A petition that garnered more than 14,000 signatures in just a few days is circulating online to oppose the closure of a farm in Laval, Que.
The Centre de la nature‘s animal farm is slated to close in 2026, a decision that has sparked public outcry from residents and others.
Many, like Naomi Panetta, say the farm is a sanctuary tied to treasured moments from their youth and are calling on the city to reconsider.
Panetta worked at the Centre de la nature between 2017 and 2022 and has fond memories from both her childhood and her time working there.
“That farm was the first experience I ever had with farm animals. So I really got to see for the first time what a donkey was, the horses, the piglets and the cows,” she said.
The announcement of the farm’s closure was something she hadn’t seen coming.
“I was really shocked,” she said. “I would have never thought, in all my years working there, that the farm was in any danger of closing.”
During her time at the park, Panetta recalls the farm being well maintained, with regular repairs and improvements.
Naomi Panetta worked at the Centre de la nature between 2017 and 2022 and never imagined she would see the animal farm close. (Submitted by Naomi Panetta)
Dennis Fievet, the petition’s creator, is urging the city to keep the farm open and invest in renovations.
“The farm is a very important place for many Laval families …. For some children, it is one of the only places where they can have real contact with animals, especially in an urban environment,” wrote Fievet.
“It allows children to learn where animals come from and to develop respect for nature.”
The petition is filled with comments from people sharing personal stories tied to the farm.
“Some of my child’s first words were the names of the animals here,” wrote one signatory.
Panetta also noted that while most other farms serve an agricultural purpose, the Centre de la nature farm is mainly educational.
“If it gets relocated to another farm, it just loses its whole purpose as to why we even had a farm in a park to begin with,” said Panetta. “It’s in such a crucial part of our city.”
Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer stated that animal welfare will remain the top priority as his team seeks solutions. (Submitted by Kim Plante)
City will look for solutions, says mayor
Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer took to social media to respond to criticism, saying he had taken the time to read concerned citizens’ messages and comments.
“I understand the disappointment this announcement has caused,” wrote Boyer. “I want to assure you that the proposal to decommission the farm was not made light-heartedly.”
He explained that the building is in a dilapidated state and no longer meets current standards, despite repairs carried out in recent years.
According to Boyer, even with more funds invested in basic maintenance, the farm would remain unsuitable from an animal welfare perspective.
Rebuilding to current standards, he added, would cost several million dollars.
“The financial situation is difficult for most cities, and Laval is no exception,” wrote Boyer, highlighting that the city must focus on maintaining roads, improving the quality of services and protecting neighbourhoods from flooding.
However, he acknowledged that he’s also listening to citizens.
“Many of you have reminded me of the educational importance of the farm. I hear you,” stated Boyer.
Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer says he’s going to work with his team to find an alternative to closing the farm. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)
He said he has asked the city’s general management to start working “immediately” on identifying an alternative that would allow Laval to continue offering this type of activity in a context that better supports animal welfare and that is financially sustainable.
Boyer concluded his publication by stating that animal welfare would remain the top priority in the search for solutions.
Opposition parties pounce
The farm’s closure is part of Laval’s newly adopted budget.
Laval’s Official Opposition at city hall, Parti Laval, criticized the decision in a Facebook post, calling it a “concrete example of the impact of the costly choices made by Mayor Stéphane Boyer in recent years.”
In a statement, Action Laval, another local political party, also denounced the decision and said a notice of proposal will be tabled at the next municipal council meeting to call for a public consultation.
Panetta agrees that residents should be consulted.
“This is really a gem in our city and it’s a generational attraction,” she said.
“There’s definitely more that can be done than simply just closing down the structure that serves thousands and thousands of Quebecers every year.”
