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Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - March 2010

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Tuques Bleues Celebration photo gallery; Nuit blanche à Montréal on Mount Royal; Spring Break on the mountain; summer day camp 2010 - and more!

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION PHOTO GALLERY

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Saturday, February 27: Nuit blanche à Montréal on Mount Royal
Saturday and Sunday, February 27 and 28: 20 dancers on top of Mount Royal
Spring Break on Mount Royal

SUMMER DAY CAMP 2010

TAKE ACTION NOW

A mountain for all, a day camp for all!

The Tuques Bleues Celebration Photo Gallery

The 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event was once again launched by ceremonial canon fire on Mount Royal on February 18. More than 600 mountain enthusiasts enjoyed the magical ambiance of the mountain at night to celebrate the success of the event that raised close to $225,000 for education and conservation activities for Mount Royal.

Click here to view the event photo gallery.
In order to help us improve the event, kindly click here to complete our electronic evaluation form (scroll to page 2 for the English version).

Photos above and in the photo gallery : © Andrew Dobrowolskyj and Karine Gagné

Saturday, February 27: Nuit blanche à Montréal on Mount Royal

On Saturday, February 27, begin your Nuit blanche à Montréal high atop Mount Royal with Les amis de la montagne before plunging down to the city below!
Guided by our educators, join us for the descent of Mount Royal by snowshoes or cross-country skis. The different trails, specially designed for this Nuit blanche à Montréal activity, wind through the Mount Royal forest and feature magnificent points of view of the city, beginning from Smith House in the heart of Mount Royal Park, all the way to Jeanne-Mance Park.

The descent lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Nuit blanche activities continue in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, beginning with a warm welcome and hot beverage at Café Santropol (3990 Saint-Urbain)!

DATE: Saturday, February 27, 2010
TIME:
- Snowshoe departures: 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Bring your snowshoes or rental service available, $7 per person.
- Cross-country ski departure: 10 p.m. Bring your skis. No rental service available.
PLACE: Meeting at Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Mount Royal Park (11 bus, “chemin du chalet” stop)
RSVP: The activity is free of charge. Reservations required by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

February 27 and 28: 20 dancers on top of Mount Royal

Les amis de la montagne are proud to provide logistical and promotional support to the dance production titled “Le retour du temps”, a choreographic journey by Lucie Grégoire created in situ on Mount Royal with 20 young Montréal dancers on February 27 and 28, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. Access is free and the audience can follow the performance by joining in the dancers’ journey from the Kondiaronk lookout in front of the Chalet to Beaver Lake.

DATE: Saturday and Sunday, February 27 and 28, 2010
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meeting at the Kondiaronk Lookout near the Chalet du Mont-Royal
INFO: 514 523-1627

Spring Break on Mount Royal

Photo: Samuel Montigné

As long as there’s snow on the ground and a chill in the air, Montrealer’s will be able to enjoy the following all-time favourite activities on the mountain during the first two weeks of March:

inner-tubing on the hill near Beaver Lake (to March 14) with tobogganing nearby
skating on the artificial rink (to March 7)
kick-sledding along Olmsted Road (to March 14)
cross-country skiing along 22km of groomed trails (to March 7)
snowshoeing by the light of the city guided walks on Saturday evenings (to March 13)
“The Birds of Mount Royal, for all ages” bird-watching activity on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. (to March 13)

Click here for hours of operation. For information on conditions, visit Les amis de la montagne’s rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion or call our friendly information service at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

Summer Day Camp 2010: For a mountain of fun and discoveries!

Supervised by an experienced and passionate team of environmental educators, Les amis’ summer day camp will be offered from June 28 to August 13, for a duration of one or two weeks, consecutive or not.

Click here for the camp brochure (in French).
Click here for the camp registration form (in French).

Join us for our day camp open house and registration:

Saturday, March 27, 2010
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Smith House
Info: 514 843-8240, ext. 235

Photo: Amélie Goulet

TAKE ACTION NOW

A mountain for all, a day camp for all!

In order to provide an enriching summer day camp experience on Mount Royal to 35 disadvantaged children aged 6 to 9 from the Côte-des-Neiges Borough, Les amis de la montagne are launching a sponsorship program in partnership with the Centre Communautaire de la Côte-des-Neiges. For a donation of $200, one child will be given the opportunity to participate in a one-week summer camp program with Les amis.

With roots in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood for close to 30 years, the Centre Communautaire de la Côte-des-Neiges has developed strong partnerships with 6 local elementary schools as part of a project aimed at helping children in difficulty achieve success in school and in life through leisure activities. The identities of the children selected for this summer day camp sponsorship program will remain confidential.

The Côte-des-Neiges Borough has a population of 100,000 individuals, 17% of whom are children aged 0 to 14 years. 41% are from low-income households and 53% were born outside of Canada.

To make a donation

Individuals or companies wishing to participate in the sponsorship program may send their donations by mail made payable to “Les amis de la montagne”, at 1260 Chemin Remembrance, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 1A2, by specifying “for the summer day camp 2010 program”. Donations by credit card may be made by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 243. Amounts raised but not used this summer may be carried forward to next summer. A report on the summer day camp and sponsorship program will be published in a fall issue of Les amis’ electronic newsletter.

Tuques Bleues Celebration 2010

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Thanks to one and all!

13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event
Hundreds of Montrealers contribute to the conservation of Mount Royal

Montreal, February 19, 2010 – Mount Royal was all aglow last night for the magical Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, a unique wintertime benefit evening orchestrated by Les amis de la montagne for a 13th year. More than 600 mountain enthusiasts celebrated the success of the event that raised close to $225,000 for education and conservation activities for Mount Royal.

Several hundred Montrealers participated in a snowshoe walk through the mountain forest, an activity inspired by the snowshoe clubs of the 1840s whereby members would gather at dusk to ascend Mount Royal in a spirit of good cheer and camaraderie.

Close to 100 snowshoe racers competed for the gold, silver and bronze medals in both the women’s and men’s categories, while numerous teams from companies and organizations contended for the Corporate Challenge Cup, the Sports Club Cup and the Tuques Bleues Trophy.

The honourary co-chairs of the event, Cyril Bendahan, Regional Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec, Manulife Financial, and Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, awarded medals to the race winners during the festivities inside the Chalet. (Click here for full race results on the Sportstats website.)

Peter A. Howlett (centre), President of Les amis de la montagne, thanks Michel Leblanc (L) and Cyril Bendahan (R) for their leadership and commitment.

Medals went to:

Women:

Gold – Andréanne Morin, Club Sportif MAA (12:40.2)
Silver – Jessica Murphy, McGill University, Department of Athletics (13:11.5)
Bronze – Audrey Longval, Club Sportif MAA (13:27.6)

Men:

Gold – Charles Perreault, Club Sportif MAA (9:36.3)
Silver - David LePorho, Club Sportif MAA (9:36.9)
Bronze – Alex Nadeau, Mansfield Club Athlétique (9:50.5)

The Corporate Challenge Cup was awarded to:

McGill University

The Sports Club Cup was awarded to:

Mansfield Club Athlétique

The Tuques Bleues Trophy was awarded to:

Manulife Financial (for a third consecutive year!)

The evening's MCs at work, Pete Marier (L) and Mike Gauthier (R)

Special guests of the evening included our hosts, Mike Gauthier from MusiMax and Pete Marier from CHOM 97,7 FM, who congratulated the snowshoers for their participation and generous support of Les amis.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration was held on the opening night of the Festival Montréal en lumière. The organizers wish to underline the commitment and contribution of the events’ sponsors and partners: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level: Atmosphere, Club Atwater and Mansfield Athletic Club; with the support of: Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes.

Les amis de la montagne also extend their thanks to their sponsors of products and services: the Ville de Montréal, 2nd Field Regiment of the Canadian Artillery, Barefoot Wine, McAuslan Brewery, Hewitt, Le Château, Domaine Pinnacle, Java U, CHOM 97,7 FM, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse and The Gazette.

To assist Les amis in improving the event, we kindly ask participants to complete our electronic evaluation form (scroll to page 2 for the English version). Also, the complete photo gallery of the evening will be available soon in an upcoming newsletter.

Thanks to our TERRIFIC volunteers!

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Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj

Summer Day Camp 2010 - for a mountain of fun!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

For a mountain of fun and discoveries!

LES AMIS' SUMMER DAY CAMP IS BACK - FOR A MOUNTAIN OF FUN AND DISCOVERIES!

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, are pleased to offer their summer day camp for a second year. Children aged 6 to 9 years old will once again have the opportunity to discover the treasures of Mount Royal in a natural environment in the heart of Montreal.

Supervised by an experienced and passionate team of environmental educators, Les amis’ summer day camp will be offered from June 28 to August 13, for a duration of one or two weeks, consecutive or not.

Two themes are being proposed this summer, “Les Renards Futés” (the wily foxes), an initiation to nature, fauna and flora, and “Les Explorateurs de la Montagne”, for the discovery of Montreal’s history through encounters and adventures in the forest. Animation will be provided in French with bilingual educators.

Each morning, campers will gather at Smith House, Mount Royal Park’s central meeting place, to play under the centuries-old Oak trees; to walk through the forest and discover a diversity of flora; to explore the area with a magnifying glass or binoculars in search of animals; to create original projects in a stimulating group environment; and most of all, to experience nature first-hand in the centre of the city.

Registration is open as of today (form available in French). You may visit Les amis’ day camp booth at the Montreal Families Camp Fair being held February 21 and 22 at the Holiday Inn Pointe Claire at 6700 Autoroute Transcanadienne (corner highway 40 and Boulevard St-Jean). Or for more information, please call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 235 or send us an email.

A mountain for all, a day camp for all!

The Côte-des-Neiges Borough has a population of 100,000 individuals, 17% of whom are children aged 0 to 14 years. 41% are from low-income households and 53% were born outside of Canada.

To make a donation

Photos: Amélie Goulet, 2009

Grands Prix du tourisme Québécois 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Les amis are regional finalists

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE ARE REGIONAL FINALISTS OF THE
GRANDS PRIX DU TOURISME QUÉBÉCOIS 2010

Montreal, February 10, 2010 - Les amis de la montagne are thrilled to have been selected as regional finalists of the Grands Prix du tourisme Québécois 2010 in the “Outdoor and Leisure Activities” category for their project “The Mount Royal Interactive Map”.

The Grands Prix du tourisme Québécois was founded by Tourisme Québec and its partners to recognize the expertise of the Quebec tourism industry. The 2010 edition, the 25th, will honour the associations and companies that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in their endeavours.

The award winners will be announced at a regional gala on March 24th and will automatically become the Montreal region representatives for the Quebec-wide awards ceremony to be held on May 7th.

