Rss The Mount Royal

15 Candles for the Tuques Bleues Celebration in 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE LAUNCH THEIR BENEFIT EVENT IN SUPPORT OF MONT ROYAL

Photos: Delphine Delair

Every February since 1998, Les amis de la montagne have provided admirers of Mont Royal an evening of celebration featuring a night time snowshoe trek in the mountain’s magical setting. On February 16, 2012, the 15th anniversary edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration promises to delight participants once again, complete with medals, gastronomy and conviviality, all on the launch evening of Montréal en lumière.

“Manulife Financial is thrilled to return this year as Les amis de la montagne’s principal partner of the 15th Tuques Bleues Celebration. This benefit event provides a unique occasion to celebrate our mountain and to participate in its preservation. I heartily encourage both individuals and companies to form teams of snowshoers and to partake in this unique event next February 16,” said Cyril Bendahan, Honorary Co-Chair, and Regional Vice-President, Group Benefits, Manulife Financial.

“Montréal is recognized around the world for its charm and quality of life,” said Michel Leblanc, Honorary Co-Chair, and President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “A number of factors contribute to its reputation, including Mont Royal which, at the heart of the city, shapes the urban landscape. I encourage the business community to seize this opportunity to take advantage of one of the most wonderful attractions our city has to offer and to give their concrete support to its preservation.”

Peter A. Howlett, President, Les amis de la montagne, Pascale Le Hir, Communications Advisor, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and Cyril Bendahan

Nearly 700 participants are expected to attend the event. The objective is to raise $250,000 to benefit education and protection programs on Mont Royal. The Tuques Bleues Celebration recalls the famous snowshoe treks by torchlight organized by sporting clubs in the 19th Century. Members of these first snowshoe clubs in North America could be identified by their blue tuques.

Les amis de la montagne extend thanks to their partners for their commitment and contribution to the event: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level: Labatt – A Better World; with the support of Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes.

Mary Bruns Creighton, Co-Chair of Les amis' annual campaign, and Diretor of Marketing, Cordiant Capital, Jeffrey Drummond, member of Les amis' annual campaign cabinet, and Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions, Scotia Capital Inc., and Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne

Les amis also wish to thank their sponsors at the Bronze level: Le Château, MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, Rio Tinto Alcan, Scotia Capital, TD Bank Group and Velan Inc.; their sponsors of products and services: Montréal en lumière, Ville de Montréal, Métro, Domaine Pinnacle, La Mer, Weinstein & Gavino’s, Fromages BioBio and Grok by Gattuso, Java U caterer, 2e Régiment de l’Artillerie du Canada, Centre de location Hewitt-CAT, Pâtisserie Wawel, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel and C4 Communications; and finally, their media partners: CJAD 800 AM, NRJ Montréal 94,3, Rouge 107,3 FM, La Presse and The Gazette.

Click here for more information on the Tuques Bleues Celebration or here, to purchase tickets securely online, at a cost of $250 per person.
Join the event on Facebook.
Click here to view the photo gallery of the partners' launch of the 15th Tuques Bleues Celebration, 2012 edition.
Listen to the 30 second announcements produced by Astral Radio: on CJAD 800 AM or on Rouge 107,3 FM and NRJ Montréal 94,3.

NEW!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cross-country ski clinics for adults on Mont Royal

January 17, 2012 - The Club de ski de fond des Amis de la montagne, in collaboration with Ski de Fond Québec, is offering initiation lessons for beginner skiers in Mont-Royal Park.

The one-hour lessons will be offered until February 26, 2012, on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and noon to 1 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. Places are limited to four skiers per ski instructor.

Price, including taxes (an identity card is required for equipment rental):

$25/hour without rental equipment;
$30/hour with rental equipment, including 1 extra rental hour for free skiing following the lesson.

To register:

Reserve your place in advance via email by writing to: smenard@lemontroyal.qc.ca;
Reserve your place in person at Les amis de la montagne’s rental equipment counter located on the main floor of the Lac aux Castors pavilion. Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the class to make your payment.

For additional information, please call 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

Les amis' holiday season newsletter - December 2011

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

WINTER FUN ON MONT ROYAL

SNOW IS ON ITS WAY!
Winter activities on Mont Royal in 2012

For 30 years, Les amis de la montagne have offered recreo-educational activities on Mont Royal, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, allowing Montrealers as well as tourists the opportunity to enjoy quality services in a unique natural environment that is accessible and within close proximity to downtown.

We invite you to take advantage of everything winter has to offer in the enchanting setting of Mont Royal, confident that Mother Nature will surpass our expectations!

Photo : Samuel Montigné

HERE’S AN OVERVIEW OF OUR WINTER PROGRAMS FOR 2012:

Les amis de la montagne’s outdoor equipment rental counter will once again be open for business on the main floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion. As soon as the conditions permit, visitors will be able to rent skates, cross-country skis and snowshoes, among other items, to take full advantage of winter fun in Mont-Royal Park.

From December 17 to next March 11, the artificial skating rink will be open and maintained by the Ville de Montréal, and snow permitting, Les amis’ inner-tubes will be available for sliding in the corridors tailored for this thrilling activity located on the hill near the lake.

Cross-country ski enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a series of improvements to the 22 km of trails on the mountain this winter. Thanks to the teamwork of members of the Ville de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne and Skimco, a cross-country ski club that trains regularly on the mountain, improvements have been made to trail connections between Chemin Olmsted and Beaver Lake, better access between the Piedmont loop (near Avenue du Parc) and Chemin Olmsted, as well as the merger of some trails to simplify the trail system overall. New grooming equipment will also be tested this year. Click here to download the new trail map.

Family Snowshoeing and Tubing returns daily from December 26 to 30, every Saturday from January 7 to March 10, and daily during Spring Break, from March 5-9. Families are invited to Maison Smith to strap on a pair of our snowshoes and follow our guide along the flanks of the mountain in search of animal tracks and bird songs. After enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, families can then spend the rest of the afternoon sliding on our specially designated inner-tubes trails.

The Club de ski de fond des Amis de la montagne returns for a fourth year with the initiation courses in cross-country skiing for children, in collaboration with Ski de Fond Québec. Bunny Rabbit lessons are available for children 4-5 years old and Jackrabbit lessons for children 6-9 years old. Courses run for eight consecutive weekends from January 7 to February 25.

The guided activity called The Birds of Mount Royal, for all ages will be offered again for free every Saturday from January 7 to March 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., departing from Maison Smith. Join a member of Les amis’ conservation patrol for a guided visit of the 7 feeder stations located on the path that circles the summit to spot the Cardinals, Juncos, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Goldfinches and other species that frequent the feeders in winter.

The very popular “By the light of the city” guided snowshoe walks will be held every Saturday evening from January 7 to March 10. Three specially-themed evenings are being featured this year: “New Year’s” on December 29 (with sparkling wine), “Valentine’s Day” on February 11 (with mulled wine and chocolate) and “Blue Toque” (with ice cider).

Finally, you always receive a warm welcome at the Café des Amis and nature-boutique at Maison Smith. This fall, Les amis de la montagne inaugurated the new permanent exhibit, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover”, that extends throughout this historic house in order to present the mountain’s many natural and historic elements. Maison Smith also features newly renovated meeting rooms available for rent for family receptions or meetings with colleagues. The two main rooms can also be used for exhibits, conferences and movie projections. Visits are by appointment by calling 514 84-8240, ext. 235.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The printed calendar of winter-spring 2012 events is available at Les amis’ information centres on the mountain: at Maison Smith (1260 Chemin Remembrance), at the Beaver Lake pavilion and the Chalet du Mont-Royal.

To make reservations, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 0 or send us an email. The calendar of events is also available on Les amis’ website or on the site of the Ville de Montréal’s Grands parcs.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

30 years and counting!; the importance of nature in education; solid results for the ESP; projects, worksites and briefs; nominations and awards - and more!

Photo: Samuel Montigné

SAVE THE DATE

Beginning December 17, come and enjoy the pleasures of winter on Mont Royal!
On February 16, save the date for the 15th anniversary edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration!

“MONT ROYAL, A TERRITORY TO DISCOVER” PHOTO ALBUM

NEWS

30 years and counting!
The importance of nature in education
Proud partners of the Une école montréalaise pour tous program
Solid results for the Environmental Stewardship Program

PROTECTION ISSUES

Projects:
- Adoption of the Cultural Heritage Act
- Accessibility – the mountain’s western flank
- A collective project looks at the future of the monteregian hills
- The future of urban agriculture in Montreal

Worksites:
- Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery – construction of a new ceremonial pathway
- Mount Royal ring road – construction begins on two new sections

Briefs:
- Draft amendment regarding antennas
- Land Use and Development Plan (PMAD)
- Proposed height and density changes for areas of downtown

NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS

Three honorary members are named to Les amis de la montagne
Nomination to the city’s Direction des grands parcs et du verdissement
The Centre d’exposition of the Université de Montréal receives a prestigious award

TAKE ACTION

It’s time to make your year-end donation!

“MONT ROYAL, A TERRITORY TO DISCOVER” PHOTO ALBUM

The official inauguration of the permanent exhibition “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” was held last November 9 at Maison Smith in the presence of many partners, friends and guests in a most festive and convivial atmosphere. It was the occasion for dignitaries’ speeches, a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony and the announcement of the winners of the “La montagne en images” photo contest.

In addition to offering an interactive and immersive experience to discover the mountain’s multiple heritage elements, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” is an invitation to explore the mountain and ultimately, to participate in its conservation and perpetuity.

The inaugural festivities at Maison Smith continued through the weekend of November 12 and 13 with a series of open house activities for the general public. Hundreds of visitors participated in story-telling sessions, enjoyed an artists’ illustrations of exceptional trees and participated in discovery walks through the forest.

The “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” exhibition is accessible during Maison Smith’s regular opening hours throughout the year. Admission is free.

Click here to see the photo album of the inaugural events. Photos by Martin Roy (inauguration) and Delphine Delair (open house).

NEWS

30 YEARS AND COUNTING!

With great emotion, lots of laughter and the sharing of poignant memories, current and former employees of the Centre de la montagne and Les amis de la montagne gathered on November 22 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

L to R: Peter A. Howlett, C.M., Anne-Marie Prud'homme, Claude Lefrançois, Lorraine Bonneville, Michel Famelart

The Centre de la montagne was the first of the two organizations to be created in 1981 by a group of newly graduated biology students from the Université de Montréal, who wanted to make the mountain better known and appreciated. Five years later, Les amis de la montagne was created in order to stop the construction of an immense communications tower in Mont-Royal Park. Marrying their passion for the mountain with their respective areas of expertise, the two organizations joined forces in 2006 under the banner “Les amis de la montagne”.

L to R: Jean-Yves Benoit, Claude Lefrançois, Lorraine Bonneville

These 30 years of involvement on the mountain has provided for the engagement of hundreds of young people for the mountain cause together with the participation of thousands of volunteers and partners over the years. An evaluation of the work accomplished over these years brings to light the impressive number of projects and programs initiated by the organization related to education, as well as Mont Royal’s conservation, protection and enhancement.

L to R: Réjean Gravel, Maurice Landry, Éric Richard, Joanne Groulx

The “homecoming” event on November 22 welcomed the return of the organization’s pioneers, those who were there from the very beginning, and those, who 30 years later, pursue the founders’ commitment with as much passion, determination and enjoyment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE IN EDUCATION

Photo: Samuel Montigné

Young people today spend less and less time in nature and this decrease has consequences on their overall health and well-being.

A call to action to promote an increase in Quebec youth’s contact with nature was recently launched, as well as a new edition of the Une école montréalaise pour tous program.

Read more here …

SOLID RESULTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Five years ago, Les amis de la montagne initiated the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) on Mont Royal to support mountain property owners and managers in their efforts to conserve the mountain’s natural environment and to encourage citizen participation in hands-on activities. Les amis are proud to announce another round of successful results for actions undertaken between May and October 2011.

Read more here …

PROTECTION ISSUES

PROJECTS

ADOPTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT

Adopted by the Quebec National Assembly on October 19, the Cultural Heritage Act will become law in October 2012.

Read more here …

ACCESSIBILITY – THE MOUNTAIN’S WESTERN FLANK

Last July, as part of the “Belvédère Éphémère” project, Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with numerous partners, invited the community to question the accessibility of the mountain from its western flank. For this occasion, the ramp for vehicles located at the corner of Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges was closed to traffic for one weekend to allow residents in the neighbourhood and visitors to the park to reclaim this space and enjoy this little-known viewpoint.

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

Following the success of this undertaking, Les amis de la montagne communicated with the elected officials from the Ville-Marie borough and those responsible for Mont Royal, to ask for the permanent closure of this vehicular ramp. Les amis further asked that this space become a permanent lookout, to make pedestrian access to this important gateway to the park more safe and attractive, and to allow the community to benefit from the magnificent views towards downtown and the river.

The Ville de Montréal responded positively to the lookout project and answered that studies will be commissioned to investigate the functionality of the ramp, its current usage and potential impact on traffic, should it be closed. These analyses will help evaluate the feasibility of a permanent lookout integrated into the park at this intersection. To be continued …

A COLLECTIVE PROJECT LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF THE MONTEREGIAN HILLS

A new study on the nine monteregian hills was announced last October 21 in McMasterville in the Montérégie. The purpose of the study is to provide the analysis and identification of challenges to the protection and enhancement of this chain of hills that includes Mont Royal, St-Bruno, St-Hilaire, Rougemont, St-Grégoire, Yamaska, Shefford, Brome and Mégantic.

A consortium of organizations will undertake the analysis and the studies necessary until May 2012, coordinated by Nature-Action Québec. Les amis de la montagne are in charge of the study related to Mont Royal. A workshop on the monteregians held in 2008 and initiated by the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal inspired this study. The project is being supported by the Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Conférences régionales des élus of Montérégie Est, Montréal, Estrie and the agglomeration of Longueuil.

THE FUTURE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE IN MONTREAL

The Groupe de travail en agriculture urbaine (GTAU) announced on November 15 that more than 25,000 Montrealers signed a petition asking for a public consultation on the state of urban agriculture in Montreal. This number of signatures meets the requirement established by the Ville de Montréal to request a public consultation by right of citizen initiative.

The GTAU has asked that the consultation be run by the central Office de consultation publique de Montréal to debate the place of urban agriculture in the Montreal of tomorrow in order to make recommendations on the social, economic and environmental impact of city gardening initiatives.

To follow the GTAU’s efforts, visit their website at www.agriculturemontreal.info.

WORKSITES

NOTRE-DAME-DES-NEIGES CEMETERY – CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CEREMONIAL PATHWAY

The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery has undertaken the construction of a new ceremonial pathway through the grassy plain that runs along Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and Avenue Decelles.

The ceremonial pathway will be flanked by trees. This project was approved by the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine.

MONT ROYAL RING ROAD – CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON TWO NEW SECTIONS

Work has begun by the Ville de Montréal on sections 4 and 5 of the Mont Royal ring road. These two sections will connect the Decelles/Queen-Mary intersection in the Côte-des-Neiges borough to Boulevard Mont-Royal in Outremont via the Chemin de la Polytechnique on the Université de Montréal campus and the new Third Summit Park (northern summit of Mont Royal).

This third phase of construction is the next to last in the creation of the ring road that once complete, will measure more than 10km in length and will be accessible to pedestrians and/or cyclists. The project underwent a public consultation process in 2008 through the central Office de consultation publique de Montréal.

Construction of the ring road began in 2007 and should be complete by 2014. This project is included in the Mont Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan.

BRIEFS

Les amis de la montagne submitted three briefs this fall on the Draft amendment regarding telecommunications antennas, the Land use and development plan (PMAD) and the proposed height and density changes for areas of downtown.

Click on this link to read the briefs (available in French) …

NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS

THREE HONORARY MEMBERS ARE NAMED TO LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE

At Les amis de la montagne’s annual general meeting held October 27 last, the Governors of the corporation approved the nomination of three honorary members, Dr. Charles Beveridge, Mr. Witold Rybczynski and Mr. Gilles Gagnon. These individuals were recognized for having gained greater attention to and recognition for Mont Royal on both a national and an international level. These gentlemen are the first honorary members to be named to the corporation, a decision taken to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of Les amis de la montagne.

Photo: Yves Médam

Dr. Charles Beveridge is a historian and professor, and author and editor of the Frederick Law Olmsted papers. He has received numerous recognition awards in the course of his career including honorary member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Based in the United States, he is recognized as a North American authority in the philosophy and landscape architectural works of F.L. Olmsted. Dr. Beveridge has visited Montreal several times and in 2007, delivered a conference at Montreal’s City Hall on the occasion of the Prix du Mont-Royal awards ceremony honoring the now late Mrs. Edith Low-Beer.

Mr. Witold Rybczynski, professor and writer, is the recipient of the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize and winner of the Charles Taylor Prize in 2000 for his work A Clearing in the Distance: Frederick Law Olmsted and North America in the Nineteenth Century, a veritable testament to Olmsted’s vision of landscape architecture. Residing today in the United States, Mr. Rybczynski studied architecture at McGill University, where he also taught. He is pictured above with Mr. Patrick Kenniff, Governor of Les amis, during a recent visit to Montreal.

Mr. Gilles Gagnon was a professor, engineer, architect, urban planner and administrator. Involved in the management of major projects in Montreal and internationally, he was a pioneer in citizen involvement through his association with the Montreal Parks and Playgrounds Association (1904-1974), an organization dedicated to creating and managing green spaces for the well-being of all citizens. The tireless work of Mr. Gagnon has provided Mont Royal today with a solid base of popular support. Shortly after his nomination, it was with great sadness that Les amis de la montagne learned of his passing on October 26 at the age of 89.

MR. MARIO CICIOLI IS NAMED DIRECTOR OF THE CITY’S DIRECTION DES GRANDS PARCS ET DU VERDISSEMENT

On October 19, the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal approved the nomination of Mr. Mario Cicioli to the position of Director of the Direction des grands parcs et du verdissement. Mr. Cicioli will maintain his role as Assistant to the Associate Executive Director of the Service du développement et des opérations in the Bureau du Mont-Royal. Les amis de la montagne extend their congratulations to Mr. Cicioli for this nomination.

THE CENTRE D’EXPOSITION OF THE UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL RECEIVES A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Les amis de la montagne extend congratulations to the Centre d’exposition of the Université de Montréal for receiving the Prix Excellence 2011 last October from the Société des musées québécois for a multi-platform exhibition titled, Art pour tous – Les œuvres publiques de l’Université de Montréal s’exposent.

This exhibition on the University’s collection of public art renders this remarkable artistic heritage available to the community. Composed of a variety of relevant and choice tools, the exhibit in situ consists of explanatory panels located near the works, a web exhibit, videos, podcasts and a print catalogue for self-guided visits. All combined, this exhibit is physically and virtually accessible at all times to suit the visitors’ choice. You may visit the exhibition website at www.artpourtous.ca.

TAKE ACTION

IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR YEAR-END DONATION!

Les amis de la montagne counts on your support to pursue its mission. Each donation counts. As we approach the end of 2011, we invite you to contribute to Les amis’ annual campaign, if you haven’t already done so. In addition to supporting our programs and activities, you take part in the preservation of Mont Royal. Click here to make your secure donation online. A receipt for income tax purposes will be issued for all donations of $35 and more. THANK YOU!

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE IN EDUCATION

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mont Royal: A school without walls in the great outdoors

Young people today spend less and less time in nature and this decrease has consequences on their overall health and well-being. On the occasion of the annual conference held by the Association québécoise pour la promotion de l'éducation relative à l'environnement (AQPERE) on November 3 and 4, members of the environmental education community in Quebec examined this challenge for a second year. More than 100 organizations from throughout the province, including Les amis de la montagne, signed a call to action to promote an increase in Quebec youth’s contact with nature.

Several European countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Great Britain have established national education programs that ensure more time spent in nature during regular class hours. Programs for 4 to 6 year olds have demonstrated that regular and frequent contact with nature stimulates their motivation and concentration, develops their motor skills, improves their health, boosts their self- confidence and develops their social skills (see the "Forest Kindergarten Feasibility Study" published in Scotland in 2009).

With a solid 30 years of experience in the domain of environmental education on Mont Royal, Les amis de la montagne already actively contribute to this movement. Mont Royal, by virtue of its accessibility and proximity to the urban population, provides unique experiences in nature to thousands of Montreal youth. All of the educational programs developed by Les amis de la montagne, from pre-school to university levels, emphasize direct contact with nature. Each year, nearly 10,000 young people participate in Les amis’ activities held in nature on the mountain. Through sensory play in the forest or the observation of flora and fauna, our educators share their passion for this remarkable natural environment in the heart of our urban metropolis.

The Mont Royal experience extends beyond the school context. Les amis de la montagne created a summer day camp program in 2009, allowing dozens of children the opportunity to spend a week in the mountain forest during the summer. This year, nearly 200 children participated in the day camp. Anxious to provide the day camp on the mountain to more children, Les amis continue to seek stronger partnerships with schools and community organizations located around the mountain. A new project with the ministry of education’s Une école montréalaise pour tous program, for example, will provide 400 6-7 year-olds the opportunity to discover the seasons on Mont Royal through visits in the fall, winter and spring (see article below).

PROUD PARTNERS OF THE UNE ÉCOLE MONTRÉALAISE POUR TOUS PROGRAM

According to Quebec’s ministry of education, students from disadvantaged neighbourhoods have less access to and therefore, lack the benefits derived from enrichment programs that integrate cultural activities in teaching. New practices in cultural learning in disadvantaged neighbourhoods aim to develop greater interest in the arts and sciences, and promote visits to centres that provide cultural, artistic and scientific programs.

For the last four years, Les amis de la montagne have proudly partnered with the Projet de médiation culturelle en milieu défavorisé that has contributed positively towards the creation of a committed educational community in this area.

In 2011-2012, close to 400 students from grades 1 and 2 (20 classes) will participate through this program in Les amis’ “school without walls in the great outdoors.” The organization’s educational services division has developed a tailor-made program that will introduce children to how the mountain’s flora and fauna adapts to the different seasons.

This fall and winter, either by foot or on snowshoes, the students will explore Mont Royal and visit the stables of the SPVM cavalry. During the outings, children will be encouraged to take mental snapshots of what they observe in order to later transcribe and illustrate their ideas on paper. Next May, all the students will gather at Maison Smith to showcase their portfolios.

Éric Richard, director of educational programs

SOLID RESULTS FOR THE 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

As part of the International Year of Forests

The priority since 2009 has been to reduce the fragmentation of the woods in Mont-Royal Park in accordance with the Mont Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan’s biodiversity conservation objectives. The actions undertaken, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, are aimed at increasing the ecological corridors to connect numerous wooded areas in order to promote the dispersion and the migration of a variety of species.

Results of actions undertaken between May and October, 2011 include:

Planting of 1,912 indigenous trees and shrubs;
Evaluation of 1,087 trees and shrubs planted in Mont-Royal Park since 2006. Preliminary results indicate a very appreciable overall survival rate of about 78%;
Cutting of common buckthorn, an exotic invasive shrub that reduces the efficiency of plantings and threatens the regeneration of indigenous species;
Collecting 150 bags of trash from the underbrush during the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up, where all forested zones of the park and the St-Joseph’s Oratory of Mont-Royal site were cleaned.

The ESP is made possible through the invaluable participation of volunteers from the community, a total of 1,337 individuals in 2011, who came on their own or in groups to help protect the mountain’s natural environment.

Les amis de la montagne extends heartfelt thanks to all citizens and the following groups: Atelier Bon débarras, Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi (Centre-Ville), Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi (Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve), groups from C-Vert de Montréal, Fido and Chubb Insurance (in collaboration with Evergreen), TD Bank Group, Groupe Transat, HSBC, Les pousses urbaines, Lower Canada College, Manulife Financial, McGill University’s Environment Club, Société Radio-Canada and Sukyo Mahikari.

Les amis further thanks its financial partners for their support, in particular the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, principal partner of Mont-Royal Month and TD Green Sunday, that contribute generously to the ESP.

Thank you to Evergreen for its financial support and continued confidence that allows Les amis to establish new partnerships with numerous corporate groups.

Finally, our sincerest thanks to the team at the city’s Division des Grands parcs and the park’s maintenance team for their excellent collaboration in making this program possible.

LES AMIS FILED THREE BRIEFS IN NOVEMBER 2011

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Draft amendment regarding telecommunications antennas; Land use and development plan (PMAD); proposed height and density changes for areas of downtown

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE SUBMITTED THREE BRIEFS IN OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011:

1) DRAFT AMENDMENT REGARDING ANTENNAS

This November, Les amis de la montagne participated in the Ville de Montréal’s public consultations on the draft amendment regarding antennas. Les amis’ brief consisted of an analysis of the amendment along four major points:

The impact of telecommunications antennas on our health;
The adoption of principles to ensure the most appropriate integration of antennas;
The protection of views;
The question of existing antennas that will be exempt from the new by-laws.

Click on this link to read Les amis’ brief, available in French.

2) LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PMAD)

The Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) held a public consultation on the Land Use and Development Plan (PMAD) from September 28 to October 21. The consultation drew a historic level of participation with 344 briefs submitted for consideration. The report by the commission was presented last November 17.

Les amis de la montagne submitted a brief on the environment aspect of the project. Among other points, Les amis emphasized the importance of the monteregian hills and the structural role they play for the greater metropolitan community.

Click on this link to read Les amis’ brief, available in French.

3) PROPOSED HEIGHT AND DENSITY CHANGES FOR AREAS OF DOWNTOWN

The Ville-Marie borough has initiated a reflection process on the future of downtown Montreal in order to sustain the vibrancy of property development in this area, particularly the residential market. The Office de consultation publique de Montréal was mandated to lead public consultations on the height and density changes proposed by the borough.

Les amis de la montagne presented a brief on November 30 that made a point of stressing the highly symbolic value of Mont Royal for Montreal. The protection of views “to” and “from” Mont Royal must be meticulously scrutinized when considerations are made for increasing the height and density of buildings in downtown Montreal. The organization recommends that the borough carry its analysis further regarding the protection of views; a first study of this issue was conducted during the production of the Mont Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan in 2008 which identified the need to protect 18 views.

For Les amis de la montagne, the conciliation between developing the downtown core and protecting views is attainable, but absolutely requires an in-depth study that takes into consideration the structural role of Mont Royal as integral to the landscape of the downtown core and of Montreal.

Click on this link to read Les amis’ brief, available in French.

"MONT ROYAL, A TERRITORY TO DISCOVER"

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Les amis de la montagne inaugurate the new permanent exhibition at Maison Smith

Photo: Samuel Montigné

Official inauguration ceremony
Announcement of the winners of the photo contest "La montagne en images"
Unveiling of the historic wall mural and launch of the book "The hill that wanted to become a mountain"
Open House at Maison Smith on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13
Thank-you to our partners!

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE INAUGURATE THE NEW PERMANENT EXHIBITION AT MAISON SMITH

MONTREAL, November 9, 2011 – Today marked the official inauguration of the permanent exhibition, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover”, at Maison Smith in Mont-Royal Park. The new exhibition spreads throughout this historic domain, allowing visitors to discover the many riches of the mountain.

Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President of Les amis de la montagne, inaugurated the exhibition with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Alan DeSousa, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for sustainable development, the environment and parks, Dominique Malack, Chef du Service des immobilisations et du patrimoine, Direction de Montréal, Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition feminine and Amélie Picher, Regional Director of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, together with Catherine Leconte, Executive Director of the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement and Christine Bélanger, Project Coordinator of the Fondation de la faune du Québec.

“For 30 years, Les amis de la montagne have dedicated themselves with energy, passion and enthusiasm to the discovery, appreciation and conservation of Mont Royal,” said Peter A. Howlett, C.M. “By way of the “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” exhibition, Les amis de la montagne invites visitors to familiarize themselves with the mountain territory and to become aware of its many treasures before setting outdoors to discover more of this unique site.”

“For Montrealers, not only does Mont Royal form a part of the landscape, but it is also a magnificent site for recreation and an environmental treasure of inestimable value,” added Alan DeSousa. “I also extend an invitation to all Montrealers to explore the many activities that revolve around this exhibition, an excellent way to discover the attractions that make Mont Royal a destination of choice, a natural environment that benefits from a protection and enhancement status.”

L to R: Catherine Leconte, Directrice Générale, Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement, Dominique Malack, Chef du Service des immobilisations et du patrimoine, Direction de Montréal, ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne, Alan DeSousa, Vice-Chairman of the Executive of the Ville de Montréal and responsible for sustainable development, the environment and parks, Amélie Picher, Regional Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Christine Bélanger, Coordonnatrice de projets, Fondation de la faune du Québec. Photo © Les amis de la montagne/Martin Roy.

Dynamic exhibits, historic photos and a mural timeline, artefacts, audio-visual elements, games and touch screens are dispersed over three floors of Maison Smith. “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” offers an interactive and immersive experience to visitors of all ages, and admission is free.

