The western portion of L’Île-Bizard: An area protected for its biodiversity
The western portion of L’Île-Bizard has been designated as paysage humanisé projeté de L’Île-Bizard. The government of Québec granted this status in order to protect its rich biodiversity and preserve the balance between natural environments, agricultural lands, and living areas.
A first “man-made landscape”
A man-made landscape aims to protect biodiversity in an inhabited area whose landscape and natural features are distinct in character. It is a protected area under the responsibility of the provincial government. Together with the Grand parc de l’Ouest, it aims to protect and enhance natural environments in the western portion of Montréal.
The western portion of L’Île-Bizard is the first area to receive this status in Québec. The paysage humanisé projeté de L’Île-Bizard covers most of the agricultural zone on L’île Bizard, along with part of the Rivière des Prairies and the Lac des Deux Montagnes.
Public demands that bear fruit
The effort to protect and enhance the western portion of L’Île-Bizard came in response to public demands dating back to the early 2000s.
In 2015, the city submitted an application for man-made landscape status to the provincial government. In 2020, the public was invited to weigh in on the project during a public consultation. The paysage humanisé projeté de L’Île-Bizard status came into force on September 30, 2021.
Information for residents
Québec’s Minister of Environment and the Fight against Climate Change and the city are collaborating on the implementation of the paysage humanisé projeté de L’Île-Bizard.
Residents who own property in this area keep their property rights. However, they must comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
The project is expected to generate positive spinoffs for residents, while providing an environment where biodiversity is preserved and where sustainable agricultural activities are promoted, with all the associated benefits in terms of quality of life.
Award-winning project
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