcoming mayoral race, and a promise to build a city where both people and nature can flourish. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the Sherbrooke mayoral election and its implications for the future of the city.
