Sutton: bylaws threaten integrity of the territory!

This petition is the initiative of a large group of Sutton citizens who are worried that draft Zoning Bylaw 254 and draft Subdivision Bylaw 256, put forward by the Sutton Municipal Council, are not consistent with the orientations of sustainable development set out in the Urban Planning Program 114-1 in force since March 8, 2011.  It is clear that the adoption of these bylaws would have negative and irreversible effects on the environment, the landscape, our drinking water and security, in addition to incurring significant costs to the municipality.

The aim of this petition is to make these concerns known to Sutton Town Council so that the mayor and councillors will take them into account when making decisions that will forever affect the Sutton region.

1.     Because every citizen and elected official has the duty to protect  the environment and our landscapes for future generations ;

2.     Because the urban planning bylaws currently in force in Sutton are an example for the rest of Quebec and place Sutton at the forefront  of urban planning in Quebec ;

3.     Because the Sutton Mountain Range is a fragile ecosystem and a living environment beloved by all, 
it requires protection ; 

4.     Because the deforestation and fragmentation of our forests is already underway in several local municipalities, more destruction will only further affect our ecosystems and must therefore be limited;

5.     Because there is still land available within the village core and surrounding area which could be developed innovatively, in keeping with recognized principles of Smart Growth ;

6.     Because the citizens of Sutton have the right to approve or reject elements of the modified bylaws ;

7.     Because the registers needed to require that a referendum poll be held will be too numerous and discourage Sutton citizens from expressing their concerns about these restructured bylaws, which affect us all ;

8.     Because these proposed changes to the urban planning bylaws appear to promote special interests rather than those of the general public ;

     9. Because the adoption of these bylaws will hasten the development of urban infrastructure in the mountains. Maintaining this urban sprawl will impose an added fiscal burden on the town ;

1 0 Because the Urban Planning Program has been in effect since March 8, 2011 and the Municipality of Sutton has chosen to proceed with these massive changes to the zoning and subdivision bylaws : 

We are asking that the Sutton Municipal Council not act hastily, withdraw proposed Bylaws 254 and 256, review the Urban Planning Program  at the time scheduled for the five-year review, starting in March 2016, and provide enough time to carry out a thorough and democratic consultation of all citizens of Sutton.