Uniting a network of experts, partners and institutions to develop the Mont Royal permanent exhibition, Les amis de la montagne will develop a new series of programs and activities inspired from the exhibition content, such as learning tools for students and their teachers, interpretation activities for the general public and tourists, and temporary exhibits in line with the various themes.

The exhibition project was developed in two phases. The first phase was launched in October 2008 in the form of an interactive map that focuses on the historic and natural heritage of the mountain in a novel way, using interactive technologies. In addition to the public and private partners that provided funding for this first phase of the project, Les amis de la montagne welcomed the participation of 16 institutional and association partners on Mont Royal. The interactive map is still available for free on Les amis’ website.

Les amis de la montagne thank their partners for their financial support of the second phase of this ambitious project: the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal in the amount of $403,000, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in the amount of $75,000, the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement in the amount of $30,000 and the Fondation de la faune du Québec in the amount of $15,000, for an overall total of $523,000.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS OF THE PHOTO CONTEST "LA MONTAGNE EN IMAGES"

MONTREAL, November 9, 2011 - As part of the official inauguration of the permanent exhibition, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover”, Les amis de la montagne and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation announced the winners of the photo contest, “La montagne en images.”

The photo contest is aimed at highlighting the heritage, activities and beauty of Mont Royal through photography. The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, partners of this second edition of the contest, also provided financial support to the permanent exhibition, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover”, through a donation of $75,000.

“Not only do the photographers express their creativity by immortalizing the mountain through photography, they also help to sensitize those who admire their work of the natural, social and heritage riches of Mont Royal,” said Amélie Picher, Regional Director of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. “We are therefore pleased to contribute to the enhancement of the mountains’ beauty as seen through the eyes of photographers. We congratulate the winners of the contest and invite members of the community to visit the exhibit in great numbers to admire these unique artistic creations.”

Amélie Picher joined Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of Les amis de la montagne, to preside over the prize ceremony to recognize the top three winners in each of the contest categories, including: Works of art and buildings, Activities and pastimes, Fauna of Mont Royal, Trees and forests of Mont Royal, and Light, as well as the Grand Prix du Jury, the Prix des Amis, the Honorable Mention and the Jury’s Pick.

“Les amis de la montagne are pleased that the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation are partners in the realization of the exhibition “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” and particularly of the photo contest, that benefitted this year from an increase in participants, enamoured by Mont Royal. The mountain has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists through time, as witnessed by the winning photos of the contest. I would like to thank all the contest participants for their important contribution towards the enhancement of Mont Royal and I invite Montrealers to visit Maison Smith to enjoy the exhibition,” said Sylvie Guilbault.

Photo : Martin Roy

WINNERS OF THE 2011 PHOTO CONTEST “LA MONTAGNE EN IMAGES”

Click here to view the winning photos.

Grand Prix du Jury: Richard Duret, Chalet du Mont-Royal
Prix des Amis: Jean-Guy Morisset, Entre ciel et terre
Honorable Mention: Vicky Robinson (photo taken by her father’s best friend at the lookout in 1938), Mount Royal 1938
Jury’s Pick: Samuel Montigné, Percée de soleil

Works of art and buildings
1st prize: Jake Bloomfield (student, St-Georges High School of Montreal), Drops
2nd prize: Clairette Paquette, La halte
3rd prize: Joanne Lévesque, Une visite au chalet de la montagne

Activities and pastimes
1st prize: Jean-Bernard Vidal, Neige
2nd prize: Patrice Clouthier, Leap of faith
3rd prize: Maddie Steinsacks (student, St-Georges High School of Montreal), Above

Fauna of Mont Royal
1st prize: Carole Lambert, Fragile robe ailée
2nd prize: Yves Déry, Maitre piqueur
3rd prize: Clairette Paquette, Nageons sur les nuages

Trees and forests of Mont Royal
1st prize: Jean-Michel Villanove, Neige tardive
2nd prize: Jordan Stern, Mount Royal
3rd prize: MoeMents (Mohamed Nagi), I hear your voice calling my name

Light
1st prize: Hannah Palmer, Renard de Cedar
2nd prize: Luc Therrien, Aurore
3rd prize: Richard Duret, Demi-jour sur le lac

The winning photographs are on display at the Café des Amis at Maison Smith in Mont-Royal Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, until springtime. Les amis de la montagne would like to underline the excellent work of the members of the jury, Céline Martin, Environment Advisor, TD Assurance, Stéphane Dionne, professional photographer, and Daniel Leblanc, Director of Outdoor Services and Sales for Les amis de la montagne, and also an amateur photographer. Finally, Les amis de la montagne thank Photo-Service for their generous contribution of gift certificates to the first-place prize winners in each of the contest categories. Congratulations to the winners!

UNVEILING OF THE HISTORIC WALL MURAL AND LAUNCH OF THE BOOK "THE HILL THAT WANTED TO BECOME A MOUNTAIN"

MONTREAL, November 9, 2011 - The historic wall mural hand-painted by Montreal illustrator Alain Pilon was unveiled today at Maison Smith in Mont-Royal Park and depicts 17 moments chosen in the history of the mountain. The unveiling was held as part of the official inauguration of the new exhibition, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover.”

Photo : Martin Roy

At first glance at the wall mural, visitors are pleasantly surprised, charmed and captivated by this intriguing mountain timeline, which is illustrated in an original and humorous fashion. The wall mural was created using the technique of vinyl transfer, coloured by hand using paints in vibrant yellows and oranges, grey and black.

To complement the wall art, an attractive book has been published featuring Alain Pilon’s 17 illustrations, entitled “The hill that wanted to become a mountain”, accompanied by equally imaginative and informative texts by Jean-Michel Villanove, an educator with Les amis de la montagne, responsible for the exhibition project.

“The hill that wanted to become a mountain” is available for sale at the Maison Smith nature boutique, also available in the original French version, “La colline qui voulait devenir une montagne”. The book was published with the financial support of the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel du Montréal.

Photo: Samuel Montigné

OPEN HOUSE AT MAISON SMITH ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 AND 13

On Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13, 2011, Les amis de la montagne invite all Montrealers to take part in a variety of family-friendly activities as part of the inaugural ceremonies of the new exhibition, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover”, at Maison Smith in Mont-Royal Park.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants may visit the new exhibition accompanied by members of the Les amis de la montagne educational staff, explore the interactive terminals and giant touch-screen map of the mountain, view the winning photos of the “La montagne en images” contest, and visit the temporary exhibit “La montagne comme dans un conte, dessinée en noir et blanc” presented by artist Charles L’Heureux. At noon and again at 3 p.m., the artist will lead exploratory walks in the forest.

Also, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Shakti Ortega St-Amant will present a series of short tales specially crafted for this occasion, and at 2 p.m., Élisabeth Desjardins will perform her tale, entitled, “La femme qui parle avec les arbres.”

Finally, at the Café des Amis in Maison Smith, coffee, tea and cookies will be served to exhibition visitors, on the house!

Come one, come all!

THANK-YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Les amis de la montagne thank their partners for their generous financial support of this ambitious project: the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal in the amount of $403,000, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation in the amount of $75,000, the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement in the amount of $30,000 and the Fondation de la faune du Québec in the amount of $15,000, for an overall total of $523,000.

OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 12 AND 13, 2011

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

As part of the official inauguration of the permanent exhibition, "Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover" at Maison Smith

MONTREAL, November 6, 2011 - The new Mont Royal exhibition is displayed throughout Maison Smith, inviting visitors to discover the mountain’s historic, landscape and built heritage, as well as its flora and fauna. Through dynamic exhibits, historic photos and murals, artefacts, audio-visual elements, interactive games and touch-screens, “Mont Royal, A Territory to Discover” offers visitors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the mountain territory prior to heading outdoors.

OPEN HOUSE, NOVEMBER 12 AND 13, 2011

Les amis de la montagne invite Montrealers of all ages to a series of family-friendly activities: guided visits of the exhibition, storytelling, exploratory walks in the forest, display of the winning photographs of the “La montagne en images” photo contest and the temporary exhibit of forest illustrations by Charles L’Heureux.

SCHEDULE (storytelling will be held in French)

11 am       Family storytelling with Shakti Ortega St-Amant
12 pm       Exploratory walk in the forest, guided by artist Charles L’Heureux
1 pm       Family Storytelling with Shakti Ortega St-Amant
2 pm       Storytelling "La femme qui parle avec les arbres", with Elisabeth Desjardins
3 pm       Exploratory walk in the forest, guided by artist Charles L’Heureux
3:30 pm   Coffee, tea and cookies in the Café des Amis

THE VILLE DE MONTRÉAL REJECTS THE MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION PROJECT

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) has rendered its decision to reject the project to expand the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) in a residential building located outside the hospital’s actual property, following an exhaustive study of 25 briefs and oral presentations by citizens and concerned community groups, including Les amis de la montagne.

The OCPM clearly pointed to the resolution adopted by the municipal council on May 20th last, establishing a strict interpretation of the notion of the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction, a critical element of the Mont-Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan. The
Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal heeded this recommendation and rejected the zoning change requested by the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). The Minister of Health declared that the ministry would not intervene in this dossier, which is now closed.

The MGH benefits from its place of privilege within the protected Mont Royal perimeter, adjacent to Mont-Royal Park, which necessarily dictates responsibilities by the owners of this site, recognized as having heritage interest for all of Quebec.

In its brief, Les amis de la montagne underlined the importance of reinforcing the commitment made by the MUHC to plan all of its future development on the Glen site, the location of the MUHC’s super-hospital currently under construction. The brief also stressed that the need for a common vision on the future of all the hospital properties on the southern flank of Mont Royal is still a necessity.

Click on this link to read Les amis de la montagne’s brief (in French).

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND BRIEFS

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The "Projet métropolitain d'aménagement et de développement" and the "Plan d'urbanisme sur les antennes"

The Projet métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement (PMAD)

The PMAD is a planning document aimed at guiding the development of the territory of the entire metropolitan community for the years to come. The Communauté métropolitain de Montréal (CMM) is required to establish such a plan in order to coordinate interventions on its territory in a coherent and coordinated manner.

The public consultation period on the new draft PMAD continues to October 21st and Les amis de la montagne will submit a brief to the commissioners.

The Plan includes three areas of interest: development, transportation and the environment. Les amis’ brief concentrates on the environment, with an emphasis on the efforts still required to enhance natural and built areas, as well as the landscape.

The establishment of clear and precise orientations will allow for the better preservation and linking of all the landscapes on the territory of the CMM, including four of the nine Monteregian hills, which are great assets to all of Quebec.

The experiences drawn from the protection and enhancement efforts for Mont Royal will certainly serve as an example to help orient the CMM in its initiatives.

Click on this link to access the official PMAD website.
To learn more about the necessity and the characteristics of a PMAD, click on this link to visit the site of the MAMROT.

The Plan d’urbanisme sur les antennes

In light of the increase in the number of telecommunication antennas and their disorderly proliferation in Montreal, City Council would like to submit a draft amendment to the Master Plan complementary document. To do so, the Office de consultation publique de Montréal has been mandated to hold a public consultation to consider the rules governing the conditions and criteria for the installation of antennas on both public and private properties.

The main challenge is the impact of antennas on the urban landscape; this problem is further accentuated on a landscape of great value, such as Mont Royal. There is also a public health concern regarding the presence of antennas in the urban environment, although studies to date indicate that the impact on health is negligible.

In order to avoid compromising the quality of landscapes by the presence of antennas, certain principles could be adopted, such as those by other countries including France and Spain that ensure the better integration of antennas in the landscape. In Montreal, several boroughs already hold high standards in this regard and could serve as a reference in the current process.

Click on this link for further information and relevant documents on the site of the OCPM.

FIDO-EVERGREEN’S “SHARE YOUR CARE” CAMPAIGN

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis receive $2,500 for their urban tree nursery project

Since 1994, Les amis de la montagne have mobilized members of the Montreal community in tree and shrub-planting exercises on Mont Royal. Since 2006, about 2,000 plants have been planted per year. In total, 3,500 volunteers have planted 16,000 trees.

Over the next several years, Les amis are getting involved in a project in partnership with another local organization to develop an urban tree nursery in Montreal that also has an educational mission. Thanks to a financial contribution from the Fido-Evergreen « Share your care » campaign, Les amis will undertake the following pilot projects this fall:

A project to grow plants from tree seeds taken from Mont Royal will be led with a class from the École Arc-en-Ciel in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. These elementary school students will participate in each step of the project that runs from this October to next June, from the collection of seeds to the evaluation of their germination rate next spring. The shoots produced will be recuperated by the nursery and eventually planted on Mont Royal.

A second project involves the recuperation of young stalks of shrubs and trees that will be disturbed by the construction work on the ring road in the forest of the Outremont summit. The stalks will be uprooted by volunteers on October 15 and will be planted in pots before being stored on the grounds of the Université de Montréal. These plants will be transported to the new nursery next year and will also eventually be planted on Mont Royal.

The educational approaches and methodologies used in these two projects could serve as a model for the nursery’s future activities.

INTRODUCING THE "GÉOGUIDE DU MONT-ROYAL" APP

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne launch a mobile application to explore Mont-Royal Park

Les amis de la montagne are pleased to launch a brand-new, free and unique mobile application that will enhance your next visit to Mont-Royal Park. This application is the newest addition to Les amis’ interpretation tool-kit that for 30 years, has provided a host of opportunities to the community and visitors to discover the mountain’s rich heritage.

Using the latest in georeferencing technology, where geographic coordinates are attributed to an image, the « Géoguide du mont Royal » provides nearly 20 points of interest in Mont-Royal Park that the visitor can discover more in-depth.

Once you have downloaded the application on your iPhone (or iPod Touch or iPad), you must come to Mont-Royal Park; when you are within close proximity of a point of interest, your iPhone is activated and an audio-video capsule is automatically launched. Each point of interest also contains a slide-show that allows you to see the area in a variety of angles, under different conditions or in an earlier era. The points of interest are all taken from Les amis de la montagne’s interactive map.

This preliminary 1.0.1 version of the application, currently available only in French, was produced by Thierry Gendron, David Genest and Éric Fortin of the fledging company, Iekho.com.

Click on this link to download the application free of charge for your iPhone from the iTunes “app store”.

Have a great visit!

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - October 2011

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Invitation to the public forum; the MUHC project is rejected; Les amis hold their 25th annual general meeting; an urban tree nursery project; Les amis launch a free and unique mobile application; the 3 summits guided walk; cross-country ski lessons for children - and more!

Wood duck in Lac aux Castors, september 2011: © Samuel Montigné

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2011.

FEATURES

The Ville de Montréal rejects the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project
Public consultations and briefs: the Projet métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement and the Plan d’urbanisme sur les antennes
Les amis de la montagne welcome an Armenian delegation to Maison Smith

NEWS

Les amis hold their 25th Annual General Meeting
Fido-Evergreen’s “Share Your Care” campaign: Les amis receive $2,500 for their urban tree nursery project
École Polytechnique de Montréal receives “Sustainable Campus” certification
The Summit Woods gets a little help from its friends

ACTIVITIES

Les amis de la montagne launch an innovative mobile application featuring Mont-Royal Park
Registration period for children’s cross-country ski lessons is now open
An autumn “must” is back: the Mount Royal’s Three Summits guided walking tour

TAKE ACTION

Les amis de la montagne celebrate their 25th anniversary, the age of a generation

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The public forum is back after a short hiatus and will be held:

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Maison Smith, Mont-Royal Park, 1260 Chemin Remembrance

Join us for a brief recap of the various dossiers and recent news items related to the mountain, including: Montreal General Hospital; former convent of the Saint-Noms-de-Jésus-et-de-Marie; the M sur la montagne project on the former Marianopolis College campus; the Belvédère Éphémère project; and the briefs submitted by Les amis de la montagne over the last several months.

Photo: Ville de Montréal

Also, we invite you to join us for a stimulating exchange with members of several new groups that have formed around the mountain in defense of their particular interests, in order to become better acquainted and to forge stronger links in working together.

We look forward to seeing you at what promises to be an animated forum!

For further information, contact Firoozeh Djavedani, community relations coordinator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

FEATURES

THE VILLE DE MONTRÉAL REJECTS THE MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION PROJECT

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) has rendered its decision to reject the project to expand the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) in a residential building located outside the hospital’s actual property, following an exhaustive study of 25 briefs and oral presentations by citizens and concerned community groups, including Les amis de la montagne.

Click here to read the full article …

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND BRIEFS

Les amis de la montagne participate in the Projet métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement and the Plan d’urbanisme sur les antennes.

Click here to read the full article …

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE WELCOME AN ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO MAISON SMITH

Representatives of Erevan, the capital of Armenia, were in Montreal in September to learn about the mechanism’s Montreal has in place regarding public consultation and civic participation in the municipal process. The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) coordinated numerous visits with a variety of stakeholders, including Les amis de la montagne.

Since 2001, Montreal has been developing relations with the capital of Armenia, which led in 2010 to the signing of a memorandum of cooperation for a period of two years. According to the last Quebec census of 2006, the greater Montreal area has an active population of close to 24,000 people of Armenian ethnic origin.

NEWS

LES AMIS HOLD THEIR 25th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Les amis de la montagne held their 25th Annual General Meeting in the freshly renovated meeting rooms of Maison Smith on September 27th last. Members of the Board and management provided the assembly with a very positive review of the organization’s activities for the fiscal year 2010-2011. You may click on this link to read the 2010-2011 Activity Report available in « virtual paper » format on Les amis’ website.

The annual meeting was also the occasion to distribute the 8th edition of the Mont Royal map, entitled « Historic and Natural District by the numbers ». The theme of the 2011 map highlights the double contribution of Mont Royal to our collective quality of life and our economic prosperity. The map is distributed to participants of Les amis’ interpretation activities, such as the public forum, during presentations by members of the team or guided walking tours. You may request a copy on your next visit to Maison Smith.

The activities of Les amis de la montagne are made possible through the generosity and the involvement of a great many individuals, foundations, companies, public bodies and partner organizations. Les amis extend particular thanks to all members of the Board and its committees, the campaign cabinet and Governors of the corporation, who through their commitment and participation in the mission of the organization, perpetuate a 150-year tradition of citizen involvement in the preservation of the mountain.

FIDO-EVERGREEN’S “SHARE YOUR CARE” CAMPAIGN: LES AMIS RECEIVE $2,500 FOR THEIR URBAN TREE NURSERY PROJECT

ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE DE MONTRÉAL RECEIVES “SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS” CERTIFICATION

The École Polytechnique de Montréal, an institution located on Mont Royal, received « Sustainable Campus » certification on September 20th last by the Sierra Youth Coalition, a Canadian, non-profit organization that publicly recognizes the efforts undertaken by universities with regards sustainable development.

As part of their new policy on sustainable development put in place this year, the École Polytechnique stands as an example of commitment, success and change. According to the institution, the certification is not only a reward, but also a catalyst in the pursuit of further initiatives.

THE SUMMIT WOODS GETS A LITTLE HELP FROM ITS FRIENDS

Les amis de la montagne welcome the recent creation of a citizens’ committee dedicated to conservation and awareness-raising activities on the Westmount summit, a territory well used by the community that lies within the protected Mont Royal Historic and Natural District. Les amis have shared their experiences and expertise in environmental stewardship initiatives with representatives of this new committee and is committed to pursuing such collaboration as desired.

Following the request by a group of citizens, the City of Westmount recently decided to change the name of « Summit Park » to « Summit Woods ». This new designation is intended to better describe the reality of this territory as a natural reserve, in order to make the community more aware of its fragility. One project the committee is undertaking is the installation of an educational sign in a highly trafficked area of the woods related to the observation of flora and fauna in all seasons.

ACTIVITIES

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE LAUNCH AN INNOVATIVE MOBILE APPLICATION FEATURING MONT-ROYAL PARK

Les amis de la montagne are pleased to launch a brand-new, free and unique mobile application that will enhance your next visit to Mont-Royal Park. This application is the newest addition to Les amis’ interpretation tool-kit that for 30 years, has provided a host of opportunities to the community and visitors to discover the mountain’s rich heritage.

REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR CHILDREN’S CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS IS NOW OPEN

Take advantage of the outdoor activities offered for children this winter in Mont-Royal Park. As of now, you may register your children in the Club de ski de fond des Amis de la montagne, that offers, in collaboration with Ski de Fond Québec, both Bunny Rabbit lessons for 4 and 5 year-olds and Jackrabbit lessons, for children 6 to 9 years-old (10 and 11 year-old novices are also accepted).

Click on this link for information on the time and cost of lessons, as well as the registration details. For all other information, you may call Les amis at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

AN AUTUMN “MUST” IS BACK: THE MOUNT ROYAL’S THREE SUMMITS GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Autumn colours are striking this time of year on Mont Royal! Fall is the perfect season to explore the mountain’s three summits to discover the many heritage elements of the Mont Royal Historic and Natural District and a presentation of its inherent protection challenges. Bring your lunch and wear a solid pair of walking shoes for this 12 km excursion.

This guided walk will be offered on Sunday, October 16 and 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 0. The presentation is in French.

TAKE ACTION

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE CELEBRATE THEIR 25th ANNIVERSARY, THE AGE OF A GENERATION

Les amis de la montagne’s 25th anniversary campaign is in full swing! This year is particularly significant for us, since 25 years represents the age of a generation. And Mont Royal has been at the centre of the lives of Montrealers for generations. Please make a contribution to our campaign and support our efforts: we just launched another exciting season of school programs and guided walks, and have many other initiatives on the go.

Click on this link to make your secure online donation today.

MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL EXPANSION PROJECT

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne support the conclusions of the OCPM, yet still question the future of the health institutions on Mount Royal

Montreal, September 13, 2011 – Les amis de la montagne support the conclusions rendered public today by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) regarding the Montreal General Hospital expansion project on Mount Royal, namely by recalling the importance of the municipal administration’s decision on May 20, 2011, to adopt a resolution establishing a strict definition of the mountain’s capacity to receive new development, an issue central to the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan.

According to Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of Les amis de la montagne, “The report of the OCPM is clear: this second expansion project proposed by the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) still poses numerous problems especially with regards the hospital’s extension outside its existing footprint into a neighbouring residential building, and its impacts on the residential sector located adjacent to Mount Royal Park. Les amis de la montagne strongly supports the recommendation of the OCPM to encourage the MUHC and the Ville de Montréal to pursue efforts to find solutions that are more respectful of this fragile environment.”

In its report, the OCPM states that the MUHC has adopted an approach incompatible with the municipal council’s interpretation of limited capacity by expanding through the use of neighbouring residential building located at 1750 Cedar. The OCPM reminds the Montreal General Hospital of its privileged location within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District, in a residential sector facing Mount Royal Park, a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Today, a new hospital project facing Mount Royal Park would be refused outright.

Les amis de la montagne further supports the OCPM’S call for stronger measures that would commit the MUHC to planning all future development on its Glen Campus, but the organization is still concerned about the lack of an overall vision for the future of the health institutions located on the southern flank of Mount Royal.

“The Ville de Montréal and the Government of Québec are responsible for the protection of Mount Royal, a site of great heritage value that will soon be transformed along its southern flank by the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital and the eventual departure of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children. The question of an overall vision for this entire sector is more than relevant today and must be answered by our elected decision-makers prior to any further expansion or modernization projects,” concludes Sylvie Guilbault.

The report by the OCPM is available on their website at www.ocpm.qc.ca.

-30-

Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237
gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

About Les amis de la montagne
Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986 that works for the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. (www.lemontroyal.qc.ca)

Regulation of telecommunication antennas

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Announcement regarding a public consultation

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal has been given the mandate to hold a public consultation on the “Règlement modifiant le Plan d'urbanisme de la Ville de Montréal (04-047)” [by-law amending the Master Plan of Ville de Montréal], aiming to add provisions pertaining to antennas to its complementary document.

In 2010, in view of the proliferation of telecommunication antennas on Montreal’s territory, the city council adopted a resolution asking for the establishment of an ad hoc committee on the issue. Although telecommunications fall under federal jurisdiction, municipalities may govern the installation of telecommunication antennas.

The draft by-law submitted for public consultation proposes a series of criteria providing a framework for the installation of antennas on public and private property. It addresses both landscape and safety issues. The subject of telecommunication antennas also raises questions of public health. This consultation will provide an opportunity to disseminate factual information regarding the state of scientific knowledge on relay antennas. Lastly, the issue of competence sharing between the city and boroughs will also be discussed.

To promote the participation of as many people as possible, the consultation will be held in four boroughs.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

September 19, 2011 7:00 P.M., 1550 Metcalfe St., 14th floor (Metro Peel)
September 22, 2011 7:00 P.M., Saint-Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 80 De Castelnau (Metro De Castelnau)
September 27, 2011 7:00 P.M., St Kevin’s Church, 5590 De la Côte-des-Neiges (Metro Côte-des-Neiges)
September 28, 2011 7:00 P.M., Centre récréatif Rivière-des-Prairies, 7650, Maurice-Duplessis Blvd

For complete details on the consultation including how to participate, please consult the web site of the OCPM by clicking on this link.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - September 2011

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Summer season wrap-up, "back to school" on Mont Royal, conservation activities and guided walking tours this fall, notices from the Ville de Montréal ... and more!

SUMMER SEASON WRAP-UP

Les amis’ summer day camp is a big success for a third year running
The winds of change are sweeping over Lac aux Castors

Photo: Éric Cimon

NEWS

“Back to school” on Mont Royal: launch of educational programs for pre-school, primary and secondary students

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Take to your cameras! The “La montagne en images” photo contest closes September 17
Still a few weeks of activities and animation regarding the conservation of the natural environment this fall:
- Kiosk on the mountain’s biodiversity – until September 25
- Environmental Stewardship Program – until October 17
Guided walks and autumn splendour on Mont Royal:
- From the mountain to the river – September 25 and October 9
- Mont Royal’s three summits – October 2, 16 and 23
Conference in English on Mont Royal’s biodiversity – September 20

TAKE ACTION

Become a friend of the mountain today!

NOTICES ABOUT ACTIVITIES ON MONT ROYAL

The Ville de Montréal is running a preventive vaccination campaign against the raccoon rabies variant, between September 6 and 9
Notice of road closures for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Mont Royal – September 11

SUMMER SEASON WRAP-UP

LES AMIS’ SUMMER DAY CAMP IS A BIG SUCCESS FOR A THIRD YEAR RUNNING

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, offered a summer day camp for children 6 to 9 years old in Mont-Royal Park from June 27 to August 17.

Headquartered in the Chalet du Mont-Royal, 168 children enjoyed a multitude of fun and educational activities in the heart of nature in the midst of the city. Two themes were provided to campers this season: “Les aventuriers du temps”, a new theme to discover the mountain’s rich history, from the presence of the Native People to today, and “Les renards futés”, focused on the discovery of the mountain’s flora and fauna. Summer days at camp included treasure hunts, expeditions in the forest, games and a photo rally, natural art creations and visits to the Redpath Museum and the stables of the SPVM.

Les amis de la montagne thank the campers’ parents for entrusting their children to us for another wonderful summer season. Les amis also thank our generous donors to the sponsorship program, held in partnership with a variety of organizations in Côte-des-Neiges, whose donations provided a one-week camp experience to 18 children from less privileged neighbourhoods.

Photos: Éric Cimon

THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE SWEEPING OVER LAC AUX CASTORS

Lac aux Castors will be undergoing a major transformation in 2012. Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal are taking advantage of this restoration project to reconstruct the lake’s basin and refinish the surrounding area, to reflect upon new offerings for this important hub of activity. New small crafts, park furnishings and recreational activities will be introduced in 2013. After 15 years of operations, this summer is possibly the last for pedal boats on Lac aux Castors!

For more information on the Lac aux Castors restoration project, click here to read the press release issued by the Ville de Montréal (in French).

NEWS

“BACK TO SCHOOL” ON MONT ROYAL: LAUNCH OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR PRE-SCHOOL, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS

Professors and educators take note: now is the time to reserve your group outings for the fall and winter sessions!

In the “school without walls in the heart of nature”, Les amis de la montagne have been providing educational programs and outdoor activities for 30 years, for school groups of all levels that can be adapted to specific pedagogical objectives.

Click here to consult the 2011-2012 school programs catalogue.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TAKE TO YOUR CAMERAS! THE “LA MONTAGNE EN IMAGES” PHOTO CONTEST CLOSES SEPTEMBER 17

Click on this link for contest details and registration information (in French).

STILL A FEW WEEKS OF ACTIVITIES AND ANIMATIONS REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THIS FALL

Kiosk on the mountain’s biodiversity – until September 25

During weekend afternoons in September, join Les amis’ environmental educators at the kiosk devoted to Mont Royal’s biodiversity located along Chemin Olmsted, near the Chalet du Mont-Royal. Both young and young-at-heart will enjoy the animation, information and games related specifically to the mountain’s fauna.

*Note that the kiosk will not be in operation the weekend of September 10-11 due to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal (see details below).

Environmental Stewardship Program – until October 17

Do you want to get involved in conserving Mont Royal’s biodiversity this fall? There’s still time to join Les amis’ educator-patrollers, every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., to help cut down exotic invasive species.

