Urban Agriculture and Commercial Arteries
How can we use urban agriculture to revitalize commercial arteries?
Rivière-des-Prairies - Pointe-aux-Trembles is 5th densest neighbourhood in Canada. Until recently public spaces were non-existent. For the past 4 years, transitional spaces have been being transformed for permanent projects, like the creation of green corridors. In 2020, the borough has adopted a policy of urban agriculture. The challenge is to facilitate living together, but when there are no longer any activities or cultural mediation, how can we ensure that citizens continue to feel a sense of belonging to these places?
The Garden Route
In an effort to further the borough of RDP’s plan for the conversion of 30 hectares of land into urban agriculture, this project creates dynamic and engaging green spaces which serve as both educational and social hubs that serve to address issues pertaining to the disconnect between people and their food source.
Over three phases, including a permaculture showcase garden, a linear green agricultural corridor, and the enhancement of an existing conservation area, this initiative aims to strengthen community resilience in Rivière des Prairies, create positive ecological spaces for enhanced biodiversity within the city, and share any surplus benefits among those who need them most.
The long-term goal of this urban agriculture project is to provide an easily replicable and adaptable model of positive and educational natural environments in Riviere-des-Prairies. Over time, “The Green Route” could connect elementary schools and green spaces throughout the borough, thereby engaging community members and promoting the benefits of small-scale and sustainable food production.
Team
Students (winter 2021)
- Blake Klotz
- Eleanor Simpson
- David Ste-Marie
Municipality
- Ville de Montréal (Bureau de projets- Arrondissement Rivière-des-Prairies – Pointe-aux-Trembles)
- Direction du développement du territoire et des études techniques
- Annie Blouin
- Stéphanie Lavigne
- Camille Scheed
University
- URBS 433 – Advanced Urban Laboratory (Geography, Planning and Environment)
- Donny Seto (Professor)
