The Borough of Montreal launched a competition to increase the green cover

Residents of a Montreal neighborhood whose lack of tree cover creates an increasingly dangerous heat island effect in the summer are taking matters into their own hands by saying goodbye to concrete.

The “Bye Bye Béton!”, bid adieu to beton (French concrete) initiative was launched last December by inviting residents of the Villeret-Saint-Michel-Parc-enlargement district to submit concrete or patch conversion ideas. laying asphalt on green areas.

Promoted as a competition, the initiative to replace concrete with lush green spaces will help cool down the settlement, while increasing community engagement and increasing biodiversity.

Reducing the dangerous summer heat – “Bye Bye Concrete!” main goal of the program. initiative, but better stormwater management and reduced water pollution are also goals, Parc-Extension News reported earlier this year.

The contest, which closed on February 4, required participants to demonstrate the necessity, fairness and community support of their ideas. Project proposals also had to comply with environmental protection laws.

Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde (Projet Montréal) told CBC News that the “fun project” was born out of a desire to help residents understand that they can play an active role in making the borough a healthier and safer place. live

The district allocated 100,000 Canadian dollars a year to landscape the streets with flowers, shrubs, vegetables and, where possible, trees. Projects can be from 30 to 250 square meters.

Lavigne Lalonde said project winners will be asked to take care of their plantings for “at least one or two or three years” to help all the green things take root and flourish.

Although many projects are for public spaces, private property may also be considered.

Once a project is selected, the Center for Urban Ecology of Montreal provides expert assistance at every stage.