No reservations are necessary. Simply arrive at Maison Smith at 10 a.m., in Mont-Royal Park. Click on this link for more information.

Guided walks and autumn splendour on Mont Royal

From the mountain to the river – September 25 and October 9
Mont Royal’s three summits – October 2, 16 and 23

Avoid disappointment and reserve your place today to participate in Les amis’ popular Sunday guided walks being held in September and October.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore exceptional trails to learn about the mountain’s rich historic past and that reveal its built and landscape elements, as well as its conservation challenges.

For details and registration information, click here to visit Les amis’ calendar of events online.

Conference in English on Mont Royal’s biodiversity – September 20

The Zoological Society of Montreal has invited Éric Richard, biologist and Les amis’ Director of Educational Services, to discuss the efforts undertaken to conserve Mont Royal’s biodiversity and the challenges therein.

Tuesday, September 20
7:30 p.m.
Atwater Library, 1200 Avenue Atwater, Westmount
Free for members of the Zoological Society; reservations and information: 514 845-8317 (Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.); contact@zoologicalsocietymtl.org.

TAKE ACTION

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE MOUNTAIN TODAY!

By joining Les amis de la montagne today, you will be welcomed into a family of dedicated individuals committed to the protection and enhancement of Mont Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

Friends receive the following benefits:

First notice of events and programs through Les amis’ electronic newsletter
An official Friends ID card providing a one-time 20% discount at Les amis’ boutique or Café des amis at Maison Smith

Click on this link to become a Friend today.

NOTICES ABOUT ACTIVITIES ON MONT ROYAL

The Ville de Montréal is running a preventive vaccination campaign against the raccoon rabies variant, between September 6 and 9

The Ville de Montréal, in collaboration with the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, will conduct a preventive vaccination campaign targeting raccoons, skunks and foxes, against the raccoon rabies variant. Efforts will be concentrated in 8 large parks where wildlife is particularly present, including Mont-Royal Park.

Specialized teams of veterinarians and wildlife technicians will spread bait containing the rabies vaccine. The Ville de Montréal has been conducting wildlife vaccination campaigns for over 15 years and no case of the raccoon rabies variant has been detected to this day on the island of Montreal.

How to recognize the bait
Each piece of bait carrying one dose of the vaccine resembles an olive green-coloured “oversized ravioli”. The bait is about 40 mm x 22 mm x 10 mm in size. Normally, the animals consume the bait within a two-week period.

Security measures
In order to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign, the Ville de Montréal asks for the collaboration of all citizens through the following:

Keep all dogs on their leash and do not let them approach wild animals;
Avoid handling bait containing the vaccine, even though the bait is not harmful to humans, animals or the environment.

Click here to read the Ville de Montréal’s press release in full (in French).

Notice of road closures for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Mont Royal – September 11

The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal returns to Mont Royal for its second edition! This men’s professional level sporting event is presented to the community free of charge. The departure (11 a.m.) and arrival site (between 4-4:30 p.m.) of the race is located on Avenue du Parc, facing the monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier.

Note that the race will require the closure of numerous streets, changes to bus routes and schedules, and parking restrictions throughout the weekend. For more information: call 311; visit the website of the Ville de Montréal or the STM; or download the map of the route and access points by clicking here.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - August 2011

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Major restoration in store for the lake; a new species is sighted in the park; a threatening species arrives in Montreal; launch of the 2011-2012 school programs; vote for the Environmental Stewardship Program - and more!

THE GOOD NEWS

Mount Royal is at the top of Spacing’s Top 10 list
Beaver Lake will undergo a major restoration
A project to remove buckthorn bears fruit
The wood duck makes its first appearance on Mount Royal!

THE BAD NEWS

The emerald ash borer has arrived in Montreal

ACTIVITIES

Launch of Les amis’ 2011-2012 school programs
The Environmental Stewardship Program moves to Saturday mornings
Photo contest “La montagne en images”: deadline September 17
New interactive circuits help you explore the biodiversity in Montreal’s large parks

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION

“Share Your Care”: Befriending the mountain
Make a special gift

THE GOOD NEWS

Mount Royal is at the top of Spacing’s Top 10 list

Mount Royal has been ranked the number one public space in Montreal by Spacing magazine, a publication dedicated to urban planning, architecture and urban life. A superb photo of the Kondiaronk lookout graces the cover of the special Montreal edition.

Beaver Lake will undergo a major restoration

The Ville de Montréal recently announced that work will begin to restore the basin of Beaver Lake and its perimeter. A make-work project of the depression-era 1930s, this man-made lake and its surrounding area is in need of a major restoration. The work will include the reconstruction of the supporting stone wall and the adjacent waterfall, as well as the improvement of water circulation and the elimination of undesirable vegetation.

Work to improve the Beaver Lake sector began with the impetus of a $2 million donation to Les amis de la montagne from Power Corporation of Canada for the restoration of the Beaver Lake pavilion and the construction of a refrigerated skating rink in 2005-2006. The restoration of the nearby children’s playground and surrounding area followed in 2008-2009. The work on the lake will complete the renovations in this popular area of the park while respecting the historic qualities of the site and taking into consideration the recreational needs of park users, especially families.

For more information, click on this link to read the Ville de Montréal’s press release (in French).

A project to eradicate common buckthorn bears fruit

Les amis de la montagne participated for a third year in the Projet de restauration et de valorisation de la biodiversité en milieu urbain, led by the Ville de Montréal, the Fondation Hydro-Québec de l’environnement and other partners.

About 30 high-school graduates participated in the project, providing them with a valuable first-time work experience. The project consisted of the eradication of common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species, on Mount Royal’s summits and flanks, as well as in the Ile-de-la-Visitation and Bois-de-Liesse nature parks.

Les amis contributed to the project by managing and organizing the activities, and supervising the students.

For more information, click here to read the press release of the Ville de Montréal (in French).

The wood duck makes its first appearance on Mount Royal

Les amis de la montagne are thrilled to be able to add a new species to its annotated list of fauna: the wood duck (Aix sponsa) has made its first appearance in Beaver Lake!

Considered one of the most beautiful ducks in North America, the male has highly colourful nuptial plumage and a drooping crest. His head is brilliant green and blue, changing to purplish black below the eyes. The female is duller in colour, with a shorter crest. Her head is brownish grey with a white eye-ring.

The female produces one or sometimes two clutches, the collection of eggs laid at once, per year. Wood ducks like to nest in tree cavities formed by woodpeckers. They will also use nesting boxes provided for them.

Since the wood duck returns to its native nesting grounds, the wildlife specialists at Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal are already considering installing nesting boxes for this species at Beaver Lake. Given the restoration work slated for this area, the park’s marsh could serve as an alternative breeding site.

Remember, feeding animals in the park is prohibited; the wood duck eats fruit, seeds and land and aquatic plants, as well as insects, found in the park.

With information from the website of the Biodôme de Montréal

THE BAD NEWS!

The emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Montreal

Bad news for our urban forest: the emerald ash borer has been detected on the island of Montreal.

The emerald ash borer is a highly destructive invasive beetle that attacks ash trees and is believed to have been accidentally introduced to North America in imported wood packaging or crating material. The emerald ash borer is already believed to have killed millions of trees in the United States and Canada, and poses a threat to Montreal’s urban forest. There are some 45,000 ash trees in the streets of Montreal, or about 20% of all street trees.

Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal stopped planting ash trees on Mount Royal in 2007 as a preventive measure. To help stop the spread of this invasive beetle, citizens are asked to not move potentially infested wood and firewood to non-infested areas.

Additional information is available on the Canadian Food Inspection website or by calling 1-866-463-6017.

ACTIVITIES

Launch of Les amis’ 2011-2012 school programs

Attention teachers! The beginning of August has arrived and back-to-school fashions fill the stores and advertisements flood our TVs! Galvanize your students from the get-go by offering them an unforgettable educational experience in the great outdoors!

Whether your goal is to complement classroom content through hands-on fieldwork or simply to enjoy winter recreational activities in the heart of the city, Mount Royal is the destination of choice for the discovery of a unique natural environment: landscapes, fauna, flora and geology.

At Les amis de la montagne’s “school without walls”, our environmental education programs are suitable for all age groups and may be adapted to specific pedagogical objectives.

Click on this link consult the 2011-2012 school program guide.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

The Environmental Stewardship Program moves to Saturday mornings

Would you like to do your part this summer to conserve the biodiversity of Mount Royal? Then come and join other citizens for a variety of conservation activities, such as planting indigenous trees, cutting exotic invasive species or evaluating previous tree plantings, every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, through October 2011. You don’t have to reserve your place, simply show up at Smith House on the day of the activity to join the conservation patrol educators of Les amis de la montagne.

For further questions, please click here to send us an email message.

Photo contest “La montagne en images”: deadline September 17

You still have time to participate in Les amis de la montagne’s 2nd edition of the photo contest “La montagne en images”, presented by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The purpose of the photo contest is to showcase Mount Royal’s heritage elements, activities and sheer beauty.

Keep in mind the following contest categories this year:

Works of art and buildings
Activities and pastimes
Fauna of Mont Royal
Trees and forests of Mont Royal
Light

Photographs of contest winners will be on exhibit at the Café des Amis at Smith House in the fall of 2011. The contest deadline is September 17.

Click on this link to download the contest rules and application form (available in French).

New interactive circuits help you explore the biodiversity in Montreal’s large parks

Les amis de la montagne participated in the launch of a new family activity conducted in the heart of urban nature: a series of interactive circuits to discover the biodiversity of 10 of Montreal’s large parks. The Ville de Montréal produced the different circuits together with the Montreal Urban BioKit, a tool developed in collaboration with the Biosphere, Environment Museum of Environment Canada.

The BioKit features the history, natural particularities, endangered and invasive species of each park. Each circuit can be completed in about 90 minutes and also provides recommendations on ways participants can improve the environment.

Click on this link to download the circuits for the city’s large parks and the Montreal Urban BioKit from the Environment Canada website.

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION

Vote now, vote often!

As part of their "Share your care" campaign, Fido and Evergreen have committed $100,000 to 20 community projects, including Les amis’ Environmental Stewardship Program “Befriending the mountain”!

Until August 14, you can VOTE ONCE A DAY for Les amis' project by clicking this link to the campaign website.

The project with the most votes wins the grand prize, but every project wins something. Here's the break down:

Most votes = $25,000
2nd place = $15,000
3rd place = $10,000
All 20 projects = $2,500 (total $50,000)

Results will be revealed at the end of August. Thank you for your support!

Make a special gift to Les amis de la montagne

Making a tribute gift to Les amis de la montagne is one way to honour the accomplishments of friends or family, while contributing to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal. Likewise, when a loved one passes away, a gift to Les amis de la montagne can be a touching memorial.

Click on this link for details.

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance, July 16-17, 2011

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

The “Belvédère Éphémère” project was a terrific success, held under the steamy sunshine of the July 16-17 weekend! Brought to life by a team of young professionals in urban planning and design, the project was organized by Les amis de la montagne in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal and numerous partners as part of May, Mount Royal Month, but postponed to July due to rainy conditions in May.

(Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj)

This temporary worksite of creativity was located on the ramp off Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, closed to vehicular traffic for the occasion. The ramp was chosen because of its proximity to a residential neighbourhood and a southwest entrance to Mount Royal Park, near an unwelcoming intersection that joins two great institutional properties undergoing transformation: the former Marianopolis College slated for conversion to a residential property and the Montreal General Hospital slated for expansion.

Ten teams of up-and-coming designers and artists created works of public art related to a lookout theme that aimed to reinterpret the language commonly associated with urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture. Moreover, a screening was held of the original video “Dans la forêt” that was accompanied by a live, improvised musical and vocal performance. The video presented some urban legends related to Mount Royal and the enchanted creatures that inhabit the site, unbeknown to us! The “happening” managed to seduce park users, passers-by and residents of the neighbourhood, who piqued with curiosity, ventured onto the site to view the installations.

The organizers of the event wanted to create an ephemeral space that was both edifying and festive to question the accessibility of the mountain by modifying, for the duration of a weekend, the use and perception of this vehicular infrastructure. The reinterpretation of this space confirmed its great potential for becoming a permanent lookout. “Belvédère Éphémère” succeeded in inspiring us to take a new look at this public space through an artistic vision.

Click on the links below to view:

the official photo gallery of the event (photos : Andrew Dobrowolskyj) ;
the video "Je suis le mont Royal" (production : Jeremie Battaglia) ;
the "photomaton" produced by Urbania.

ABOUT “BELVÉDÈRE ÉPHÉMÈRE”

PROJECT COORDINATORS

Olivier Lapierre with Caroline Magar and Sophie Lacoste

DESIGNERS + INSTALLATIONS

LES NEUF VUES DU MONT ROYAL
Batiste Galea, Fleur Jouas, Catherine Tremblay, Tania Koller, Laure Delmoly

NI(D)ACCESSIBLE
Marie-Josée Gagnon, Catherine St-Marseille, Maïda Beylerian, François Leblanc, Mathieu Robitaille

MR < MRPV
Bruno Dallas, Serge Gallant, Sarah Lacombe, Daniel La France, Chieu-Anh Le Van

OUVRIR ET FERMER LE PAYSAGE
Stéphanie Rocher, Fanny B. Perras, Lisanne Blain Sabourin, Simon Éthier, Kalliane Muntz-Boulet, Valériane Noël

L’HALTE VOLAGE
Laurence Leroux-Lapierre, Philippe Cossette, Ariane Côté-Bélisle, Valentin Hay, Benoît St-Onge, Martin Tanguay

LE RENARD DE CEDAR
Hannah Palmer, Aude Guivarc’h, Marc Messier, Christophe Guertin, Chris Murray, Nicolas Koronkievwicz, Laurence Cauchy

PASSAGE
Sandra Laberge, Louis-Antoine Blanchette, Catherine Brouillette, Alex Dimas, Claudine Matte

TRACES ORCHESTRÉES
Maude Brochu, Yasmine Amor, Laurence Fauteux, Sara Fauteux, Margaux Tabary

DÉDALE
Maxime David, Jérémie Battaglia, Raphaëlle Huysmans, Jonathan Lapalme, Anne-Marie Saucier

D’ABORD IL Y EUT LA NATURE PUIS VINT LA VILLE
Marie-Josée Dupuis, Maud Marrié, Olivier Legault, Eve St-Laurent, Raphael Thibodeau

VIDEO PROJECTION: “DANS LA FORÊT”

Numerous artists from a variety of disciplines under the artistic direction of Khoa Lê and Julie Côté.

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Invitation to all for this coming weekend, July 16 and 17, 2011!

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance

Les amis de la montagne, the Ville de Montréal and their partners will be holding an ephemeral intervention that is both informative and festive in order to question accessibility to Mount Royal along its western flank on a unique site: the ramp located on the corner of Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, closed for the occasion.

This weekend, 10 teams of up-and-coming designers and artists will create works of public art related to a lookout theme that reinterprets the language commonly associated with urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture. Moreover, participants are invited to view the original video “Dans la forêt” that will be accompanied by a live, improvised musical performance. The video presents some urban legends related to Mount Royal and the enchanted creatures that inhabit the site, unbeknown to us!

SCHEDULE

Vernissage / 50 designers + 10 installations
Saturday, July 16 – 6:30 p.m.

Video projection / Dans la forêt + musical performance
Saturday, July 16 – 8:30 p.m.

Free visits
Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LOCATION
Ramp located at the corner of Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges
(near the Montreal General Hospital)
Bus 66, 144, 165 and 166

DESIGNERS + INSTALLATIONS

LES NEUF VUES DU MONT ROYAL
Batiste Galea, Fleur Jouas, Catherine Tremblay, Tania Koller, Laure Delmoly

NI(D)ACCESSIBLE
Marie-Josée Gagnon, Catherine St-Marseille, Maïda Beylerian, François Leblanc, Mathieu Robitaille

MR < MRPV
Bruno Dallas, Serge Gallant, Sarah Lacombe, Daniel La France, Chieu-Anh Le Van

OUVRIR ET FERMER LE PAYSAGE
Stéphanie Rocher, Fanny B. Perras, Lisanne Blain Sabourin, Simon Éthier, Kalliane Muntz-Boulet, Valériane Noël

L’ HALTE VOLAGE
Laurence Leroux-Lapierre, Philippe Cossette, Ariane Côté-Bélisle, Valentin Hay, Benoît St-Onge, Martin Tanguay

LE RENARD DE CEDAR
Hannah Palmer, Aude Guivarc’h, Marc Messier, Christophe Guertin, Chris Murray, Nicolas Koronkievwicz, Laurence Cauchy

PASSAGE
Sandra Laberge, Louis-Antoine Blanchette, Catherine Brouillette, Alex Dimas, Claudine Matte

TRACES ORCHESTRÉES
Maude Brochu, Yasmine Amor, Laurence Fauteux, Sara Fauteux, Margaux Tabary

DÉDALE
Maxime David, Jérémie Battaglia, Raphaëlle Huysmans, Jonathan Lapalme, Anne-Marie Saucier

D’ABORD IL Y EUT LA NATURE PUIS VINT LA VILLE
Marie-Josée Dupuis, Maud Marrié, Olivier Legault, Eve St-Laurent, Raphael Thibodeau

VIDEO + MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: DANS LA FORÊT
The event gathers artists from a variety of disciplines, under the artistic direction of Khoa Lê and Julie Côté.

PARTNERS
“Belvédère Éphémère » is organized by Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal, Ville UNESCO de Design, thanks to the contributions of the following: Philips Lumec ; Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine ; Ædifica architecture et design ; Claude Cormier et associés ; Daoust Lestage architecture et design urbain ; Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux architectes ; Simon Bouffard, architecte paysagiste ; Soprema ; Lassonde ; Moog Audio ; SaniVac ; Post-Moderne ; Curious ; and Urbania.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July 2011

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Position paper on the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital; one video for the 20th Corvée clean-up and another for Les amis' 25th anniversary; "TD Green Sunday" and the Mount Royal Circle; initiatives to protect the forest and the fauna; Les amis' annual campaign - and more!

Hooray for summer!

Photo : Jean-Michel Villanove

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Project to expand the Montreal General Hospital (MUHC)

NEWS

A new video pays homage to the 20th anniversary of the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up
The 5th “TD Green Sunday” is a success with 300 participants
Members of the business community join the Mount Royal Circle
Two service improvements are introduced to enhance the park visitors’ experience
Road work on Camillien-Houde/Remembrance

ACTIVITIES

Launch of the “La montagne en images” photo contest
The Environmental Stewardship Program is in full swing
Two initiatives are aimed at protecting the fauna

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

What’s on in the park this summer?
“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance, 16-17
Guided visit of the Simon McTavish monument, August 15

TAKE ACTION

Leadership to move people and mountains: make your gift to Les amis de la montagne’s 25th anniversary campaign

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Project to expand the Montreal General Hospital (MUHC)

Image taken from the document "Campus de la Montagne : Projet d’intégration et de développement urbain, proposition révisée, 14 janvier 2011" (CUSM)

Les amis de la montagne presented their position paper on the project to expand and modernize the Montreal General Hospital on June 27th at the public hearings held by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal.

Click on this link to read more and to download the position paper (available in French).

NEWS

A new video pays homage to the 20th anniversary of the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up

Les amis de la montagne produced a short video on the occasion of the 20th Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up held May 1st to underline the remarkable contributions of the community towards the health and well-being of the mountain over the years. In fact, 11,800 men, women and children of Montreal have planted close to 15,000 trees and filled close to 5,000 bags of litter.

Produced with the financial support of the Ville de Montréal, the video will soon be incorporated in Les amis de la montagne’s interactive map, “Mont Royal: A territory to discover”. Until then, click here to watch it on Les amis’ YouTube channel, available in French or in French with English subtitles.

Photo : Tzara Maud

The 5th “TD Green Sunday” is a success with 300 participants

On May 30th, 300 nature-loving employees from TD, their family and friends, equipped with gloves and shovels, contributed to the expanse of forest on Mont Royal by planting 450 indigenous trees and shrubs, collecting litter and cutting alien invasive species. On this occasion, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation presented Les amis de la montagne with a $75,000 donation to help the organization complete the Maison Smith permanent exhibit.

“TD Green Sunday” is organized by Les amis de la montagne and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal. Employees from TD have participated for five consecutive years, planting a total of 3,000 trees.

Pictured: Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust and Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne

Members of the business community join the Mount Royal Circle

Les amis de la montagne held the Mount Royal Circle Breakfast on June 8th as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations under the honorary patronage of Jacques Parisien, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Astral Media Inc. More than 40 members of the business community gathered to underline this important anniversary in the life of the organization and to launch the annual campaign that supports activities to ensure the perpetuity of Mont Royal. In fact, members of the Mount Royal Circle provide one of the highest levels of support to Les amis de la montagne.

Members of the Head Table of Les amis de la montagne’s Mount Royal Circle Breakfast:

L to R: Peter A. Howlett, C.M. (Montorsan Holdings and President, Les amis de la montagne), Éric Morisset (TD Securities and Co-Chair of Les amis’ Annual Campaign), Jacques Parisien (Astral Media Inc.), honorary patron, Christine Lapointe, Mary Bruns Creighton (Cordiant Capital and Co-Chair of Les amis’ Annual Campaign), Robert Alain (EJLB Foundation), John Rae (Power Corporation of Canada) and Cyril Bendahan (Manulife Financial).

Photo: Martin Roy

Two service improvements are introduced to enhance the park visitors’ experience

Les amis de la montagne will once again benefit from the support of the Ville de Montréal in improving its service offerings to visitors of Mont-Royal Park this summer.

The terrace of the Café des Amis at Maison Smith is undergoing renovations to beautify and render more accessible this very popular site through the addition of a cobblestone pathway from Maison Smith and the planting of decorative shrubs and flowers.

Moreover, the Ville de Montréal has issued a permit to Les amis de la montagne for the sale of beverages and frozen treats to park visitors via tricycle carrier beginning this summer and for the next four summers.

For close to 30 years, Les amis de la montagne have provided educational and recreational services to park visitors, as well as welcome services, a nature-boutique and café-restaurant. Revenues generated from these services are reinvested in the activities offered in the park and aim to promote the appreciation and conservation of the site.

Photo : Samuel Montigné

Road work on Camillien-Houde/Remembrance

The Ville de Montréal has announced that road work involving repaving principal routes to Mont-Royal Park will begin in early July.

The work will affect the following streets:

Chemin Remembrance;
Voie Camillien-Houde;
Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine;
Avenue du Parc;
Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges.

This roadwork will be undertaken largely at night and will begin in early July continuing to early September 2011, in preparation for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, a professional race of international stature scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2011.

For more information, a document in PDF format, available in French, is available by clicking this link.

Source: Ville de Montréal, Division des travaux publics

ACTIVITIES

Launch of the “La montagne en images” photo contest

As part of May 2011: Mont Royal Month, Les amis de la montagne launched the 2nd edition of the photo contest “La montagne en images”, presented by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The purpose of the photo contest is to showcase Mont Royal’s different heritage elements, activities and sheer beauty.

The photo contest is open to all lovers of the mountain and we invite you to share your favourite nooks and crannies of the mountain with us! Keep in mind the following contest categories this year:

Works of art and buildings
Activities and pastimes
Fauna of Mont Royal
Trees and forests of Mont Royal
Light

The photographs of contest winners will be on exhibit at the Café des Amis at Maison Smith in the fall of 2011 and could be included in the annual activity report of the organization. The contest deadline is September 17.

Click on this link to download the contest rules and application form (available in French).

The Environmental Stewardship Program is in full swing

Would you like to do your part this summer to conserve the biodiversity of Mont Royal? Then come and join other citizens for a variety of conservation activities, such as planting indigenous trees, cutting exotic invasive species or evaluating previous tree plantings, every Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until July 26th. As of August 6th, activities will continue on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon, through October 2011. You don’t have to reserve your place, simply show up at Maison Smith on the day of the activity to join the conservation patrol educators of Les amis de la montagne.

For further questions, please contact us at the following address: benevoles@lemontroyal.qc.ca.

Two initiatives are aimed at protecting the fauna

Awareness-raising campaign to discourage feeding raccoons

In collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne’s conservation patrol led an important awareness-raising campaign with the general public from May 3rd to June 19th at the Camillien-Houde lookout, to counter the problems caused by feeding raccoons. Due to the popularity of this site on the mountain, our patrollers interacted with nearly 2,000 people.

Numerous visitors to Mont-Royal Park have adopted the bad habit of feeding raccoons, which encourages their dependency toward humans and causes them, over time, to lose their survival instinct. Meanwhile, raccoons can find all the food they need to survive in the park.

Beware! Even though these wild animals become used to the presence of humans and appear tame, their behaviour remains erratic. Raccoons can bite and transmit viruses or infectious diseases to humans.

The Ville de Montréal and Les amis de la montagne continue to search for long-term solutions to control this escalating problem. Garbage cans fitted with “anti raccoon” covers will soon be installed in strategic locations in the park, as well as appropriate signage informing visitors of park rules and warning of the hazards of feeding or petting wild animals.

Bird houses for the Eastern Bluebird on Mont Royal

Have you noticed any bird houses on the mountain lately? The bird houses were built specifically for the Eastern Bluebird that from 1984 to 1996, was declared a species of “special concern”. In 1980, only 56 pairs remained in Quebec! Today, even though the species is no longer considered at risk, disturbances to its survival remain, such as habitat destruction and competition following the introduction of other species including the European Starling and the House Sparrow.

One way to facilitate the return of this species to Mont Royal is through the installation of bird houses in the hopes that one day we will all be able to observe this magnificent bird on a regular basis.

Observing wildlife on Mont Royal is a privilege. Les amis de la montagne encourages the respect for all animals on the mountain and asks that visitors remain at least 10 metres away from the bird houses.

Les amis extend heartfelt thanks to the grade 4 students of École Saint-Germain-d’Outremont for helping to assemble and install the 14 bird houses on the mountain.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

What’s on in the park this summer?

Biodiversity kiosk, “From the cicada to the fox, the animals of Mont Royal”

On weekends this summer, come to the mountain to discover this colourful and entertaining kiosk on the biodiversity of Mont Royal that focuses this year on the mountain’s birdlife. Meet Les amis’ environmental educators who are sure to provide answers to all your questions about the mountain’s conservation challenges while amusing the little ones in their discovery of the mountain’s animals through games and guided mini-walks. An interactive animation on wildlife for all ages!

The kiosk will be in operation from July 9 to September 25, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., alternating between the Beaver Lake area, along Olmsted Road and at the Kondiaronk lookout.

The biodiversity kiosk was made possible through the generosity of Gaz Métro and Groupe Yellow Inc.

To enhance your walks on Mont Royal this summer:
- The Café des Amis restaurant and terrace at Maison Smith provides light and tasty lunches, a variety of sweets and St-Ambroise beer;
- The nature-boutique at Maison Smith and at the Chalet du Mont-Royal provides a cheerful information service, unique souvenirs, educational gifts and Bilboquet ice cream;
- The pedal boats on Lac aux Castors provide an amusing and refreshing way to appreciate the beauty of the park.

Visit the calendar of activities on Les amis’ website for hours of operation and pedal boat rental fees.

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance, July 16-17

This special event that was organized as part of May 2011: Mont Royal Month is back! Cancelled in May due to rain, the “Belvédère Éphémère” will now be held on the weekend of July 16-17, rain or shine!

Ten teams of up-and-coming artists and designers will create works of public art directly on-site related to a lookout theme that reinterprets the language commonly associated with urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture. This playful and colourful open-air intervention invites participants to reflect upon the mountain’s accessibility along its western flank, on a novel site adjacent to Mont-Royal Park: the ramp located on the corner of Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, closed for the occasion.

“Dans la Forêt” is an original video production accompanied by an improvised performance of music and sound that presents a series of urban legends about Mont Royal and the enchanted creatures that inhabit the site unbeknown to us! This video performance brings a combination of talents together under the creative direction of Khoa Lê and Julie Côté.

Visit of the installations, Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vernissage on Saturday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Viewing of “Dans la Forêt”, Saturday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m.

Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Jaimelemontroyal.

Guided visit of the Simon McTavish monument on August 15

On August 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Ville de Montréal presents a guided visit of the archaeological site of the Simon McTavish monument located on the southern flank of Mont-Royal Park as part of the “Mois de l’archéologie”. Join Gilles Rousseau, archaeologist and geographer, who led the dig in 2010 as part of the restoration of the Rue Peel entrance to the park.

During the visit, learn about the history of the mausoleum where Simon McTavish was interred in 1804. This well-kept secret was revealed to the general public for the first time as part of May 2011: Mont Royal Month activities.

Free, but space is limited and reservations are required by calling 514 872-8702. (Presentation in French.)

Click on this link for more information on the “Mois de l’archéologie” website.

