Montreal to expand Mount Royal Park

Amid COP15, the City of Montreal announced plans for a historic expansion of Mount Royal Park, the largest they say since it was inaugurated almost 150 years ago.

The Plante administration explaining that an area equivalent to five soccer fields will be added to the park – and the project will unfold over 20 years.

“The expansion of Mount Royal Park is a major legacy for the future of Montreal, and one of the signature gestures of our administration of which I am most proud. It demonstrates the firm commitment of our administration to seize every opportunity to ensure green spaces for future generations. Mount Royal is an emblem of the metropolis that is dear to the people of Montreal and is essential for biodiversity,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

“Through a partnership with the Government of Quebec and McGill University, the project includes the transfer of three lots behind the former Royal Victoria Hospital. This land will eventually allow for the creation of a new access to the mountain via downtown,” said the city in a press release.

As well, Montreal plans to remove about 40 per cent of the parking spaces next to the Smith House, at the summit of the mountain.

“In the area of the eastern flank of Mount Royal, known as Côte Placide, the City will plant nearly 200 trees in honour of the nations represented at COP15. The plantings, which will take place in the spring and fall of 2023, include native tree species such as Carolina Hornbeam, Sugar Maple, Bitternut Hickory and Western Hackberry.”

(Credit: City of Montreal)

(Credit: City of Montreal)

“Today, we are making a gesture of remembrance that looks to the future. Restoring part of the Smith House clearing means improving the greening and surface water management in the area, planting native trees, shrubs and grasses and consolidating a wetland. The greened areas, which represent 40 per cent of the parking spaces around Smith House and the Lac-aux-Castors pavilion, will be given back to users and to the living,” added Caroline Bourgeois, vice-president of the executive committee and responsible for large parks, Mount Royal and sports.

“The biodiversity of Mount Royal is both exceptional and fragile. The projects announced this morning will consolidate Mount Royal Park, improve access and reduce urban heat islands. The demineralization of parking lots and the planting of trees will also strengthen the resilience of the mountain in the face of climate change and the decline of biodiversity. These actions are important milestones for the future of Mount Royal, in addition to the daily efforts of the entire Montreal community to protect and enhance this natural jewel in the heart of the city,” said Emmanuel Rondia, executive director of the Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal.

(Credit: City of Montreal)

“The health of ecosystems is our own health. City parks improve air quality and provide places for physical activity. They are islands of coolness and zones of calm. They promote mental health and well-being by connecting people to nature and strengthening social ties. When everyone has equitable access, our parks are powerful levers for reducing health inequalities. Today’s announcement is one more step on the path we must take together towards a greener, healthier and more equitable city,” added David Kaiser, Deputy Medical Director of the Regional Public Health Department.