By CBC News Ottawa, April 27, 2020
Some Gatineau residents citizens are speaking out against the proposed sale of a woodlot in the western part of the city, arguing it has significant ecological value.
The City of Gatineau issued a tender a few weeks ago for the 5.3-hectare plot of land located at the corner of boulevard de Lucerne and chemin Fraser in the district of Deschênes, near Aylmer.
The money from the sale will be used to purchase land for a new ice rink complex in the city's Plateau neighbourhood
(...)
Gatineau councillors said they weren't informed of the possible presence of a grove of white oak trees when they unanimously approved publication of the call for offers. White oak have become rare after decades of exploitation by industry.
"I find it relevant to dwell on this file, because there is an alleged ecological value," said Aylmer Coun. Audrey Bureau.
A 2012 study carried out by the non-profit Outaouais Ornithologists Club concluded that the land provides critical habitat for endangered species due to its combination of wetland and forest.
.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gatineau-residents-call-council-preserve-woodlot-1.5545750