Montréal, Canada

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Artwork by NIPPAYSAGE et Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

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Initiative: The 2020-2030 Master Plan for the Conservation, Improvement and Development of Parc Jean-Drapeau

City:	Montréal
Country:	Canada
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The 2020-2030 Master Plan for the Conservation, Improvement and Development of Parc Jean-Drapeau represents a marked change in the mission and vision of Montréal’s oldest and largest urban park, which is comprised of two islands in the Saint Lawrence River and adjacent to Old Montreal.

Following a lengthy public consultation process that received over 6,000 submissions followed by a thorough diagnosis and a methodical planning and design process, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau Corporation or SPJD decided to make a significant shift in the role of the park as a public place for the people of Montréal. By placing ecological transition, diversity, and inclusion among its guiding principles, and sustainable development and conservation among its primary strategic objectives, the park is broadening its social reach and its contribution to the issues facing society today. Practical, theoretical, and empirical research in several cities concerning contemporary park issues at the local, national, and international levels was conducted. Many of the 8,700 parking spaces will be converted to green space, which is known to provide many ecosystem services, including improving air quality by capturing pollutants, regulating temperatures, reducing stormwater runoff, and reducing noise pollution. As Adrian Geuze said: “Sometimes we have to change ideology.” Ambitious, bold, and in tune with best practices in planning and the environment, it will be one of the key elements of the Montréal 2030: Citywide Strategic Plan, whose four guiding principles include accelerating ecological transition; strengthening solidarity, equity, and inclusion; amplifying democracy and participation; and stimulating innovation and creativity.