Montreal, September 13, 2023 – Les Amis de la montagne welcomes the announcement that Camillien-Houde Way is to undergo redevelopment. The project represents positive action in the fight against climate change and is consistent with the ambitious objectives set by the City of Montréal.
The City of Montréal's decision is an opportunity to carry out an exemplary project that will address the challenges involved in protecting Mount Royal's ecological network, optimizing accessibility to the area through a revised public transit offer, highlighting the area's exceptional landscapes and improving the quality of the "mountain experience" for all users. To meet these challenges, the City will be able to count on the cooperation of Les Amis de la montagne, which intends to use its intimate knowledge of the reality on the ground on Mount Royal to help ensure the project’s success.
The protection of natural habitats as a priority
Les Amis is pleased that the City has made the protection of natural habitats one of its top priorities in this redevelopment project, given the increasing human and environmental stresses being exerted on Mount Royal's greenspace. We will need to pay close attention to how this priority is put into practice, particularly in terms of the development choices that will result from it. Specific measures will be essential to prevent the trampling of vegetation, the destruction of habitats and the creation of informal pathways. The improvements proposed as part of the redevelopment project must encourage eco-responsible behaviour on the part of those who use it.
The issue of protecting natural habitats extends beyond Camillien-Houde Way. Every day, Les Amis de la montagne pursues its conservation efforts to counter the degradation of the mountain's natural areas. This includes restoration work, the fight against non-native invasive species, reforestation, the preservation of threatened and vulnerable species, ecological inventories, environmental education and public awareness-raising. These actions are guided by Les Amis de la montagne's conservation plan for Mount Royal’s natural habitats and greenspace (Plan de conservation du réseau écologique du mont Royal), developed as part of an ambitious project led by all members of the Coalition des Montérégiennes to support the integrity of natural ecosystems and the (re)connection of biodiversity throughout the Monteregian Hills in Southern Quebec.
Safe access for all
Les Amis welcomes the City's decision to make the pedestrian experience central to its vision for the redevelopment of Camillien-Houde Way. However, the organization is sensitive to the impact the project will have on access to the mountain. Maintaining and improving access to the summit of Mount Royal must also be one of the project's key objectives, with particular attention paid to families with young children, people with reduced mobility and those with special needs. Optimizing public transit remains crucial to the success of the project.
The City will have to be diligent in implementing solutions for motorized vehicle access to the mountain's public spaces. The introduction of a circuit of small shuttles from certain metro stations and possible park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the mountain's parks would be a solution worth exploring. All residents must be able to continue to enjoy the benefits of visiting Mount Royal.
Les Amis de la montagne to help ensure the project’s success
The redevelopment of Camillien-Houde Way is a major project that civil society has been involved in for several years. Les Amis welcomes the City of Montréal's intention to solicit the support of the community, and in particular, that of the stakeholders established on the mountain, in turning its inspiring vision into an exemplary project to expand the park through the redevelopment of Camillien-Houde Way.
"We must aim for a flagship project—as was the visionary creation of Mount Royal Park, whose 150th anniversary we will celebrate in 2026—with positive spinoffs for both the quality of life of Montrealers and the health of the exceptional natural spaces we all enjoy in the heart of the city," says Hélène Panaïoti, Co-Executive Director of Les Amis de la montagne.