TAKE ACTION

Leadership to move people and mountains: make your gift to Les amis de la montagne’s 25th anniversary campaign

A gift to Les amis de la montagne is one way to express your support of the organization’s initiatives to protect the historic and natural heritage of Mont Royal for the benefit of current and future generations.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Les amis de la montagne, the organization produced a video underlining past accomplishments and future projects. Click here to watch the video and click here to make a gift to the campaign.

Presentation of Les amis’ position paper on the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project:

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

THE LACK OF AN OVERALL VISION STILL PERSISTS

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Presentation of Les amis’ position paper on the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project:
THE LACK OF AN OVERALL VISION STILL PERSISTS

Montreal, June 27, 2011 – Les amis de la montagne raised fundamental questions about the lack of an overall vision for the McGill University Health Centre’s (MUHC) redeployment plans during the public consultations held in 2008 and three years later, the organization maintains its position in light of the new project proposed for the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) currently under review by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM).

“The question concerning the overall vision for the MUHC’s redeployment plan is still pertinent today and must be answered before any proposal is submitted for the expansion or modernization of an institution located on Mount Royal, a site with great heritage value protected by the Ville de Montréal and the Government of Québec,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne. “The 2011 version of the MGH expansion is still a major project for Mount Royal and it is very difficult for civil society to form objective and well-informed opinions in the absence of a global vision.”

As in 2008, Les amis de la montagne maintain that all major development of the MUHC must be diverted from the mountain to the Glen yards site where half of the 43 acre terrain remains available for construction. The MGH is already confined to a too-small site on the flank of the mountain that falls short of its needs, is difficult to access, creates an imposing barrier between the city and the park, and that intrudes onto a residential sector already disturbed by an excess of cars, trucks and emergency vehicles. Les amis de la montagne are additionally against the MGH’s expansion on the site of the residential building located at 1750 Avenue Cedar.

Les amis de la montagne’s position paper contains numerous recommendations intended to reduce the problems of cohabitation between these diverse functions. In particular, Les amis recommends the creation of definite and concrete guaranties to improve the integration of the MGH site within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District through the greening of the site and within the surrounding neighbourhood through a revision of all vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

Finally, the organization recommends that these same forms of guarantee are enacted immediately to ensure that the MUHC undertakes no further development projects on the mountain.

Les amis’ position paper is available in French by clicking on this link.

June 27: Public hearings on the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL EXPANSION PROJECT (MUHC)

Image taken from the document "Campus de la Montagne : Projet d’intégration et de développement urbain, proposition révisée, 14 janvier 2011" (CUSM)

In 2008, the McGill University Hospital Centre (MUHC) obtained authorization from the Ville de Montréal to proceed with a significant expansion of the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) located within the protected territory of Mount Royal, a project that was never realized. Barely three years later, a new expansion project has been submitted by the MUHC and is currently under review by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM).

The new expansion project includes, but is not limited to, the construction of a four-storey building and a semi-underground parking lot with 230 spaces on the actual site of the MGH, as well as the integration of the neighbouring residential building located at 1750 Avenue Cedar into the hospital centre. The project derogates from urban planning regulations of the Ville-Marie borough and Montreal’s Urban Plan with regards to land use, height limits and density. Derogations are also required at the level of the Specific Plan adopted by the borough council concerning the building at 1750 Avenue Cedar, with respect to volume, building line setbacks and materials.

Les amis de la montagne have been involved for many years in discussions concerning the reorganization of the MUHC. The sheer number of modifications to the reorganization plan since 2000 leaves no question that further discussions are required before decisions are taken. On the one hand, new construction projects are being envisaged within the Mount Royal protected territory, while on the other, the future of the buildings of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children is unknown, which is also true for the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital.

Over the last three years, protection measures for the mountain territory have become more defined thanks largely to the adoption of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan by the Ville de Montréal. Nonetheless, Les amis de la montagne continue to deplore the absence of a wider vision for this problematic area of the south-western flank of the mountain.

The deadline to register to submit and/or present a position paper to the OCPM is today, June 22nd at 4 p.m., while the deadline to submit position papers by registered individuals or groups is Monday, June 27 at noon. Les amis de la montagne are scheduled to present their position paper at the hearings at 7 p.m. on June 27 at the offices of the OCPM.

Information concerning the project on the site of the OCPM (in French).

REMINDER: consultations on the Montreal General Hospital's new expansion project

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Chronology of projects in the southwest sector of the mountain, 1999-2011

Information session on the new expansion project of the Montreal General Hospital
Chronology of projects in the southwest sector of the mountain, 1999-2011

Photo: Ville de Montréal

INFORMATION SESSION ON THE NEW EXPANSION PROJECT OF THE MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL

On Monday, June 6, 2011, the Office de consultation publique de Montréal will be holding an information session on the new proposal to expand the Montreal General Hospital.

The hospital’s expansion is significant for both the mountain and this sector of the city. Moreover, the project is part of the greater reorganization of the McGill University Health Centre that includes major changes to the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, both slated to move to the Glen campus.

Therefore, the expansion of the “Mountain Campus” is part of a greater context.

Les amis de la montagne invites the community to participate in the public consultations to be held in June to learn more about the project and to take advantage of this opportunity to express opinions on the different challenges this dossier represents.

Information session at the OCPM:

Date: Monday, June 6, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: 1550, rue Metcalfe, 14th floor (Peel métro)

Information concerning the project on the site of the OCPM (in French).:

Other important dates:

June 22: registration deadline for oral and written opinions (www.ocpm.qc.ca/inscription)
June 27: public hearing at 7 p.m.

CHRONOLOGY OF PROJECTS IN THE SOUTHWEST SECTOR OF THE MOUNTAIN, 1999-2011

1999

Adoption of a by-law authorizing the construction of a three-storey residential property with the same characterization as the other buildings on 1750 Avenue Cedar.

2000

Heenan Commission (1) consultations on the reuse of the MUHC’s existing buildings in light of the redeployment and concentration of facilities on the former Glen Yards site.

2003

May: second version of the residential project slated for 1750 Avenue Cedar comprising the construction of a residential building 4-6 stories in height.

September: opening of a register to allow a referendum in the Ville-Marie Borough on the council’s resolution approving the project at 1750 Avenue Cedar. The required number of signatures is attained.

December: The MUHC announces its redeployment project. The Glen campus is to be developed, but so is the Mountain Campus site (Montreal General Hospital).

2004

April: the developer presents a third version of the residential project slated for 1750 Avenue Cedar.

September: opening a register to allow a referendum in the Ville-Marie Borough on the council’s resolution approving the project. The required number of signatures is attained.

October: an « Open House » is held on the fourth version of the residential project proposed by the developer at 1750 Avenue Cedar.

2005

Adoption by the Conseil des ministres of the decree creating the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

2008

October: signature of a development agreement between the Ville de Montréal and the MUHC stipulating that following the currently proposed expansion project on the site of the Mountain Campus, future needs of the hospital will be redirected to the Glen Campus.

January: the MUHC signs the Mount Royal Pacte patrimonial.

Announcement of public consultations on the expansion project of the (2) of the Mountain Campus.

2009

May: public consultations by the OCPM on the residential project proposed for the site of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary located at 3880 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges.

2011

Public consultations are announced on the new expansion project (3) proposed for the Mountain Campus. The MUHC has acquired the building located at 1750 Avenue Cedar with the intention to integrate it into the campus development.

(1)   The Heenan Report produced a series of conclusions following the public consultations in 2001 that remain relevant today. Herewith an extract (pp. 35-36):

(…) we wish to pay special attention to the Mount Royal Park as the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Allan Memorial and the Montreal Neurological Hospital buildings are contiguous to it.

The Consultative Committee is of the opinion that any reuse project of these buildings must be conceived to assure a better interface, a better permeability between the city and the park. This can be done by the addition of points of access for the public by paths for pedestrians and cyclists, by signage and by return to the park of certain areas presently occupied by parking lots (especially for the Royal Victoria Hospital) as additional green space.

It goes without saying that no project should be authorized on these lands, nor an addition permitted that would have the effect of increasing the physical or visual obstacles between the park and the city.

(2)   Following the public consultations held by the OCPM in 2008, several recommendations issued by the Commission are also worth noting:

The fundamental issue, beyond the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project, is the long-term protection of Mount Royal. And this issue brings us to examine the municipal strategy intended to protect and enhance Mount Royal. For in order to pass judgement on the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project, the Commission must reflect upon the approach proposed by the Ville de Montréal with regards institutional properties, such as those of the MUHC.

Each project presented could be deemed acceptable in isolation, but the cumulative impact of all the projects could prove disastrous for Mount Royal. In other words, the municipal approach does not provide long-term guarantees susceptible to reassuring the population, which has claimed efficient measures to protect the collective heritage that is Mount Royal. Each time, to avoid the worst outcome, we are tempted to consent to the least.

(3)   The Conseil du patrimoine de Montréal provided an opinion in January, 2011, on the Montreal General Hospital’s new expansion project (p. 5):

The Conseil du patrimoine understands the (hospital’s) major challenges and appreciates that the project has been revised, which has allowed for the improvement of the project, most notably with regards to interior parking. Nonetheless, the council is left with the impression that the proposals have been developed without any veritable planning of the whole and in the absence of a long-term vision. In fact, the proposed landscaping plans do not seem to reply to any well-defined objectives. The same absence of a global strategy seems to exist with regards to the choice of materials to be used in the new constructions. For example, each element of the project seems to have been considered in isolation without regard to a more general objective of consolidating the identity of the hospital campus. In addition, the council wonders what is to become of the site should other needs for space be required at a later date. Will these additions be integrated in the MGH’s property? Will other, adjacent properties be acquired?

For more information about the forum, contact Firoozeh Djavedani, community relations coordinator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

The May 2011 calendar continues

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

"Mont Royal Month"

THE MAY 2011: MOUNT ROYAL MONTH CALENDAR

Belvédère Éphémère - CANCELLED
Reminder: Public forum on the Montreal General Hospital expansion project
Launch of the Environmental Stewardship Program
And in June ... guided walk, "From the mountain to the river"

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

BELVÉDÈRE ÉPHÉMÈRE – CANCELLED THIS WEEKEND

Due to the weather forecast and in order to ensure the success of the event, BELVÉDÈRE ÉPHÉMÈRE is cancelled and another date will be announced at a later time. Follow news about the event by joining our Facebook fanpage, "J'aime le mont Royal."

REMINDER: INVITATION TO THE NEXT PUBLIC FORUM

Monday, May 30, 2011
Maison Smith, Mont-Royal Park, 1260 Chemin Remembrance
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Free

Photo : Ville de Montréal

In the context of Mont Royal’s limited capacity to receive new construction given its status as a protected territory, a critical question remains: can the expansion needs of properties on the mountain be met without having a detrimental effect on this protected site?

Public consultations will be held in June, 2011, concerning a project to expand the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) on the mountain, the second project of its kind to be presented before the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM). Meanwhile, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children will be moving off the mountain in the near future.

Numerous institutional buildings located on the mountain are undergoing change. Choices to be made about their future need to be made in the context of the entire protected territory.

Join us for this public forum to exchange ideas and opinions on the subject.

You may consult documents on the MGH expansion project on the site of the OCPM by clicking here (available in French).

For more information about the forum, contact Firoozeh Djavedani, community relations coordinator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
MAY TO OCTOBER, 2011

Calling volunteers!

In 2 hours per week, you have the opportunity to learn more about the protection of Mont Royal's biodiversity through hands-on involvement in its conservation.

Learn about the following while you work:

Improve your knowledge about the mountain's natural environments and their inherent protection challenges;
Identify certain indigenous plants and exotic invasive species;
Learn methods to control invasive species;
Learn planting methods during forest renaturalization exercises.

To participate:

We invite you become a participant in the Environmental Stewardship Program by arriving at Maison Smith about 5-10 minutes before the appointed time. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not obligatory.

2011 is the International Year of Forests, the perfect occasion to take concrete action for the health of our mountain! Click here to watch a short video about the program (in French).

EVERY TUESDAY IN MAY, JUNE AND JULY, FROM 6-8 PM.
EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, FROM 10-12 PM.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 514 843-8240, ext. 0 or email us at benevoles@lemontroyal.qc.ca.

COMING IN JUNE: GUIDED WALK, “FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO THE RIVER”

A remarkable journey that follows the streams flowing down the mountain to the river. An opportunity to discover the historic, geographic and cultural ties between Mont Royal and the Saint-Laurent River.

Sunday, June 12
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Departure from Maison Smith in Mont-Royal Park and concludes in Montreal’s Old Port
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Price: $15 per person

Hélène de Billy et Gilbert Duclos remportent le Prix du Mont-Royal pour le documentaire Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Dans le cadre de "Mai 2011 : Mois du Mont-Royal"

Hélène de Billy et Gilbert Duclos remportent le Prix du Mont-Royal pour le documentaire Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF

Montréal, le 18 mai 2011 — Dans le cadre de "Mai 2011 : Mois du Mont-Royal", le vice-président du comité exécutif de la Ville de Montréal responsable du développement durable, de l’environnement et des parcs, M. Alan DeSousa, ainsi que le président des Amis de la montagne, M. Peter A. Howlett, C.M., en présence de M. Éric Morisset, Directeur général et chef de groupe, Financement des sociétés (Québec), Valeurs mobilières TD inc., décernent le Prix du Mont-Royal à Mme Hélène de Billy et M. Gilbert Duclos pour le documentaire web interactif Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF, qui explore la relation qu’entretiennent les Montréalais avec leur montagne.

Des mentions d’honneur sont par ailleurs remises à M. Pierre-Émile Rocray, ingénieur et pathologiste forestier, ainsi qu’à l’Université de Montréal et à la Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal (Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges). Les lauréats recevront leur prix lors d’une cérémonie le 24 mai prochain.

« Il s’agit d’un honneur pour moi de rendre hommage à des personnes et des organisations dont l’engagement en faveur de la protection et la mise en valeur du mont Royal est remarquable. Je tiens à féliciter, mais surtout à remercier Mme Hélène de Billy et MM Gilbert Duclos et Pierre-Émile Rocray, de même que l’Université de Montréal et la Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, qui par leurs gestes concrets ou leurs idées novatrices, contribuent à la pérennité de cette oasis de plein air qui fait la fierté de tous les Montréalais », a affirmé M. DeSousa.

« En cette année du 135e anniversaire du parc du Mont-Royal, Les amis de la montagne sont très fiers d’honorer tous les lauréats qui, par leur vision et leurs actions audacieuses, marquent l’engagement de la communauté envers le mont Royal et Montréal. Le Prix du Mont-Royal est un honneur que vous méritez tous et j’ajoute ma voix à celle des autres citoyens et citoyennes pour souligner vos gestes inspirants », a ajouté M. Howlett.

LAURÉATS

Mme Hélène de Billy et M. Gilbert Duclos pour le documentaire Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF
Œuvre du photographe Gilbert Duclos et de la journaliste et auteure Hélène De Billy, Sacrée Montagne est un documentaire web interactif produit par l’Office national du film du Canada qui se veut une description visuelle et auditive de ce paysage si profondément aimé par les Montréalais. L’originalité et la qualité visuelle de la production, ainsi que l’importance historique de ce recueil d’histoires font de ces capsules photos et vidéos un apport inestimable au «patrimoine immatériel» du mont Royal. Ce documentaire permettra de conserver dans la mémoire collective le rôle important joué par une montagne auprès de ses citoyens et leurs différentes manières de se l’approprier. Les lauréats ont reçu un oeuvre de Frédéric Back intitulé "Trilles, Mont-Royal" (1949ca), une impression numérique par giclée en édition limitée, numérotée et signée par l’artiste et remise avec un certificat d'authenticité.

G à D : Alan DeSousa, vice-président du comité exécutif de la Ville de Montréal, responsable du développement durable, de l'environnement et des parcs, Hélène de Billy (lauréate), Gilbert Duclos (lauréat), Peter A. Howlett, C.M., président, Les amis de la montagne.

MENTIONS D’HONNEUR

M. Pierre-Émile Rocray pour son apport à la protection du patrimoine arboricole du mont Royal
M. Pierre-Émile Rocray a été à l’emploi de la Ville de Montréal de 1984 à 2010, où il a occupé les fonctions de surintendant en arboriculture, d’administrateur du parc du Mont-Royal et de la Maison de l’arbre au Jardin botanique. Par la suite, il œuvré au sein du Service des parcs de la Ville à titre de conseiller en aménagement forestier, où il a pu réaliser plusieurs projets de plantation d’arbres dans le parc du Mont-Royal, et ce dans le cadre de projets de lutte contre les espèces envahissantes. M. Rocray a rédigé plus d’une centaine d’articles vulgarisés et d’études sur plusieurs aspects concernant les arbres en milieu urbain. Aujourd’hui retraité de l’administration municipale, il est retourné à ses anciennes amours : la pratique privée en foresterie urbaine. Monsieur Rocray a reçu un champignon "Agaric des forêts" gravé sur un champignon polypore, par l’artiste Goodhue dans cadre-boite.

Université de Montréal et la Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal pour leur contribution à la création du parc du Troisième sommet
Le parc de 23 hectares créé sur le flanc nord de la montagne s’inscrit dans les orientations de protection et de mise en valeur du mont Royal et confère un caractère public aux trois sommets de la montagne. L’Université de Montréal et la Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, propriétaire du cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, ont cédé par bail à la Ville des terrains de 13 et de 10 hectares respectivement afin de permettre la création du nouveau parc. Il s’agit d’une contribution exceptionnelle à la préservation de notre joyau montréalais. Les institutions ont reçu une plaque de verre gravée avec une illustration de l’artiste Samuel Montigné représentant la silhouette des trois sommets du mont Royal.

G à D : Peter A. Howlett, C.M., président, Les amis de la montagne, Alan DeSousa, vice-président du comité exécutif de la Ville de Montréal, responsable du développement durable, de l'environnement et des parcs, Louise Belliveau, vice-rectrice aux Affaires étudiantes et au Développement durable, Université de Montréal (mention d'honneur), Hélène de Billy (lauréate), Gilbert Duclos (lauréat), Pierre-Émile Rocray (mention d'honneur), Yoland Tremblay, directeur général, cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges (mention d'honneur), Amélie Picher, directrice régionale, Fondation TD des amis de l'environnement. (Photo : Martin Roy)

Mai 2011 : Mois du Mont-Royal
Le Mois du Mont-Royal est une idée originale des Amis de la montagne, réalisée conjointement avec la Ville de Montréal, et grâce à la générosité de la Fondation TD des amis de l’environnement. Pendant tout le mois de mai, de nombreuses activités sont organisées afin d'explorer le milieu naturel de la montagne et de prendre part à sa mise en valeur. Le 24 mai, en plus de la remise du Prix du Mont-Royal, les Montréalais sont invités à souligner le 135e anniversaire du parc du Mont-Royal lors d’une Soirée cinéma de l'ONF qui présentera des courts métrages documentaires filmés au mont Royal au cours des années ainsi que des extraits de Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF.

Peter Howlett, Amélie Picher et Alan DeSousa fêtent le 135e anniversaire du parc du Mont-Royal !

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Mont Royal Month continues!

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Guilded walk, conference, cake and movies!

The activities of “May 2011: Mont Royal Month” continue!

NOTE: Due to rain in the forecast tomorrow, May 14, the event “Belvédère Éphémère : laboratoire d’idées et chantier de creation” will be postponed to Saturday, May 28.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Guided walk: Ornithological exploration of Mont Royal
Saturday, May 14
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The return of springtime is ideal for bird-watching on Mont Royal. More than 180 species frequent the mountain during this time of year. Discover some of these bird species in the company of an ornithologist from Les amis de la montagne and learn more about the importance of this urban ecosystem that serves as a stopover for migratory birds. Bring your binoculars!

Departure from Maison Smith, 1260 Chemin Remembrance, Mont-Royal Park
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Cost: $10; 60 years+ and students: $7.50 (cash payment on-site)

Conference: The McTavish Monument: a funerary site and former reservoir rediscovered
Thursday, May 19
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Before a rock on the flank of Mont Royal, a discreet monument commemorates the burial of Simon McTavish in 1804. Nearby, a wide, level surface reminds us of the presence of a former reservoir. Historic and archaeological research undertaken in this area by the Ville de Montréal, with the view to restoring the area, reveals some astonishing secrets. Guests: Gilles Rousseau, archaeologist and geographer, and Gilles Lauzon, research historian.

Location: Musée McCord, 690 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Free

135th Anniversary of Mont-Royal Park and movie night with the ONF
Tuesday, May 24
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Partner: Office national du film du Canada

To mark the 135th anniversary of Mont-Royal Park, Montrealers are invited to view a series of short documentary films produced by the ONF that were filmed on the mountain over time. Also on the marquee will be excerpts from “Sacrée Montagne”, the interactive web documentary produced by the ONF in 2010 that explores our relationship to the sacred through Mont Royal. Birthday cake will be served on this special anniversary occasion – while quantities last!

Location: Chalet du Mont-Royal, Mont-Royal Park
Free

25th anniversary campaign: Leadership to move people – and mountains

Thanks to the loyal support of the Montreal community, Les amis de la montagne are celebrating 25 years of leadership and service to the mountain cause, and we’re still going strong!

Founded in 1986 as a citizen-based organization to defend Mount Royal against the reckless construction of a tower at its summit, Les amis de la montagne have accumulated a long list of notable achievements. From governmental legislation to a municipal protection and enhancement plan, Les amis proudly pursue a tradition of engaging the community to make our city a better place to live and work.

Photo: Samuel Montigné

Preserving Mount Royal is an on-going endeavour and the organization is actively reaching out to the younger generation to involve them in the future of their mountain. Les amis’ educational offerings, environmental stewardship program and range of interactive tools are just some of the ways in which we reach thousands of young people every year. Our recent entry into the world of social media is an important step in connecting with our leaders of tomorrow.

Please join us in getting this campaign year off to a great start by completing the secure online form by clicking here and making your 25th anniversary gift today. Your support is valued and appreciated.

If you prefer to make your donation the conventional way, please download our donation form.

Les amis' newsletter - May 2011: Mont Royal Month

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Photo gallery of the 20th Corvée, the short history of the clean-up and the calendar of May activities!

Photos: Tzara Maud

Results of the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up: serving the forest for a record 20th edition!
The short history of the Corvée du Mont-Royal
Calendar of May events:
- Conferences and guided walks
- Activities in the visual arts
- Movie night with the ONF and 135th anniversary of Mont-Royal Park
- Public forum and “Belvédère Éphémère”
- Activities of the great mountain institutions

THE CORVÉE DU MONT-ROYAL CLEAN-UP: SERVING THE FOREST FOR A RECORD 20TH EDITION!

“11,225 people can move mountains. We extend thanks 11,225 times to all our volunteers of the past 20 years!”

“14,369 trees planted over 20 years. Will you be the one to plant the 14, 370th?”

“Give the mountain a gift: fill your garbage bag to its limit. 4,800 garbage bags have been collected over 20 years!”

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2011 CORVÉE PHOTO GALLERY (Photos: Tzara Maud)

Close to 600 Montrealers participated in the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up on Sunday, May 1st, under the radiant sunshine of a glorious spring day! The clean-up event has now drawn more than 11,800 members of the community to this vast awareness-raising operation and hands-on activity to help conserve the natural environment of Mont-Royal Park, also creating a springtime tradition for Montreal.

Alan DeSousa, vice president of the executive committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for sustainable development, the environment and parks, together with Richard Deschamps, vice president of the executive committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for major projects, economic development, infrastructure, roads and services to citizens, joined Amélie Picher, Quebec regional director of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne, to signal the start of the environmental activities.

Thanks to tremendous community participation, the event boasted record results:

More than 150 bags of trash were collected from the wooded areas constituting about 80 % of Mount Royal Park;
About 120 participants planted 470 indigenous trees and shrubs in an area adjacent to the Peel entrance to the park near Avenue Pine, including Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Striped Maple, Smooth Serviceberry, Black Chokeberry and Red Osier Dogwood;
More than 60 participants evaluated previous tree plantings for their growth rate in the area near the Trafalgar stair entrance off Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges; and
About 50 participants cut down an area overtaken by common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species on the mountain.

The afternoon was dedicated to activities for the whole family organized to celebrate the renewal of spring and to underline the International Year of Forests. Information stands by a variety of environment groups were present at the Chalet, including Centre environnemental Tournesol, Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Mycoboutique, Production Agricole Urbaine Soutenable et Écologique, Secrétariat de la Convention sur la diversité biologique, Sentier Urbain and Action-RE-buts. Participants enjoyed a slice of delicious cake decorated along the theme of the International Year of Forests, prepared specially by pastry students of the École Calixa-Lavallée.

Les amis de la montagne distributed indigenous plants to the public, provided free of charge by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. Les amis also provided a family-friendly rally on the discovery of the mountain’s biodiversity to underline the International Year of Forests.

Finally, the African percussion group Samajam, provided entertainment to visitors at the Chalet.

The Corvée du Mont-Royal was organized by Les amis de la montagne in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal. The clean-up signals the start of “May 2011: Mont Royal Month”, an initiative that provides Montrealers with the opportunity to (re)discover their mountain. Les amis de la montagne thank the Ville de Montréal for its important technical and logistical support in the coordination of activities, as well as the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as principal partner of the month. The activities are also made possible thanks to the participation of Groupe Yellow Inc., AbitibiBowater, Fontaine Santé, Thés David, STM, Rock Détente, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse, The Gazette and many collaborators and volunteers.

THE SHORT HISTORY OF THE CORVÉE DU MONT-ROYAL CLEAN-UP

The first mountain clean-up was organized in 1999. Participants had their work cut out for them, because the forest floor had not been cleaned for decades.

Of course, the Ville de Montréal maintenance crews had regularly cleaned the landscaped and grass-covered areas of the park. But many surprises awaited the volunteers in the undergrowth of the forest. They discovered large objects such as tires, household appliances, park benches and street signs. An exhibit of unusual found objects was even displayed at the end of each cleanup!

Over the last decade, the cleanliness of the park has greatly improved to the point where other environmental activities have been added, always with the objective of taking care of the mountain. In the past, wild parsley has been removed, an invasive plant that interferes with the growth of young saplings and wood chips have been spread in areas of the park where the vegetation had been particularly disturbed, in order to restore the damaged soil.

I plant, you plant, we plant
During the 5th mountain clean-up in 1994, participants had their first opportunity to plant trees. Today, tree plantings aim to complete efforts undertaken by the Ville de Montréal to create ecological corridors linking Mont Royal’s various wooded areas.

After the ice storm
In January 1998, a severe ice storm swept through southern Quebec. Mont Royal was seriously affected and at least 80% of its trees were damaged, leaving an enormous quantity of branches on the ground.

With the high volume of visitors to the park in the summer season, the branches had to be picked up to lessen the risk of accidents and forest fires. In the spring of 1998, almost 1000 people rolled up their sleeves to gather the fallen debris during two separate clean-ups, one organized with school groups and the other, with the general public.

Spring-time festivities
A festive spirit has often been associated with collective efforts to help families or communities in need. Recreating this festive spirit of mutual assistance for the Mont Royal clean-up was equally important. And as the event takes place in the spring, it was also completely natural to celebrate the return of milder temperatures on Mont Royal.

To this end, in addition to the volunteer activities of picking up litter and planting trees, other activities for all park visitors have been added to the program of the day: information stands, musicians, buskers, educational and recreational activities.

Saying thank-you to Mont Royal!
The mountain contributes greatly to the quality of life of all Montrealers. Participating in the Mont Royal clean-up is one way to say thank you!

Source: Sur la montagne newsletter/Les amis de la montagne

CALENDAR OF MAY ACTIVITIES

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINT-VERSION OF THE CALENDAR (in PDF format).

Note: unless otherwise indicated, activities are presented in French.

CONFERENCES AND GUIDED WALKS

On May 11th, as part of the Belles Soirées de l’Université de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne will present a conference on Birds, the wonders of adaptation, followed on May 14th by a guided walk on ornithology in Mont-Royal Park.

On May 12th, Les amis de la montagne will provide a guided walk on Public Art in Mont-Royal Park.

Finally, on May 19th, a conference titled, The McTavish Monument: A funerary site and former reservoir rediscovered, will be presented by an archaeologist and an historian from the Ville de Montréal at the McCord Musuem.

ACTIVITIES IN THE VISUAL ARTS

Les amis de la montagne launch the 2nd annual photo contest “La montagne en images” on a new set of themes including trees and the forest, light, works of art and buildings, activities, pastimes and mountain fauna. Please click here for the complete contest rules and registration (in French).

The presentation of the documentary “Visionnaires planétaires” produced by Les Productions du Rapide Blanc and the Office national du film du Canada will be held May 6th as part of the 24 heures du science. This documentary follows a young Quebec activist on his travels in search of visionaries who propose strategies and concrete solutions for the future of our planet. The director of the documentary, Sylvie Van Brabant, will be present to talk with participants.

The exhibit Diary of Discoveries and “Give Peace a Chance” continues to May 10th, a project to present the viewpoints and expressions of young people related to works of art in the city, in particular, the sculpture “Give Peace a Chance” in Mont-Royal Park.

MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE ONF AND 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONT-ROYAL PARK

On May 24th, the celebrate the 135th anniversary of Mont-Royal Park, Montrealers are invited to view a series of short documentary films produced by the ONF that were filmed on the mountain in the past, as well as excerpts from Sacrée Montagne, the interactive web documentary produced by the ONF in 2010. Birthday cake will be served on this special anniversary occasion – while quantities last!

Also on May 24th, Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal will award the 7th Prix du Mont-Royal to an individual, who through their vision and commitment towards the protection and enhancement of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage, are an inspiration to all Montrealers and Quebecers.

PUBLIC FORUM AND SPECIAL PROJECT

On May 9th, the public forum takes to the southern flank of the mountain for a guided walk to reflect upon “Accessibility to Mont Royal: the physical, the immaterial and the ephemeral”.

“Belvédère Éphémère” is a special project that will be presented May 14 and 15 (postponed to May 28 and 29 in case of rain). The project is an artistic, ephemeral intervention that is both playful and festive located on a site that borders an entrance to Mont-Royal Park, and aims to question the accessibility of the southern flank of the mountain. Ten teams of up-and-coming artists and designers will create works of public art directly on-site related to a lookout theme that reinterprets the language commonly associated with urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture.

ACTIVITIES OF THE GREAT MOUNTAIN INSTITUTIONS

Eight great mountain institutions have included their activities in the calendar of Mont Royal Month activities for a third consecutive year: Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, Saint-Joseph’s Oratory of Mont-Royal, Cimetière Mont-Royal, Cavalerie du SPVM, McCord Museum, Redpath Museum, Université de Montréal (Les Belles Soirées) and McGill University.

Keep track of the calendar of May activities on Les amis de la montagne’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Jaimelemontroyal or website at www.lemontroyal.qc.ca.

2011 Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up

Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

SERVING THE FOREST, FOR A RECORD 20th EDITION!

Montreal, May 1st, 2011 – Close to 600 Montrealers participated in the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up today, under the radiant sunshine of a glorious spring day!

The clean-up was organized by Les amis de la montagne for a 20th edition, as part of the International Year of Forests and to underline the 135th anniversary of Mount Royal Park, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal and numerous other partners, including the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The clean-up event has now drawn more than 11,800 members of the community to this vast awareness-raising operation and hands-on activity to help conserve the natural environment of Mont-Royal Park, also creating a springtime tradition for Montreal.

This 20th edition of the event had record results thanks to the tremendous community participation today:

More than 150 bags of trash were collected from the wooded areas constituting about 80 % of Mount Royal Park;
About 120 participants planted 470 indigenous trees and shrubs in an area adjacent to the Peel entrance to the park near Avenue Pine, including Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Striped Maple, Smooth Serviceberry, Black Chokeberry and Red Osier Dogwood;
More than 60 participants evaluated previous tree plantings for their growth rate in the area near the Trafalgar stair entrance off Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges; and
About 50 participants cut down an area overtaken by common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species on the mountain.

Photos: Tzara Maud

The afternoon was dedicated to activities for the whole family organized to celebrate the renewal of spring and to underline the International Year of Forests. Information stands by a variety of environment groups were present at the Chalet, including Centre environnemental Tournesol, Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Mycoboutique, Production Agricole Urbaine Soutenable et Écologique, Secrétariat de la Convention sur la diversité biologique, Sentier Urbain and Action-RE-buts.

Les amis de la montagne distributed indigenous plants to the public, provided free of charge by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. Les amis also provided a family-friendly rally on the discovery of the mountain’s biodiversity to underline the International Year of Forests.

Finally, the African percussion group Samajam, provided entertainment to visitors at the Chalet.

The Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up signals the start of “May 2011: Mont Royal Month”, an initiative that provides Montrealers with the opportunity to (re)discover their mountain. Les amis de la montagne thank the Ville de Montréal for its important technical and logistical support in the coordination of activities, as well as the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as principal partner of the month. The activities are also made possible thanks to the participation of Groupe Yellow Inc., AbitibiBowater, Fontaine Santé, Thés David, STM, Rock Détente, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse, The Gazette and many collaborators and volunteers.

MOUNT ROYAL MONTH ACTIVITIES

Click here for the complete calendar of activities available in PDF format.

•   May 4, conference on public art
•   May 6, showing of a short film as part of the 24 heures de science
•   May 9, public forum with a guided walk on the theme of accessibility
•   May 11, conference on ornithology
•   May 12, guided walk on public art
•   May 14, guided walk on ornithology
•   May 14-15, special project, “Belvédère Éphémère”
•   May 19, conference on the McTavish Monument
•   May 24, 135th anniversary of Mount Royal Park and movie night with the NFB at the Chalet du Mont-Royal

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Source/information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237
gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

CORVÉE DU MONT-ROYAL CLEAN-UP, SUNDAY, MAY 1ST, 2011

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Serving the forest - for a 20th edition!

On Sunday, May 1st, Montrealers are again being invited to participate in the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up, an event that provides everyone the opportunity to devote a few hours of their time to sprucing up and beautifying this jewel in the heart of the city.

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

Organized by Les amis de la montagne for a 20th edition, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal and numerous other partners, the clean-up event has drawn 11,225 members of the community to this vast awareness-raising operation and hands-on activity to help conserve the natural environment of Mont-Royal Park, also creating a springtime tradition for Montreal.

Individual registration is being held between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at the Chalet du Mont-Royal near the lookout. Material is provided on site and participants are asked to come dressed for the weather in work clothes and sturdy shoes.

In the morning, in addition to the collection of litter from the underbrush, 470 indigenous trees and shrubs will be planted in the Rue Peel entrance of the park. The tree planting will serve to complement the efforts undertaken by the Ville de Montréal towards the creation of ecological corridors linking the different woods of Mont Royal.

Moreover, participants will help with the cutting of common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species, and will evaluate previous years’ tree plantings.

In the afternoon, environmental groups will be on hand to present their programs and projects. Les amis de la montagne will distribute indigenous plants to the public, provided free of charge by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune.

Finally, Samajam returns for a performance of African percussion at the Chalet du Mont-Royal.

Saying thank you to Mont Royal!
2011 has been declared the International Year of Forests by the United Nations and we celebrate the 135th anniversary of the inauguration of Mont-Royal Park. Both events provide the perfect occasion to take concrete action in support of the conservation of our beloved mountain. Mont Royal contributes greatly to our collective quality of life. Participating in the Corvée clean-up is one way we can all say thank you the mountain!

The Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up signals the start of “May 2011: Mont Royal Month”, an initiative that provides Montrealers with the opportunity to (re)discover their mountain. Les amis de la montagne thank the Ville de Montréal for its important technical and logistical support in the coordination of activities, as well as the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as principal partner of the month. The activities are also made possible thanks to the participation of Groupe Yellow Inc., AbitibiBowater, Fontaine Santé, Thés David, STM, Rock Détente, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse, The Gazette and many collaborators and volunteers.

DETAILED SCHEDULE FOR THE MONT-ROYAL CLEAN-UP, SUNDAY, MAY 1ST, 2011

8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Individual registration at the Chalet du Mont-Royal

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Planting of indigenous trees and shrubs
Collecting litter in the underbrush
Cutting exotic invasive plants
Evaluating previous tree plantings

First come, first served for the choice of activities. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your reusable cup or bottle. Bicycles, dogs and strollers will not be permitted on the activity sites. We encourage participants to use public transportation: Métro Mont-Royal, bus 11; or metro Côte-des-Neiges, bus 165 and 11.

12 p.m.

End of conservation activities
Light lunch provided to participants by Fontaine Santé

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Exhibits at the Chalet du Mont-Royal
Centre environnemental Tournesol
Institut de recherche en biologie végétale
Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
Mycoboutique
Production Agricole Urbaine Soutenable et Écologique
Secrétariat de la Convention sur la diversité biologique
Sentier Urbain
Action-RE-buts

1 p.m.

Samajam - African percussion at the Chalet du Mont-Royal

At Les amis de la montagne's kiosk:

Distribution of indigenous trees generously provided free of charge to the public by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune.

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The Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up: zero waste objective in 2011

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

On May1st, Les amis de la montagne organize the 20th edition of the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up, a springtime tradition that encourages community participation while respecting the natural environment.

Keeping faithful to the origins of this avant-garde activity that was born of an ecological movement of an earlier time, Les amis de la montagne are putting in place a number of concrete actions to reduce the negative impact of such a large-scale event on the environment by promoting the principles of eco-responsibility.

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

Food supplies:

Supplied by local providers, largely organic and/or fair-trade.
Use of compostable dishes, utensils and napkins.
Use of large-volume containers rather than single-serving formats.
Drinking water available in pitchers and water fountains (no plastic water bottles on-site).

Material:

Recycling of plastic, glass, metal, carton and paper.
Use of reusable bags to transport material to conservation activity sites.
Maximum reduction of the use of paper through the recycling of previous years’ signage.
T-shirts produced in certified ecological cotton, made in Quebec, offered to all participants and volunteers.

Promotional material:

Use of Cascades’ Rolland Enviro100 paper containing 100% recycled postconsumer fibres, free of chlorine and produced in Quebec for the production of the calendar of events.

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION

You may also do your part to ensure that the 20th Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up is an ecologically responsible event. Take action by adopting good habits that are simple and easy to realise:

Use methods of transportation that are low in carbon emissions:

Walk or cycle to the site.
Take public transportation: Métro Mont-Royal and bus 11 or Métro Côte-des-Neiges and bus 165 and 11.
Carpool with neighbours or friends.

Reduce your waste during the Corvée:

Bring your own cup or reusable water bottle.

Process your residual waste:

Use the recycling bins.
Separate your carton and plastic.
Separate your compostable waste.

Click on this link for the complete Corvée clean-up schedule.

Call for proposals: "Belvédère Éphémère" on Mount Royal

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

As part of "May 2011: Mount Royal Month"

“BELVÉDÈRE ÉPHÉMÈRE: THINK TANK AND CREATIVE WORKSPACE” AS PART OF “MAY 2011: MOUNT ROYAL MONTH”

Mount Royal is much more than just its park; the mountain is central to the genius loci of the metropolis. The mountain territory is also humanized, encircled by great institutions and major transportation corridors.

As part of “May 2011: Mount Royal Month”, Les amis de la montagne, the Ville de Montréal and a variety of partners are collaborating on the creation of an artistic, ephemeral intervention that is both playful and festive, in order to question the accessibility to Mount Royal, especially on its south-western flank, on a site located at Avenue Cedar and Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges intersection.

The “Belvédère Éphémère” project provides a unique opportunity to intervene directly on Mount Royal, to extend beyond usual planning methods and to breathe the winds of positive change along the mountain’s periphery. The event will be held on the weekend of May 14-15, 2011 (postponed to May 28-29, in case of rain).

The ephemeral lookout project is aimed at rallying the community around this important question of accessibility in order to contribute to its eventual planning and possible reconfiguration. This event is also the occasion to provide Montreal’s planners and designers of tomorrow with a remarkable canvas upon which to express their vision and ideas to the entire community, thereby increasing their attachment to this unique landmark, symbol of our city.

The organizing committee is searching for 10 teams of artists/designers. Teams will be required to create works of public art directly on-site related to the lookout theme that reinterprets the language associated with urban planning, architecture and landscape architecture.

Teams have until April 15, 2011, to submit a proposal.

“May 2011: Mount Royal Month” is the original idea of Les amis de la montagne, organized jointly with the Ville de Montréal, thanks to the support of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Thank you to the partners and collaborators of the “Belvédère Éphémère” project:

Philips Lumec
Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine
Aedifica architecture et design
Claude Cormier et associés inc.
Daoust Lestage inc.
Menkes Shooner Danenais Letourneux architectes
Simon Bouffard architecte paysagiste
Soprema
Lassonde
Moog Audio
Sanivac

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - April 2011

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis' 25th anniversary; invitation to the forum on accessibility; International Year of Forests and Mount Royal Month; and more!

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE CELEBRATE THEIR 25th ANNIVERSARY

INVITATION TO THE NEXT PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

Revision of the Cultural Property Act: Les amis de la montagne present their position paper to the Quebec National Assembly
The Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America is the top pick of the « Prix Mérites du français 2011 »
Montreal’s new Centre de la biodiversité opens its doors

ACTIVITIES

Summer day camp in Mount Royal Park: still some places left

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

International Year of Forests
May 2011: Mount Royal Month

TAKE ACTION

Les amis de la montagne’s 25th Silver Anniversary Campaign

WORK SITES ON MOUNT ROYAL

Additional information regarding the closure of the southern lane of Remembrance Road

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE CELEBRATE THEIR 25th ANNIVERSARY

Les amis de la montagne was founded on April 1st, 1986, in order to oppose the construction of a tower in Mount Royal Park, twice the height of the mountain itself.

Photo: Samuel Montigné

Brought into being by a vast coalition of citizens, business people and sister organizations, such as Héritage Montréal and Sauvons Montréal, Les amis de la montagne has pursued its mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal for 25 years.

In the course of these 25 years, thousands of citizens and partners have joined the movement. Today, Mount Royal benefits from recognition and protection by the Ville de Montréal and the Gouvernement du Québec, as an emblematic site and national heritage. Not all objectives have been accomplished, but numerous projects have been successfully realized over time.

Congratulations and thank you to each and every friend of the mountain, for this last quarter century! May there be many more years to come!

INVITATION TO THE NEXT PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Smith House, Mount Royal Park, 1260 Chemin Remembrance
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Free

The Mount Royal territory: imagining the site as accessible and permeable

The Mount Royal Historic and Natural District has an abundance of highly frequented sites. Parks, universities, hospitals and cemeteries: thousands of Montrealers and tourists converge daily on this territory.

Several transportation methods provide access to the site, including walking, cycling, bus and car, a combination that is often less than harmonious. As such, the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan suggests the option of a concerted strategy regarding accessibility to the mountain, since these methods of transportation are often inseparable.

As one of the most important landmarks in Montreal’s urban landscape, how do we make access to Mount Royal more functional and adapted to different methods of transportation, while conserving its heritage character? How do we improve the permeability of the natural and historic district and make it more welcoming?

For more information, please contact Firoozeh Djavedani, community relations coordinator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

Revision of the Cultural Property Act: Les amis de la montagne present their position paper to the Quebec National Assembly

On March 30th, Les amis de la montagne were invited to present their position paper on the revision of the Cultural Property Act, held as part of public hearings at the Quebec National Assembly.

In their position paper, Les amis de la montagne raise a number of issues regarding protection challenges for Mount Royal, a site that was recognized by governmental decree as a natural and historic district in 2005, that remain of great concern:

the densification of the territory;
the preservation of landscapes, including green spaces and views to and from the mountain;
the future of the mountain’s great institutions, currently undergoing significant transformation.

Les amis’ position paper refers to these elements in its analysis of the proposed revised law, as well as in the formulation of comments and ten recommendations. To read the complete position paper, available in French, please click on this link.

The Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America is the top pick of the “Prix Mérites du français 2011”

The Encyclopedia of French Cultural Heritage in North America is a multimedia resource that has been online since 2008. This resource presents the rich and varied heritage assets of the French-speaking communities living all across the North American continent. The most prominent of these are portrayed, in all the diversity of their expression, uses and history, in articles supplemented with images and audio-visual media.

Les amis de la montagne contributed two articles to the Encyclopedia on the theme of Mount Royal, titled, “Parc du Mont-Royal, un précieux patrimoine naturel et culturel” and “Mont-Royal: importance de l’engagement citoyen”.

On March 10th last, the website received an honourable mention for the richness and excellence of its content during the awarding of the “Mérites du français 2011.” This award is presented each year by the Office québécois de la langue française together with several partners from the field of information technology.

Les amis de la montagne extend their heartiest congratulations to the entire production team for this wonderful and dynamic resource, an important anthology of our collective cultural heritage.

Montreal’s new Centre de la biodiversité opens its doors

Montreal is now home to the new Centre sur la biodiversité, a centre that combines preservation, scientific research and public education. The city has served as host of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity since 1996.

The result of a partnership between the Université de Montréal, the Botanical Garden and the Montréal Insectarium and located in the Botanical Garden, the new Centre aims to:

allow long-term conservation and the digital rendering of major plant, insect and fungi collections;
develop innovative research programs and train young experts in disciplines relevant for the inventory of biodiversity;
coordinate the networking of and international access to the databases of major biological collections of Canadensys;
increase public awareness of the importance of making inventories of and preserving biodiversity.

ACTIVITIES

Summer day camp in Mount Royal Park: still some places left

Photo: Éric Cimon

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, are pleased to offer their summer day camp for a third year. Children aged 6 to 9 years old will once again have the opportunity to discover the treasures of Mount Royal in a natural environment in the heart of Montreal.

Supervised by an experienced and passionate team of environmental educators, Les amis’ summer day camp will be offered from June 27 to August 12, for a duration of one or two weeks, consecutive or not.

Registration is open as of today. Click here for a registration form in PDF format and here for a form in Excel format (both available in French). For more information, please call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 235 or send us an email.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

International Year of Forests

The United Nations (UN) declared 2011 the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests on the planet, and to generate public awareness and political action towards sustainable forest management.

Mount Royal has some of the last remaining mature forests on the island of Montreal. Among their many beneficial effects, trees in an urban environment help purify the air by absorbing great quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, trees store the greatest amount of carbon in the first decades of their growth, by incorporating it into their expanding biomass.

Did you know, for example, that lichen diversity is a good indicator of air quality? Biodiversity is also essential for a healthy natural environment, which is why activities are organized on Mount Royal to control the spread of invasive plants such as the Norway maple and the common buckthorn. These two species colonize the forest floor at the expense of other trees, which is why tree cutting occurs in parallel to tree planting.

With the participation of over 3,000 volunteers, almost 14,000 trees have been planted on Mount Royal since 1994. As part of Les amis’ Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP), volunteers will plant hundreds of young trees of different indigenous species between May and October this year, principally in Mount Royal Park. Planting will reinforce more thinly wooded areas and zones damaged by the vagaries of the climate or human activity. For more information on the ESP, please visit Les amis’ website under the heading “Conservation activities.”

May 2011: Mount Royal Month

Mount Royal Month is a month of activities dedicated to the discovery and conservation of the natural environment and the exploration of the many facets of the mountain. An original idea of Les amis de la montagne, the month’s activities are realized jointly with the Ville de Montréal, thanks to the generosity of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, as well as many other partners and collaborators.

The International Year of Forests declared by the United Nations in 2011 will be celebrated during the launch activity of Mount Royal Month on Sunday, May 1st, the traditional Corvée mountain clean-up, now in its 20th year. The community is invited in large numbers to participate in several conservation activities, including litter collection, the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs and the cutting of exotic invasive species. Individual registration takes place the day-of at the Chalet du Mont-Royal between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

The complete calendar of Mount Royal Month events will soon be unveiled, but until then, here is a foretaste of activities to come:

May 4, conference on public art
May 6, showing of a short film as part of the 24 heures de science
May 9, public forum with a guided walk on the theme of accessibility
May 11, conference on ornithology
May 12, guided walk on public art
May 14, guided walk on ornithology
May 14-15, special project, “Belvédère Éphémère”
May 19, conference on the McTavish Monument
May 24, movie night with the NFB at the Chalet du Mont-Royal

For up-to-date information on events, follow Les amis de la montagne’s Facebook page.

TAKE ACTION

Les amis de la montagne’s 25th Silver Anniversary Campaign

Spring is the season of nature’s renewal and the longer days of sunshine help improve our collective mood. Certain traditions accompany the arrival of springtime, such as the famous Corvée du Mont-Royal mountain clean-up, that launches the activities of May, Mount Royal Month. Les amis de la montagne also takes this time of year to launch the organization’s annual fundraising campaign to the community.

Established 25 years ago, Les amis pursues its mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. Over the last years, the organization has worked diligently to obtain recognition of Mount Royal as a heritage site of national importance, to request the highest standards of management of the territory and to call for a permanent and transparent consultation process on all decisions regarding the mountain.

Thanks to your donations, Les amis de la montagne are able to perpetuate the work of an entire generation, work that was begun 150 years ago by preceding generations. Your support is essential. Les amis’ objective to raise $850,000 will allow the organization to continue developing its programs and to pursue efforts to defend the interests of the mountain throughout the year. Please click on this link to make your secure online donation today or to contact us directly, please call 514 843-8240, ext. 240.

WORK SITES ON MOUNT ROYAL

Additional information regarding the closure of the southern lane of Remembrance Road

Last fall, Les amis de la montagne published a newsletter carrying information from the Ville de Montréal on the closure of the southern lane of Remembrance Road. Since then, some additional information has been added with regards the practice of cycling on Mount Royal. The updated document is available in French in the news section of Les amis’ website by clicking here.

Tuques Bleues photo gallery and other news from Les amis - March 2011

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Spring Break, urban agriculture on Mont Royal, summer day camp registration, Les amis on Facebook and more!

NEWS

Photo gallery of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration

Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj (top), Karine Gagné (bottom)

CALENDAR

Spring Break on Mont Royal, until March 5
Third Annual Urban Maple Grove event, March 5
Urban agriculture on Mont Royal: the mountain-based universities are “sprouting” with original projects, March 16

ACTIVITIES

Cross-country ski sale to benefit Les amis de la montagne
Registration for Les amis’ summer day camp on Mont Royal: a mountain of fun and discoveries

TAKE ACTION

“J’aime le mont Royal” on Facebook

NEWS

Photo gallery of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration

On February 17th last, nearly 700 mountain devotees celebrated the success of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration in style, a benefit event that helped raise $250,000 for education and conservation programs on Mont Royal. Les amis de la montagne thank the many sponsors, partners, participants and volunteers for their contributions in making this evening such a remarkable success.

The 15th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration will be held February 16th, 2012, an anniversary event not to be missed!

Until then, we invite you to discover or relive the highlights of the event by viewing the exquisite photo gallery of the evening.

Photos: © Les amis de la montagne / Andrew Dobrowolskyj / Karine Gagné, 2011

CALENDAR

Photo: Samuel Montigné

Spring Break on Mont Royal from February 28 to March 5, 2011

Winter sport diehards, worry not: Mont Royal is still a winter wonderland! And for the week of Spring Break, Les amis de la montagne are offering a variety of family-fun things to do:

Guided snowshoe walks and inner-tubing
Discover the birds of Mont Royal, for all ages
Nordic kick-sledding
And much more!

Click here for more details …

Third Annual Urban Maple Grove event

As part of International Year of Forests, Les amis de la montagne are pleased to participate in the 3rd annual Urban Maple Grove event organized by the Société de développement environnemental de Rosemont (SODER) this Saturday, March 5 at Parc Molson, located at Rue Beaubien and Rue d’Iberville in the Rosemont-Petite-Patrie borough, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On this occasion, the Maple Grove event will feature the tapping of eight Maple trees and visitors will be able to enjoy a maple-taffy tasting. To celebrate this traditional custom, educational activities will also be featured, together with folk animation, heritage activities and free tastings that the whole family can enjoy. Come and visit Les amis’ interpretation kiosk and visit with one of our educators to learn more about the Maples of Mont Royal.

Urban agriculture on Mont Royal: the mountain-based universities are “sprouting” with original projects

When first built in 1858, Maison Smith was located in the centre of a vast agricultural domain. Today, Montrealers are taking a new interest in urban agriculture which has lead to the creation of original projects across the city. Join this presentation by student groups from McGill University and the Université de Montréal to discover two unique projects that may rouse the urban farmer in you!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Maison Smith, Parc du Mont-Royal, 1260 Chemin Remembrance
Free

Part One: 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Take a piece of nature home with you!
Interested in gardening? Never thought you had the space? Students from the McGill University nursing program are pleased to present a workshop to teach you the benefits of urban gardening and how to build your own urban garden on a rooftop, a balcony and inside your home.

Part Two: 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Exploring urban agriculture: the UdeM PAUSE project
Come and learn more about this initiative in ecological and sustainable urban agriculture, led by students in multidisciplinary studies at the Université de Montréal: container production, beekeeping, mycoculture (mushroom production), composting, research and education about urban gardening.

ACTIVITIES

Cross-country ski sale to benefit Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne are organizing a sale of their Rossignol cross-country skis (and boots and poles) in order to renew their rental equipment. Don’t miss out!

From February 28 to March 13 at the rental counter located on the ground floor of the Lac aux Castors pavilion. Operating hours vary – please call at 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Skis, boots and poles – equipment for children beginning at $100 and for adults at $200

Registration for Les amis' summer day camp on Mont Royal: a mountain of fun and discoveries

Photo: Éric Cimon

Two themes are being offered this summer, the new "Les aventuriers du temps" that proposes the discovery of Montreal’s history through encounters and adventures in the forest and the popular, “Les Renards Futés” (the wily foxes), an initiation to nature, fauna and flora. Animation is provided in French with bilingual educators. Click here for the camp brochure (in French).

Each morning, campers will gather at Smith House, Mount Royal Park’s central meeting place, to play under the centuries-old Oak trees; to walk through the forest and discover a diversity of flora; to explore the area with a magnifying glass or binoculars in search of animals; to create original projects in a stimulating group environment; and most of all, to experience nature first-hand in the centre of the city.

Registration is open as of today. Click here for a registration form in PDF format and here for a form in Excel format (both available in French). For more information, please call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 235 or send us an email.

TAKE ACTION

“J’aime le mont Royal” on Facebook

Les amis de la montagne have created a new Facebook fanpage called “J'aime le mont Royal | Les amis de la montagne” that keeps you up-to-date on the variety of activities taking place on the mountain and the general goings-on of this emblematic site.

http://www.facebook.com/JaimelemontRoyal

Become a “fan”, provide comments, suggest content and please share this link with your entire network!

Spring Break on Mount Royal 2011

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mount Royal is the destination of choice!

SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES ON MOUNT ROYAL FROM FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 5, 2011

No need to travel far from the city during Spring Break to practice your favourite family outdoor activities. Mount Royal is the destination of choice!

FAMILY SNOWSHOEING AND TUBING
Families get moving with Les amis de la montagne! Strap on a pair of our snowshoes and follow an environmental educator along the flanks of the mountain in search of animal tracks and bird songs. Spend the rest of the afternoon sliding on our specially designated inner-tubes tracks. Children must be 8 years-old.

Daily during Spring Break from February 28 to March 5, 2011.
Departure from Maison Smith, in Parc du Mont-Royal, 1260 Chemin Remembrance.
Guided snowshoe walk from 1:30-3 p.m., followed by tubing.
Package: 1 parent + 1 child = $20, 2nd parent + $8, each additional child $6 (maximum 4 children per adult).
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

THE BIRDS OF MOUNT ROYAL, FOR ALL AGES
For an more zen-like activity, join an environmental educator from Les amis for a guided visit of the 7 feeder stations located on the circular summit path to spot the cardinals, juncos, woodpeckers and other species that frequent the feeders in winter. Activity offered on Saturday, March 5 and 12, 2011, from 1-3 p.m. No reservations are needed, just arrive no later than 1 p.m. at Maison Smith in Parc du Mont-Royal, 1260 Chemin Remembrance.

NORDIC KICKSLED
Try out this traditional Scandinavian sport that is both environmentally and family friendly, already adopted by millions of Europeans! Whether solo or in tandem with your child seated in the front of the kicksled, enjoy the pleasures of winter. The technique can be learned within minutes and ... you're off! Nordic kicksleds are available at Les amis’ rental counter located on the ground floor of the Lac aux Castors pavilion at a cost of $15 for 2 hours.

Click here for the complete calendar of Les amis de la montagne’s activities, including opening times and rental prices.

Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

Summer Day Camp 2011 - for a mountain of fun!

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

For a mountain of fun and discoveries!

LES AMIS' SUMMER DAY CAMP IS BACK in 2011 - FOR A MOUNTAIN OF FUN AND DISCOVERIES!

Photos: Éric Cimon

Two themes are being proposed this summer, the new "Les aventuriers du temps" that proposes the discovery of Montreal’s history through encounters and adventures in the forest and the popular, “Les Renards Futés” (the wily foxes), an initiation to nature, fauna and flora. Animation is provided in French with bilingual educators.

Cross-country ski sale

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Proceeds to benefit Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne are organizing a sale of their Rossignol cross-country skis (and boots and poles) in order to renew their rental equipment. Don’t miss out!

From February 28 to March 13 at the rental counter located on the ground floor of the Lac aux Castors pavilion. Operating hours vary – please call at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.
Skis, boots and poles – equipment for children beginning at $100 and for adults at $200.

14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event 2011

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Hundreds of Montrealers revive the tradition in honour of Mount Royal

PHOTO GALLERY - 2011

Click here to view the photo gallery of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration, 2011 edition.

Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj and Karine Gagné

Les amis de la montagne celebrate the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event
Hundreds of Montrealers revive the tradition in honour of Mount Royal

Montreal, February 18, 2011 – Mount Royal trembled under the footsteps of hundreds of snowshoers during the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event held on February 17th! On what appeared to be an early spring evening, nearly 700 mountain admirers strapped on snowshoes and sported blue toques, allowing Les amis de la montagne to attain their objective of raising $250,000 in support of education and protection programs for Mount Royal.