Les amis de la montagne created The Mount Royal Interactive Map in order to trigger the visitor’s desire to discover the richness and uniqueness of the mountain. Live online since October 2008, Les amis de la montagne have made innovative use of interactive technologies that help to interpret Mount Royal, its heritage elements and historic characters, ultimately to encourage the conservation and perpetuity of this exceptional site.

The Mount Royal Interactive Map was made possible through the participation of the ministry of Heritage Canada, the Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions and the Ville de Montréal and the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine as part of the Entente de développement culturel de Montréal, as well as the expertise of our partners in technology, the companies SedNove and Lichen Communications.

Les amis de la montagne would especially like to thank Mr. Raymond Bachand, Member for Outremont, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montreal region for his support of this project, as well as the 16 institutional and association partners on Mount Royal that contributed to the realization of the site.

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Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - February 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Remarkable trees of Mount Royal; photo contest "La montagne en images"; snowshoe with your sweetie on Valentine's eve; the Nuit blanche à Montréal on the mountain and more!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

Les amis launch a photo contest titled, “La montagne en images”

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Come snowshoe by starlight with your sweetie on February 13th!
Join the Mount Royal descent as part of the Nuit blanche à Montréal on February 27
20 dancers on the mountain on February 27 and 28

Photo: Samuel Montigné, 2010

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 18th

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be held Wednesday, February 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

Remarkable Trees of Mount Royal

The remarkable trees of Mount Royal constitute real monuments in the midst of the mountain’s vegetation communities, yet remain still largely unknown to the public. Whether of impressive stature or venerable age, whether they structure the landscape or stand as silent witnesses to historic events, these exceptional trees are the product of a rich arboreal heritage that requires specific protection measures; on the condition, however, that these trees, as remarkable as they are, do not obstruct the forest …

Which are the mountain’s foremost remarkable trees? What criteria were used to determine this particular status? And how do we ensure the protection of these trees for our future generations?

You are invited to discover and to discuss these living monuments with Kim Marineau, consultant in biology and botany, author of a study on Mount Royal’s vegetation communities and an inventory of these remarkable trees, the findings of which are being made public for the first time at Les amis’ forum.

For more information, please contact François-Xavier Caron, coordinator of the public forum, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

Les amis de la montagne launch a photo contest titled “La montagne en images”

To showcase the rich and varied heritage of Mount Royal through photography, Les amis de la montagne announce the launch of their photo contest titled, “La montagne en images” open to all admirers of Mount Royal.

Les amis de la montagne invite members of the community to submit their favourite photos of the mountain along five themes: Nature and Biodiversity; Architecture; Art and the Mountain; People and the Mountain; and Light.

First, as part of the International Year of Biodiversity, photos illustrating the Nature and Biodiversity theme received by April 9th will be eligible to appear in an exhibit to be held in May 2010 in the Smith House Café located in Mount Royal Park.

Finally, as part of a second exhibit to be held at Smith House in September 2010, Les amis de la montagne will present the photographs of the contest winners.

Les amis de la montagne will award one grand prize for the overall contest and three prizes per theme. A photo gallery will also be on published on Les amis’ website.

Participants are asked to complete and sign the registration form for each photograph submitted as part of the contest, and mail or hand deliver their photographs, both print versions and electronic versions on CD, to Smith House. The photographs will be judged for their artistic qualities and techniques, subject originality and compliance to the themes. The winning photographs will be selected by a jury composed of members of the Amis de la montagne team and one professional photographer. The contest closes on August 25, 2010.

For contest details and the registration form, please click here.

Likewise, Les amis de la montagne invite the community to participate in its new Flickr group. Flickr is an online tool that allows photo sharing among members. Whether or not you have a Flickr account, you may visit our group site to view our photo album. If you have an account, open a session and join our group in order to upload your own photos of Mount Royal.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Come snowshoe by starlight with your sweetie on February 13th!

The “Snowshoeing by the light of the city” guided snowshoe walks held every Saturday evening until March 13 will feature a special Valentine’s Day theme on Saturday, February 13.

During this 3 km snowshoe walk, participants will experience the peacefulness of the mountain forest at night, punctuated by breath-taking views of the illuminated city below. About half-way along the trail, snowshoers will enjoy a little mulled wine and chocolate break, while our educator provides some animation.

DATE: Saturday, February 13, 2010
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Departure from Smith House in Mount Royal Park, 1260 Remembrance Road
PRICE: $20 per person and includes the snowshoe rental, animation and treats
RSVP: Reservations required by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

Photo: Samuel Montigné, 2010

Join the Mount Royal descent as part of the Nuit blanche à Montréal on February 27th

On Saturday, February 27, begin your Nuit blanche high atop Mount Royal with Les amis de la montagne before plunging into the city below!

Guided by our educators, join us for the descent of Mount Royal by snowshoes or cross-country skis. The different trails, specially designed for this Nuit blanche à Montréal activity, wind through the Mount Royal forest and feature magnificent points of view of the city, beginning from Smith House in the heart of Mount Royal Park, all the way to Jeanne-Mance Park.

The descent lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Nuit blanche activities continue in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, beginning with a warm welcome and hot beverage at Café Santropol (3990 Saint-Urbain)!

DATE: Saturday, February 27, 2010
TIME:
- Snowshoe departures: 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Bring your snowshoes or rental service available, $7 per person.
- Cross-country ski departure: 10 p.m. Bring your skis. No rental service available.
PLACE: Meeting at Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Mount Royal Park (11 bus, “chemin du chalet” stop)
RSVP: The activity is free of charge. Reservations required by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

20 dancers on top of Mount Royal

Photo: Jean-Michel Villanove (October 2008)

“Le retour du temps” is a three-part work that was conceived to be performed at the same outdoor location in different seasons. After the first two segments were presented in summer (June 2007) and autumn (October 2008), the cycle will end in winter with this February’s performances in the setting of Mount Royal Park, one of Montreal’s treasures.

The group of 20 dancers will consist of recent graduates of the three main contemporary dance schools in Montreal and one of the goals of Lucie Grégoire’s creation work is to foster professional integration among artists who are launching their careers.

Since she began her choreographic research in 1981, Lucie Grégoire has conducted passionate in situ choreographic experiments with the aim of bringing dance to wider audiences. The inspiration Lucie draws from nature finds a particular resonance in these outdoor performances.

DATE: Saturday and Sunday, February 27 and 28, 2010
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: Meeting at the Kondiaronk Lookout near the Chalet du Mont-Royal
INFO: 514 523-1627

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 18th

The Tuques Bleues Celebration gathers close to 800 people from the Montreal business community for an evening of good cheer that features a snowshoe ascent under moonlight followed by a gastronomic dinner.

This event is the most important fundraiser for Les amis de la montagne, an organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. The objective of the event is to raise $250,000 or almost one-third of the annual campaign goal. Revenues are invested in educational programs and protection initiatives for Mount Royal.

All friends of the mountain are equally invited to join this challenge by participating in the 2010 Tuques Bleues Celebration with colleagues and friends on February 18th! But hurry – places are limited! You may purchase your tickets as of now via Les amis’ secure website, available for $200 per person. You may also recruit a team of participants by buying 10, 20 or 30 tickets – the choice is yours! The team registration form is available on Les amis’ website or may be requested by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 239.

Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Les amis de la montagne launch the 13th edition

Les amis de la montagne announce the 13th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

L to R: Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne, Cyril Bendahan, Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec Region, Manulife Financial , Chantal Bouvier, Vice President, Strategy and public affairs, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne. (Photo: Martin Roy)

Montreal, January 28, 2010 – While the Olympic torch burns in Vancouver, Les amis de la montagne will burn the torch of another sporting tradition on Mount Royal: the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 18!

As honourary co-chairs of the 13th edition of this exceptional benefit event, Cyril Bendahan, Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec Region, Manulife Financial and Erik Ryan, Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and Senior Vice-President, Communications and External Relations, Rio Tinto Alcan, accepted to take up the challenge to mobilize the business community in support of the mountain’s preservation.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration evokes the famous torch-lit snowshoe climbs of Montreal’s sports clubs in the 19th century. On February 18, close to 800 people from the business community will gather for a snowshoe ascent by moonlight and a gastronomic dinner. The objective is to raise $250,000, or nearly one third of Les amis de la montagne’s annual campaign goal, to invest in education and conservation programs for Mount Royal.

“The mountain has always symbolized a place of knowledge, central to our landscape, where we’ve gathered for centuries. With the Tuques Bleues Celebration, Les amis de la montagne invite us to reconnect with our mountain. Through the ascent of Mount Royal, we become the
stewards of our destiny as represented by this icon of our collective identity. The conservation and vitality of the mountain are fundamental to the development of our community today and for generations to come. It is our obligation therefore - individuals and organizations – to ensure the mountain’s perpetuity. Manulife Financial and its employees are truly committed to the preservation of Mount Royal,” said Cyril Bendahan.

“It is with great pride that the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal participates again this year in the traditional Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event,” added Erik Ryan. “We are very fortunate to be able to take advantage of a magnificent mountain in the heart of Montréal. Mount Royal is part of our urban landscape and our quality of life. I encourage everyone to do their part to protect the mountain, the way Les amis de la montagne do so actively. I therefore invite all members of the business community to participate in this collective and festive sporting event that offers a unique experience on our beautiful mountain!”

During the partners’ lunch held at Smith House in Mount Royal Park today, the organizers underlined the commitment and contribution of the events’ sponsors and partners: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level: Atmosphere, Club Atwater and Mansfield Athletic Club; with the support of: Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes. Les amis de la montagne also extend their thanks to their sponsors of products and services: 2nd Field Regiment of the Canadian Artillery, Barefoot Wine, McAuslan Brewery, Hewitt, Le Château, Domaine Pinnacle, Festival Montréal en lumière, Java U, CHOM 97,7 FM, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse, The Gazette and Ville de Montréal.

For more information or to contribute to the event, please contact Anna Coscia at 514 843-8240, ext. 239. Complete information on the Tuques Bleues Celebration, including the purchase of tickets on-line, available for $200 per person, can be found on Les amis’ website.

Photo: Martin Roy

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

514 843-8240, ext. 237

Les amis' New Year's wishes in 2010

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Snowshoe with your sweetie, play outside in the snow and join the Tuques Bleues Celebration challenge!

NEWS

2010 New Year’s wishes by Les amis de la montagne

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The date and topic of Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be announced in the next issue of this newsletter.

CALENDAR

Come snowshoe by starlight with your sweetie on February 13th!
Calling all outdoor sports enthusiasts
Enjoy winter’s pleasures – by podcast!

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 18th

TRIBUTE

Tribute to two great friends of the mountain

NEWS

2010 New Year’s wishes by Les amis de la montagne

For more than 150 years, citizens have played a major role in the protection of Mount Royal, be it by influencing public authorities or by directly getting involved in conservation and enhancement activities. This involvement is truly remarkable and very likely unique in North America.

