What is a school square? 

This project addresses a request made by Paul-Bruchési elementary school in order to recover schoolyard space that was lost due to the extension of its gym. 

This temporary development is meant to evolve into a permanent concept and relies upon the full closure of part of Rue de Lanaudière to give back the space to the children, reduce traffic in the area, and create a space of convergence for the entire community. 

Why the mushrooms on the school square? 

The square is based on the magic of the enchanted forest, a place of mystery and discovery meant for exploration and creativity. 

It is an area for play, socialization and leisure, where everything becomes possible and where magic meets reality. 

Where does the name of the school square come from? 

The Place de l’Ange-Cornu is named after Michel Tremblay’s autobiographical novel “Un ange cornu avec des ailes de tôle” by Michel Tremblay, who grew up in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and also attended Paul-Bruchési elementary school. 

It presents reading as a means of understanding oneself and the world, as extraordinary realms become attainable! 

History behind the school square

Winter 2023 

• First consultation with local partners (École primaire Paul-Bruchési school board, Église Saint-Stanislas-De-Kostka, La Maison des Amis, La Maison d'Aurore, CPE Saint-Louis, Habitations De Lanaudière). 

June 2023 

• Second consultation with local partners. 

October 2023 

• Closure of the northern portion of Rue De Lanaudière (between Boulevard Saint-Joseph Est and Rue Gilford) to vehicle traffic.
• First phase of development carried out with the Arpent firm. 

Winter 2024 

• Development of the final plans of the second phase of the project, then presentation of the preliminary concept of the second phase to the local partners. 

Summer 2024 

• Design and installation of the second phase by the borough to create a sustainable transitional space.
• Street furniture by various companies (planting bins by Machinage Pépin, mushrooms by Excel Composites, gradation benches and display panel by Machine).
• 45 square metres of plants added to the planting bins. The bins contain fruit bushes and native and naturalized plants. Students of the École Paul-Bruchési and the Maison d'Aurore have partnered with the city to take care of the planting bins.
• A microlibrary, with a quote and Michel Tremblay's signature, has been installed. The microlibrary promotes book sharing and literary discovery.
• The multifunctional space offers various types of seating and is accessible to strollers as well as people in wheelchairs. 

September 4, 2024 

• Planting activity with La Maison d'Aurore and the students of the École Paul-Bruchési. 

October 9, 2024 

• Official inauguration of the Place de l'Ange-Cornu.