Montreal won't commit to Meadowbrook preservation yet

The Meadowbrook Golf Course won't be declared a protected green space any time soon, Montreal officials said after dozens of protesters descended on city hall Monday night demanding preservation.

Parts of the century-old golf course in southwest Montreal have been targeted for condominium development by Pacific Group Canada.

But local residents say the 57-hectare green space should be preserved as a public park.

"Meadowbrook represents the last beautiful green space between Mont-Royal and the West Island," said Howard Barza, a member of Les Amis de Meadowbrook.

The land is a "beautiful natural reserve [that] represents biodiversity," Barza said.

No environmental initiative can replace that, added Patrick Asch, another member of Les Amis de Meadowbrook.

"No matter what, a green roof will never replace a park for the community, and a low-flush toilet will never replace wildlife,' Asch said from the protest.

The Meadowbrook land extends from the Lachine borough to Côte St. Luc.

Montreal executive committee member Alan DeSousa said the city will see what it can do to address protestors' demands, but isn't prepared to preserve it as a greenspace.