Photo: Olivier Hoffschir

Nevertheless, even though the richness and importance of Mount Royal have been well demonstrated, and given the current context where our preoccupations with the environment and quality of life in an urban milieu are taking on greater importance, nothing can be taken for granted. Despite the mountain’s existing protection status, developers consistently try to appropriate portions of the protected territory of Mount Royal. Certain institutions, confined within the limits of existing properties, seek to expand their infrastructures.

Although the municipal and governmental authorities are now the legal guardians of this collective heritage, history has demonstrated that the vigilance and commitment of citizens will always be required so that our little hill, bursting with history, nature and culture, continues to be the pride of Montrealers.

At the start of this New Year, the team at Les amis de la montagne wishes to thank all those citizens who have contributed their support, energy, expertise, know-how and passion to ensure that Mount Royal remains an exceptional site for generations to come.

In the course of 2010, important decisions will need to be taken by the municipal authorities on projects that will have a major impact on the future of the mountain. May citizens’ voices continue to be heard and listened to by our elected leaders, who are ultimately responsible for our collective heritage.

We invite you to enjoy all the beauty and joy that Mount Royal’s snowy summits have to offer this winter. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2010.

CALENDAR

Come snowshoe by starlight with your sweetie on February 13th!

The “Snowshoeing by the light of the city” guided snowshoe walks held every Saturday evening until March 13 will feature a special Valentine’s Day theme on Saturday, February 13.

The fee is $20 per person and includes the snowshoe rental, animation and treats. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To reserve, please call 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

Calling all outdoor sports enthusiasts

Winter has arrived, the snow has fallen and Mount Royal remains the location of choice for outdoor sports enthusiasts!

All the equipment necessary to enjoy a variety of winter sports is available at Les amis de la montagne’s rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion: skates, cross-country skis, snowshoes, baby sleighs, children’s helmets and learn-to-skate walkers – and of course, Nordic kicksleds.

This gliding apparatus that originates from Scandinavia is both ecological and great fun for families. Reminiscent of a child's scooter, kicksledding combines a healthy dose of aerobic exercise with a new form of winter fun for the whole family. A quick demonstration by our courteous rental counter personnel is all you need to get started, or visit our distributor’s website for a quick how-to.

Enjoy winter’s pleasures – by podcast!

Open-air sculptures, the Chalet and the cross, foxes and Pileated Woodpeckers, and views of the north and west summits of Mount Royal are all yours to discover along the mountain’s summit loop by guided podcast this winter.

Featured on the Mount Royal interactive map available on Les amis de la montagne’s website, hikers can listen to and watch a variety of multimedia clips to learn more about the richness of this sector of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

The podcasts may be downloaded free of charge on your iPod, cell phone or other multimedia player. You may also rent a multimedia player at Smith House during regular hours ($5 plus ID). Departure is from Smith House and the walk lasts just over an hour, but can be adapted to suit your own rhythm.

TAKE ACTION

Take up the challenge of the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on February 18th

Les amis de la montagne are very pleased to present the honourary co-chairs of the 13th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event: Cyril Bendahan (at left), Vice President, Group Benefits, Quebec Region, Manulife Financial and Erik Ryan (at right), Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and Senior Vice-President, Communications and External Relations, Rio Tinto Alcan.

The honourary co-chairs, together with the members of the organizing committee, David Blair, Mary Creighton, Serge Dubreuil, Martin Gelfand, Claire Kruyt, Carole Labelle Molson, Laurent Morisset, Caroline Savic and Frances Tobin, have accepted to take up the challenge to raise $250,000 for educational and protection programs for Mount Royal.

All friends of the mountain are equally invited to join this challenge by participating in the 2010 Tuques Bleues Celebration with colleagues and friends! But hurry – places are limited! You may purchase your tickets as of now via Les amis’ secure website, available for $200 per person. You may also recruit a team of participants by buying 10, 20 or 30 tickets – the choice is yours! The team registration form is available on Les amis’ website or may be requested by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 239.

Les amis de la montagne take this opportunity to thank their partners of this unforgettable evening: principal partner, Gold level: Manulife Financial; Silver level: Atmosphere, Club Atwater and Mansfield Athletic Club; with the support of: Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes. Les amis also thank their partners of products and services: 2e régiment de l’artillerie du Canada, Barefoot Wine, Brasserie McAuslan, Hewitt, Le Château, Domaine Pinnacle, Festival Montréal en lumière, Java U, CHOM 97,7 FM, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse, The Gazette and Ville de Montréal.

Tribute to two great friends of the mountain

Les amis de la montagne learned with great sadness of the death of Mrs. Edith Jacobson Low-Beer (1916-2009) on October 28 and the death of Mrs. Jeannine Guillevin-Wood (1929-2009) on December 9 last.

Mrs. Low-Beer provided support to Les amis de la montagne for over 20 years and was part of a unique generation of Quebec women, who by their social commitment and devotion paved the way for current and future generations. Mrs. Low-Beer, recipient of the prestigious Prix du Mont-Royal in 2007, was an exceptional woman who elicited the admiration of our society.

Mrs. Guillevin-Wood supported the mission of Les amis de la montagne for many years as a member of the Mount Royal Circle, a circle of great philanthropists whose generosity allowed Les amis de la montagne to create and maintain environmental education programs and activities on Mount Royal.

Les amis de la montagne remember very fondly these two remarkable friends of Mount Royal, whose loyalty and commitment inspired us all. It was an honour to have counted Mrs. Low-Beer and Mrs. Guillevin-Wood as Governors of the organization.

Come and play outdoors on Mount Royal this winter!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The mountain is a winter sports paradise ...

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE INVITE YOU TO THE MOUNTAIN THIS WINTER

Montreal, December 10, 2009 – Come and play outdoors on Mount Royal this winter! The mountain is a winter sports paradise and Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, provides a host of activities to the community in the Beaver Lake sector, in addition to the usual warm welcome at the Café Smith and nature-boutique at Smith House.

Original activities have been added to the line-up of wintertime favourites – all the more reason to appreciate this uniquely beautiful landscape in our urban midst!

WHAT'S NEW?

The guided Snowshoeing by the light of the city walks, which are held every Saturday evening from January 9 to March 13, 2010, will be featured with a twist for a “Sparkling New Year’s on the Mountain” on Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30, 2009. The $25 per person registration includes snowshoe rental, animation and sparkling wine. And on Saturday, February 13, 2010, a romantic “Valentine’s Soirée on the Mountain” will feature mulled wine and chocolate, for $20 per person, snowshoe rental and animation included.

The Club de ski de fond des amis de la montagne returns for a second year with the Jackrabbit initiation courses in cross-country skiing for children 6 to 10 years old. The cost is $225 and includes rental boots, skis and poles (or $180 without rental equipment). A preliminary evaluation session will be followed by 7 classes of 1.5 hours each on 8 consecutive Saturday mornings beginning January 9 to February 27, 2010. To reserve, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

ALL-TIME FAVOURITES

The following all-time favourite activities will again be available: inner-tubing on the hill near Beaver Lake with tobogganing nearby, skating on the artificial rink at all times and depending on the ice conditions, on Beaver Lake itself, and close to 22km of cross-country ski trails through the forest. Outdoor enthusiasts will find all the rental equipment necessary for their mountain adventures at Les amis’ rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion: skates, skis, snowshoes, Nordic kicksled, carrier sled for babies, children’s helmets and learn-to-skate walkers. A skate sharpening and ski waxing service is also provided.

Finally, the interpretation activity called “The Birds of Mount Royal, for all ages” will be offered free and throughout the winter every Saturday from January 9 to March 13, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with departures from Smith House. Join a member of Les amis’ conservation patrol for a guided visit of the 7 feeder stations located on the path that circles the summit to spot the cardinals, juncos, woodpeckers and other species that frequent the feeders in winter.

PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS

Les amis provides many wintertime programs in environmental education for school groups during the week, including special half-day packages combining outdoor activities. To reserve, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The printed calendar of winter-spring 2010 events is available at Les amis’ information centres located at Smith House (1260 Remembrance Road), at the Beaver Lake pavilion and the Chalet du Mont-Royal. To make reservations, call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 0.

The calendar of events is also available on Les amis’ website. To receive email news from Les amis and reminders of upcoming events, send us an email indicating your interest.

Photos: © Les amis de la montagne

Conversion of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Les amis de la montagne are up in arms concerning Minister St-Pierre’s decision

Residential conversion of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary on Mount Royal

Les amis de la montagne are up in arms concerning Minister St-Pierre’s decision to give consent to this private residential project that puts into question the principles of the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal as a provincial heritage site

Montreal, November 30, 2009 – Les amis de la montagne learned through an article published in La Presse on Friday, November 27, that Quebec’s Minister of Culture Christine St-Pierre, who is responsible for the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District, has given her consent to Développement Cato’s private residential construction project on the former Marianopolis College site, an institutional domain whose origins and landscape date back to the founding of Montreal.

Defenders of Mount Royal are profoundly disappointed by this decision and are surprised by the timing, given that the municipal council of the Ville de Montréal has not been given the chance to reconsider this project that requires derogation to the city’s urban plan. The Minister’s declaration is in fact, a highly unorthodox gesture regarding one of the most controversial dossiers in the mountain’s recent history.

Does the 46 million dollar sale – with no conditions – of an institutional property to a private developer justify a different treatment of the established process, a treatment that favours the developer? If the answer is yes, citizens of Quebec will lose confidence in those institutions required to ensure the protection of our collective heritage, as well as our democratic participatory structures currently in place.

None of the 60 individuals and organizations who participated in the public consultations held by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal, including Les amis de la montagne, has yet to see the developers’ modifications to the project since the report issued by the Office. Les amis de la montagne are concerned about how the Ville de Montréal will proceed with its decision in light of Minister St-Pierre’s declaration and considering that fundamental elements regarding the protection of the mountain, such as the “mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction”, the preservation of institutional properties on the mountain and the protection of green spaces are still not resolved.

Is the process being by-passed for a project that requires a change to the city’s urban plan?

Since the decree of 2005, all projects on Mount Royal require final approval by the Minister of Culture, who intervenes once the municipal authorities have proceeded with their analysis and approval processes. In no other case to this day has the Minister made her opinion known before the decision of the municipal council. In the case of the conversion of this former seminary, which until 2007 housed Marianopolis College, Mayor Gérald Tremblay confirmed to representatives of Les amis de la montagne that the decision by the municipal council would not be taken before the November 1^st election considering the controversy and the complexity of the project. The Mayor insisted that the Ville de Montréal would take the time required to properly examine and proceed with the project in light of the report issued after the public consultations held in August.