This most magical of benefit events, held as part of the Montreal High Lights Festival, recalls the famous snowshoe treks by torchlight organized by the sporting clubs in the 1840s, where members would gather at dusk for an evening of outdoor fun and camaraderie while ascending Mount Royal.

The Royal Canadian 2nd Field Regiment fired a ceremonial canon to signal the departure of the snowshoe race to over 100 runners. Racers competed for gold, silver and bronze medals in both women’s and men’s categories, while numerous corporate teams vied for the Corporate Challenge Cup, the Sports Club Cup, the Team Challenge and the Tuques Bleues Trophy. The snowshoe walkers, meanwhile, discovered the magic of Mount Royal’s forest at a more leisurely pace.

The event ended with a great gathering at the Chalet du Mont-Royal. Again this year, participants’ taste buds tingled to the gustative Québécois creations of caterer Java U. The ambiance of the Chalet was all the more spectacular thanks to the original audio-visual wizardry of VJ Choco Beets and DJ David Drury, who combined the traditional with the modern to terrific effect. Two short videos produced by Kalibre served to raise the awareness of the business community, especially the new generation of engaged entrepreneurs, to take up the Tuques Bleues challenge and become a “friend of the mountain”.

The honorary co-chairs of the event, Cyril Bendahan, Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec Region, Manulife Financial, and Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, presided over the awards ceremony inside the Chalet, together with the evenings MCs, Tobie Bureau-Huot of NRJ Week-End and NRJ Sur Demande, and Mark Shalhoub of CJAD 800 AM, both of the Astral Radio family.

Medals were awarded to:

Women:

Gold – Anne Doule, Club Sportif MAA (13:56.9)
Silver –Lisa Dyck, Mansfield Club Athlétique (14:14.8)
Bronze – Dierdre Douglas, Club Sportif MAA (14:36.9)

L to R: Cyril Bendahan, Dierdre Douglas, Anne Doule, Michel Leblanc

Men:

Gold – David LePorha, Club Sportif MAA (10:27.4)
SIlver – Charles Perreault, Club Sportif MAA (10:49.4)
Bronze – François Ménard, Club Sportif MAA (10:54.0)

L to R: Cyril Bendahan, Charles Perreault, David Leporha, François Ménard, Michel Leblanc

Corporate Challenge Cup:

Scotia Capital

Sports Club Cup:

Club Sportif MAA

Team Challenge:

TD Group Bank, with its three top runners, Morgan Lessard, Jean-Pierre Cadorette and In Sunwoo

Finally, the Tuques Bleues Trophy was awarded to:

Manulife Financial (for a 4th consecutive year!)

Les amis de la montagne extend thanks to their partners for their commitment and contribution to the event: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level, Atmosphere and Mansfield Club Athlétique; with the support of Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes.

Les amis also wish to thank their sponsors at the Bronze level: ECS School, TD Group Bank, MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, McCarthy Tétrault S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l., Rio Tinto Alcan, Scotia Capital and Velan Inc.; and finally, their sponsors of products and services: Montréal High Lights Festival, Ville de Montréal, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, 2e Régiment de l’Artillerie du Canada, Centre de location Hewitt-CAT, Java U, Fromages BioBio by Gattuso Inc., La Mer, Weinstein & Gavino’s, Le Château, Pâtisserie Wawel, Eska, CJAD 800 AM, La Presse, The Gazette, C4 Communications and Groupe Samajam.

Last but not least, Les amis thank the exceptional contribution of close to 100 volunteers, including Circé Labelle and her team from CGI, and Nathalie Bossé, director of curriculum and the Centre for Learning Enrichment, and her 8 students from St-George’s High School of Westmount.

Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj, Karine Gagné

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - February 2011

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Tuques Bleues Celebration on February 17; views to Mount Royal, a protection issue; snowshoe with your sweetheart or your family; and the "Gens de coeur" contest

TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 17

Only several tickets left!

Photos : Andrew Dobrowolskyj

NEWS

Protecting the views to Mount Royal – the case of the Redpath Mansion project

ACTIVITIES

Snowshoeing at night: combining fresh air and spectacular views
Snowshoeing and tubing with the family: every Saturday and during Spring Break
2011 edition of the photo contest “La montagne en images”

TAKE ACTION

Do you know a remarkable volunteer? Participate in the “Gens de cœur” contest!

TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 17

Only several tickets left!

The 14th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event will be held Thursday, February 17 at 5:45 p.m. at Smith House in Mount Royal Park.

The goal of Les amis de la montagne’s signature benefit event, a most magical and emblematic evening, is to raise $250,000 for education and protection programs on Mount Royal.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration evokes the famous torch-lit snowshoe climbs of Montreal’s sporting clubs held in the 19th Century. More than 700 Montrealers will gather for a breathtaking tramp through the mountain forest by moonlight and a gastronomic buffet in the spirit of good cheer. There are lots of surprises organized for this evening: animation and hot cocoa at the departure line, a VJ and a DJ at the Chalet and a new menu.

Les amis de la montagne are thrilled to welcome Astral team members Mark Shalhoub, sports broadcaster with CJAD 800 AM, and Tobie Bureau-Huot, broadcaster-DJ with NRJ Week-End and NRJ Sur Demande, as this year’s Masters of Ceremonies. Click on the link to listen to the 30-second publicity clip prepared by CJAD and on this link, to hear a recent interview by Dave Fisher featuring Gabrielle Korn of Les amis.

Only several tickets are left to be purchased at the cost of $200 per person. Please contact Geneviève Catta at 514 843-8240, ext. 239. If you have already registered your corporate team, please remember to provide us with the names of your team members no later than noon February 16th.

Mark Shalhoub (left), Tobie Bureau-Huot (right)

NEWS

Protecting the views to Mount Royal – the case of the Redpath Mansion project

The prickly issue of protecting the views of Mount Royal has resurfaced with recent news of the construction project on the site of the Redpath Mansion on Avenue du Musée. Together with the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal is a defining emblem of Montreal and the maintenance of the visual relationship between the two landmarks is of vital importance.

The protection of the views of Mount Royal, as prescribed in the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan and the Urban Plan of the Ville de Montréal, make allowances for the conservation of this dialogue between the mountain and the river. Furthermore, over the past several decades, numerous efforts have been made to protect the views towards the mountain and to curb the height of property developments that risk blocking these views.

The importance of the enhancement of visual perspectives on the mountain was underlined as early as 1960 during the construction of Place Ville-Marie and again in 1984, with the Cadillac-Fairview project. This project consisted of the construction of a commercial centre on the corner of Avenue McGill-College and Rue Ste-Catherine, and created such controversy within the community that the city undertook a public consultation. The result of the consultation was a clear desire to protect and enhance the views to the mountain, particularly towards the southern flank, a new imperative in the city’s urban plan. The Cadillac-Fairview project was eventually abandoned, but led to the creation of the city’s urban plan adopted in 1992, as well as the adoption of special measures taken to ensure that views towards the southern flank of Mount Royal remain clear by way, for example, of limiting the height and density of construction north of Rue Sherbrooke.

Source: Ville de Montréal

The enhancement of visual perspectives towards the mountain are not a given; the case of the residential construction project slated for the Redpath Mansion illustrates that work remains to be done in this regard. Comprehensive studies have been carried out over the last several years by the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal to identify the views that require protection (see the "annexes" related to views in the Document complémentaire du Plan d'urbanisme section). We must now find the means to ensure that these "visual cones" are maintained within urban development planning. The upcoming revision of the city’s urban plan presents the perfect occasion.

ACTIVITIES

Snowshoeing at night: combining fresh air and spectacular views

The guided snowshoe walk, “By the lights of the city”, winds through Mount Royal’s forest offering spectacular views of downtown Montreal at night. A hot chocolate break is offered mid-way along the trail, allowing snowshoers the time to immerse themselves in this magical atmosphere in the heart of the city.

This guided walk is offered every Saturday evening until March 12, 2011, at a cost of $15 per person (12 years and over, including animation, snowshoes and hot chocolate).

For a romantic outing with your sweetheart, a special Valentine’s Day theme will be featured this Saturday, February 12, 2011, at a cost of $22 per person, including animation, snowshoes, mulled wine and a chocolate. Meeting time is 6 p.m. at Smith House. Reservations are required; please call 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

Photo : Samuel Montigné

Snowshoeing and tubing with the family: every Saturday and during Spring Break

Join Les amis de la montagne for a dynamic and fun family outing that combines a guided walk on snowshoes through the mountain forest, followed by inner-tubing.

This family package is being offered every Saturday afternoon until March 5, 2011, and daily during Spring Break, from February 28 to March 4, 2011. Departure is from Smith House at 1:30 p.m. and the activity is for children 8 years and older.

To reserve your outing or for more details, click here.

For a more “Zen-like” family outing, join a member of Les amis’ conservation patrol for a guided walk of our bird-feeders to discover the mountain’s winter bird species. This activity is being offered every Saturday until March 12, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are required. Simply arrive at Smith House no later than 1 p.m.

2011 edition of the photo contest “La montagne en images”

During your outings on Mount Royal this winter, don’t forget to bring your camera! Capture the beauty of the mountain’s natural environment and the activities practiced on its snow-covered peaks in anticipation of the official launch in May of the 2nd annual photo contest “La montagne en images”. The featured themes include: trees and forests; light; works of art and buildings; activities and pastimes; and fauna.

Until the launch of the contest, join Les amis de la montagne’s group on Flickr and add your favourite photos to the pool.

TAKE ACTION

Do you know a remarkable volunteer? Participate in the “Gens de cœur” contest!

More than two million volunteers in Quebec work behind the scenes to change the world. Their contributions have enormous impact. Les amis de la montagne are pleased to support a contest initiated by Radio-Canada Télévision and Manulife Financial called “Gens de cœur” that underlines the inestimable contribution provided by our volunteers.

Members of the community are invited to submit the candidacy of people in their circle who, by their volunteer contributions, make our world a better place to live. Winners of the contest will share $30,000 in donations that will be contributed to the charity of their choice, provided by Manulife Financial.

Contest details are available in French on the website of Radio-Canada Télévision.

Launch of the 2011 Tuques Bleues Celebration

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The countdown to February 17 begins!

Les amis de la montagne launch the 14th edition of the
Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

Montreal, January 26, 2011 – Today at Smith House, the honorary co-chairs of the Tuques Bleues Celebration launched the countdown to the 14th edition of this benefit event to be held February 17 on Mount Royal, on the occasion of a gathering of partners and organizers.

Mr. Cyril Bendahan, Vice-President, Group Benefits, Québec Region, Manulife Financial, and Mr. Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, invite Montrealers to participate in this most unique and festive events.

L to R: Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne, Cyril Bendahan, Mary Bruns Creighton, Director of Marketing, Cordiant Capital and co-chair of Les amis' annual campaign, Michel Leblanc, Éric Morriset, Managing Director and Group Head, Quebec Investment Banking, TD Securities Inc. and co-chair, Les amis' annual campaign. Photo: Martin Roy.

“Les amis de la montagne, its mission and the annual Tuques Bleues Celebration, provide us with a unique and privileged opportunity; not only do they connect us to our past by recalling the simple pleasures of another era, but they also project us into a future that we can plan, create and preserve. This event is a wonderful occasion to celebrate our mountain while contributing to its conservation. I encourage you to participate in great numbers in this celebration,” said Cyril Bendahan.

“Mont Royal is an integral part of our history and identity. Its presence at the heart of our city offers Montrealers an enviable quality of life. The Tuques Bleues Celebration is a moment to celebrate the ultimate symbol of Montréal and to do something concrete to protect it. I encourage the entire business community not to miss this event and to take the opportunity to bask in the joys of winter and nature without leaving the city,” added Michel Leblanc.

More than 700 participants are expected to attend the event. The objective is to raise $250,000 to benefit education and protection programs on Mount Royal. The Tuques Bleues Celebration recalls the famous snowshoe treks by torchlight organized by the sporting clubs in the 19th Century. Members of these first snowshoe clubs in North America could be identified by their blue tuques.

This year, a special team challenge has been launched to encourage the participation of the business community, particularly young entrepreneurs. Video-testimonials of two entrepreneurs were created for this purpose and can be viewed here:

Tuques bleues, Katy St-Laurent

Tuques bleues, Sébastien Moquin

Les amis de la montagne extend thanks to their partners for their commitment and contribution to the event: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level, Atmosphere and Mansfield Club Athlétique; with the support of Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes.

Les amis also wish to thank their sponsors at the Bronze level: ECS School, TD Group Bank, MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, McCarthy Tétrault S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l., Rio Tinto Alcan, Scotia Capital and Velan Inc.; and finally, their sponsors of products and services: Montréal High Lights Festival, Ville de Montréal, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, 2e Régiment de l’Artillerie du Canada, Centre de location Hewitt-CAT, Java U, Fromages BioBio by Gattuso Inc., La Mer, Weinstein & Gavino’s, Le Château, Pâtisserie Wawel, CJAD 800 AM, La Presse, The Gazette, C4 Communications and Groupe Samajam.

Click here for more information on the Tuques Bleues Celebration or to purchase tickets securely online, at a cost of $200 per person.

14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Take up the challenge on February 17 on Mount Royal

Photo: Tzara Maud

The 14th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event is rapidly approaching! Under the honorary co-chairmanship of Cyril Bendahan, Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec Region, Manulife Financial and Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, hundreds of participants will gather on Thursday, February 17th, to ascend Mount Royal in snowshoes in support of Les amis de la montagne’s signature fundraising event.

The honorary co-chairs have accepted to join members of Les amis’ campaign cabinet to take up the challenge of mobilizing Montrealers, particularly the business community, in order to raise $250,000 towards education and protection programs for Mount Royal.

Strive to surpass yourself this winter and join the hundreds of participants who contribute, through their commitment and their joie-de-vivre, to the perpetuity of this symbol of vitality and pride for both current and future generations. But hurry – spaces are limited!

You may purchase your tickets now via Les amis’ secure website at a cost of $200 per person. You may also recruit a team of participants by buying 10, 20 or 30 tickets – the choice is yours! The team registration form is available on Les amis’ website or may be requested by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 239.

Les amis de la montagne would like to extend thanks to its many partners for their commitment and contribution: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level: Atmosphere and Mansfield Club Athlétique; with the support of: Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes.

Les amis also thank their partners at the Bronze level: ECS School, TD Bank Group, MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, McCarthy Tétrault S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l., Rio Tinto Alcan, Scotia Capital and Velan Inc.; as well as it partners of products and services: Montreal High Lights Festival, Ville de Montréal, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, 2e Régiment de l’Artillerie du Canada, Centre de location Hewitt-CAT, Java U, Fromages BioBio of Gattuso Inc., La Mer, Le Château, Pâtisserie Wawel, CJAD 800 AM, La Presse and The Gazette.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - January 2011

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The 14th editon of the Tuques Bleues Celebration; new snowshoeing and tubing family outing; guided snowshoe walk, "By the light of the city" and more!

The team at Les amis de la montagne wishes you a New Year of health and happiness, with many outings and discoveries to be enjoyed with family and friends on Mount Royal throughout 2011!

Photo: Samuel Montigné

The United Nations has proclaimed 2011 the International Year of Forests in order to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.

Since 1998, Les amis de la montagne have been committed to a series of environmental activities and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of Mount Royal’s natural environment. We will pursue these activities again with great enthusiasm this year and count upon your continued commitment in joining us in carrying out our successful conservation programs.

Again, we wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to meeting you along the paths and trails of Mount Royal’s forests.

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 17

NEWS

The MUHC properties on the mountain make headlines

ACTIVITIES

Get ready for the 2nd edition of the photo contest "La montagne en images"

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Attention families: get moving on Mount Royal this winter!
Invite your friends or gather your colleagues for wintertime fun on Mount Royal

A BRIEF HISTORY OF …

Mount Royal: a winter sports haven from the very start!

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 17

Photo : Tzara Maud

Read more ...

NEWS

The MUHC properties on the mountain make headlines

On December 17, 2010, The Gazette published an article titled, “Heirs want say on Royal Vic site” that describes the efforts made by one of the descendants of the founders of the Royal Victoria Hospital to prevent the sale of the property located on the southern flank of Mount Royal to private developers.

In reaction to this article, Les amis de la montagne and Héritage Montréal sent a letter on December 24th, 2010, to The Gazette that was published on January 6th, 2011, stating that the Royal Victoria Hospital is more than a simple property, but a collection of heritage elements that provides access to the mountain and that should continue to serve the public interest in its reuse strategy.

Read the full story by clicking here.

ACTIVITIES

Get ready to participate in the 2nd edition of Les amis de la montagne’s photo contest, "La montagne en images"

Photo: Karine Gagné

During your outings on Mount Royal this winter, don’t forget to bring your camera! Capture the beauty of the mountain’s natural environment and the activities practiced on its snow-covered peaks and trails this season. Hold on to your favourite snapshots in order to submit them to us this spring, as part of the official launch of the 2nd annual photo contest during Mount Royal Month in May, 2011.

A variety of prizes will be offered once again and the best photos will be available for viewing on Les amis’ website. Several photographs depicting the mountain’s heritage assets might also be selected to be published in Les amis’ annual activity report. Click here to see the 2010 edition. Moreover, the contest-winning photographs will be exposed at Smith House in the fall of 2011.

Click here to see the slideshow of winning photographs from the first annual “La montagne en images” photo contest.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Attention families: get moving on the mountain this winter!

Photo: Jean-Michel Villanove

You don’t have to travel far from the city this winter to practice your favourite outdoor activities. Mount Royal offers the perfect natural setting in the heart of Montreal!

Join Les amis de la montagne for a dynamic and fun family outing that combines a guided walk on snowshoes through the mountain forest, followed by inner-tubing.

This new family package is being offered every Saturday afternoon until March 5, 2011, and daily during Spring Break, from February 28 to March 5, 2011. Departure is from Smith House at 1:30 p.m. and the activity is for children 8 years and older.

To reserve your outing or for more details, click here.

For a more Zen-like family outing, join a member of Les amis’ conservation patrol for a guided walk of our bird-feeders to discover the mountain’s winter bird species. This activity is being offered every Saturday until March 12, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations are required. Simply arrive at Smith House no later than 1 p.m.

On your own or with a group, enjoy the pleasures of winter on Mount Royal

Photo: Samuel Montigné

The guided snowshoe walk, By the light of the city, will be held every Saturday evening until March 12, 2011, at a cost of $15 per person (12 years and over) including snowshoes, animation and hot chocolate. And for an original outing with your sweetheart, participate in our Valentine’s special on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at a cost of $22 per person, including snowshoes, animation, mulled wine and chocolate. Departure from Smith House at 6 p.m. Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF …

Mount Royal: a winter sports haven from the very start!

Historic post card from Les amis de la montagne's collection

Even though new arrivals to the country had the rigours of winter to contend with, historians report that as early as 1669, colonists took up skating in Ville-Marie. They also adopted certain customs and practices of the native populations, such as the native attire.

In fact, these early Europeans began wearing “bonnets” to protect their head from the cold. The inhabitants of the colony were eventually attributed the nickname “blue bonnets” since the majority seemed to wear toques of this colour.

Among the customs borrowed from the native populations, the colonists began to practice tobogganing, lacrosse and snowshoeing, the latter of which became a favourite winter pastime on Mount Royal.

By the mid-19th Century, the mountain had already become a major tourist attraction where Montrealers escaped the ills of a rapidly developing city to practice their favourite sports. In 1840, a group of men created a snowshoe club. In reference to their “blue bonnets”, they quickly became known as the “Tuques Bleues” by the French-speaking population. Other clubs would be created and snowshoe competitions began to be organized.

The Tuques Bleues and other sporting clubs joined to found the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association in 1881 with the mission to promote a variety of activities such as lacrosse, cycling, snowshoeing, hockey and fencing, to name just several. In 1893, the Governor General of Canada, Lord Stanley de Preston, offered a trophy to the team that won the hockey championships. The MAAA was the first club to win the Stanley Cup!

Today, as in the past, Montrealers regard Mount Royal as their favourite destination for recreation or relaxation, in every season.

The MUHC properties on the mountain make headlines

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Héritage Montréal and Les amis de la montagne co-sign a letter in The Gazette

On December 17, 2010, The Gazette published an article titled, “Heirs want say on Royal Vic site” that describes the efforts made by one of the descendants of the founders of the Royal Victoria Hospital to prevent the sale of the property located on the southern flank of Mount Royal to private developers. The hospital is slated to move to the McGill University Health Centre’s (MUHC) new superhospital site on the former Glen rail yards in 2014 or 2015. In the article, Mrs. Elspeth Angus states that her ancestors, Sir George Stephen and Sir Donald Smith, donated the land in 1893 for the express use by the Royal Victoria Hospital as a benefit to the entire community and her efforts are intended to honour the wishes of these land donors.

Les amis de la montagne are concerned about the future vocation of the hospital property, which occupies more than 1 million square feet on the mountain, all the more since clear rules and guidelines concerning the protection of institutional domains on the mountain in full mutation are yet to be defined.

In reaction to the article, The Gazette published a letter on January 6, 2011, co-signed by Héritage Montréal and Les amis de la montagne supporting the position of Mrs. Angus. The letter, sent on December 24th, states that the Royal Victoria Hospital is more than a simple property, but a collection of heritage elements that provides access to the mountain and that should continue to serve the public interest in its reuse strategy. The MUHC should also be obliged to engage in a transparent planning process with regards the expansion and uses of its properties on the mountain in order to ensure that commitments made to the community are upheld.

Prior to publishing the letter signed by Héritage and Les amis, The Gazette published an editorial on December 30, 2010, favouring the Royal Victoria Hospital’s conversion into luxury housing.

Letter to the Editor of The Gazette

Re: “Heirs want say on Royal Vic site” (The Gazette, December 17)

Mrs. Angus and descendants of the families of the two founding donors of the Royal Victoria Hospital are right in reminding everyone of the original purpose and obligations for this great Montreal landmark. This is not just another piece of real estate ready to be auctioned to speculators but a site dedicated to be used for the benefit of the community.

These concerns are very timely since they resonate with others on the way the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is planning its construction project on its other huge Mountain property: the Montreal General Hospital (MGH). In 2008, the MUHC made a commitment to confine any expansion within the current footprint of the MGH but now this commitment seems to be in question. As with the Royal Vic, this site is within the protected heritage district of Mount Royal declared by the Quebec Government. This fact requires that the future of the Montreal General Hospital be considered transparently and with great care employing all of the standards which apply to project located within the protected district.

As community organizations, Heritage Montreal and Les amis de la montagne are deeply concerned about the future of the MUHC properties on the Mountain. Whether in terms of their expansion or disposition, there is a definite need for independent planning and consultation process, and effective oversight to ensure that commitments made to the community are respected. 2011 is the year to do this in order to avoid yet another divisive development which breaches the rules we have all committed to for our beloved Mont Royal.

Dinu Bumbaru (Policy Director, Héritage Montréal)
Sylvie Guilbault (Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne)

Wintertime activities on Mount Royal

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

THE FUN BEGINS DECEMBER 11, 2010!

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, invite you with family or friends to experience the thrill of outdoor activities this winter on Mount Royal, Montreal’s incomparable winter sports paradise in the heart of the city. Skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or sliding: whatever your desire or level, live your passion and discover the pleasures of winter in the most accessible and enchanting of mountain surroundings.

A host of activities awaits you in the Beaver Lake sector of the park, in addition to the usual warm welcome at the Café Smith (new – snack on our delicious waffles!) and nature-boutique at Smith House. Original activities have been added to the line-up of wintertime favourites – all the more reason to appreciate this uniquely beautiful landscape in our urban midst!

Activities to discover

Since Mount Royal is one of Montreal’s favourite family destinations, Les amis de la montagne are offering a new activity package to please all members of the family. Offered every Saturday from January 15 to March 5, 2011, families are invited to Smith House to strap on a pair of Les amis’ snowshoes and, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., follow our guide along the flanks of the mountain in search of animal tracks and bird songs. Families can then spend the rest of the afternoon sliding on our specially designated inner-tubes tracks. Children must be 8 years-old. Package: 1 parent + 1 child = $20, 2nd parent + $8, each additional child $6 (maximum 4 children per adult).

The guided By the light of the city snowshoe walks, which are held every Saturday evening from January 8 to March 12, 2011, at a cots of $15 per person (12 years and over) including snowshoes, animation and hot chocolat, will be featured with a twist for “New Year’s on the Mountain” on Thursday, December 30, 2010. The $25 per person registration includes snowshoe rental, animation and sparkling wine. And on Saturday, February 12, 2011, a romantic “Valentine’s Soirée on the Mountain” will feature mulled wine and chocolate, for $22 per person, snowshoe rental and animation included.

The Club de ski de fond des Amis de la montagne returns for a third year with the Jackrabbit initiation courses in cross-country skiing for children 6 to 10 years old. The cost is $230 and includes rental boots, skis and poles (or $185 without rental equipment). A preliminary evaluation session will be followed by 7 classes of 1.5 hours each on 8 consecutive Saturday mornings beginning January 8 to February 26, 2011. To reserve, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

All-time favourites

The following all-time favourite activities will again be available: inner-tubing on the hill near Beaver Lake with free tobogganing nearby, skating on the artificial rink and depending on the weather conditions, on frozen Beaver Lake itself. Outdoor enthusiasts will find all the rental equipment necessary for their mountain adventures at Les amis’ rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion: skates, skis, snowshoes, trekking poles, Nordic kicksled, carrier sled for babies, double-bladed skates and helmets for children and learn-to-skate walkers. A skate sharpening and ski waxing service is also provided.

Finally, the interpretation activity called The Birds of Mount Royal, for all ages will be offered free every Saturday from January 8 to March 12, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., departing from Smith House. Join a member of Les amis’ conservation patrol for a guided visit of the 7 feeder stations located on the path that circles the summit to spot the cardinals, juncos, woodpeckers and other species that frequent the feeders in winter.

Programs for school children or groups

Les amis provides many wintertime programs in environmental education for school groups during the week, including special half-day packages combining outdoor activities, as well as original outdoor outings for groups of friends or colleagues. To reserve, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

For more information

The printed calendar of winter-spring 2011 events is available at Les amis’ information centres located at Smith House (1260 Remembrance Road), at the Beaver Lake pavilion and the Chalet du Mont-Royal.

To make reservations, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 0 or send us an email. The calendar of events is also available on Les amis’ website or on the site of the Ville de Montréal’s Grands parcs.

Welcome to Les amis's newsletter - December 2010

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Planting by the City of Westmount, an announcement from the Université de Montréal and work at Smith House!

NEWS

The City of Westmount adds a touch of green to the mountain territory!
Les amis de la montagne commend the Université de Montréal’s decision to preserve the environmental integrity of Mount Royal
The work at Smith House is moving along nicely

Coming soon:

On December 11th, launch of the winter season on Mount Royal!
On February 17th, reach the summit! Save the date for the Tuques Bleues Celebration!

The City of Westmount adds a touch of green to the mountain territory!

Thanks to funding support from the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition feminine and the Ville de Montréal as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal, the City of Westmount acquired a plot of land on Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges near the entrance to Mount Royal Park in order to transform the vacant lot into a wooded area. What a fine gesture to cap this International Year of Biodiversity!

The Mount Royal forest now has 140 new indigenous trees and 1,215 new indigenous shrubs. A sampling of the species planted includes Sugar Maple, Grey Birch, American Hornbeam, Canada Fly Honeysuckle and Shadblow Serviceberry. Although only small wisps of trees and naked branches are currently visible, in two years time, a forest will have grown.

The first intervention initiated to expand the green spaces in this sector of the mountain was undertaken almost 10 years ago. In December 2001, thanks to a partnership with the City of Westmount and The EJLB Foundation, Les amis de la montagne acquired the Clifton Apartments, a building located on the Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges facing the Chemin Remembrance interchange, in order to demolish the abandoned building. The site was renaturalized by the City of Westmount and zoned as park space to prevent any future construction on the site.

These two interventions contribute to the extension of the mountain’s ecological network. This network consists of primary core zones of great ecological value, such as Summit Park and the summit of Mount Royal Park; and buffer zones and green corridors joining the core zones between them.

For over 10 years, the environmental actions undertaken by Les amis de la montagne in partnership with the Ville de Montréal, have formed part of a greater environmental stewardship program that aims to maintain the biodiversity and the health of the forests of Mount Royal.

Expansion project on the former Outremont rail yards
Les amis de la montagne commend the Université de Montréal’s decision to preserve the environmental integrity of Mount Royal

Les amis de la montagne commend the leadership demonstrated by the Université de Montréal in its decision to preserve the environmental integrity of Mount Royal by confirming its project to expand on the former Outremont rail yards. This gesture serves as a viable solution to the prickly question of the mountain’s capacity to receive new construction, a notion consistent with the values expressed in the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan.

