The City of Montreal is pleased to announce major investments in the modernization of the iconic Parc Jeanne Mance, on the slopes of Mount Royal. Montrealers and the many tourists who frequent this park will soon benefit from a modernized and more accessible multisport field, a fenced-in transitional dog exercise area, and the redevelopment of the chalet, the wading pool and the crossroads area, which will now feature water games. The work will be carried out between September 2024 and June 2026, at a cost of up to $27 million.
“Jeanne Mance Park, a veritable jewel in the heart of Montreal and citizens' gateway to Mount Royal, is set to benefit from major investments in its modernization. This emblematic site, one of the busiest in the metropolis, will see its infrastructure renewed to better meet the current needs of our community. One of the highlights will be a new paddling pool, to the delight of local children, who will benefit from a safe, modern aquatic play area. These transformations aim to preserve the soul of the park while making it more accessible and enjoyable for all generations. In this way, Montreal continues to invest in quality green spaces, essential to our urban quality of life,” emphasized Luc Rabouin, Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal.
“Parc Jeanne-Mance and Côte Placide form an entity located at the threshold of downtown, at the foot of Mount Royal and where three boroughs meet: Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie and Outremont. Our administration is working to enhance this iconic site by showcasing its mature tree lines, its unifying lawns and its varied sports facilities, which offer a breathtaking view of the mountain,” points out Alex Norris, member of the executive committee and associate councillor for major parks and Mount Royal.
Chalet, paddling pool and crossroads
The “crossroads” sector, an integral part of the monumental axis linking Rachel Street to Mount Royal Park, will be the focus of a first batch of work including renovation of the chalet, reconstruction and upgrading of the paddling pool, addition of a filtration room inside the chalet, development of a new water jets area symmetrical with the paddling pool, and redevelopment of the forecourt and surrounding area.
The chalet, which will see its windows replaced, will house universally accessible changing rooms and toilets. Electromechanical systems will be modernized. A number of pathways will be redeveloped in the crossroads area, including the section of multi-purpose track located in the embankment. Furniture and plantings will be added, including large-calibre trees to replace those that have disappeared on either side of the monumental Rachel axis. Sober lighting will also be installed.
Multisport field
“Our aim is to provide Jeanne Mance Park with sports facilities that meet the needs of today's players, and to enable more people to enjoy the multisport field. In keeping with heritage considerations, the field will be modernized with lower fences. The lighting system will be replaced by less glaring lighting that can be switched off remotely when the pitch is not in use. The new bleachers will be better adapted to current needs and universally accessible,” explains Caroline Bourgeois, Executive Committee Vice-President responsible for sports and leisure.
Finally, in a forthcoming contract, the synthetic surface, which has reached the end of its useful life, will be replaced by a new one that will limit heat island effects. Mist-makers will be installed to allow users to cool off in the heat of the day.
Transitional dog exercise area
As part of the contract for the redevelopment of the multisport field, a transitional dog park project is planned. Located near the volleyball courts, it will feature fencing, benches and waste garbage cans. All furnishings, including fencing, will be salvageable with a view to the permanent redevelopment of this dog park elsewhere in Parc Jeanne-Mance.
