Laval residents rally over Centre de la nature farm closure ahead of Tuesday council meeting
Posted February 3, 2026 9:20 pm.
Last Updated February 3, 2026 9:21 pm.
Laval’s Centre de la Nature farm is at the centre of a heated debate after Mayor Stéphane Boyer announced in December that the facility will close later this year.
The decision, made without prior public consultation, sparked immediate backlash from residents and community groups who say the farm is a vital educational and recreational asset.
Citizen rally draws dozens
On Saturday, Jan. 31, citizens gathered in front of the farm to demand a proper consultation on its future.
Dennis Fiévèt, who launched the petition “Non à la fermeture de la fermette du Centre de la nature de Laval,“ joined local councillor Isabelle Piché and interim Action Laval leader Achille Cifelli in calling on the city to reconsider the closure.
More than 20,000 residents have signed Fiévèt’s petition calling for the farm to remain open.
Action Laval statement
Action Laval issued a statement saying the closure decision was announced without prior consultation, violating principles of transparency and citizen participation.
“The presence of all these people today clearly demonstrates how important the Nature Center farm is to Laval residents, and how strongly they feel that the mayor is not listening to them. Remember that the decision to close this iconic Laval attraction was announced by the mayor behind closed doors last December, without consulting citizens beforehand,” the statement read.
City council debate
The issue was brought before the Laval city council on Tuesday, Feb. 3, with a proposal from Action Laval requesting a public consultation on the farm’s future. The petition started by Fiévèt will also be submitted officially.
Proponents argue that the farm plays a crucial role in environmental education, agriculture awareness, and animal care, providing a free and accessible resource for residents of all ages and income levels. Action Laval emphasized that decisions about such a municipal facility must be transparent and involve citizen input before finalizing any closure or transformation.
Residents are encouraged to follow council discussions online or in person to stay updated on the farm’s future. Action Laval said the results of any public consultation should be presented to council before a final decision is made, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard.