Photo: Jacques Dorais

In a speech presented November 30th before members of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, Rector Guy Breton of the Université de Montréal said, “We are friends of the mountain. We believe the expansion of our campus, a necessary, even urgent expansion, must move forward through the removal of the rail yard tracks in Outremont rather the cutting of trees on Mount Royal.”

“This expansion project outside the limits of Mount Royal is an option that we support for the institutions located on the mountain,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of Les amis de la montagne. “More than its trees however, Mount Royal is a site rich in built and landscape heritage. We encourage the University to continue investing in its mountain campus to ensure the maintenance, enhancement and accessibility of this site that is of great symbolic value to Montreal.”

Last May, the Ville de Montréal refused a project on the site of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary located on the southern flank of Mount Royal, requiring the project on the mountain to be reduced to the existing built footprint of the site. This decision requires that guiding principals and more clearly defined rules direct future construction on all institutional properties on the mountain.

The work at Smith House is moving along nicely

As you may have noticed during your last visit on the mountain, Smith House is undergoing a transformation in preparation for the opening of the new permanent exhibit, Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover. On the main floor, the building’s original staircase has been stripped of its paint, new flooring has been laid, the walls have been painted and the electricity has been upgraded in most rooms.

The work continues through March 2011, but the house, café, information service and nature-boutique will all continue to operate as usual during this coming winter season.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this important renovation work.

Press release - No referendum for the former Sulpicians' philosophy seminary

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Access to Mount Royal remains an important issue

Montreal, November 12, 2010 – Even though the required number of signatures was not obtained on November 11th to hold a referendum on the proposed residential project on the site of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary on Mount Royal, the municipal administration cannot ignore the public dissatisfaction that persists around this project.

The original project presented during the May 2009 public consultations was highly controversial. Since then, the project has been modified substantially, reducing, among other elements, construction to the existing built volume, but withdrawing public access to the site, which was permitted by the former landowner, the Prêtes de St-Sulpice. Citizens who live in the vicinity were called upon yesterday to make their opinion heard on the project by way of a referendum process, but without the benefit of a presentation on the new project. The only items available to citizens were the notices published in newspapers and information documents devoid of plans and illustrations, written in terms comprehensible to experts in urban regulations and planning.

Unfortunately, as in many other Montreal dossiers, no discussion or working group forums exist where citizens and developers can work collaboratively and in advance of project proposals. Confrontation and opposition are the results of these long processes that are as trying for developers as they are for committed and responsible citizens, who ultimately, have to live every day with the results of these developments.

Accessibility is a major issue for Mount Royal and it has been erased from this project with no further negotiation or public discussion. This situation is all the more worrisome since this project is likely to set a precedent for all other institutions undergoing transformation on Mount Royal.

The institutional properties on Mount Royal are characterized as public sites and the maintenance of public access, which can take different forms, is fundamental, since the issue has been at the heart of debates on the future of the mountain for nearly 150 years. Les amis de la montagne will continue to ask the municipal administration to commit fully to its role as the protector of Mount Royal and its heritage, on behalf of the interests of the collective community. The organization will likewise ask the Minister of Culture and Communications to set up an efficient system of protection and enhancement for Mount Royal that equals, in exemplary fashion, the exceptional emblematic value of the site.

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Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237

Press release - Registration procedure – former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Access to Mount Royal remains an important issue

Montreal, November 11, 2010 – Today, November 11, 2010, numerous citizens in the Ville-Marie borough have the opportunity to sign an official register concerning a special by-law associated with the proposed residential project on the site of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary, located within the protected territory of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

The Ville de Montréal requires a total of 71 signatures to hold a referendum on the topic. With 71 signatures, the project could be the subject of a referendum or be withdrawn.

Last May, the municipal administration demonstrated its will to protect the site’s integrity by refusing the developer’s too-large residential project and by limiting all future construction on the site to the existing built volume. In October, the Ville de Montréal approved a reduced version of the project. However, the original project consisted of an essential element to its acceptability, namely access to the site by the public. The developer has since withdrawn this condition.

Mount Royal is more than a park. It constitutes a collective heritage where its value is greater than the sum of its parts, justifying a special classification by the Quebec government. The institutional properties on Mount Royal are characterized by their access to the public. The presence of our institutions on the prestigious mountain constitutes a privilege that also comes with the duty to preserve this heritage on behalf of the entire community.

Although the stipulations in the official registry do not include accessibility to the site of the former Sulpicians’ seminary by the public, this remains an important issue for the mountain. The present registry process is the only remaining tool available to citizens to express their point of view.

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Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237

Les amis renew their commitment to the Montréal Community Sustainable Development Plan 2010-2015

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne are proud to renew their partnership with the Ville de Montréal in the implementation of the Montréal Community Sustainable Development Plan 2010-2015.

Following from Montréal’s first strategic plan for sustainable development (2005-2009), the 2010-2015 Plan will continue to pursue the initiatives undertaken earlier while proposing new actions designed to orient planning exercises, policies and programs, as they involve major projects in the city. A new social component has been included in the Plan with additional efforts to promote solidarity, equity and succession planning.

The 2010-2015 Plan proposes nine objectives with 37 actions, in addition to the new social component. As part of the launch of this new Plan announced on October 12th, Les amis de la montagne have committed to the following actions:
02 - Reduce dependence on cars
15 - Contribute to greening and the reduction of heat islands
22 - Implement measures for reduction at the source
24 - Hold ecologically responsible events
26 - Stimulate demand for green technology, products and services
30 - Participate in training activities on environmental programs and certification
31 - Establish a collaborative framework to protect and promote lands with high biodiversity
32 - Make use of green infrastructures and ecological services in the city
33 - Disseminate information about biodiversity to raise awareness and encourage its protection by the public
34 - Reinforce the environmentally friendly management of the city’s green space
36 - Demonstrate equity
37 - Handle succession planning

To learn more about the 2010-2015 Plan, visit the Ville de Montréal’s website.

Biodiversity pays!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Publication of the UN-sponsored study The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Launched as part of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) in Nagoya, Japan on October 20th, and fruit of a vast international study, the UN-sponsored report entitled, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), demonstrates that the value attributed to “natural capital” can have significant economic benefits.

Guided by the principal that “you cannot manage what you do not measure”, Pavan Sukhdev, leader of the TEEB study, Special Advisor and Head of the United Nations Environmental Programme's Green Economy Initiative and formerly Head of Deutsche Bank's Global Markets Business in Bombay, delivers a thorough and convincing economic argument for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The report underlines the global economic benefits of biodiversity and sheds light on the costs associated with the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems. The study proposes solutions and positive actions that can be undertaken by decision-makers, administrators, companies and individuals.

On a local level, despite the fact that Mount Royal’s “capital” remains largely intrinsic, the decree creating the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District in 2005 by virtue of the Cultural Property Act was an unprecedented protection measure for the entire mountain territory. Five years after the adoption of the decree and in the context of the review of the Cultural Property Act currently in progress, Les amis de la montagne are preparing an assessment of the application and results of this newly defined legal protection status for the mountain, to be submitted to the government early next year.

To learn more about the TEEB report, visit the study’s site.
To learn more about the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan, visit the Ville de Montréal’s website.

The Three Summits guided walking tour makes the front page!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Three Summits guided walking tour is an immersive, sensorial experience, a voyage across the mountain’s heritage sites and natural spaces that leaves no one indifferent in the face of its majesty and its fragility.

Offered over four Sundays in October by Les amis de la montagne for the last 20 years, participation this fall reached new heights thanks to front page coverage in La Presse and a three-page article in the Voyage section on October 6th last.

To read the article in La Presse, visit the site of Cyberpresse.

Watch for Les amis’ spring calendar of activities for the next Three Summits guided walking tour. In June, participants will have the opportunity to discover the mountain’s springtime colours and scents.

To understand the history and traditions of a local community, visit its cemeteries!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Analysis published by the Réseau de veille en tourisme

Cemeteries are a religious and socio-cultural heritage to be preserved and promoted. Such is the conclusion of an analysis published October 20th last by the Réseau de veille en tourisme, Quebec’s reference in international tourism trends.

According to the analysis, these necropolises, witnesses of cultural heritage and identity, are modernizing, diversifying and innovating to welcome all variety of visitors. New developments, historic interpretation and technological adaptations are projects being undertaken by cemeteries around the world.

Photo: F.-N. Étienne

Mount Royal is the site of four cemeteries, including Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, the most important Catholic cemetery in Quebec and in Canada with close to 900,000 buried persons.

To learn more about the cemeteries on Mount Royal, travel over Les amis de la montagne’s interactive map to discover slide shows, audio-video clips, information files and partner sites on line.

Manulife Financial provides “green and blue” support to Mount Royal!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Despite atrocious weather, more than 40 employees from Manulife Financial joined Les amis de la montagne in Mount Royal Park on October 15th last to plant 200 indigenous trees and shrubs and to cut exotic invasive plant species. Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Communications, Manulife Financial - Canadian Division, used this occasion to announce the renewal of Manulife Financial’s principal partnership with Les amis de la montagne for the 2011 edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, Les amis’ signature fundraiser. Mary Bruns Creighton, co-chair of Les amis’ annual campaign, was present to receive the good news.

The planting and cutting activities support Les amis’ initiatives to protect and enhance Mount Royal’s biodiversity, undertaken in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration, to be held February 17, 2011, is Les amis’ most important benefit event. The activity gathers hundreds of people from Montreal’s business community for a moonlit snowshoe walk in order to raise awareness about the mountain’s fragility, while enjoying its majestic beauty.

Nicole Boivin (left) and Mary Bruns Creighton

A big thank-you to the volunteers of the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Program

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

In this International Year of Biodiversity, members of the Montreal community demonstrated a remarkable collective effort by participating in record numbers in tree planting and invasive species cutting on Mount Royal!

Rain or shine, 1,118 volunteers proved their attachment to the mountain by contributing directly to the maintenance of its biodiversity. In addition to increasing the biomass, the combined activities of cutting invasive species followed by planting indigenous species promoted the dispersal and migration of fauna and flora over the entire territory.

From May to October, 2010, 2,550 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted, including Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Rum Cherry and Cranberry-tree; 1,783 trees planted over the last several years were evaluated for their growth and survival rate; a control study of exotic invasive species was conducted through the cutting of 1,1315kg (23,622 stalks) of Common Buckthorn and 7,74kg (887 stalks) of Norway Maple. These actions were conducted in the Beaver Lake area to consolidate the ecological corridor linking the forest of Mount Royal Park to the hill of Westmount; the border of the western section of the new ring road; the Mount Royal Park summit near the telecommunications tower; and a new parcel of land for research in the Piedmont area.

We extend our warmest thanks to the many enthusiastic and committed volunteers who contributed with gusto to the success of the program. Thank-you to the 139 participants who rolled-up their sleeves on Tuesday evenings in May, June and July and Saturday mornings in August, September and October; to those who participated as groups, such as students from École St-Germain d’Outremont and the Projet de restauration et de valorisation de la biodiversité en milieu urbain; Groupe Transat, Palais des Congrès, ICCA, GSK and Manulife Financial. Thanks to our partnership with Evergreen, we received young people from Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots’ Youth Action Workshop and corporate groups, including Fido, Diageo and Starbucks. Finally, a great thank-you to all the individuals who participated in the activities held as part of the Corvée du Mont-Royal and TD Green Sunday.

To celebrate the closure of the 2010 stewardship program season, volunteers were invited to a lunch at Smith House on October 16th along with Les amis’ conservation team, followed by a Land-Art guided walk and workshop with artist Samuel Montigné, an environmental educator with Les amis. Participants enjoyed the pleasant fall weather on Mount Royal to create ephemeral works of art in nature.

The Conservation Patrol and park surveillance

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

For a healthy and welcoming environment

Over and above the awareness-raising duties carried out by Les amis’ Conservation Patrol with visitors in Mount Royal Park, the patrol also collaborates with various municipal authorities in order to curb or reduce acts of delinquency or behaviours with negative impact on the natural environment.

The Conservation Patrol also collaborates with the Ville de Montréal in monitoring physical incivilities committed in the park, such as graffiti, camp sites and camp fires. In fact, patrollers documented and mapped over 66 graffiti “tags” in Mount Royal Park this past summer. The dossier was transferred to those responsible for the park at the Ville de Montréal and already, a portion of these tags have been removed.

2010 AQPERE conference

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Does nature have a role in education? Towards a pedagogy inclusive of biodiversity!

As founding partners of the Association québécoise pour la promotion de l’éducation relative à l’environnement (AQPERE), Les amis de la montagne are participating in the association’s annual conference being held November 4-6 that gathers local specialists in this important domain. Organized in collaboration with the Fondation Monique Fitz-Back and the Établissements Verts Bruntland, and during this International Year of Biodiversity, the conference will allow teachers, trainers and educators to reflect collectively on the relationship between nature and humans, and question the role that biodiversity education plays in this relationship.

Having worked with young people from the greater Montreal area for the last 30 years, Les amis de la montagne currently welcome more than 7,000 students annually to the mountain for an immersive activity in nature. Éric Richard, director of educational services at Les amis, will facilitate a round-table at the conference entitled, “Vivre la nature en ville au mont Royal; une école sans mur dans une vraie nature.” Artist Samuel Montigné, an environmental educator with Les amis, will lead a guided Land-Art workshop, inviting participants to briefly leave the conference meeting rooms to spend some time in nature, creating works of art inspired by these natural surroundings.

Together with Quebec’s environmental education stakeholders, Les amis de la montagne invite the public to commit to bringing young people closer to nature. Studies have shown that in the last 30 years, children have been playing outdoors less and less and have therefore, deprived themselves of essential contact with nature. This withdrawal from the outdoors has had negative consequences on their physical and mental well-being, a social cost to our entire community.

Whether you are a representative of an organization, a member of the teaching profession, decision-maker, parent or sympathiser, you are invited to subscribe to this “call to commitment” by clicking on this link. Your support will be announced during the AQPERE conference. Thank you for circulating this “call to commitment” to your business network, friends and family.

Preparatory work for the renewal of the permanent exhibit in Smith House

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Smith House closed on November 15 and 16, 2010

The main floor of Smith House is undergoing renovations throughout November in preparation for Les amis de la montagne’s new permanent exhibit. Designed to highlight the heritage elements of the entire territory of Mount Royal, the new exhibit will offer a variety of novel learning tools for the general public.

Over the course of November, the preparatory work will affect the entrance, main hallway, exhibit room, the adjacent Café room and staircase of the house. Smith House will close temporarily to allow for the replacement of the flooring on Monday, November 15 and Tuesday, November 16.

The overall work should be completed by March 2011. Until then, we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this work.

Temporary draining of Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park has been drained temporarily, but will be refilled again in December. Activities in the area will continue as usual and the pathway encircling the lake will remain accessible.

Built in 1938, Beaver Lake is showing signs of deterioration. The draining operation is necessary in order to evaluate, with as much precision as possible, the actual state of the masonry and the foundations of the surrounding wall. The masonry of the supporting wall has come to the end of its actual lifespan, there is a proliferation of undesirable plant life and activities, such as skating in winter and pedal-boating in summer, have become difficult to practice as a result.

Beaver Lake is not, in fact, a natural lake, but a basin of water built entirely by hand as a make-work project in 1938. The lake has never benefitted from restoration work and this current analysis is therefore, necessary in light of its eventual restoration.

Source: Ville de Montréal, Réseau des grands parcs

Closure of the southern lane and reconfiguration of Remembrance Road

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The work that has been undertaken on Chemin Remembrance, provided for in the Ville de Montréal’s Plan de transport, is part of a larger enhancement project for Mount Royal. The interventions to date, as well as those to come, are in keeping with the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan and aim to render the mountain more accessible and welcoming to all users.

Over the last several years, it has become apparent that the automobile has taken a predominant place on the mountain and a radical change was necessary in order to balance the needs between mobility and protection of living environments.

As part of the work undertaken on Chemin Remembrance, the following objectives were taken into consideration:

reduce the predominance of the automobile on the mountain;
reduce transit traffic through Mount Royal Park;
promote harmonious cohabitation between different users of the park;
promote pedestrian and cyclist access in road configurations.

1. What exactly has been done?

The southern lane of Chemin Remembrance has been closed to automobile traffic between the Beaver Lake parking lot and the Voie Camillien-Houde and is now dedicated to pedestrians, cyclists, service vehicles and emergency vehicles;
A multifunctional lane situated between the Smith House sector and the Beaver Lake sector (identified by decorative markings of leaves on the pavement) is now entirely dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists;
The connections from this multifunctional lane to the existing pedestrian network are now complete (sections 2 and 3 of the ring road currently under development are now safely connected for pedestrians);
Sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks have been configured in strategic locations in order to ensure safe and convivial passage by users;
The northern lane of Chemin Remembrance remains assigned for use by motor vehicles, including buses, and has become bidirectional;
The traffic pattern around the two parking lots near Smith House have been reoriented to ensure safe and convivial passage by pedestrians;
The STM bus stops have been relocated closer to the main centres of activity.

2. Is there more work to come?
Yes, this project represents the first of a larger enhancement project for Mount Royal.

Numerous complementary projects are currently being studied for the mountain territory:

Reconfiguration of the Côte-des-Neiges/Remembrance interchange in the style of a roundabout;
Completion of the ring road and the north-south road;
Securing of the Voie Camillien-Houde;
Reconfiguration of the Mont-Royal and Camillien-Houde intersection;
Review of the areas surrounding the Beaver Lake pavilion and Smith House;
Review of the overall parking offer on the mountain.

All of these projects have the common goal of reducing the predominance of the automobile and to return of the mountain to users by favouring active and collective forms of transportation.

Source: Ville de Montréal, Réseau des grands parcs

Welcome to Les amis's newsletter - October 2010

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Activity report 2009-2010; new interactive terminals; "don't feed the raccoons!"; three summits walking tour; environmental stewardship program volunteer appreciation event; land art guided walk - and more!

NEWS

Les amis de la montagne present their 2009-2010 Activity Report
Presenting the winning photographs of the “La montagne en images” contest
Tell us about your Mount Royal memory: “Holy Mountain” by the NFB
HEC Montréal receives a plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Congratulations to Daniel Chartier, Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects

ACTIVITIES

New interactive terminals at Smith House: Mount Royal at your fingertips
Wild animals are not cuddly toys: awareness campaign begins to discourage feeding raccoons

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Registration is now open for “Jackrabbit” cross-country ski lessons for children
THE fall favourite: Three summits guided walking tour
Last chance to visit the biodiversity kiosk this weekend
Environmental Stewardship Program: two weekends left to participate
Land art guided walk and workshop on Mount Royal

JOIN THE TEAM AT LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE

Job posting: Coordinator, Community Relations

NEWS

Les amis de la montagne present their 2009-2010 Activity Report
Les amis de la montagne’s 24th Annual General Meeting held September 29th last featured the election of returning and new Governors to the corporation, as well as the presentation of the 2009-2010 Activity Report. The 7th edition of the “Map of Mount Royal: Issues and Challenges”, carrying the theme of accessibility, was also distributed to members on this occasion.

The Activity Report, presented in a new photo-calendar format this year, is available as a PDF file on Les amis’ website under the section “About Us”. The Map of Mount Royal is distributed during the public forum or other interpretive activities of Les amis de la montagne held throughout the year.

Presenting the winning photographs of the “La montagne en images” contest!
A slideshow of the winning photographs of the “La montagne en images” photo contest is now available on the web. The photo exhibit, which features five themes, Nature and biodiversity, Architecture, Art and the mountain, People and the mountain and Light, can be viewed at the Café Smith at Smith House, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All are welcome!

Tell us about your Mount Royal memory: “Holy Mountain” by the NFB
The NFB’s new web documentary “Holy Mountain” (Sacrée Montagne) launched recently at the Chalet du Mont-Royal, highlights the persistence of the sacred in our secular society explored through the mountain's symbolic sites and the rituals observed there. The reconstruction of religious battles in medieval times, the trance-like dancing to the beat of the tam-tams, the cemeteries, the many religious cultures that share the mountain’s Sunday picnic and barbeque sites; all of these rituals are testament to the role Mount Royal plays in our individual spirituality.

“Holy Mountain” is a participative project. The production team invites all mountain admirers to contribute content to the project by calling 1-877-55-SOUVENIR to leave a spoken memory or anecdote about the mountain on their answering machine. The messages will be integrated in the soundtrack of the website.

HEC Montréal receives a plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
On October 4th last, HEC Montréal received a plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the founding of the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal in 1907 at a special event held at the school organized by Parks Canada. A plaque from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was unveiled before government representatives, school officials, partners and invited guests, in honour of the venerable institution now located on the mountain’s northern flank. The event was all the more significant as it was held on the anniversary of the school’s opening day, October 4, 1910.

Congratulations to Daniel Chartier, Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
Daniel Chartier, landscape architect with the Direction des grands parcs et de la nature en ville de la Ville de Montréal, was inducted into the College of Fellows of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) during their 2010 conference in Edmonton this summer. Considered an authority on the heritage of Frederick Law Olmsted and Mount Royal, he has worked for more than two decades on the design and execution of a multitude of significant landscaping projects on the mountain.

During the CSLA conference, the publication “Le mont Royal dans l’oeuvre de Frederick Law Olmsted” received a national honour award, one of the nine highest distinctions of the association’s awards of excellence. Several people collaborated on this work, including author Charles E. Beveridge, editor of The Papers of Frederick Law Olmsted, and assistant editor, Wendy Graham, landscape architect with the Ville de Montréal. Daniel Chartier and Wendy Graham received the Frederick Todd Award earlier this year, an award that recognizes members of the Association des architectes paysagistes du Québec and public personalities who contribute in an exceptional way to the advancement of landscape architecture in Quebec. Kudos to all!

ACTIVITIES

New interactive terminals at Smith House: Mount Royal at your fingertips
Les amis de la montagne are proud to present four interactive terminals newly installed at Smith House! These terminals invite visitors to test their knowledge about the mountain using their fingertips on the four touch screens. Each terminal features a theme that is fun and instructive, accessible to all ages. Youngsters and adults can discover Mount Royal Park’s treasures and take action to ensure its conservation.

The interactive terminals entitled, “Take action for the mountain”, “Mount Royal’s flora and habitats”, “The animals of Mount Royal” and “The park from past to present”, are the first phase of a project to renew the permanent exhibit in Smith House, slated for completion in early 2011. The exhibit renewal project is made possible thanks to financial contributions from the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine and the Ville de Montréal as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal, principal partners of the project, from the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement for the terminal theme “Take action for the mountain”, and from the Fondation de la faune du Québec for the content related to the mountain’s fauna.

Wild animals are not cuddly toys: awareness campaign to discourage feeding raccoons
In collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne are leading an important awareness-raising campaign to counter the escalating problems associated with feeding raccoons in Mount Royal Park. The campaign is being held on the Camillien-Houde lookout where visitors habitually feed raccoons that are now attracted to this site day and night. Raccoons are otherwise nocturnal animals.

Numerous mammal species on Mount Royal share their natural habitat with human visitors. Even though some of these animals become accustomed to the presence of humans and appear tame, they remain wild and unpredictable.

Feeding the animals can be fun and seem like a generous gesture. However, giving food to animals will encourage their dependency toward humans and cause them, over time, to lose their survival instinct. Animals can find all the food they need to survive in the park.

Feeding animals bread, peanuts or any other type of food causes health and weight problems and alters the animals’ behaviour:

Animals become less timid and become unwanted guests at your picnic;
They become used to a regular food supply and behave aggressively when this supply is withdrawn;
They can bite and transmit infectious diseases to humans.

Les amis’ Conservation Patrol will be present on the lookout until mid-November in order to prevent visitors from feeding and petting these wild animals for their security and well-being.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Registration is now open for Jackrabbit cross-country ski lessons for children
Les amis de la montagne are now accepting registrations for the Ski de Fond Québec Jackrabbit initiation courses in cross-country skiing for children on Mount Royal. The registration period will close on January 3, 2011.

The Jackrabbit program is suited for children 6 to 10 years old and initiates students to both classical and freestyle cross-country skiing. The program features 4 levels and places an emphasis on the progressive integration of other ski-related knowledge and techniques. To ensure that students perfect their style while having fun, the instructor will use a variety of pedagogical materials including activity cards, games, races, relays and trails.

The lessons include one evaluation session followed by seven (7) 1.5 hour lessons scheduled on 8 consecutive Saturdays from January 8 to February 26, 2011, at 10 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. Children will be divided into beginner and advanced levels, with 8 children per group. The cost of the program is $230 including rental equipment (boots, skis and poles) or $185 without the equipment rental.

Bonus offer! On March 5, 2011, a parent-child activity will be offered to registered families: a guided snowshoe walk with an environmental educator (snowshoes provided) and access to inner-tubing.

To register for the Jackrabbit program, please come in person to complete the registration form and make the payment in full:

As of now:
- at Les amis de la montagne’s boutique in Smith House (1260 Remembrance Road)
- daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
As of December 5:
- at Les amis de la montagne’s equipment rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road)
- Sunday to Thursday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information, please contact Daniel Leblanc.

THE fall favourite: Three Summits guided walking tour
Les amis de la montagne’s thematic walking tours made the front page of La Presse on October 6th as part of a major article in the paper’s travel section. Even the mountain’s most loyal visitors will be surprised by the diversity of Mount Royal’s heritage and natural environments, revealed during this 12 km guided walk along the entire territory of the mountain – offered by Les amis for the last 21 years. But hurry to register as space is limited! The tour is provided in French.

Sundays, October 10, 17 and 24
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Departure from the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier monument, corner of Avenue du Parc and Rachel Street
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, extension 0
Cost: $15 for ages 13 and over; $10 for ages 6 to 12

Last chance to visit the biodiversity kiosk this weekend
During your walk on the mountain this coming weekend, visit the new interpretation kiosk on Mount Royal’s biodiversity. Take a moment to chat with Les amis’ environmental educators about the mountain’s conservation challenges. Complete with colourful design and eye-catching content, the kiosk invites park visitors of all ages to enter, if only for a moment, the fascinating world of animals and their habitats on Mount Royal, in the midst of the city. The new kiosk was produced with the financial support of Gaz Métro and Groupe Yellow inc.

Travelling animation along Olmsted Road and at the Kondiaronk lookout near the Chalet
Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Free

Environmental Stewardship Program: two weekends left to participate
There are two weekends left to take an active part in conservation activities on Mount Royal, on Saturday, October 9 and 16. Interested volunteers may join Les amis’ educators-patrollers to plant indigenous species and to control the spread of exotic invasive species on the mountain, in order to consolidate the ecological corridor that links the forest of Mount Royal Park to the forest of Westmount’s Summit Park.

Departure from Smith House in Mount Royal Park
Saturday, October 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Information: 514 843-8240, ext. 234

On Saturday, October 16 at 12 p.m., join Les amis for an end-of-season celebration. All volunteers who participated in the Environmental Stewardship Program since May are invited to join Les amis’ conservation team for a well deserved thank-you gathering!

Land Art guided walk and workshop on Mount Royal
Join artist Samuel Montigné, environmental educator with Les amis de la montagne, for this unique guided walk to rediscover the mountain and its many riches and to create a personal work of art inspired by nature. Art materials supplied. Offered in French.

Departure from Smith House in Mount Royal Park
Saturday, October 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, extension 0
Cost: $15 for ages 13 and over; $10 for ages 9 to 12
Cancelled in the event of rain

JOIN THE TEAM AT LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE

Les amis de la montagne are looking for a Coordinator, Community Relations.

Click here to read the detailed job description and application procedure

New: four interactive terminals at Smith House

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Mount Royal at your fingertips!

Montreal, September 24, 2010 – Les amis de la montagne present four interactive terminals newly installed at Smith House! These terminals invite visitors to test their knowledge about the mountain using their fingertips on the four touch screens. Each terminal features a theme that is fun and instructive, accessible to all ages. Youngsters and adults can discover Mount Royal Park’s treasures and take action to ensure its conservation.

Les amis de la montagne invite park visitors to Smith House in Mount Royal Park (1260 chemin Remembrance) between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the weekends of September 25-26 and October 2-3, 2010, to try the different games and challenges presented on the touch screens. Educators will be on hand to accompany participants in their exploration and even hand out rewards to challenge winners!

“The interactive terminals are the latest addition to Les amis de la montagne’s educational tool box. For the last 30 years, the organization has developed a variety of innovative approaches to promote the mountain’s natural and historic heritage, in order to encourage its conservation. Each theme is a goldmine of information, attractively illustrated in simple and lively language, accessible to all age groups. We hope that this enjoyable learning opportunity will encourage citizens to become even more aware of and respectful towards the mountain environment,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne.

The interactive terminals entitled, “Take action for the mountain”, “Mount Royal’s flora and habitats”, “The animals of Mount Royal” and “The park from past to present”, are the first phase of a project to renew the permanent exhibit in Smith House, slated for completion in early 2011. The exhibit renewal project is made possible thanks to financial contributions from the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine and the Ville de Montréal as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal, principal partners of the project, from the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement for the terminal theme “Take action for the mountain”, and from the Fondation de la faune du Québec for the content related to the mountain’s fauna.

