Matthew Farfan

SOS Parc Orford, the coalition that was recently formed to oppose the government's proposal to sell off a part of Mount Orford Provincial Park to private developers held a massive protest in the town of Orford today.

Estimates of the number of people in attendance ranged from 3,000 to 5,000. Many of those in the crowd were carrying placards denouncing the Charest government's plans for the provincial park, which many consider to be one of the gems of the Eastern Townships.

Some two dozen speakers took to the podium in turn to address the crowd, including environmentalists, politicians, social activists, and celebrities.

At the close of the protest, SOS Parc Orford spokesperson Gisèle Benoit-Lacasse invited the crowd to come to Montreal on April 22 (Earth Day) for what promises to be an even bigger rally. She also reminded people of an upcoming event at the Granada Theatre in Sherbrooke, at which a host of celebrities will lend their talents in support of Mount Orford Park.

For more information on the goals and activities of SOS Parc Orford, or to sign a petition opposing the sale of
land in the Mount Orford Park, click here.

Left: Gisèle Benoit-Lacasse meeting with journalists after the rally.

(Photos: Matthew Farfan)