Following extensive consultation, the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve will be moving ahead with its project to expand and redevelop the Pierre-Tétreault and Clément-Jetté Sud parks, starting this June. The project aims to transform these two parks into recreational areas, reconnecting them with the river, reclaiming the street and enriching biodiversity.
“The redevelopment of these two emblematic parks stems from a clear desire to revitalize green spaces and improve the quality of life of Mercier-Est residents. The project was designed with the expectations of local residents in mind. It's a great legacy for my administration,” noted Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve mayor Pierre Lessard-Blais.
Reconnecting parks with the river and encouraging active travel
The new developments will create a relaxing atmosphere around the Promenade-Bellerive park, reconnecting the parks with the river, reclaiming the street and enriching biodiversity.
The pedestrianization of the section of rue Bellerive between Des Ormeaux and Baldwin will promote safe travel, reunite the two parks and create a meeting place where there used to be a heat island.
Building a network of resilient parks
Following on from the new developments in Honoré-Mercier park, Pierre-Tétreault and Clément-Jetté Sud parks will be redesigned as resilient parks. They will include dry streams and bioretention zones to ensure optimal stormwater management and reduce the load on the sewer system.
Outside periods of heavy rain, the dry streams and bioretention areas will become biodiversity corridors, enabling flora and fauna to thrive. They will become a link between the river and the neighborhood, and will act as a water filter during periods of heavy rainfall, prior to their arrival in the Promenade-Bellerive park.
Parks with universal access
The work will improve the universal accessibility of the parks and their facilities. The refurbishment of the pathways will also provide smoother access to Promenade-Bellerive park.
The furniture, which will remain permanently in place, will be accessible to people with reduced mobility. In addition, lighting in both parks will improve visibility and the feeling of safety.
The main pathways and the bike path will be cleared of snow during the winter. Double self-cleaning toilets will be installed in Parc Pierre-Tétreault. Universally accessible, they will be operational all year round.
The participatory process carried out in 2023 involved 16 neighbourhood organizations and 334 people, including seniors, children and teenagers, who were consulted about their needs and aspirations for the Pôle récréatif Bellerive. The design of the two parks is thus inspired by the needs of the community.
