Building to be demolished on Décarie Boulevard will be temporarily transformed into green space

A piece of land along Décarie Boulevard that’s awaiting development will be transformed – temporarily – into an urban green space.

It’s part of a collaboration between the borough of Côte-des-Neiges—NDG and Montreal’s public transit agency (STM).

The STM will demolish and clear the site, which is between Snowdon Street and Côte-Saint-Luc Road. It will also design and build the development. The borough will be responsible for temporarily occupying and developing the space.

As part of the urban agricultural project, trees will be planted and recycled City of Montreal streetlamps will be installed. There will also be landscaped paths, benches and picnic tables.

“The borough is proud to partner with the STM to restore green space to the population of Snowdon,” borough mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa said in a news release. “This project creates an ephemeral space dedicated to meeting, relaxation and urban agriculture in the middle of an area that lacks green spaces.

“This initiative fits perfectly with our administration’s vision of offering each citizen a healthy, green and pleasant living environment, regardless of the neighborhood where they live.”

The collaboration is only short term, the parties stress. The STM will eventually take over the land to build new infrastructure, mainly underground, that it says is necessary for the maintenance of the metro.

Sonny Moroz, Ensemble Montréal city councillor for Snowdon district, says he is “encouraged” by the green space proposal.

“However, it’s crucial to ensure safety and adequate lighting to prevent the issues of cohabitation and crime from impacting this new area, especially given the existing challenges on Décarie,” Moroz wrote in a news release.