The objective of this microforest project in Saint-Laurent is to increase the islands of coolness in this highly built-up area and to raise public awareness of the importance of greening our territory. We are very attached to the trees on our territory and are constantly striving to ensure their healthy growth. Moreover, this initiative is fully in line with the guidelines of our 2021-2030 Climate Emergency Plan, which aims to reduce the impact of climate change in our community and ensure a responsible ecological transition. By taking action today, we are preparing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The urban microforest will be developed on public land north of the intersection of boulevard de la Côte-Vertu and rue Crevier to create islands of coolness in the neighbourhood, promote biodiversity and create sustainable, nourishing spaces. The project will be completed this fall and is intended to be self-sufficient after three years. 

The contract was awarded for a total of four years to an external company includes preparation of the sites, close planting of the trees, watering and maintenance as well as protection of the site and plantings.

This project contributes toward achieving the objectives of the Climate Plan, which includes the planting of 500,000 trees. Since 2009, the borough of Saint-Laurent has been taking concrete action to protect trees and promote biodiversity through its Urban Forestry Plan. This plan, innovative for its time, has inspired other Ville de Montréal plans and continues to guide local initiatives. In particular, Saint-Laurent increased its standards in June 2023 in order to protect private forestry through new requirements on cutting down, planting and protecting trees, and to encourage the greening of lots and outdoor parking spaces. There are some 80,000 trees on Saint-Laurent territory, including 50,000 on private property. Saint-Laurent's Administration is also currently carrying out an arboricultural inventory on private property—a first in Montréal.

Montréal's participatory budget

Ville de Montréal has set aside substantial funds in its capital budget to carry out the projects proposed and chosen by its residents as part of the participatory budget. The winning projects are those that receive the most votes from the public within the allocated budget. Saint-Laurent was one of the winners of the first edition, with a project entitled "Zones nourricières écologiques" (Ecological food zones), which included the second phase of Saint-Laurent's biodiversity corridor.

Related Links

• Microforests in Saint-Laurent
• Montreal’s Participatory Budget
• Montréal's Participatory Budget - Saint-Laurent Selected for its Biodiversity Corridor Among the 5 New Projects (Press Release – June 8, 2022)
• Saint-Laurent 2021-2030 Climate Emergency Plan
• Inventory of arboricultural heritage on private property
• Radio-Canada report on this tree inventory of private trees (June 28, 2024, in French)
• Saint-Laurent Steps Up its Greening and Tree Protection Requirements (Press Release - June 13, 2023)