Les amis de la montagne are astonished to learn therefore, that the Minister would give her consent even before the new municipal council has had the chance to discuss the project in council. The information is even more troubling, since Développement Cato, who during public consultations presented a construction project including 325 residential units and 671 parking places on an historic site of great value, has not received a permit modifying the city’s urban plan providing the change in zoning from institutional to residential. The zoning for the site remains institutional.

A test case for all other institutions on Mount Royal

Significant institutional and private projects on the mountain, such as the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital to the detriment of the surrounding neighbourhood, have planted doubts in the population regarding our municipal and provincial authorities’ genuine commitment to protect the mountain and the position of the Minister of Culture on the Cato project is far from reassuring. The future of institutional properties on the mountain will be affected by the outcome of this dossier. This project will serve as a test case for the hospitals, universities and religious congregations that may by inspired by this situation and encouraged to liquidate their properties on the mountain for profit, to the detriment of a heritage that we all recognize as exceptionally important and rare. All are following closely the results of this proposed conversion of the former philosophy seminary, that until recently belonged to the Sulpicians.

The Minister must clarify her position publicly

This site is of too great an importance for the mountain and for future projects to deny a rigorous and transparent planning process in line with the governmental decree and the city’s urban plan. Les amis de la montagne are asking Minister St-Pierre to clarify her position publicly regarding news of her consent for this residential conversion of the former philosophy seminary. We are asking the Minister to publicly commit fully and strongly to her role as the protector of Mount Royal and its heritage, on behalf of the interests of the collective community rather than the particular interests of private or institutional developers. Finally, we wish to meet with the Minister in person to discuss this dossier and the setting up of an efficient system of protection and enhancement of Mount Royal that is exemplary in nature and that corresponds to the exceptional emblematic value of the site.

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

Invitation to the public forum, November 25, 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

... and more: Tuques Bleues Celebration 2010, cross-country skiing and the FeederWatch Project

Invitation to the public forum
Become a partner of Les amis' Tuques Bleues Celebration 2010
Enroll your children in "Jackrabbit" cross-country ski lessons on Mount Royal
Cross-country ski rental equipment sale
Call for volunteers for the FeederWatch project

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be held on Wednesday, November 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

What does the future hold for institutional properties on Mount Royal?

The Mount Royal territory comprises numerous institutions with great historic interest as much for their heritage properties as for their cultural missions. Yet these institutions are undergoing an important transformation and many will eventually leave the mountain, turning over their properties to private developers, as in the case of the Sulpicians’ former philosophy seminary and the former Mother House of the Soeurs-des-Saints-Noms-de-Jésus-et-de-Marie. Are we to preserve the inherent public land use character of these institutional properties located on Mount Royal? And how do we ensure that the greater community benefits from the transfer of these properties and the protection of their heritage assets?

Invited guests:

Marie Lessard, urban planner and professor at the Institut d’urbanisme, Université de Montréal and President of the Conseil du Patrimoine de Montréal.
Jean-François Girard, lawyer, specialist in environmental law at Dufresne Hébert Comeau and biologist. Chair of the Board of the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement.

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 241

BECOME A PARTNER OF LES AMIS’ TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION 2010

The Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event is the most important fundraiser for Les amis de la montagne. The 13^th edition will be held February 18, 2010 on Mount Royal.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration gathers close to 800 people from the Montreal business community for an evening of good company that features a moonlit snowshoe tramp through the mountain forest and a gastronomic dinner. The objective of the event is to raise $250,000, nearly one third of the annual campaign goal. Profits are invested in educational and protection programs for Mount Royal.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration provides individuals and companies a unique way to contribute to the conservation of such an important site in Montreal. You may contribute to the success of the event in several ways:

Become a sponsor
Provide a gift of products or services
Form a team of participants by buying tickets

For more information, contact Katie Whitehead, director of development, at 514 843-8240, ext. 243.

(Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj)

ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN IN “JACKRABBIT” CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS ON MOUNT ROYAL

Les amis de la montagne are now accepting registrations for the Ski de Fond Québec “Jackrabbit” initiation courses in cross-country skiing for children on Mount Royal. The registration period will close on January 4, 2010.

The Jackrabbit program is suited for children 6 to 10 years old and initiates students to both classical and freestyle cross-country skiing. The lessons include one evaluation session followed by seven (7) 1.5 hour lessons scheduled on 8 consecutive Saturday mornings from January 9 to February 27, 2010. Children will be divided into beginner and advanced levels, with 8 children per group.

The cost of the program is $225 including rental equipment (boots, skis and poles) or $180, if your children have their own equipment.

To register, please come in person to complete the registration form and make the payment in full:

As of now: at Les amis de la montagne’s boutique in Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, located mid-way between Beaver Lake and the chalet near the lookout
- Daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

As of December 5: at Les amis de la montagne’s equipment rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road)
- Sunday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For more information, contact Daniel Leblanc, director of outdoor activities and sales, at 514 843-8240, ext. 232.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI RENTAL EQUIPMENT SALE

Les amis de la montagne are organizing a sale of their rental FISCHER cross-country skis (+ poles and boots), in order to renew a portion of their current rental ski equipment. One day only - don't miss out!

WHEN: Saturday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion, Mount Royal Park

PRICE: $100 and less

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FEEDERWATCH PROJECT

Under the auspices of the Mount Royal Conservation Patrol, Les amis de la montagne are calling all interested volunteers to participate in the FeederWatch project every Friday and Saturday from now to April 3, 2010.

The FeederWatch project is an inventory of winter birds at feeders that began in Canada and the United States in 1976. The patrol will be participating for a 5^th winter.

For more information, contact Claude Drolet, environmental educator, at 514 843-8240, ext. 242.

(Photo: Samuel Montigné)

Cross-country ski sale

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Proceeds to benefit Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne are organizing a sale of their rental FISCHER cross-country skis (+ poles and boots), in order to renew their rental ski equipment. One day only - don't miss out!

WHEN: Saturday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion, Mount Royal Park

PRICE: $100 and less

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - November 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The mountain has its limits!; BunnyHop.ca; Jackrabbit lessons for children; 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration; Les amis' nature-boutique - and more ...

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

The mountain has its limits!
“BunnyHop.ca”: a new site for mountain bikers in Montreal
The Institut de politiques alternatives de Montréal is born

ACTIVITIES

Take an “Écotrip” with Les amis de la montagne
Tips on enjoying the in-between season on Mount Royal

CALENDAR

Conference: The future of cemeteries and ancient burial places, October 30
Enroll your children in “Jackrabbit” cross-country ski lessons on Mount Royal
Save the date for the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration to be held Thursday, February 18, 2010

TAKE ACTION

Les amis’ nature-boutique: gifts that give twice!

THE LAST WORD …

Kudos to Samuel Montigné – Symposium Art Nature Pierre qui roule

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Les amis de la montagne’s next public forum will be held on Wednesday, November 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

What does the future hold for institutional properties on Mount Royal?

The Mount Royal territory comprises numerous institutional properties rich in historic interest as much for their heritage assets as for their purpose. Yet these same institutions are undergoing an important transformation and many will eventually leave the mountain, often to the benefit of private developers, as in the case of the Sulpicians’ former philosophy seminary and the former Mother House of the Soeurs-des-Saints-Noms-de-Jésus-et-de-Marie. Is the inherent public land use character of these institutional properties on the mountain part of the heritage of Mount Royal to be preserved? How do we ensure the transfer of these properties and the protection of their heritage assets for the good of the community?

Invited guests:

Marie Lessard, urban planner and professor at the Institut d’urbanisme, Université de Montréal and President of the Conseil du Patrimoine de Montréal.
Jean-François Girard, lawyer, specialist in environmental law at Dufresne Hébert Comeau and biologist. Chair of the Board of the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement.

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

The mountain has its limits!

Les amis de la montagne dedicated their monthly public forum to the notion of the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction on October 14th at Smith House. For the last several years, this notion has been raised in reference to development projects on the large institutional properties located on the flanks of the mountain. What exactly does the expression mean? Can there be new construction on Mount Royal? (Continue reading here.)

“BunnyHop.ca”: a new site for mountain bikers in Montreal

Mountain biking enthusiasts in Montreal now have a virtual meeting place thanks to the creation of BunnyHop.ca, a new blog dedicated to the 50,000 cyclists who practice this sport on a weekly basis. The content of the site will be oriented towards awareness-raising in order to help change the negative image that Montrealers have of mountain bikers, to unite and to mobilize the mountain biking community and to demonstrate to decision-makers that the sport of mountain biking in Montreal requires a concrete and long-term sustainable solution, such as a dedicated site or installations for the practice of the sport on the island.

In an effort to make the BunnyHop community better known, a “tactical squad” of the BunnyHop crew took to the bicycle paths and other street surfaces in Montreal on October 28 to draw the BunnyHop logo using mud stencils, an environmentally friendly material. Click here to watch how mud stencils are produced.

Les amis de la montagne launched an important project in October 2007 to control the practice of mountain biking on Mount Royal in order to protect the natural environment from disturbances caused by the practice of this sport. Moreover, in 2008, Les amis produced a study providing data on the actual situation on the mountain and identified sites that could be developed specifically for the practice of mountain biking in Montreal. Les amis, who continue their work on this issue through awareness-raising campaigns with cyclists and the general public on Mount Royal, supports the cycling community in its endeavours to advance the project through concrete solutions in collaboration with municipal authorities.

The Institut de politiques alternatives de Montréal is born

The Institut de politiques alternatives de Montréal (IPAM) is a new independent and multidisciplinary organisation that has been formed to play a key role over the long term in the municipal debate on policy choices leading to an equitable and prosperous society. This citizen initiative seeks to contribute to viable urban planning in Montréal, to its economic and sustainable development, and local democracy.

Launched officially by, among others, Phyllis Lambert, architect, Founding Director and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the CCA, during a press conference on October 14th, IPAM’s intention is to contribute the expertise of individuals from different spheres within the community. Six working groups will be formed to tackle questions of long-term economic and cultural development: heritage, poverty, social housing and social justice, ecology, urban planning and transportation, and democracy

As a first initiative IPAM will, the day after the elections, call on the new City Administration to hold a citizens’ summit on the future of Montreal in partnership with civil society, permitting an exchange of ideas and experience, in order to help to establish the guidelines for the administration’s new mandate. Visit IPAM's website for more information.

ACTIVITIES

Take an “Écotrip” with Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne participated in a video as part of an ecological roadtrip taken by “Écotrip”, a non-profit organization with a social mission to promote the environment, sustainable development and eco-citizenship.

Over the course of the summer, Audrée Favreau-Pinet and Mathieu Paradis, the dynamic-duo behind Écotrip, travelled around Quebec to uncover solutions to sustainable development and eco-citizenship challenges in order to better inform Quebec’s youth about current environmental issues and especially, provide them with concrete actions to be taken to make a difference in the here and now.

