Maps are changing on the Island of Montreal these last few months. Flood maps are being addressed across the province and now a bold green push will change, or better still, keep the green parts of Montreal from begin developed in the future.
With very little notice to media or local politicians, Mayor Valérie Plante proudly announces the creation of a large 3,000-hectare urban park to protect natural areas on the West Island of Montreal. Yesterday, the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal adopted the regulation concerning the establishment and delimitation of the park. This territory includes the nature parks of Anse-à-l’Orme, Bois-de-L’Ile-Bizard, Bois-de-la-Roche, Cap-Saint-Jacques and Rapides-du- Cheval-Blanc, in addition, it will include different areas of interest for purposes of large parks and green space preservation.
“With over 3,000 hectares, Grand Parc de l’Ouest will become Canada’s largest municipal park. This is a historic moment that will mark a major turning point in protecting wetlands and enhancing natural areas. This initiative is part of our desire to protect 10% of the surface area of Montréal and aims to conserve and protect in perpetuity the natural areas of the West Island of Montreal. This will benefit all Montrealers, “explained Montreal Mayor, Valérie Plante.
“With the Grand Parc de l’Ouest, the City of Montreal is taking advantage of nature and green spaces. The territory of Grand Park West has a mosaic of rich and diverse natural environments. Not less than 175 hectares of rare wetlands and waterfalls in the heart of the island of Montreal will also be protected.
In addition to ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems, the protection of natural environments will provide Montrealers with new places to connect with nature,” added Sylvain Ouellet, vice-president of the executive committee.
The Great Western Park will not only ensure the health of the natural environment but will also contribute to improving the quality of life of Montrealers. Enhanced in an integrated and global approach, this space will complete the green belt bordering Lake Deux-Montagnes. The Great Western Park will consolidate the green fabric of the city and create an environmentally friendly urban environment accessible to all citizens.
Faced with the consequences of climate change, Montreal is stepping up its efforts to provide resilient and sustainable living environments. By protecting these important wetlands, the Grand Parc de l’Ouest will contribute to the adaptation and resilience of the agglomeration in the face of climate change and will increase the resilience of the City of Montreal in the face of rising water levels in the area of Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
The Great Western Park Establishment and Naming Regulation will ensure the legal integration of identified lots within its boundaries, which will then allow the City to continue its efforts to ensure conservation, in whole or in part.
Beginning this fall, a citizen consultation platform will be set up and the public will be asked to comment on the Grand Parc de l’Ouest project to publicize its needs and expectations.
