Salaberry-de-Valleyfield will hold a municipal referendum on October 25 over a zoning amendment that would change development rules in several residential zones and tie higher housing density to the protection of natural areas.
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Salaberry-de-valleyfield: What voters will decide
The vote concerns Regulation 150-49-1, which creates the new H-143-1 zone from part of the existing H-143 zone and establishes additional rules for streets, housing density, trees and conservation areas.
The city says the regulation was referred to a referendum after enough signatures were submitted during the earlier registry process on April 28, 2026.
The affected area includes zone H-143 and the contiguous zones A-118, C-144, H-149, P-173 and P-142, according to the municipality’s referendum information.
How the proposed zoning rules would work
Under the amendment, opening a public street or increasing residential density in zones H-143 and H-143-1 would generally be prohibited unless the proposed development meets conservation-based conditions.
The regulation sets a basic maximum density of 0.5 dwelling per hectare, while allowing higher-density options when a specified share of the land is placed under conservation protections.
| Zone | Potential density | Minimum land tied to conservation |
|---|---|---|
| H-143-1 | 2 dwellings per hectare | 55 per cent |
| H-143-1 | 15 dwellings per hectare | 70 per cent |
| H-143 | 50 dwellings per hectare | 30 per cent |
The regulation also limits a new public street to 250 metres from an existing public street for the two H-143-1 options and restricts street-related clearing to a maximum width of 15 metres.
For conservation areas created through the development options, the rules require distinct lots or permanent conservation servitudes before certain subdivision or construction steps can proceed.
Additional protections for trees and vegetation
The proposed rules would require at least 30 per cent of a wooded property to remain in a natural state when no street is opened and density is not increased, including at least 20 per cent in a continuous area with a minimum depth of 10 metres.
Where existing wooded areas do not meet the required threshold, the regulation provides for tree planting intended to recreate continuous wooded areas and native Quebec vegetation.
The rules would also limit extensive recreation trails in wooded areas to four metres in width and require a forest-management plan for harvesting wood.
Key dates for voters
The referendum is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, with voting open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Centre multi-service Pie-X, located at 748 avenue Grande-Île.
People who need to register, correct their information or request removal from the referendum list can appear before the revision commission on Saturday, October 10, from noon to 3 p.m., or Tuesday, October 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 61 rue Sainte-Cécile.
The city lists a Quebec health insurance card, Quebec driver’s licence, Canadian passport, Canadian Forces identification card and Indian status certificate among the accepted identity documents.
Eligible non-resident voters may vote by mail if they have requested registration on the referendum list and submitted the required application by October 13.
What happens after the vote
The municipality says the referendum result will be announced on October 25 after the polling station closes and the ballots are counted.
The vote will determine whether the city’s proposed framework for balancing residential development with natural-area protection can proceed in the zones covered by the regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield referendum?
The referendum is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What is Regulation 150-49-1 about?
It changes zoning rules in zones H-143 and H-143-1, including residential density, street construction, tree protection and conservation requirements.
Which areas are covered by the referendum?
The city identifies zones H-143 and the contiguous zones A-118, C-144, H-149, P-173 and P-142 as part of the referendum area.
When can voters revise the referendum list?
The revision commission will meet on October 10 from noon to 3 p.m. and October 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 61 rue Sainte-Cécile.
Can eligible non-residents vote by mail?
Yes. Eligible non-resident voters may apply to vote by mail, provided their application is received by October 13, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, affected zones, voting procedures and zoning provisions were checked against the official Salaberry-de-Valleyfield referendum page and Regulation 150-49-1 documentation.
Disclaimer: Voting eligibility and referendum procedures may depend on an individual’s status on the municipal referendum list.