You can watch the Écotrip video featuring Les amis de la montagne by clicking here.

Tips on enjoying the in-between season on Mount Royal

The guided walking tours are over for the season and the snow has yet to fall! Worry not – Les amis de la montagne are pleased to provide you with a few tips on making the most of the mountain’s in-between season.

(1) Without the snow, the paths that wind through the Mount Royal forests can still be enjoyed by foot. Fascinating facts about the mountain are yours to discover through a series of self-guided walking tours along five different themes: natural landscapes, geology, sculptures, buildings and reservoirs. A brochure for each theme comes complete with a map and itinerary, and information and illustrations to enrich your walk. Available at the Smith House nature-boutique for only $2 each.

(2) Explore the mountain’s summit loop via podcast. Available through the “Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” interactive map, short audio-video clips downloaded to your multimedia player lead you on a self-guided tour. You can download the clips for free directly from Les amis’ website or you may rent a multimedia player for only $5 at Smith House during regular opening hours.

(3) The time is right to get your winter sporting equipment ready for another season. Les amis’ rental and equipment service counter located on the main floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion will be ready for operation as of December 5, providing skate sharpening and cross-country ski waxing or tune-up services. Hours of operation are posted under the calendar of events heading on Les amis’ website.

CALENDAR

Conference: The future of cemeteries and ancient burial places, October 30

The challenges facing cemetery managers today are rife with consequences. Does the cemetery as cultural landmark have a future? Are cemeteries relevant? Should the laws and management structures actually in place be reviewed, do they correspond to the new realities regarding commemoration practices? Are cemeteries solely the responsibility of their administrators?

These and other questions will be addressed during this conference organized by the Écomusée de l'Au-Delà on Friday, October 30, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Smith House.

For more information, call the Écomusée de l'Au-Delà at 514 528-8826.

You may download conference documents here (in French):

Introduction au colloque (Introduction)
Programme de la journée (Agenda)
Formulaire d'inscription (Registration form)

Enroll your children in “Jackrabbit” cross-country ski lessons on Mount Royal

The Jackrabbit program is suited for children 6 to 10 years old and initiates students to both classical and freestyle cross-country skiing. The program features 4 levels and places an emphasis on the progressive integration of other ski-related knowledge and techniques. To ensure that students perfect their style while having fun, the instructor will use a variety of pedagogical materials including 70 activity files, as well as games, races, relays and trails.

The lessons include one evaluation session followed by seven (7) 1.5 hour lessons scheduled on 8 consecutive Saturdays from January 9 to February 27, 2010, at 10 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. Children will be divided into beginner and advanced levels, with 8 children per group.

The cost of the program is $225 plus tax including rental equipment (boots, skis and poles) or $180 plus tax, if your children have their own equipment.

To register, please come in person to complete the registration form and make the payment in full:

As of now: at Les amis de la montagne’s boutique in Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, located mid-way between Beaver Lake and the chalet near the lookout
- Daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

As of December 5: at Les amis de la montagne’s equipment rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road)
- Sunday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For more information, please contact Daniel Leblanc.

Save the date for the 13th Tuques Bleues Celebration to be held Thursday, February 18, 2010

Back for a 13th consecutive year, the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event will be held Thursday, February 18, 2010 on Mount Royal. Save the date and start forming your team of snowshoe walkers or racers, because hundreds of Montrealers are once again expected to participate in Les amis de la montagne’s signature fundraising event, a most colourful evening that helps collect funds in support of conservation activities on Mount Royal.

For more information, watch Les amis’ website for event updates or contact Anna Coscia at 514 843-8240, ext. 239.

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj, 2009

TAKE ACTION

Les amis’ nature-boutique: gifts that give twice!

The holiday season is gift-giving season! Les amis de la montagne’s nature-boutique, located on the main floor of Smith House, features little treasures with something to please everyone interested in Mount Royal’s heritage assets: publications and original souvenirs, as well as variety of items on the mountain’s natural environment. Numerous articles also help your appreciation and discovery of the mountain, such as a kit for bird watching and guides on flora and fauna.

Selected items are available for purchase online via Les amis’ website, including our new “amis de la montagne” shoelaces – the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for the children.

Revenues generated by the nature-boutique are reinvested in Les amis de la montagne’s services offered in Mount Royal Park, in order to promote the appreciation and conservation of this unique site in our urban midst.

We therefore invite you to support the activities of Les amis de la montagne by offering gifts from our nature-boutique this season, gifts that give twice!

THE LAST WORD …

Kudos to Samuel Montigné – Symposium Art Nature Pierre qui roule

Congratulations to Samuel Montigné, environmental educator with Les amis de la montagne, who received the Prix du Jury for his work titled, « Au cours du temps, au fil de l’eau : la création » as part of the 5th Symposium Art Nature Pierre qui roule held on October 5th in Saint-André-Avellin in the Outaouais region.

“Jackrabbit” cross-country ski lessons on Mount Royal

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Enroll your children today

The cost of the program is $225 plus tax including rental equipment (boots, skis and poles) or $180 plus tax, if your children have their own equipment.

To register, please come in person to complete the registration form and make the payment in full:

As of now: at Les amis de la montagne’s boutique in Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, located mid-way between Beaver Lake and the chalet near the lookout
- Daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

As of December 5: at Les amis de la montagne’s equipment rental counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road)
- Sunday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For more information, please contact Daniel Leblanc, director of outdoor activities and sales.

Les amis challenge the mayoral candidates

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Who is ready to commit to a definition of the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction?

Montreal, October 19, 2009 – Les amis de la montagne dedicated their monthly public forum to the notion of the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction on October 14th at Smith House. For the last several years, this expression has been raised in reference to development projects on the large institutional properties located on the flanks of the mountain. What exactly does the expression mean? Can there be new construction on Mount Royal?

Les amis’ forum united several experts in the field of urban planning including Clément Demers, executive director of the Société du Quartier international de Montréal, Nancy Dunton, architectural consultant, Peter Jacobs, professor in the École d’architecture du paysage of the Université de Montréal, Josette Michaud, architect and partner of Beaupré Michaud Architects, and Claire Poitras, professor and researcher at the Centre Urbanisation Culture Société of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique. Numerous city and governmental representatives from cultural, urban planning and heritage ministries participated in the forum, a clear indicator of the importance of the question for the future of Montreal regarding the mountain’s limited capacity for new construction.

“We can draw the conclusion that the question regarding the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction is a difficult one to resolve,” said Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne. “How can we conserve the exceptional character of Mount Royal? This question is fundamental to the future of our metropolis. Montreal needs a clear and inspiring vision from its municipal leaders with respect to the future of the mountain. We want all mayoral candidates of Montreal to explain their understanding of the mountain’s limited capacity to receive new construction and to tell us how they plan to go about controlling development on the mountain.”

Les amis de la montagne point out that the notion of the mountain’s limited capacity has several facets: should we forbid all new construction on Mount Royal? What about automobile traffic on the mountain? How can recreational activities and conservation practices coexist in natural spaces? What importance do we give to the mountain’s views and patrimonial landscapes that fashioned the history of Montreal?

“Louise Harel and Richard Bergeron have already indicated that they would support a freeze on all new construction on institutional properties on Mount Royal,” added Sylvie Guilbault. “Gérald Tremblay repeated his promise that what is green will remain green. However, none of the candidates explained to the voters how they would go about effectively protecting the mountain. Citizens are counting on a political commitment from the next municipal authority regarding this particular challenge, which will set the tone for all future projects on and around Mount Royal. We need a clear and precise vision carried by an unwavering commitment. Given Montrealers’ attachment to their mountain, this question needs to be a priority in the current electoral campaign.”

About Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986 that works to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education. For more information on Les amis’ activities, visit www.lemontroyal.qc.ca.

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Reaction from Les amis on the mayoral candidates’ debate on the environment

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne wants all mayoral candidates to take a clear stand in favour of the mountain's protection and its future

Montreal, October 9, 2009 – Following the debate on environmental issues organized by the Conseil régional de l’environnement on October 6th, Les amis de la montagne regrets that serious problems still persist concerning the protection of Mount Royal. The organization remains concerned about the mountain’s long-term protection, in particular the future of the large institutions situated on its flanks, such as the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary.

The three mayoral candidates recognized the need to protect Mount Royal and to limit development. However, the several minutes each candidate had to express their thoughts on the question did not allow them to elaborate on any real or tangible solutions to the critical challenges facing the preservation of the mountain’s heritage assets in the context of the current economic climate and where these same institutions are undergoing significant transformation.

“The different means proposed by the candidates, such as entrenching the institutional vocation of the mountain’s large religious properties in the Charte de Montréal as suggested by Louise Harel or imposing a moratorium on all new construction on institutional properties as suggested by Richard Bergeron, do not necessarily respond to the economic challenges tied to the maintenance and reuse of these heritage buildings. We know that these questions are crucial in the search for tangible solutions,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of Les amis de la montagne.

The organization was pleased that Gérald Tremblay spoke of the importance of working with those concerned with the protection of the mountain before decisions are made and repeated his “what is green shall remain green” catchphrase. This position, however, contradicts the Tremblay administration’s decision to submit a project to construct 325 residential units on the property of the former Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary to public consultation. This proposed project would reduce the acreage of one of the most beautiful green spaces, located centrally adjacent to Mount Royal Park. Mr. Tremblay is leaving the decision to authorize this project in the hands of the Gouvernement du Québec.

“We expect the Ville de Montréal to take responsibility for the protection of the mountain and to ensure the transparent and rigorous management of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District,” added Sylvie Guilbault. Montrealers will recall that a poll conducted by Léger Marketing in August 2009 indicated that 91% of the community was in favour of protecting all green and natural spaces, and to prohibit all new construction on Mount Royal.

“Montrealers’ willingness to protect the mountain is without question. Nonetheless, questions of the mountain’s capacity to receive new construction on its flanks remain entirely unresolved,” said Sylvie Guilbault. “Each candidate for the position of Mayor of Montreal must make their position clear on this particular protection challenge for one of this city’s most prominent symbols.”

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About Les amis de la montagne

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

“We’re tied to our mountain”

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Hundreds of citizens demonstrate their love of Mount Royal

“We’re tied to our mountain!”

Hundreds of citizens demonstrate their love of Mount Royal

Photo: © Les amis de la montagne/Bob Hendriks, 2009

Montreal, October 5, 2009 – Hundreds of Montrealers filled the lookout on Mount Royal on October 4th to “tie” themselves to Les amis de la montagne’s giant shoelace in a strong, symbolic gesture in support of Mount Royal.

During this extraordinary event, Peter Howlett, President of Les amis de la montagne, underlined the community’s attachment to their mountain, a unique site that comprises vast green spaces, mature forests, monuments and prestigious institutions. Dr. Douglas Avrith, President of Yellow Groupe Inc., partners of the event, also attached himself to Les amis’ giant shoelace together with many of his employees.

