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On August 15, 2026, local environmental advocacy group Save Fairview Forest marked a milestone in community dedication: 300 consecutive Saturdays protesting to protect Fairview Forest. Located at the intersection of Brunswick Blvd. and Fairview Ave.—adjacent to Fairview Shopping Centre—the forest remains under threat of development.  

Since 2020, when Cadillac Fairview announced their plans for a massive development, the group has been fighting for the protection of this important natural space.

An Essential Ecological Oasis

Fairview Forest is the last remaining green space within a significant urban heat island. It serves as a fully functioning ecosystem and a habitat for many creatures, including species rare in Quebec, such as the Dekay’s brownsnake. Destroying, reducing, or fragmenting this ecosystem of wetlands, unspoiled forest, and field would eliminate its overall balance and functionality.  

In addition, the forest provides vital stormwater management in a heavily paved area. With recent severe flooding linked to climate change affecting local residents, the natural water absorption provided by the forest is more crucial than ever. The forest can absorb the equivalent of the water required to fill almost 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools, about 25 million litres of water.

Human Rights and Municipal Responsibilities

We know that protecting natural habitats like Fairview Forest directly aligns with human rights—specifically the rights to clean air, cooler temperatures, and a healthy environment. Municipal leaders also bear a shared responsibility to protect citizens against ongoing climate change and environmental degradation.  

Save Fairview Forest is pleased that the City of Pointe-Claire has initiated two major studies that will have an impact on Fairview Forest:  

• Ecosystem Services Study: Conducted by the environmental consulting firm Habitat, this study evaluates both direct and indirect benefits to citizens.

• Ecological Characterization Study: Conducted by Groupe Geos, this comprehensive environmental study will inventory the flora and fauna.

Save Fairview Forest expects that both reports will complement years of prior environmental research confirming the forest's unique ecological value.  

Growing Community and Organizational Support

Public support for saving the forest has expanded steadily over the years, evident in the frequent support from passing drivers during weekly protests. During the last municipal election, several sitting council members—including Mayor John Belvedere—committed to preserving the forest.  

In addition, Save Fairview Forest has secured official statements of support from seven local and provincial organizations:  

• Table de Quartier Sud de l'Ouest de l'Île (TQSOI)  

• Table de Quartier Nord de l'Ouest de l'Île de Montréal (TQNOIM)  

• Mères au front (MAF)  

• Mouvement d'action régional en environnement (MARE)  

• Société pour la Nature et les Parcs du Canada, Section Québec (SNAP)  

• Green Coalition  

• Legacy Fund for the Environment  

Letters of support have also been issued by ministers of five West Island United Church congregations—including Merging Waters, Ste. Geneviève, Lakeshore Trinity, Cedar Park, and Riverside. These letters were submitted to Pointe-Claire City Council as well as federal representatives, including MPs Julie Dabrusin and Francis Scarpaleggia.  

The Ongoing Pursuit

Ultimately, citizens must determine the way forward. Save Fairview Forest volunteers remain steadfast, pledging to continue their Saturday demonstrations and advocacy until one hundred percent of Fairview Forest is permanently protected.