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Thank you to our partners:

Principal partner

Partner for the terminal "Take action for the mountain"

Partner for the content related to the mountain's fauna

Winners of the 2010 photo contest

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne announce the winners of the photo contest “La montagne en images”

Montreal, September 17, 2010 – Les amis de la montagne announced the winners of the photo contest “La montagne en images” today at Smith House in Mount Royal Park. To showcase the rich and varied heritage of Mount Royal through photography, Les amis de la montagne launched the photo contest in February via their group page on the website Flickr. Members of the community were invited to submit their favourite photos of the mountain along five themes: Nature and Biodiversity, in honour of the International Year of Biodiversity 2010; Architecture; Art and the Mountain; People and the Mountain; and Light.

22 mountain admirers responded to the invitation and submitted a total of 103 photos, challenging the jury members in their decision-making process. Les amis de la montagne wish to thank Réjean Gravel, Governor of Les amis and photographer, Yves Médam, professional photographer and Daniel Leblanc, director of outdoor services and sales with Les amis and photographer, for their participation as members of the jury of this first edition of the contest.

The Grand Prix du Jury winner receives a $100 gift certificate at Photoservice, courtesy of Photoservice, a copy of the book Mont–Royal, Un monde à part/ A world apart by Montreal photographer Linda Rutenberg and a gift certificate from Les amis de la montagne for the rental of outdoor equipment or a guided walking tour for free, valid for 2 people. In each of the five themes, the 1st prize winner receives the book by Linda Rutenberg and the gift certificate from Les amis and the 2nd and 3rd prize winners receive the gift certificate from Les amis.

The exhibit of winning photographs is being held in the Café Smith at Smith House in Mount Royal Park (1260, chemin Remembrance) from September 17, 2010 to January 30, 2011, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GRAND PRIX DU JURY
Nathalie Kemp
Seuls dans la tempête

NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY
1ST PRIZE
Claude Morin
Mon merle…

2ND PRIZE
Normand Porlier
Autour des palombes

3RD PRIZE
Éric Richard
La constellation du pic

ARCHITECTURE
1ST PRIZE
Samuel Montigné
L’escargot du pavillon Roger Gaudry

2ND PRIZE
Guylaine Bédard
La croix commémorant le pape

3RD PRIZE
Jean-Guy Morisset
Oasis enneigé

PEOPLE AND THE MOUNTAIN
1ST PRIZE
Clairette Paquette
Moments de détente en jaune et vert

2ND PRIZE
Karine Gagné
Sans titre

3RD PRIZE
Samuel Montigné
La course blanche

LIGHT
1ST PRIZE
Guylaine Bédard
Oasis

2ND PRIZE
Marie-Claude Lambert
Spectacle céleste sur la côte du Parc

3RD PRIZE
Françoise Cot
Lune d’hiver

ART AND THE MOUNTAIN
1ST PRIZE
Jean Landry
Géant dans la nuit

2ND PRIZE
Françoise Cot
Pleureuse

3RD PRIZE
Jean-Michel Villanove
Un ange sur la tête

HONOURABLE MENTION
Project IDEO – 16 to 17 year-olds: A program to help young people develop transferable skills for the job market or for school. 4 young amateur photographers visited the mountain this summer to participate in the photo contest, accompanied by their supervisors: Mélanie Robichaud, youth worker for the IDEO project (Hochelaga) with Maxime Wagner and Jason Deschênes, and Catherine Cejka, youth worker for the IDEO project (Anjou) with Vincenzo Racanelli and Jean-François Lefort.

ABOUT LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE

Les amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. For 30 years, Les amis have organized guided visits and created innovative learning approaches designed to promote the discovery, as well as the conservation of Mount Royal’s natural, historic and landscape heritage. To learn more about Les amis’ programs and activities, visit www.lemontroyal.qc.ca.

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Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - september 2010

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Summer season wrap-up; school programs; conservation activities; photo exhibits; Land Art on Mount Royal; 3 summits walking tour - and more!

SUMMER SEASON WRAP-UP

Les amis de la montagne’s summer day camp
Project to restore and promote urban biodiversity

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

School programs for elementary and secondary students on Mount Royal 2010-2011
Participate in conservation activities and animations this fall
- Travelling animation on biodiversity – until September 26
- Environmental Stewardship Program – until October 16
- Conservation Patrol – until October 16
The Corvée du Mont-Royal mountain clean-up is featured in an Official Selection of the 2010 World Film Festival

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Exhibit of winning photos of the “La montagne en images” contest – vernissage on September 17
“Montagne et Métamorphoses” photo exhibit – from September 17 to 19 and September 24 to 26
Launch of the web-based documentary “Holy Mountain!” – September 21
Land Art on Mount Royal – September 25
Three Summits guided walking tour – October 3, 10, 17 and 24

NOTICES AND CONSTRUCTION ON MOUNT ROYAL

Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on the mountain – September 12
Construction on Remembrance Road

SUMMER SEASON WRAP-UP

Mount Royal began to feel like a tropical forest with this summer’s unrelenting heat and humidity! Nonetheless, the level of activity was maintained and Les amis de la montagne completed another successful season of programs and accomplishments, including:

Les amis’ summer day camp

152 children enjoyed a “mountain of fun” on Mount Royal between June 28 and August 13! For a second year, Les amis’ summer day camp provided a variety of fun and educational activities to children aged 6 to 9 years old in the heart of the city’s natural environment. From treasure hunts, games, rallies, visits to the Redpath and McCord museums and expeditions, the campers took great pleasure in discovering the mountain through the natural sciences and history of the site.

Les amis thank the parents of the children for their confidence, as well as the generous donors who contributed to the camper sponsorship program, organized in association with the Centre communautaire de la Côte-des-Neiges. A special thank-you to Raymond Bachand, MP for Outremont, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, for a contribution providing 27 children from less advantaged homes with a one-week summer camp experience. Les amis’ summer day camp is organized in partnership with the Ville de Montréal.

3rd edition of the program to restore and promote urban biodiversity

For a third consecutive year, Les amis de la montagne collaborated in the program to restore and promote urban biodiversity, implemented by the Ville de Montréal. 30 young people were hired to help eradicate common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species that has taken hold on the island of Montreal. The program encompassed three areas of intervention, including the eco-territories of the summits and flanks of Mount Royal.

On the northern flank of Mount Royal, in the wooded areas of the institutional properties of the Université de Montréal, the Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf and the Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, 10 high school graduates from Montreal’s cultural communities cut down 148,000 stems of common buckthorn and then planted 407 indigenous trees in the woods of the Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf.

This program was made possible through financial contributions from the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement ; the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles through the Programme Valorisation Jeunesse – Place à la relève ; the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine for the Mount Royal sector as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal ; and the Fondation de la famille Claudine et Stephen Bronfman/Programme C-Vert.

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Save the date! Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be held Wednesday, September 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House. A detailed invitation will follow shortly. For more information, please contact François-Xavier Caron, coordinator of the public forum, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

School programs for elementary and secondary students on Mount Royal 2010-2011

Les amis de la montagne open the doors to a 30th season of their “schools without walls in the heart of nature” program! Calling all teachers and educators: book your group outings today for this coming fall and winter season!

Whether your goal is to complement classroom content through hands-on fieldwork or simply to enjoy winter recreational activities in the heart of the city, Mount Royal is the destination of choice for the discovery of a unique natural environment: landscapes, fauna, flora and geology. Les amis de la montagne provide environmental education programs to school groups of all levels and may be adapted to specific pedagogical objectives.

Click on the image to consult the 2010-2011 school program guide.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

Travelling animation, “From the cicada to the fox, the animals of Mount Royal” – until September 26

During your next walk on the mountain, visit the new interpretation kiosk on Mount Royal’s biodiversity. Take a moment to chat with Les amis’ environmental educators about the mountain’s conservation challenges. Complete with colourful design and eye-catching content, the kiosk invites park visitors of all ages to enter, if only for a moment, the fascinating world of animals and their habitats on Mount Royal, in the midst of the city. The new kiosk was produced with the financial support of Gaz Métro and Groupe Yellow inc.

Travelling animation along Olmsted Road and at the Kondiaronk lookout near the Chalet
Saturdays and Sundays until September 26
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
NB: Due to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, please note that the kiosk will not be in operation the weekend of September 11-12 (see "Notices" below).

Environmental Stewardship Program on Mount Royal continues

Les amis de la montagne invite members of the community to help maintain the mountain’s biodiversity through concrete activities, while developing a better understanding of conservation issues.

Interested volunteers may join Les amis’ educators-patrollers to plant indigenous species and to control the spread of exotic invasive species on Mount Royal, in order to consolidate the ecological corridor that links the forest of Mount Royal Park to the forest of Westmount’s Summit Park.

Departure from Smith House in Mount Royal Park
Saturdays until October 16
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Information: 514 843-8240, ext. 234

Conservation Patrol – until October 16

Until October 16, Les amis’ Conservation Patrol will continue to conduct awareness-raising activities with park visitors to encourage the sustainable use of the site. Educators patrol the paths of the park in order to discuss and explain the conservation challenges related to feeding the mountain’s wildlife, keeping dogs on their leashes, off-trail walking or cycling and bicycle speed limits on Olmsted Road.

The Corvée du Mont-Royal mountain clean-up is featured in an Official Selection of the 2010 World Film Festival

Filmed over the course of four seasons, “Montréal, 31 fragments d’urbanité” by producer-director Jean Tessier, gathers a variety of life fragments to paint a remarkable and vivid picture of the city of Montreal. Through 31 short chronicles of daily life, the film pays tribute to the citizens who contribute either individually or collectively to the quality of life of Montreal, in both environmental and cultural domains.

In one section of the film, the director follows volunteers and organizers of Les amis’ springtime Corvée du Mont-Royal, chronicling clean-up and tree-planting activities. The film is a warm testimonial to citizens’ awareness of and commitment to the conservation of the environment. For more information, visit http://www.filmovie.ca.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Exhibit at Café Smith of the winning photos of the “La montagne en images” contest

Les amis de la montagne will exhibit the winning photos of the “La montagne en images” contest as of September 17 in the Café Smith, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until January 2011. A photo gallery will also be published on Les amis’ website.

Entries are still being accepted until September 12 at 5 p.m., so hurry! Click here to download the contest rules and entry form (in French).

The exhibit will feature winning photos from five categories: Nature and Biodiversity; Architecture; Art and the Mountain; People and the Mountain; and Light. The contest prize ceremony and vernissage will be held at the Café Smith on Friday, September 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. All are welcome!

“Montagne et Métamorphoses” photo exhibit – from September 17 to 19 and September 24 to 26

A photo exhibit of Mount Royal by two photographers/landscape architects, Danièle Routaboule and Jean Landry, in collaboration with Les amis de la montagne.

Danièle Routaboule presents “Métamorphoses”, a series of photographs and digital montages that depict the ephemeral quality of scenes observed along the embankments of lakes, particularly those of Beaver Lake. She demonstrates her attraction to nature and introduces the theme of movement as witness to her interest in the fleetingness of natural scenes.

Jean Landry presents “Montagne”, a photo-essay that attempts to capture strong moments in time through images often considered commonplace. An essay, therefore, without pretention that represents the timeless essence of otherwise familiar places.

Multipurpose room, 2nd floor of Smith House
Friday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As part of the Journées de la culture, Friday to Sunday, September 24 to 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free

“Holy Mountain!”: launch of the web-based documentary on Mount Royal

“Holy Mountain!” is an interactive documentary about Mount Royal directed by Hélène de Billy and Gilbert Duclos, produced by the National Film Board of Canada. The production team invites all mountain admirers to participate in the project by calling 1-877-55-SOUVENIR to leave a spoken memory or anecdote about the mountain on their answering machine. The messages will be integrated in the soundtrack of the website.

Everyone’s invited: the launch of “Holy Mountain!” will be held at the Chalet du Mont-Royal on Tuesday, September 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On this occasion, participants will be able to rediscover their beloved mountain in a new light. Please RSVP by emailing Émilie Nguyen Ngoc.

Land Art on Mount Royal – September 25

As part of the Journées de la culture, Samuel Montigné, artist and environmental educator with Les amis de la montagne, will lead walks to rediscover the mountain and its many riches and to create personal works of art inspired by nature. Art materials supplied. Also included: free admission to the photo exhibits at Smith House.

Saturday, September 25
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Rescheduled to Sunday, September 26, in the event of rain
Departure from Smith House
Free, but reservations required: 514 843-8240, extension 0

Three Summits guided walking tour

This 12 km guided walk crosses all of Mount Royal and invites participants to discover its geography, observe the diversity of its natural and cultural elements and understand the related conservation issues. An exceptional outing that looks at the range of the neighbourhoods, the wealth of heritage assets and, especially, the beauty of the landscapes! Provided in French.

Sundays, October 3, 10, 17 and 24
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Departure from the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier monument, corner of Avenue du Parc and Rachel Street
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, extension 0
Cost: $15 for ages 13 and over; $10 for ages 6 to 12

NOTICES AND CONSTRUCTION ON MOUNT ROYAL

Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on the mountain, Sunday, September 12

The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal will be held on Mount Royal on Sunday, September 12 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Access to the mountain will be limited on both Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12. The start and finish of the race will be on Avenue du Parc, in front of the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier monument.

Click here for more information on the race course, street closures, parking restrictions, modifications to bus schedules and Tam-tam jam access information.

End of the road work to reconfigure Remembrance Road and closure of the southern lane

The majority of the road work by the Ville de Montréal to reconfigure Remembrance Road will be completed by September 10 in time for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Mount Royal (September 12). Access will be maintained at all times during this roadwork.

The work consists of closing the two lanes located on the south side of Remembrance Road. The latter will become dedicated lanes for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles. The lanes on the north side will become bidirectional (one lane in each direction). The work also consists of adding portions of sidewalks, redoing the pavement and installing improved signage.

The Ville de Montréal is conducting this roadwork with respect for the natural and heritage character of the mountain, as part of the Plan de transport intégré du Mont-Royal planned as part of the Plan de transport de Montréal. The objective is to make Mount Royal a place of relaxation, leisure and interpretation, and more accessible, safe and welcoming, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

For more information, citizens may call the city’s “Info-Travaux” telephone line at 514 872-3777 or visit http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/chantiers.

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July-August 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Summer day camp on Mount Royal, the CBC/Radio-Canada antenna, supervision of picnic grounds, biodiversity in the city, pedal boats, the terrace and photos - and more!

NEWS

Day camp on Mount Royal: sold-out!
Culture on Mount Royal with Culture Montréal
Modernization of the CBC-Radio-Canada antenna on Mount Royal
Information and supervision in the park’s picnic grounds

Les amis de la montagne continue numerous initiatives in support of biodiversity in the city

Signing of the Déclaration de la collectivité de l’île de Montréal en faveur de la protection de la biodiversité et du verdissement
“From the cicada to the fox, the animals of Mount Royal”: unveiling of a new interpretation kiosk in Mount Royal Park
Planting of a symbolic White Pine in honour of the Environmental Stewardship Program
Project to promote biodiversity in an urban environment, 3rd edition
The conservation patrol in action!

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Paysages Éphémères 2010: “Correspondance pour le mont Royal”
Pedal boats and the terrace!
Exhibit of photos from the “La montagne en images” contest

TAKE ACTION

Make a Special Gift

NEWS

Day camp on Mount Royal: SOLD-OUT!

Photo: Samuel Montigné, 2010

The summer season kicked off to a joyous start in Mount Royal Park! On June 28, Les amis de la montagne’s day camp re-opened its doors to youngsters 6 to 9 years old for a second year of fun and the discovery of Mount Royal’s many natural treasures in the heart of Montreal. Until August 13, Smith House and the mountain will be filled with the patter and giggles of young campers, much to the satisfaction of Les amis and our principal partner, the Ville de Montréal.

Les amis de la montagne would like to thank our campers’ parents for their vote of confidence in our program, as well as the generous donors who contributed to the day camp sponsorship program, organized in collaboration with the Centre Communautaire de la Côte-des-Neiges. In particular, Les amis thank Raymond Bachand, MP for Outremont, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, for his contribution allowing 25 children from less advantaged households to enjoy a one-week day camp experience.

Our educators, Grand Pic, Falco, Tamia and Chouette, look forward to another stellar summer with your little ones!

Culture on Mount Royal with Culture Montréal

Mount Royal Park welcomed more than 75 members of Culture Montréal for a picnic on June 18th to mark the end of springtime activities, together with Les amis de la montagne. Culture Montréal is an independent non-profit organization that gathers those interested in promoting culture as an essential component of the development of Montreal. During his address, President Simon Brault said that Les amis de la montagne was a source of inspiration for the creation of Culture Montréal as an organization that draws together citizens for the purpose of reflecting, consensus-building and taking action for the cultural cause.

Numerous participants took advantage of the spectacular weather to participate in a guided walking tour provided by Les amis de la montagne to discover the works of art and heritage elements scattered around the mountain’s natural landscapes. Les amis thank Culture Montréal for the invitation to participate in the picnic and its members for sharing this occasion and their thoughts with us during the guided walk.

Photos : Samuel Montigné, 2010

Modernization of the CBC/Radio-Canada antenna on Mount Royal

As part of CBC/Radio-Canada’s ongoing efforts to improve its services and meet compliance standards for airwave transmission, CBC/Radio-Canada will be modernizing its antenna located at the summit of Mount Royal, used by practically all Montreal broadcasters. The work will also include the installation of equipment to facilitate the technological transfer to digital services and to extend the broadcasting range of FM radio stations.

The work will be carried out until mid-August almost completely at night, in order to minimize the impact on park users and to limit inconveniences caused by temporary service interruptions.

For questions or comments, contact Audience Relations at 514 597-6000 or write to auditoire@radio-canada.ca.

For more information, click here to visit the CBC/Radio-Canada website.

Information and supervision in the park’s picnic grounds

For the first time, the Ville de Montréal is introducing a team of supervisors to oversee the various picnic grounds and barbecue sites in Mount Royal Park from Thursday to Sunday throughout the summer season. The supervisors will do rounds of the sites in question in order to ensure they are being used for their intended purpose, to supervise activities permitted in these zones, to maintain order and adherence to the park regulations in effect.

As a reminder to all park visitors, coal burning barbecues are permitted only in areas reserved for picnics where receptacles for ashes can be found. Ashes must be disposed of in receptacles so identified. Propane gas barbecues are permitted only in areas reserved for picnics. Empty propane tanks must not be disposed of in the park. Also, alcoholic beverages may not be consumed unless accompanied by a meal in the areas reserved for picnics.

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE CONTINUE NUMEROUS INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE CITY

Les amis sign the Déclaration de la collectivité de l’île de Montréal en faveur de la protection de la biodiversité et du verdissement

The Déclaration de la collectivité de l’île de Montréal en faveur de la protection de la biodiversité et du verdissement was launched by the Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal and the Ville de Montréal on April 28th during the Summit on Biodiversity and the Greening of Montreal before 250 participants from the corporate, municipal, institutional and community sectors.

This declaration, the first such collective measure undertaken by the Montreal community related to these challenges, is not an end in itself, but more the beginning of an alliance to protect and improve our green and blue heritage in an effort to sensitize all members of the community about the wealth of our natural environments in Montreal and to improve our collective quality of life.

Click here to read the declaration.

“From the cicada to the fox, the animals of Mount Royal”: Les amis unveil a new interpretation kiosk in Mount Royal Park

Equipped with a brand new interpretation kiosk on Mount Royal’s biodiversity, Les amis de la montagne launch their season of travelling animations each Saturday and Sunday afternoon from July 10 to September 26, alternating between the Beaver Lake sector, along the Olmsted Road and at the Kondiaronk lookout.

Travelling animation is a pedagogical technique applied for the last several years by Les amis’ environmental educators in high-traffic areas of the park in order to engage passers-by in topics related to the mountain’s conservation challenges.

The new kiosk was produced with the financial support of Gaz Métro and Groupe Yellow inc. Complete with colourful design and eye-catching content, the kiosk invites park visitors of all ages to enter, if only for a moment, the fascinating world of animals and their habitats on Mount Royal, in the midst of the city.

Les amis plant a symbolic White Pine in honour of the Environmental Stewardship Program

As part of the centennial celebrations for the teaching of forestry in Quebec, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune gave Les amis de la montagne a White Pine.

This symbolic tree was planted on June 22nd in Mount Royal Park by a group of Les amis de la montagne’s volunteers participating in the organization’s Environmental Stewardship Program. This White Pine was the only tree planted on the island of Montreal in honour of this teaching anniversary.

Last May, Les amis de la montagne received a recognition award from the 2010 Gala de reconnaissance en environnement et développement durable de Montréal for their Environmental Stewardship Program. Click here to learn more.

Photo : Isabelle Tassé, 2010

L to R (top row): Claude Drolet, coordinator of Les amis’ conservation services and Michel Marcoux, volunteer.
L to R (bottom row): Laurent Nikolaiczuk, volunteer, with Les amis’ Isabelle Dumais, conservation intern and Cédric Gaudry, environmental educator.

Project to promote biodiversity in an urban environment, 3rd edition

For a third consecutive year, Les amis de la montagne are collaborating on a project run by the Ville de Montréal to restore and develop our urban biodiversity on Mount Royal. Since June 29th, Mount Royal, together with the Bois-de-Liesse and Ile-de-la-Visitation nature parks, is the site of interventions related to exotic invasive species, a project that is part of the “Valorisation jeunesse – Place à la relève” program. Ten secondary school students whose academic performance makes them candidates to enter the work force will be working on Mount Royal throughout the summer.

Besides participating in a program that seeks equitable employment for all Montreal youth, this biodiversity restoration and improvement project will contribute to the eradication of one of the most prevalent exotic invasive species in Montreal’s natural environment, the common buckthorn. The interventions will help restore the habitats of flora and fauna, establish a follow-up and monitoring system of common buckthorn in targeted areas and explain to users the impact these invasive plants have on indigenous natural environments.

This project is made possible by financial contributions from the following partners: Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement, the Valorisation Jeunesse – Place à la relève program of the MICC, the MAMROT and the Ville de Montréal, the Entente sur le développement culturel between the Ville de Montréal and the MCCCF, Emploi d’été Canada and Programme C-Vert of the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation. The students’ activities will be supervised by Les amis de la montagne, as well as by Éco-quartier du Sault-au-Récollet and Éco-quartier Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

The conservation patrol in action!

Back again this summer, Les amis de la montagne’s Mount Royal Conservation Patrol will lead awareness-raising activities to encourage the sustainable use of the site with park visitors. Educators will patrol the paths of the park in order to discuss and explain the conservation challenges related to feeding the mountain’s wildlife, keeping dogs on their leashes, off-trail walking or cycling and bicycle speed limits on Olmsted Road, among other topics.

Moreover, each Tuesday evening, interested volunteers may join our patrollers-educators for conservation activities including indigenous tree planting and the removal of exotic invasive species. For information, call 514 843-8240, ext. 242.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Paysages Éphémères 2010: “Correspondance pour le mont Royal”

Paysages Éphémères (ephemeral landscapes) is a multidisciplinary space for artistic expression that, each year, transforms Montreal into a veritable artistic and cultural open-air laboratory. For the past six years, the event has presented a variety of works in situ, using the city as a backdrop for the exhibit.

Work by Reinhard Reitzenstein titled "Defense/Defiance", located at the du Parc-Mont-Royal intersection. Photo: Guy L’Heureux, Paysages éphémères 2010

Titled “Correspondance pour le mont Royal”, the 2010 edition of Paysages Éphémères continues until July 25. The event spills from the confines of Avenue du Mont-Royal to encompass Mount Royal. Besides the six works that form the artistic trail of this 6th edition, Paysages Éphémères is also holding an exhibit at the Plateau-Mont-Royal Maison de la Culture until August 21st. Click here for the Paysages Éphémères website.

Pedal boats and the terrace!

As with every summer season, the pedal boats have returned to the Beaver Lake basin. Rentals are available on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the cost of $8 for a 30 minute period. Details are available at Les amis’ rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion.

Photo : Samuel Montigné, 2009

Beaver Lake was designed by landscape architect Frederick Todd in 1938 and remains a popular meeting place by Montrealers and attraction by tourists. The restoration of the basin is in the planning stages, the third phase of the Beaver Lake sector redevelopment after the pavilion and skating rink and children’s playground, and will include the complete cleaning of the basin floor, as well as the installation of a new water oxygenation system. In the interim, the Ville de Montréal has undertaken a removal operation to control the proliferation of exotic invasive plant species in the lake, including the Eurasian Watermilfoil (L. Myriophyllum spicatum), an invasive aquatic plant that is very difficult to eliminate.

A pleasant pedal around the lake is likely to whet one’s appetite and Café Smith is the perfect solution! Diners will delight in the convivial atmosphere of the Smith House terrace, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to enjoy wholesome, fine quality products, including sandwiches, salads, warm platters, hot and cold beverages, wine, St-Ambroise beer and a daily selection of sweets.

All revenues generated from Les amis’ services are reinvested in the organization’s education, awareness-raising and improvement programs for the mountain.

Exhibit of photos from the “La montagne en images” contest

The vastness of Mount Royal’s biodiversity is showcased as part of the Nature and Biodiversity category of Les amis’ “La montagne en images” photo contest, on display now in Smith House. The exhibit continues until September 2010 and the contest closes August 25, 2010. Click here for details and contest regulations (in French).

Date: from May to September
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Café Smith, ground floor of Smith House in Mount Royal Park

TAKE ACTION

Make a Special Gift

Making a tribute gift to Les amis de la montagne is one way to honour the accomplishments of friends or family, while contributing to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal. Likewise, when a loved one passes away, a gift to Les amis de la montagne can be a touching memorial.

Tribute (anniversary, birthday or in honour of) or memorial gifts can be acknowledged with a special card to the person you designate, if you so desire. Be sure to tell us who you are commemorating and the name and address of the person we should notify of your gift. Your gift amount will not be disclosed.

Click here to make your gift via our secure online donation form or call 514 843-8240, ext. 239.

Rss The Mount Royal

15 Candles for the Tuques Bleues Celebration in 2012

NEW!

Les amis' holiday season newsletter - December 2011

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - December 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE IN EDUCATION

SOLID RESULTS FOR THE 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

LES AMIS FILED THREE BRIEFS IN NOVEMBER 2011

"MONT ROYAL, A TERRITORY TO DISCOVER"

OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 12 AND 13, 2011

THE VILLE DE MONTRÉAL REJECTS THE MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION PROJECT

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND BRIEFS

FIDO-EVERGREEN’S “SHARE YOUR CARE” CAMPAIGN

INTRODUCING THE "GÉOGUIDE DU MONT-ROYAL" APP

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - October 2011

MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL EXPANSION PROJECT

Regulation of telecommunication antennas

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - September 2011

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - August 2011

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance, July 16-17, 2011

“Belvédère Éphémère” vernissage and video performance

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July 2011

Presentation of Les amis’ position paper on the Montreal General Hospital’s expansion project:

June 27: Public hearings on the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital

REMINDER: consultations on the Montreal General Hospital's new expansion project

The May 2011 calendar continues

Hélène de Billy et Gilbert Duclos remportent le Prix du Mont-Royal pour le documentaire Sacrée Montagne de l’ONF

Mont Royal Month continues!

Les amis' newsletter - May 2011: Mont Royal Month

2011 Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up

CORVÉE DU MONT-ROYAL CLEAN-UP, SUNDAY, MAY 1ST, 2011

The Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up: zero waste objective in 2011

Call for proposals: "Belvédère Éphémère" on Mount Royal

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - April 2011

Tuques Bleues photo gallery and other news from Les amis - March 2011

Spring Break on Mount Royal 2011

Summer Day Camp 2011 - for a mountain of fun!

Cross-country ski sale

14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event 2011

PHOTO GALLERY - 2011

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - February 2011

Launch of the 2011 Tuques Bleues Celebration

Les amis de la montagne launch the 14th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

14th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - January 2011

The MUHC properties on the mountain make headlines

Wintertime activities on Mount Royal

Welcome to Les amis's newsletter - December 2010

Press release - No referendum for the former Sulpicians' philosophy seminary

Press release - Registration procedure – former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Les amis renew their commitment to the Montréal Community Sustainable Development Plan 2010-2015

Biodiversity pays!

The Three Summits guided walking tour makes the front page!

To understand the history and traditions of a local community, visit its cemeteries!

Manulife Financial provides “green and blue” support to Mount Royal!

A big thank-you to the volunteers of the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Program

The Conservation Patrol and park surveillance

2010 AQPERE conference

Preparatory work for the renewal of the permanent exhibit in Smith House

Temporary draining of Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park

Closure of the southern lane and reconfiguration of Remembrance Road

Welcome to Les amis's newsletter - October 2010

New: four interactive terminals at Smith House

Winners of the 2010 photo contest

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - september 2010

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July-August 2010

Les amis de la montagne launch the 14th edition of the
Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event