Local groups Centre Social Auto-geré (CSA), Action-Gardien and a group advocating the protection of access to the Lachine Canal will attempt to have their say at the Southwest borough council meeting next Tuesday, July 7, and to grill borough officials on accepting a proposal to build a condo by the Lachine Canal in Pointe St-Charles.

During the previous council meeting last month, officials had some doors locked and bags were checked before allowing entry—probably, says CSA member Ivan D. Grand’Maison (an alias adopted to avoid arrest), because CSA members and local citizens tried to take over the building in question, an abandoned candle factory, in late May.

The proposed development would see a two-tower, six-storey condo with commercial space on the first floor built at 2985 St-Patrick. The condos would also restrict access to the canal, says Grand’Maison.

But Grand’Maison adds that the presence of concerned citizens’ groups at the meeting will help ensure due process. “It works. The fact that you’re putting pressure on elected officials… makes it so that people can’t come back and say, ‘No one was opposed to the development.’”

Meeting is July 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southwest borough office at 815 Bel-Air.

LINA HARPER