The Mayor of Montreal and the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD), today released the Master Plan for the Conservation, Development and Enhancement of Parc Jean-Drapeau 2020-2030. This plan aims to make Parc Jean-Drapeau a recognized iconic site and an memorable destination for Montréal, attracting visitors from around the world, not only for the varied individual and collective experiences it offers in connection with nature, landscapes, history, culture and sports, but also for its environmental commitment as a showcase for best practices in sustainable development.
Today's announcement is the culmination of a three-year long process to deliver an ambitious and rigorously researched master plan with a clear mission and vision. This undertaking began with a large-scale public consultation conducted by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM). It proved to be one of the largest in the history of this organization in terms of both duration and participation, which speaks volumes about the deep connection between Montrealers and Parc Jean-Drapeau.
This 10-year plan is an investment for the Montreal community and will provide the city residents with high-quality and secure infrastructure, with a first substantial phase that includes the development of Place des Nations, Lac des Cygnes, the waterfront and the surrounding shoreline promenade. It will also position Montreal as one of the greenest cities in the world.
"Parc Jean-Drapeau, intimately linked to the history and influence of Montreal, deserves an ambitious and coherent vision. The plan we are submitting will allow for a better balance between its natural and recreational features, thanks to developments that highlight its historical character while protecting this priceless natural environment. Over the past year, as the health crisis has turned our daily lives upside down, we have seen just how invaluable Montréal's parks are to Montrealers. How much these green spaces improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. How these green oases are an incredible calling card for tourism. The Master Plan for the Conservation, Development and Enhancement of Parc Jean-Drapeau is directly linked to our goal of establishing a network of parks that will be the envy of the world," said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
"With this plan, several strong initiatives for the preservation and enhancement of the natural and architectural heritage will bring the islands back to life, notably the rehabilitation of Place des Nations, which will be restored to its former glory, the enhancement of Mount Boullé, which will allow for a 30% increase in the park's canopy, and a 15-km waterfront promenade around the islands which, in addition to offering an exceptional view of Montréal, will allow the population to rediscover Parc Jean-Drapeau. Over the past three years, many Montrealers have imagined what Parc Jean-Drapeau could be if we gave ourselves the means to achieve our vision. Today, that is exactly what we are doing: we are offering Parc Jean-Drapeau the future it deserves, and the future that Montrealers dream of," said Robert Beaudry, the person responsible for Land Management and Planning, Housing, Large Parks and Parc Jean-Drapeau at the City of Montréal.
"Innovating to be distinct, making an organizational shift, listening to the many users and offering distinctive experiences to visitors from here and elsewhere: these will be the challenges in the coming years to transform Îles Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame. This master plan is everyone's business," said Renaud Coulombe, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Parc Jean-Drapeau Corporation.
"Tourisme Montréal welcomes the announcement of the Master Plan of Parc Jean-Drapeau Conservation, Development and Enhancement 2020-2030 and assures its partners of its collaborative efforts to make this site an urban outdoor meeting place, as well as a venue for international celebrations. This underrated urban park will allow tourists and Montrealers to enjoy unique individual and collective experiences, while providing access to the River and its unique attractions," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
"I am convinced that it is by combining our efforts that we will be able to achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves in order to ensure the long-term survival of Parc Jean-Drapeau and to make it a significant and sustainable urban park, a must-see destination for people from here and abroad," concluded Isabelle Bonneau, Executive Director of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau.
The mission of the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau, established by the City of Montréal, is to conserve, develop and enhance this large public urban park, to ensure the healthy coexistence of the activities that take place there, and to ensure its sustainability for present and future generations.
To consult the documentation relating to the Master Plan and obtain the visuals, click here.
