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Opponents of Montreal borough artificial turf field project garner 2,000-plus petition signatures

A petition launched against plans to convert an existing natural turf soccer field in the Montreal area to an artificial version has garnered more than 2,000 signatures.

Those behind the petition argue users will be impacted by long-term health and environmental risks. Several U.S. cities, including Boston, have banned the construction of artificial turf fields, arguing they contain PFAS – or “forever chemicals” – which don’t fully degrade.

The mayor of Montreal borough Côte-des-Neiges, however, says there is a community need for such a field, suggesting youth need to be more active.

While the naysayers also argue artificial turf surfaces contribute to urban heat, Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa has countered such concerns by saying trees can be planted in the area to help mitigate heat issues.

The borough is scheduled to vote on the project on July 4.