Environment , shoreline and habitat at lac Mercier
7 April 2016In concert with it’s mission adopted along with it’s constitution in 1990, and conscious of the fragility and the degradation of it’s shoreline in several areas, the Association has, for some time, undertaken many efforts to improve the condition of the shore.
Involvement in the protection of the shoreline
This page is available on the website petitehistoiredulacmercier.ca
The maintenance of an undisturbed shoreline strip is one of the factors that improve the water quality, and wildlife habitats, around the lake.
It is because rain water runoff is slowed by roots, branches and trunks, that it is filtered before entering the lake. The shoreline strip is the last filter for runoff before it enters the lake. It is also the last buffer against waves and erosion if it is made up of flowering plants, trees and shrubs.
A lush shoreline strip imparts a natural character to the environment, and increases property values.
Leaflet: Plantation et entretien d’une bande riveraine (FR)
Protection of the shoreline and its watershed
- Regeneration of the shoreline
The Association du lac Mercier is aware of the importance of the problem of erosion around the lake, and the need to improve the quality of shore. During the summer of 2010, the town of Mont-Tremblant has inspected the shore and make recommendations so that each owner complies with the new regulations on the shoreline, adopted in January 2009 (Regulation 2008-102).
Municipal regulations on protection of the shoreline (FR)
Gouvernement du Québec: Protection Policy for Lakeshores
Where shoreline regeneration is required, some native plants are particularly successful in naturalization of shorelines. These are pioneer plants well adapted to our climatic conditions, including ease of reproduction and resistance to manipulation.
Some good choices for this purpose are: alder, dogwood, sweet gale, the vine virgin, willow and spirea shrub with large leaves.
Hereunder are the pictures of a few varieties that are recommended: “Myrica gale” also called “Sweet gale”, growing 1 meter high, very resistant, tolerates being flooded during long periods and spreads easily.
The Bayberry Balsam is also called “wood-feels-good”, meaning its generic name besides “fragrance.” This shrub reaching 1 m high spreads very easily (seeds), is well adapted to our climate, may tolerate prolonged flooding and grows in poor environments (sandy banks) which makes it an ideal shrub for shoreline recovery.
Which plants are recommended for shoreline restoration (FR)
Since Summer 2012, there has been a remarkable re-growth of vegetation along the shoreline.
Efforts at reforestation are quite visible on most lakefront properties.
According to the Quebec Court of appeal, municipalities can oblige landowners to restore the shoreline to it’s natural state.
Bande riveraine : fin des droits acquis (FR)
- Erosion of the shoreline :
Lac Mercier is especially vulnerable, because more than 50% of it’s shoreline lies adjacent to the linear park.
Main zones of erosion:
It is crucial to preserve as much as possible, the natural vegetation along the Linear Park.
- Construction bordering the lake and development in the watershed
Several housing projects have gradually altered the appearance of the watershed of lac Mercier.
Recall of past activities related to the development in the watershed
This page is available on the website petitehistoiredulacmercier.ca
Conscious of the environmental impact of these major projects on the shoreline and the water quality, the Association remains vigilant in order to minimize any negative impact.
We are advising our councillors so that the lifestyle character of the village sector is not lost in a maelstrom of urbanisation.
- Short-term tourist lodging:
In order to reduce the negative impact of a variably changing clientele in a very desirable sector, we support the new City regulation prohibiting short-term ( less than 31 days) tourist residences along the shoreline of lac Mercier.
Read the Tremblant Express article: Short-term rentals are illegal
- Construction in the lake’s protected zone:
The City of Mont-Tremblant has recently modified the regulations relating to minor variances, so that all construction in the protected zone of the lake is prohibited. Going forward, no permits will be granted for minor variances or new construction, within the protected zone.
Mucicipal by-law for lakeshore properties (FR)
- Docks
The installation of a dock can may degrade the water quality and disturb aquatic fauna. It is essential to take the necessary measure to protect the environment.
No permit is required to install a dock, but certain regulations must be respected.
Here is a summary of the City regulations that pertain to docks.
habitat at lac Mercier – flora and fauna
This page is available on the website petitehistoiredulacmercier.ca