This Master Plan is the outcome of a national, multidisciplinary landscape architecture competition, launched by the City of Montreal in 2018. Our team—civiliti, LAND Italia, Table Architecture, and Biodiversite conseil—won the competition.
Developed during the '60s and '70s, the Borough of Saint-Laurent prioritized industrial and commercial activities, eradicating agricultural lands and creating a sea of asphalt. Based on a meticulous characterization of the 42.8-square-kilometre Borough, this 180-page document proposes a vision aimed at bringing biodiversity back in the city. It provides guidelines, maps, and a realistic timetable for the implementation of a Biodiversity Corridor.
The project's "backbone" is the strip of wasteland located below giant power lines, which run along three boulevards. Sterile strips of lawn will be transformed into flowering meadows attracting birds, pollinating insects and small animals. Wooded edges, ponds, new pedestrian trails and upgraded bicycle paths will be introduced for the enjoyment of Saint-Laurent workers and residents. Existing and future green areas will be connected along a continuous corridor thus securing permanent habitats for flora and fauna.
This Biodiversity Corridor will be one of the first projects of its kind to be implemented in an urban environment and will serve as a laboratory for Montreal.
