Determined to respond to the climate emergency and deploy environmental measures that offer co-benefits for the population, the City of Montreal has confirmed a number of measures that will help increase green spaces in the metropolis, promote access to them, and accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Carbon neutral buildings
In order to achieve the goal of reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030, Bylaw 23-046 on GHG emissions from new buildings will come into force on October 1 for new small buildings (buildings up to 3 storeys and 600 m2 per floor, as stipulated in the building code). Specifically, the city will ban appliances that emit GHGs attributable to combustion for the purposes of cooking food, drying clothes and heating space and water. Examples of prohibited appliances include stoves and heating systems that burn oil, natural gas, propane and biodiesel. Information on the energy sources used must be disclosed when applying for a permit for new construction. This flagship commitment of the City of Montreal's Climate Plan was made at the 2022 Climate Summit, and will significantly reduce emissions from buildings, which are responsible for more than a third of the City's GHG emissions.
Acquisition of land in the Grand parc de l'Est
With the aim of consolidating the Grand parc de l'Est and restoring the deficit of green spaces in the east end of Montreal, the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal this morning ratified a promise to purchase with the Recluse Missionary Sisters for the acquisition of their land of nearly 54,000 m2, located in the Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles borough. The property borders a number of interesting natural environments, including wetlands, which it helps to protect. Part of the property is located in a flood zone, and its conservation is in line with efforts to make Montreal a city resilient to climate change. This agreement follows the announcement of this major regional park project in November 2023, and gives the city the leverage it needs to protect new natural environments in the east of the island.
Acquisition of land in the Grand parc de l'Est
This $6 million acquisition is in line with the future vision of the Schéma d'aménagement et de développement de l'agglomération de Montréal. The latter aims to protect 10% of the territory by multiplying the acquisition of land of ecological interest to shape a resilient and sustainable city, thus contributing to the quality of life of Montrealers. As the eastern part of the island has historically been highly industrialized, the Grand parc de l'Est helps to protect the last remaining natural environments in this area, with a view to territorial equity.
Greater accessibility to Frédéric-Back Park
Formerly a quarry, then a landfill site, Frédéric-Back Park continues its transformation. The development of an additional 12.7 hectares will substantially increase access to this park for the populations of Montréal-Nord and Ahuntsic-Cartierville. Thanks to the construction of a 900-metre-long multifunctional pathway and a 150-metre-long footbridge, residents will be able to enjoy better access to the park, as well as to the businesses, institutions and sports facilities that border it, such as Collègue Ahunstic and the Claude-Robillard center. The entire pathway and footbridge will be illuminated, and the project includes the installation of furniture and signage. A contract worth $1,934,458.16 has been awarded to WSP Canada, primarily to develop the preliminary design and prepare the plans, specifications and tender documents for the work.
These projects are being confirmed in parallel with the Innovate4Cities conference, currently being held in Montreal, and during which Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante confirmed her participation in Climate Week, to be held in New York next week.
“We are proud to protect Montreal's green spaces, which are at the heart of the city's quality of life and its ability to fight climate change. With the purchase of a new lot in the Grand parc de l'Est, the carbon neutrality of new buildings and the upcoming developments in Frédéric-Back Park, Montreal is demonstrating its commitment to working on all fronts to ensure a greener, fairer future for the metropolis,” emphasized Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
