The Municipality of Les Coteaux unveiled its plans for the municipal campground at 46 rue Principale on Monday, November 20, at the municipal council meeting. 

Following the submission of a petition containing over 200 names of people wishing to preserve the municipal campground, the Municipality wanted to clarify its intention regarding the site's future. 

"Rumors are currently circulating, and we believe it's only fair to be transparent in this matter. Over the years, the site has given rise to much debate within the community. In total, the campground is home to 28 lots, all of which are leased. Of these, only seven Coteaux residents occupy a lot, according to our information. We realize that the campground is very valuable to some residents, but we feel that it could benefit a larger number of citizens and locals. That's why we're considering closing it permanently at a time yet to be determined," announced Mayor Sylvain Brazeau. 

In justifying this decision, he pointed out that the infrastructure is aging and practically at the end of its useful life. They need to be completely rebuilt, which would require major investment on a site that benefits a large minority of residents. 

Campers can rest assured, however, that the closure would not be in the short term. "We'd like to give campers at least a year's notice to find a plan B, and work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition," he says. 

One of the region's most beautiful sites 

If municipal camping no longer takes place on this site, what will? "It's one of the most beautiful sites in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, so it would make sense to develop it so that as many people as possible can enjoy it. We'd like to install a picnic area and parking for boat ramp users. We could also add a space for entertainment during the summer season, in collaboration with the Soulanges Canal. A development plan for the future site will be worked on in the near future," he says. 

To create this plan, the municipal council would like to hold a public consultation to hear the population's ideas and suggestions. "We want to know what the public's concerns are on this issue. We're also curious to know why the signatories of the petition want to keep the municipal campground."

More details will be released in due course.