This FAQ aims to clarify the main issues surrounding the Nature 360 project in order to better understand its impact on the environment, the community, and the future of Cantley.
Nature 360 is a 318-lot residential project integrated into a vast 800-acre site along the Gatineau River, between the golf course and Mont-Cascades ski resort. Designed to harmonize development and the environment, the project includes enhancing nature through the preservation of sensitive areas and the development of public access to the river and Mont-Lorne.
For decades, this vast tract of land has been privately owned and legally inaccessible to the public. With the completion of Nature 360, the situation will change completely, as all Cantley residents will have access to several kilometers of developed trails, lookouts offering exceptional views, and new access points to the Gatineau River. In total, more than 105 acres (4,573,800 square feet) will be donated to the Municipality, the equivalent of approximately 270 ice rinks, creating a true collective heritage.
The City of Cantley’s annual budget is approximately $20 million. With Nature 360, the municipality will receive nearly $2 million in additional revenue each year, an increase equivalent to 10% of its budget. This new revenue will give the municipal council the means to carry out new projects to improve the quality of life of citizens and could also help limit future tax increases. In addition, the presence of quality green spaces can also increase the value of neighboring properties.
The Nature 360 project fully complies with existing standards. It was developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and enhanced to serve as a model for nature protection in Quebec. Easements protect remarkable forests, and the development takes into account sensitive environments and endangered species. After one of the most rigorous analyses ever conducted, including several site visits by experts from the Ministry of the Environment, a ministerial authorization was issued in the summer of 2025.
No. The Nature 360 project was designed to protect the Mont-Lorne forest and the species that live there. Thanks to the creation of ecological corridors, natural environments will be preserved and biodiversity maintained. Of the 800 acres of land, more than 75% will remain intact and free of any development, ensuring the survival of this remarkable forest.
Rejecting the project will not prevent construction. The current zoning already allows for other types of development, but these would offer far fewer benefits to the community. Without Nature 360, there would be no public access to the river and Mont-Lorne, less protection for natural environments, and much lower property tax revenues for the municipality.
Voting NO sends a clear message to the next council that Cantley residents want low-density residential development that creates collective wealth while respecting nature. It also calls for real access to the jewels of our territory, such as Mont-Lorne and the Gatineau River, so that everyone can enjoy them freely. Voting NO means choosing a future where Cantley grows in harmony with its environment while maintaining property tax rates that respect families’ ability to pay.
Nature 360 will offer a unique living environment. With its landscaped trails, lookouts, protected forest, and access to the river, residents will enjoy an exceptional natural environment. The area also offers a variety of recreational attractions, such as golf, skiing in winter, and water slides in summer. Located close to major urban centers, this project will become a prime location for young families and active couples who want to live close to nature while remaining connected to the city.
No connection. The February registry was intended to block a bylaw allowing homes to be built on lots smaller than one acre. The Nature 360 project, on the other hand, only includes lots larger than one acre.
No, this is not a first. On the contrary, it is common for authorities to announce a legislative change while allowing time for those affected to adapt. This is a common way to ease the transition and reduce the impact on those affected.
Rejection would not prevent construction, as the current recreational-tourism zoning already allows for other types of development. Recreational-tourism zoning means that the municipality authorizes tourism- and resort-oriented development such as hotels, inns, short-term rental cottages, campgrounds, etc.
Nature 360 is our last chance to secure and develop access to the river. It’s now or never. Voting NO is the only guarantee that this section will remain public property for the people of Cantley. Let’s not let this last chance slip away.
The benefits of the Nature 360 project are significant for the community. Accessible green spaces encourage physical activity, reduce stress, and strengthen social ties by becoming meeting places for residents, improving overall well-being.
