The City of Montreal is pleased to celebrate the opening of Parc des Gorilles, in the heart of the Marconi-Alexandra district, in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie borough. This new development offers the community a place to gather, exchange and relax, while contributing to the greening, ecological management of stormwater and beautification of the area.
It's a symbolic step towards giving this space back to the community. The fruit of citizen mobilization to protect an urban wasteland, this green space is the result of an exemplary collaboration between the AmiEs du parc des Gorilles (APG) and the City. Parc des Gorilles was created as part of the MIL Montréal urban project.
A haven of biodiversity and conviviality
The park's various features include an agora and furnishings in the heart of green landscaping, enabling community and cultural activities to be held together, as well as a relaxation area to enjoy the verdant ambience.
Thanks to the intensive planting of a mini-forest with over 1,500 trees and 1,400 shrubs, this new natural environment will mitigate the presence of heat islands in the area and enhance biodiversity, thus increasing the area's resilience.
By providing green spaces and meeting places, this project will significantly improve the quality of life of the local population.
A new sponge park for the borough
Once again, the City of Montreal has seized an excellent opportunity to continue building resilient “sponge” infrastructures on its territory. Parc des Gorilles, with its above-ground rainwater retention areas, is just one of the many initiatives deployed by the City of Montreal to adapt to climate change. To reduce the project's environmental footprint, the use of low-carbon footprint materials was favoured.
This new public space also extends the natural course of the Réseau-Vert, an ecological and active mobility corridor over 3 km long, unique in Montreal.
A green space designed by and for the community
The design and creation of the park were made possible thanks to the strong mobilization of the AmiEs du parc des Gorilles and the implementation of an innovative participatory approach led by the City. The result is a resilient public space, rooted in its environment, where wilderness, culture and the history of the neighbourhood come together.
In 2025, the park will host the new artwork Coexistences -- les embranchements fructueux, by artist duo Natacha Clitandre and Salima Punjani. The work pays tribute to civic engagement, both in the transformation of this urban wasteland into an urban park and in the site's soundscape.
Quotes
“The creation of Parc des Gorilles reflects the City of Montreal's commitment to the creation of accessible and sustainable green spaces. This project is tangible proof that significant achievements can be realized through the commitment and collaboration of citizens. It will greatly contribute to improving the quality of life for the Marconi-Alexandra community,” said Robert Beaudry, who is responsible for urban planning, the OCPM and homelessness on the executive committee.
“This park is a real jewel for our borough. It is not only a place to relax and gather, but also an example of what we can achieve when we work together, for the good of our community: an ecological space, anchored in its environment. We would especially like to thank the APG for their mobilization, which led to this meaningful project”, added François Limoges, Mayor of the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie borough..
