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After weeks of debate over a proposed golf course redevelopment project, Hemmingford, Que., is hitting pause.
The municipality announced Thursday it is withdrawing the bylaw that would have changed the land-use designation for the Hemmingford Golf Club property, effectively putting plans for a proposed 647-unit residential and commercial development on hold.
The township, located near the U.S. border — about 68 kilometres south of Montreal — said the decision was made for two reasons.
First, municipal officials said the proposed bylaw did not comply with provincial government guidelines, meaning it could not be approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in its current form. The municipality said further analysis will be required before any revised land-use changes are considered.
The township also acknowledged concerns raised by residents from both Hemmingford township and the village, who had asked for more information and an opportunity to participate in consultations before decisions were made.
“The township intends to continue examining future real estate development needs and wishes to reassure its citizens that the issues raised are being taken seriously and that their voices will be heard,” the statement reads.
The announcement marks a significant shift for a proposal that had sparked debate in recent weeks.
Decision a positive step, residents say
For residents like Evelyne Bouchard, who had raised concerns about the scale and location of the proposed development, the township’s decision will allow residents to engage in a broader conversation about how Hemmingford should grow.
“This whole situation has been a wake-up call that if we don’t have a conversation when we’re not facing the pressure of a real project then we don’t have that good guidance and clarity on whether things align with the community’s needs or not.”
Evelyne Bouchard has been following the proposal since the township council requested zoning changes last summer. (Chris Kurys/CBC)
She previously questioned whether creating a new neighbourhood separated from the village core would strengthen the community or encourage greater reliance on cars.
“I am in favour of development in general,” said Bouchard, who teaches at McGill University’s School of Architecture. “I’m opposed to this particular development because I think it’s too big and it’s in the wrong place.”
Philip Fortin, CEO of Camping Canne de Bois, whose family campground has operated across from the golf course since 1954, said he was also encouraged by the township’s decision, calling it a positive step for the council.
“I think what the citizens have been asking for is more transparency, clear communication and really a more meaningful opportunity to participate on a project at this scale,” he said.
Philip Fortin owns Camping Canne de Bois, which sits just across the street from the Hemmingford Golf Club. (Chris Kurys/CBC)Community engagement session
Bouchard said she hopes to work with local organizations this fall to organize a community engagement session focused on the municipality’s long-term future.
“Now the next step would be to have that conversation collectively as a group and then to see what comes out of it and to think about how we can use that to guide decisions in the future.”
A formal resolution confirming the townships’s decision will be adopted at an upcoming municipal council meeting before being forwarded to the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville.
While the current land-use modification has been withdrawn, the township has indicated it will continue examining future development needs.
Any future proposals, officials said, will include more information sharing and public consultation before decisions are made.