As principal partner of the “We’re tied to our mountain event”, Yellow is supporting Les amis de la montagne in the sale of the event’s signature “amis de la montagne” shoelaces, available for only $5 at all Yellow stores in the Montreal metropolitan region, as well as at the information centres in Mount Royal Park and soon on Les amis’ website at lemontroyal.qc.ca.

Les amis de la montagne invite all mountain supporters to purchase a pair of “amis de la montagne” shoelaces and to encourage their family and friends to do alike, in order to demonstrate their attachment to the mountain with pride.

Les amis de la montagne thank their partners and sponsors for their participation in this first edition of the « We’re tied to our mountain » event: Zoom Média, Astral Média, CHOM 97.7 FM, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin 96 FM, La Presse, L’Assommoir restaurant, Bell, The Gazette, Ville de Montréal, Westmount Examiner, Planète Jazz, Barefoot, Point d’Outremont, Naya, Itsi-Bitsi, Bixi, Communauto, St-Ambroise, Bob Hendriks photographe, Sources Média, Greiche & Scaff, Première Moisson, CIBL, Luxury Report Magazine, KNX, Verger L’Oiseau Rouge de St-Hilaire, Le Commensal, Louis Garneau, Spectacle Sheherazade and Restaurant Pica Pica. Special thanks to our star MC Rob Kemp of CHOM 97.7 FM, the masterful DJ Max Julien and musical groups Nomadic Vide Band and Zuruba Band.

Finally, a great thank you to all our volunteers without whom the event would not be possible.

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Source/information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of communications

Les amis de la montagne

514 843-8240, ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - October 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"We're tied to our mountain!"; the mountain has its limits!; three summits guided walking tour and more!

JOIN THE GATHERING ON OCTOBER 4 AT 2 P.M. ON MOUNT ROYAL

“We’re tied to our mountain”

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM – The mountain has its limits!

DATE CHANGE: Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

Les amis de la montagne presents its 2008-09 Annual Report

ACTIVITIES

High marks for the fall session of Les amis’ Environmental Stewardship Program
The 12th Festival de la marche is a hit!

CALENDAR

Three summits guided walking tour – 20th anniversary

TAKE ACTION

Purchase your pair of “amis de la montagne” shoelaces and contribute to the preservation of Mount Royal!

JOIN THE GATHERING ON OCTOBER 4 AT 2 P.M. ON MOUNT ROYAL

“We’re tied to our mountain”

On Sunday, October 4, Les amis de la montagne are organizing a great gathering on Mount Royal, presented by Yellow. All friends and fans of the mountain are invited to the lookout near the Chalet in Mount Royal Park at 2 p.m. for a fabulous photograph of everyone “tied” to Les amis de la montagne’s giant shoelace. Join us to demonstrate your attachment to the mountain – a strong and symbolic gesture in favour of the mountain’s protection!

Each participant will be able to obtain their official “friend card”, as well as the event’s singular and signature item - a pair of dazzling green shoelaces - that everyone can continue wearing proudly after the event as a show of their commitment to the cause. Participants will also be invited to enjoy a fall afternoon on the mountain in the company of artists and DJs at the chalet, where a variety of snacks and beverages will be available.

Come and dance to the vibes of musical mix-master DJ MAX JULIEN and the colourful performances of Montreal group NOMADIC VIBE BAND and Brazilian group ZURUBA BAND, all under the direction of star MC Rob Kemp of CHOM 97.7 FM.

The “We’re tied to our mountain” event will be held rain or shine!

Purchase your pair of $5 “amis de la montagne” shoelaces and demonstrate your attachment to Mount Royal!

SCHEDULE – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT THE CHALET DU MONT-ROYAL

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: DJ Max Julien / snacks and beverages available at the chalet
3 p.m.: special photo-op of everyone attached to Les amis’ giant shoelace on the lookout
3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Nomadic Vibe Band performance
4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Zuruba Band performance
5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.: DJ Max Julien
6 p.m.: event closure

Click here to learn more about the “We’re tied to our mountain” event.

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 (exceptionally)
Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Mount Royal Park
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Free

The mountain has its limits!

The large number of residential developments that have surfaced on Mount Royal in the last several years calls into question whether the mountain is able to receive new construction while keeping its heritage assets in tact. Despite this rise in development, the notion of the mountain’s “capacity limits” to receive new construction remains vague and the protection of the mountain is subject to different interpretations. Can we arrive at a definition of this notion and apply it to a territory as vast and diverse as Mount Royal?

Photo: Ville de Montréal

To stimulate the thinking on this question, Les amis de la montagne are organizing a public discussion with the participation of five distinguished professionals:

Clément Demers, executive director of the Société du Quartier international de Montréal
Nancy Dunton, consultant on architectural projects
Peter Jacobs, professor at the École d'architecture du paysage of the Université de Montréal
Josette Michaud, architect with Beaupré et Michaud architectes
Claire Poitras, professor-researcher at the Centre - Urbanisation Culture Société at the INRS

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

Les amis de la montagne present their 2008-09 Annual Report

Les amis de la montagne presented their 2008-09 Annual Report at the Annual General Meeting held September 30, as well as the 2009 edition of the « Map of Mount Royal: Protection Challenges. »

The Annual Report, which presents the activities of the organization, as well as the financial statements for fiscal 2008-09, is available in PDF format on Les amis’ website under the section “About Us”. The Map of Mount Royal is distributed during the public forum or other interpretive activities of Les amis de la montagne held throughout the year.

ACTIVITIES

Environmental Stewardship Program – fall session

Les amis’ Environmental Stewardship Program, which began in early September, will continue this fall until October 12.

Activities have been concentrated in the area surrounding the children’s playground near Beaver Lake, in order to consolidate the forest edges and to improve the important ecological corridor that links the large forest of Mount Royal Park with the woods at Summit Park.

Thank you to our many volunteers, who since September, have participated on Saturday mornings in a number of conservation activities, such as planting and cutting alien invasive species. If you would like to participate in these activities, there’s still time to join!

We also thank the employees of a number of corporations for their participation, including GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Diageo, Palais des Congrès de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and the Institut Canadien des Comptables Agréés

The 12th edition of the Festival de la marche is a success

Under a clear blue sky and on a magnificent autumn day, hundreds of walkers and hikers took to the trails on Mount Royal on Saturday, September 26, as part of the Festival de la marche.

Photo: Jacques Lacroix

This 12th edition was organized by the Fédération québécoise de la marche, Les amis de la montagne, Chinook Aventure, Le club de marche de la Côte, Jass, Le club de marche Dynamique and Sportvac Plein Air. We extend heartfelt thanks to the many partners and volunteers for their contributions to the success of this event.

CALENDAR

"Mount Royal's Three Summits" guided walking tour - 20th anniversary

Join Les amis de la montagne's most popular and longest-running guided walking tour to discover the historic and natural heritage of Mount Royal and the many viewpoints from the mountain’s three summits. An opportunity to enjoy the autumn colours on the mountain. Offered in French.

Sunday, October 11, 18 and 25
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (about 12 km)
Departure from the G.-E. Cartier Monument, corner Avenue du Parc and Rue Rachel.
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Price: 13 years and over: $15; ages 6 to 12: $10

TAKE ACTION

By wearing a pair of “amis de la montagne” shoelaces, you help to conserve and keep this symbol of Montreal’s identity vibrant. Les amis de la montagne invite you to contribute to the mountain’s protection.

Purchase a pair of “amis de la montagne” shoelaces for $5 and show your attachment to Mount Royal. Wear the laces with pride and with the knowledge that you have taken a step in the right direction! The dazzling green laces make an excellent gift – at a very good price.

The shoelaces will be on sale as of October 4 at Smith House in Mount Royal Park and at Yellow stores throughout metropolitan Montreal – and soon on line on Les amis’ website.

Special newsletter - Mount Royal is "on the move" this fall!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

WALK-FEST: Festival de la marche on Mount Royal, September 26
GATHERING: “We’re tied to our mountain”, October 4
PUBLIC DEBATE: Invitation to a public debate on the environment, October 6
GUIDED WALK: Three Summits of Mount Royal, October 11, 18 and 25

Saturday, September 26: Festival de la marche on Mount Royal

In a group, with family or friends, join this special walk-fest to discover or rediscover Mount Royal. Hike along the mountain’s many wild trails, admire its diverse landscapes and its breathtaking viewpoints, climb its three summits or walk through the neighbourhoods that border its flanks.

Accessible to walkers and hikers of all levels, the Festival de la marche 2009 shines the spotlight on Mount Royal Park and its environs. From Rue Peel to the Westmount summit, from the large institutional properties, to the cemeteries and Beaver Lake, participants will have the opportunity to explore this legendary site and head off the beaten path to discover the lesser known treasures of Mount Royal.

Led by experienced guides, 8 different routes will be featured, as well as an exhibitors’ fair, terrific door prizes, activities at the starting line and a festive gathering for participants at the end of the day. A truly unforgettable day of fresh air awaits you!

Places are limited. Registration is required before September 26. Visit the festival website for more information or to register.

(Photo: Andrew Dobrowolskyj)

Sunday, October 4: "We’re tied to our mountain"

On Sunday, October 4, Les amis de la montagne are organizing a great gathering on Mount Royal, presented by Yellow. All friends and fans of the mountain are invited to the lookout near the Chalet in Mount Royal Park at 2 p.m. for an aerial photograph of everyone “tied” to Les amis de la montagne’s giant shoelace! Join in this demonstration of our attachment to the mountain – a strong and symbolic gesture in favour of the mountain’s protection!

Each participant will be able to obtain their official “friend card”, as well as the event’s singular and signature item, a pair of shoelaces, that everyone can continue wearing proudly after the event as a show of their commitment to the cause.

All participants will also be invited to enjoy a fall afternoon on the mountain in the company of artists and DJs at the chalet, where a variety of snacks and beverages will be available.

The “We’re tied to our mountain” event will be held rain or shine!

Mount Royal is the emblem of Montreal. The mountain is the pride of Montrealers and is an integral part of our identity by way of its history, what is provides the community and what it represents to each of us individually – a great asset to be preserved.

Tuesday, October 6: Invitation to a public debate on the environment

The Conseil régional de l’environnement-Montréal invites you to a public debate on the environment to be held between municipal party leaders, candidates for Mayor in the upcoming elections: Louise Harel, Vision Montréal; Richard Bergeron, Projet Montréal; and Gérald Tremblay, Union Montréal (to be confirmed).

Public transportation, reconfiguration of the Turcot interchange, protection of Mount Royal, residential collection of compost, smog episodes in wintertime, etc. This debate is your opportunity to become better acquainted with the municipal party platforms regarding our city’s greatest environmental challenges.

Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m.
Pavillon Sherbrooke, UQAM
200, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Métro Place-des-Arts, Saint-Laurent or McGill

Places are limited and the CRE-Montréal invites you to register online before October 1st.

Sunday, October 11, 18 and 25: "Mount Royal's Three Summits" guided walking tour - 20th anniversary

Sunday, October 11, 18 and 25
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (about 12 km)
Departure from the G.-E. Cartier Monument, corner Avenue du Parc and Rue Rachel.
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Price: 13 years and over: $15; ages 6 to 12: $10

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - August-September 2009

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

“We’re tied to our mountain”; “Green space not for sale”: project on the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary; launch of the 2009-2010 school programs and more!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, September 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

“Green Space Not For Sale”: news about the project proposed for the site of the Sulpicians’ former philosophy seminary

ACTIVITIES

New day camp for children on Mount Royal: what a lovely summer it was!
Launch of the 2009-2010 school programs

CALENDAR

Environmental Stewardship Program – fall session
“Travelling” animation in Mount Royal Park begins again
September 26: register for the Festival de la marche on Mount Royal

TAKE ACTION

“We’re tied to our mountain!”

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Mount Royal: an election issue?

Following a break in July and August, Les amis de la montagne’s public forum will be back this Wednesday, September 2. Despite appearances of an otherwise tranquil summer, several projects on the mountain have been active. The most important two projects concern the repurposing of the former mother house of the Sœurs-des-Saints-Noms-de-Jésus-et-de-Marie in Outremont and the development of the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary in Ville-Marie. The latter is a residential project presented in public consultation that comprises 325 units that would increase the built footprint of the property by 70% largely on existing green space. The project risks being authorised by the municipal council soon, albeit with certain modifications. (See the article below, « Green space not for sale ».)

Join us for a discussion on steps to be taken during the soon-to-be electoral campaign, to demand nothing less than exemplary projects on these two important sites and the protection of Mount Royal as an overriding priority.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road in Mount Royal Park
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

"Green Space Not For Sale": Is history repeating itself?

1986: Les amis de la montagne defend the mountain against an inappropriate development project.

2009: Les amis de la montagne defend the mountain against an inappropriate development project.

“Green Space Not For Sale”: project proposed for the site of the Sulpicians’ former philosophy seminary

Les amis de la montagne continued its political advocacy and information efforts throughout the summer to demand that the project proposed for the site of the Sulpicians' former philosophy seminary be reviewed in-depth and that it respect the protection principles upheld by citizens for their mountain. A great number of citizens also expressed their disagreement with the project during the consultations and in the weeks following.

Despite the critical report issued by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal on the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan and the project itself, representatives of the executive committee of the Ville de Montréal have declared their satisfaction over the commissioners’ recommendations concerning the change in the sites’ zoning from institutional to residential and have declared their intention to work with the developer to modify the projects’ plans as soon as possible.

The municipal council may decide to accept the project at their final meeting to be held before the elections on September 21. Les amis are concerned this project will be dealt with too quickly given that several fundamental protection issues have not been resolved, such as the definition of the mountain’s “limited capacity to receive new construction”, the preservation of institutional properties on the mountain and the protection of green spaces.

In order for the project to be acceptable, it needs to be reviewed along three criteria:

The protection of green spaces in their entirety;
The reuse of the main building;
A limit to construction within the existing built footprint.

This site is of too great importance for the mountain and for future projects to deny a rigorous planning process in line with the governmental decree and the protection plan.

Les amis’ next public forum will be devoted in part to this important dossier.

ACTIVITIES

New day camp for children on Mount Royal: what a lovely summer it was!

School has begun this week and summer is slowly coming to a close! Nonetheless, many youngsters will have happy memories of their day camp experience on the mountain, a total immersion in nature in the heart of downtown!

For this first year of day camp, Les amis welcomed 76 children ages 6 to 8, who discovered the secrets of the mountain and explored its many riches.

One happy family provided the following eloquent testimonial:

I wanted to congratulate your team for the lovely summer camp you offered. My children are still talking about their discoveries on the mountain. They are now more aware of and careful around nature.

Of course they would like to relive the experience all over again next year if the camp is again provided. Once again, good luck for next year and it will be our pleasure to recommend your camp!

Caroline, mother of Juliette and Zachary

Les amis wish to thank the parents for their vote of confidence and for a delightful time spent with the children this summer. We hope wholeheartedly to see you again next year!

Launch of Les amis de la montagne’s 2009-2010 school programs

Mount Royal is one of the most important green spaces in metropolitan Montreal. Easily accessible, the mountain is an ideal location for students to discover nature and history, or to simply live an unforgettable outdoor experience.

For close to 30 years, Les amis de la montagne have partnered with teachers in the greater Montreal area in reaching their pedagogical objectives.

Our environmental education programs place an emphasis on direct contact with the mountain’s heritage. We have a variety of pedagogical approaches and complementary activities that encourages scientific understanding, a sense of wonder and the emotional and sensorial discovery of the natural environment.

To obtain more information on our programs and services for school groups, please consult our 2009-2010 service offer (available in French). Contact us to reserve an outing in Mount Royal Park or for more information.

CALENDAR

Environmental Stewardship Program – fall session

Increase your knowledge of conservation while contributing to the work of preserving the mountain’s biodiversity. The program this fall consists of controlling alien invasive species and planting indigenous trees and shrubs.

Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon
From August 29 to October 17
Minimum age : 14

Participants must register in advance for the complete program. Contact Claude Drolet by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 242.

Discover the Mount Royal forest and the hidden treasures of the park with Les amis’ environmental educators

On Saturdays and Sundays from September 5 to October 11, Les amis de la montagne’s “travelling” animation on two alternating themes returns in the Beaver Lake area, along Olmsted Road and at the Kondiaronk lookout between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.: The Forests of Mount Royal: An Endangered Biodiversity and The Hidden Face of Mount Royal: Discovering the Park’s Little-Known Treasures.

Festival de la marche on Mount Royal on September 26 - register today!

The Festival de la marche is a unique opportunity to discover the mountain in a group, with your family or friends. This 12th edition of the festival, held for the first time on Mount Royal, is open to walkers and hikers of all levels. Participants will discover the many attractions and little-known corners of Mount Royal Park and its environs. Led by experienced guides, 8 designated trails will be featured, as well as an exhibitors’ fair, activities at the starting line and a festive gathering for participants at the end of the day.

Organized by the Fédération québécoise de la marche, Les amis de la montagne and five walking clubs from Montreal, visit the festival website for more information or to register.

TAKE ACTION

“We’re tied to our mountain!”

Les amis de la montagne are organizing a friendly large-scale gathering suitable for the whole family on October 4th at 2 p.m. at the Chalet du Mont-Royal near the lookout. This extraordinary event will provide participants the opportunity to demonstrate their profound attachment to our mountain.

Details of the activity will be available soon and invitations will be forwarded shortly. Until then, put October 4th in your agenda and we look forward to seeing you atop Mount Royal!

Former philosophy seminary: the Ville is abdicating its responsibilities

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The municipal administration is abdicating its responsibilities and turning a blind eye to the flaws in the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan

Project on the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Montreal, August 26, 2009 – Following the participation of the President of Les amis de la montagne in the municipal council’s question period on August 25, the organization concludes that our elected officials have abdicated their responsibilities in ensuring the transparent and rigorous management of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District and continue to turn a blind eye to the hard-hitting conclusions of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal regarding the faults in the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan and the project proposed for the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary.

Les amis de la montagne are astonished to learn from Helen Fotopulos, member of the executive committee responsible for Mount Royal, that the Ville de Montréal went ahead with the public consultation on the proposed residential project for the former seminary property earlier than the municipal administration would have liked based upon a preliminary favourable recommendation – a highly unorthodox gesture – issued by the Commission des biens culturels du Québec on February 12, 2009.

Moreover, Les amis de la montagne are astounded with Ms. Fotopulos’ judgement that the project proposed for the former seminary property respects the heritage of the site, as well as the Protection Plan, despite the projects’ many violations of the city’s urban plan. The project calls for 325 residential units, the construction of 17 new buildings and 671 parking spaces on a site with institutional zoning, which violates the city’s urban plan in terms of its use, density, height, volume, number of parking spaces and construction on the site. The organization also deplores the city’s unwillingness to provide a clear definition of the mountain’s “limited capacity” to receive new construction.

Les amis de la montagne submitted a letter to the municipal council during question period, which asks the following question: “Who truly stands to gain from the $300M development project proposed for the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary?” (PDF version available here, in French).

While Les amis de la montagne understand that a $300M investment will provide the city with revenues from property tax, how does the Government of Quebec stand to benefit by forcing such a project on Montreal? And who is listening to the citizens of Montreal, who have repeated in survey after survey and public consultation after public consultation that green spaces on the mountain must be protected and restrictions imposed upon any new construction?

The project proposed for the former site of the philosophy seminary is unacceptable and must be reviewed in its entirety. The Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan does not provide sufficiently clear guidelines and the rules governing development projects on the mountain’s periphery, which is largely comprised of institutional properties, must be clarified. This crucial exercise should be undertaken before the project on the former seminary property receives any form of authorisation. Need this matter become an electoral issue?

About Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986 that works to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Former philosophy seminary: reaction to the executive committee's communiqué

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne demand an exemplary project and a transparent decision-making process

Montreal, 14 August 2009 – Reacting to the response by Montreal’s executive committee and by Helen Fotopulos, member responsible for Mount Royal, to the report by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) on the project to develop the former site of the Sulpicians' philosophy seminary, Les amis de la montagne demand nothing less than an exemplary project for the site and transparency in all subsequent decisions regarding the mountain from the municipal administration.

Les amis de la montagne are stunned by the executive committee’s expression of “satisfaction” in their August 13 press release over the site’s change in zoning from institutional to residential. For Les amis de la montagne, the elected leaders are jumping too quickly to conclusions before even ensuring that the project meets the conditions required for its go-ahead. This opinion places serious doubt upon the rigorous examination of the project promised by the executive committee in its August 13 statement. Les amis de la montagne continue to question the benefits of the proposed project for Montrealers and its positive contribution for the future of Mount Royal. The presence of great institutions on the mountain is an inherent part of Montreal’s history and the increasing disappearance of their institutional vocation should be a source of great concern to the municipal administration.

Les amis de la montagne underline that the report from the OCPM criticized the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan for not providing satisfactory criteria regarding the redevelopment of great institutional properties on the mountain: “ … the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan provides for the individual ad hoc treatment of development projects on institutional or residential properties. In so doing, it does not establish clear guidelines and leaves too much latitude to negotiation.” (Translation of reference on p. 83). Moreover, according to the OCPM report: “The clarification of the rules that should be applicable to development projects on the perimeter of the mountain is in the interest of everyone. It is a question of the credibility itself of the Protection and Enhancement Plan.” (Translation of reference on p. 84).

