Dorval Avenue: Planning for Today, Preserving Tomorrow

My fellow citizens of Dorval,

My team and I would like to thank the residents who took the time to participate in the public consultation concerning the proposed zoning changes along Dorval Avenue, near Dawson Avenue.

At the October 19 Council meeting, Joe Bou-Faisal, Pascal Brault and Linda Jun Lu voted against zoning amendment RCM-60A-24, which allows ground-floor space previously reserved for commercial activity to be used for residential amenities, such as condominium gyms and lounges.

During the debate, Mayor Marc Doret stated, “We're not blocking anything. We're not taking away anything, we're adding a use.”

I respectfully disagree with that interpretation. While commercial uses remain permitted, allowing businesses is not the same as ensuring there is space for them. The amendment removes the commercial requirement without a clear demonstration that these spaces could not attract commercial tenants. Once converted into shared condominium amenities, returning them to commercial use may become considerably more difficult.

As Councillor Pascal Brault reminded Council during a discussion of the Parks Master Plan, “our Master Plans should have meaning.” Dorval's Sustainable Master Plan 2015–2031 envisions a vibrant, mixed-use Dorval Avenue, bringing together housing, local businesses and services while strengthening connections with Dorval Village and the waterfront. Developed with input from residents and businesses, this vision should continue to guide decisions about our city's future.

We recognize the importance of flexibility for developers and quality amenities for residents. We believe there is room for both. Preserving a reasonable minimum of street-facing commercial space, while allowing residential amenities elsewhere on the ground floor, would maintain opportunities for neighbourhood shops and services, particularly in an area with numerous apartment buildings and seniors' residences.

Equally important, public consultation should be more than an opportunity to speak. It should have the potential to influence the decisions that follow. Residents deserve to know that their concerns have been genuinely considered, even when those concerns may lead an elected official to reconsider a position shortly before a vote.

Supporting local businesses, encouraging responsible development and giving citizens a meaningful voice were among the commitments we made during the last municipal election. These are not simply election promises, but principles that continue to guide our decisions.

What we allow today shapes what we leave tomorrow. The spaces we preserve may become the shops, services and gathering places our community will need.

Dorval is a wonderful place to live today. Together, we have a responsibility to ensure it remains so for generations to come.

Umberto Macri