Resumption of the work of the airport of Mascouche

Antoine Lacroix

Saturday, 17 February, 2018 00:04

UPDATE
Saturday, 17 February, 2018 00:04

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The construction of the new airport of Mascouche will be able to return, a new greeted with great pleasure by the sponsors of the project.

“We will regroup investors in the coming days to determine a plan and when the work can start again. One wishes it could be as early as possible “, a delighted Barry Albert, president of the Corporation of the airport of Mascouche.

The City of Mascouche had applied for and obtained in December 2016 for an injunction to stop the work because she believed that a certificate of authorization had not been issued, and that the project violated the environmental laws of québec.

The advantage for the federal

Relied on by Mascouche, judge of the superior Court of Quebec Marc Castonguay has considered article 22 of the Law on the quality of the environment was “constitutionally unenforceable” because an airport project is under federal jurisdiction. This last “balance” on the provincial laws.

“The fact of being able to refuse a location […] is an impediment “, he notes in a decision of 37 pages, issued yesterday, concluding that ” the applicability […] of federal exclusivity “.

As early as the fall

The work of clearing had already been initiated before the injunction is filed.

The airport will bear the name of” Aerodrome of Moulins “could open as early as this fall if everything proceeds as planned,” while having the least possible impact on the environment, ” says Yvan Albert.

“It will significantly contribute to the economic development of the region. Jobs will be created, a flight school will open its doors and will help in a context of shortage of pilots, ” said Mr. Albert, who believes the project is worth between 5 and $7 million.

He added that business aviation can establish, and that hangars can be built.

Transport Canada has indicated by e-mail yesterday evening to take note of the judgment ” in his favour “, but that it “must take the time to analyze the “everything” in more depth before commenting “.

It was not possible to obtain the comments of the City of Mascouche.