According to Les amis de la montagne, the question regarding the mountain’s capacity to receive new construction remains at the heart of the debate and is integral to the notion of the mountain’s protection. This fundamental question cannot be evaded by a piecemeal planning approach held uniquely between developers and the public authorities.

“We expect the municipal administration to dedicate the most rigorous and necessary efforts to define the concept of limited capacity for the mountain,” said Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne. “The municipal administration that opted for a consultative process in the creation of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal, should treat this question with the same transparency and openness considering the importance of the subject. We expect to be able to discuss this question openly and publicly before any decisions are rendered for the project to develop the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary.”

Les amis de la montagne reiterate the outcome of numerous public consultations and surveys by the OCPM and other professional firms, whereby Montrealers expressed their unequivocal desire to limit new construction as a tangible measure to protect Mount Royal. The OCPM clearly stated in its report that the Cato project as proposed will increase the built surface of the property by 70%. According to Les amis de la montagne, this increase is completely contrary to the message of moderation evoked in the Protection and Enhancement Plan and greatly exceeds the mountain’s capacity to receive new construction.

About Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986 that works to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Project to develop the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In support of the report by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne ask that clear guidelines be applied to the project to develop the Sulpicians’ site former occupied by Marianopolis College

Montreal, 11 August 2009 – Les amis de la montagne recognize that the recommendations of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) on the project to develop the Sulpician’s former philosophy seminary is a step in the right direction. However, we believe that the most important point regarding the mountain’s limits to receiving new construction is still not resolved. Specifically, Les amis support the OCPM’s position that a project on a site of such exceptional importance on the mountain be nothing less than exemplary.

“We note that the report contains a number of positive elements,” said Peter Howlett, president of Les amis de la montagne. “Nonetheless, the OCPM is of the opinion that the Développement Cato project poses numerous problems regarding its volume, the protection of viewpoints and naturals spaces and public access to the site.” Les amis de la montagne ask, in support of the OCPM’s recommendations, that clear and precise guidelines be applied to the site prior to the approval of any project on the location.

“We are asking the Ville de Montréal to emit a moratorium on the proposed project and to quickly form a working group whose mandate it will be to identify concrete solutions that will allow the economic development of Montreal without any sacrifices to our heritage,” added Peter Howlett. “This exercise must be given the highest priority for the former philosophy seminary site and solutions must be put into effect for all future projects within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.”

About Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne is an independent charitable organization founded in 1986 that works to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

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Information:

Gabrielle Korn

Director of Communications

Les amis de la montagne

T: 514 843-8240 ext. 237

gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July 2009

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Project on the former site of the Sulpicians' seminary, TD Green Sunday, aquatic plants in Beaver Lake, the mountain's biodiversity, the Festival de la marche and much more!

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE’S PUBLIC FORUM

Les amis’ monthly public forum is taking a summer holiday break, but will return on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Watch your August newsletter for the invitation.

NEWS

Residential project on the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary
Spotlight on Smith House: a salute to the 150th anniversary of this historic domain
TD Green Sunday: 800 trees are planted on Mount Royal
Les amis de la montagne participate in the creation of Montreal’s Geotourism MapGuide
The mountain beltway: construction begins on two sections
The aquatic plant life of Beaver Lake

ACTIVITIES

Les amis de la montagne participate in a project to support Mount Royal’s biodiversity for a 2nd year
Summer activities of the conservation patrol

CALENDAR

September 26: Mount Royal plays host to the « Festival de la marche »
Discover Mount Royal by guided podcast
Enjoy summertime on the mountain

TAKE ACTION

Consider making a monthly donation to Les amis de la montagne

NEWS

Residential project on the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary

Close to 60 presentations were made during the public hearings this spring on the project proposed for the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary. According to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM), the commissioners’ report should be made public in early August, in the midst of the summer vacation season.

You may visit the OCPM’s website to consult the position papers and presentations or click here to review press clippings on the subject.

Les amis de la montagne consider the project presented by Development CATO Inc. unacceptable because it does not respect this exceptional site, an integral part of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District. The project does not respect the historic, landscape and social values, or the interests of the community, at the level both expected and acceptable for this site.

This residential development project, the first project put forward since the adoption of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan by the executive committee of the city of Montreal on April 29, 2009, will serve as the reference point and set the precedent for all future development projects within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

To attain a level of acceptability, the project needs to be reviewed in depth along three criteria:

A limit to development within the existing built footprint of the site;
Re-use of the main building only;
Complete protection of green spaces on the site.

This site is of too great importance for the mountain and for future projects to not undergo a rigorous planning process in line with the governmental decree and the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan.

Spotlight on Smith House: Continuité salutes the 150th anniversary of this historic domain

To mark the 150th anniversary of Smith House last year, the magazine Continuité dedicated its “favourites” section to “La maison du mont Royal” in its summer 2009 edition.

In an article written by Dinu Bumbaru, policy director of Héritage Montréal and Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne, the authors recount how the numerous vocations of Smith House have reflected the era of its occupants through time, as well as the evolution of Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Continuité, a publication associated with the Conseil des monuments et sites du Québec, is the only French-language magazine devoted to heritage. You may purchase a copy of the summer edition of the magazine at the Smith House nature-boutique.

TD Green Sunday: 800 trees are planted on Mount Royal

Photo: Karine Gagné

For a fourth consecutive year, nearly 300 TD Bank Financial Group employees and their family reunited on Mount Royal on June 7th to join Les amis de la montagne in planting 800 trees and shrubs and to cut down alien invasive species. These activities were conducted in support of an initiative to protect and enhance Mount Royal’s biodiversity.

Les amis de la montagne extends its thanks to the TD Bank Financial Group and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation whose participation has allowed the planting of more than 2,200 trees and shrubs in Mount Royal Park since 2006.

Les amis de la montagne participate in the publication of Montreal’s Geotourism MapGuide

Les amis de la montagne were proud to participate in the launch of the Montreal Geotourism MapGuide at Montreal City Hall on June 15th last. This map was produced by the National Geographic Society in collaboration with numerous groups and associations, as well as with the participation of Montrealers.

The first urban Geotourism MapGuide in the world, the publication covers the island of Montreal and showcases over 100 natural, cultural and historic attractions, including, of course, Mount Royal. The concept of geotourism promotes the geographic character of a destination, including its environment, culture, aesthetic appeal, heritage and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Published in French and in English at an initial print run of 130,000, the print version of the Geotourism MapGuide is available at Smith House. An electronic version is also available.

The mountain beltway: construction begins on two sections

The Ville de Montréal announced the start of construction on two sections of the new Mount Royal beltway beginning June 22nd last, the latest step in the creation of a path measuring more than 10 km on the western and northern flanks of Mount Royal, resulting in a circular pedestrian and bicycle route around the mountain.

This beltway will extend the Olmsted Road experience, located in Mount Royal Park. Once completed, the beltway will connect the main summit in Mount Royal Park to the Outremont summit, back again to the Olmsted Road along Avenue du Parc.

For information regarding the construction project, citizens may call the city’s “Info-Travaux” hotline at 514 872-3777 or visit the city’s website.

The aquatic plant life of Beaver Lake

Those who frequent the Beaver Lake sector of Mount Royal Park will have noticed the proliferation of aquatic plants in this artificial lake that develop with remarkable speed. Not only do these aquatic plants threaten the beauty of the area’s landscape, but they also disturb the functioning of the pedal boats, a choice family activity in this sector of the park.

Unfortunately, these alien species are difficult to control. The Eurasian Watermilfoil (L. Myriophyllum spicatum) is a submersed plant that takes root in aquatic plant beds and grows towards the surface where it branches out in abundance to form a thick carpet. The Common Reed (L. Phragmites australis) is a plant with thick underground stems that contain buds and roots. The elimination of either species is an enormous challenge and a variety of methods (chemical, mechanical, physical and biological) have been tested elsewhere to eliminate these plants, but with mitigated success. Like most alien species, once the Eurasian Watermilfoil is established, its eradication from the site where it takes root is next to impossible.

In collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, Les amis de la montagne are currently looking for a solution to remove this plant proliferation, at least for the summer season when growth is at its peak.

ACTIVITIES

Les amis de la montagne participate in a project to support Mount Royal’s biodiversity for a 2nd year

For a second consecutive year, Les amis de la montagne are collaborating on a project to restore and develop our urban biodiversity on Mount Royal.

This project targets the protection, conservation and enhancement of the mountain’s natural environment, as part of the “Valorisation Jeunesse – Place à la relève” program, which was put in place to help visible minority youth whose academic performance makes them candidates to enter the work force.

Launch of the project to support Mount Royal's biodiversity in the presence of Helen Fotopulos, member of the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for Mount Royal Park, nature parks, nature museums and the status of women, and Anne-Marie Prud'homme, of the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement (far right, under the black umbrella).

In total, 10 young people accompanied by a biologist team-leader will carry out a number of tasks on the properties of St-Joseph’s Oratory, the Université de Montréal and Collège Brébeuf. The Ile-de-la-Visitation and Bois-de-Liesse nature parks are other sites also involved in this program.

The project operations, made possible by financial contributions from the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement, the Valorisation Jeunesse program (by agreement between the Ville de Montréal, the Ministère des Affaires municipals, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire and the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles du Québec), the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal, Emploi d’été Canada and the C-Vert program of the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation, will be overseen by Les amis de la montagne. The Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain (Soverdi) will provide the plants.

Summer activities of the conservation patrol

The activities of the Mount Royal Conservation Patrol begin again this summer. Ground patrols will be conducted over the entire territory of Mount Royal Park and a series of awareness-raising campaigns on specific problems will be held through August 22.

The patrollers are mandated to raise awareness of and distribute information to citizens and visitors to Mount Royal Park relative to existing municipal by-laws. Within the context of prevention, the patrollers will stroll along the park's trails in order to sensitize visitors to the impact on the surroundings of a number of activities such as feeding wild animals, walking your dog without a leash, walking or cycling off-trail and exceeding the speed limit on your bicycle along Olmsted Road.

Also, the patrollers will oversee the environmental stewardship program this summer, a program that involves the community in indigenous tree-planting activities and the cutting of alien invasive species on the mountain.

CALENDAR

September 26: Mount Royal plays host to the "Festival de la marche"

The Fédération québécoise de la marche, Les amis de la montagne and five walking clubs from Montreal are joining forces to organize the 12th edition of the Festival de la marche to be held on September 26, 2009, on Mount Royal.

Photo: Andrew Dobrowolsky

Open to walkers and hikers of all levels, this edition will provide participants with the opportunity to discover the many attractions and lesser-known treasures of Mount Royal Park and its environs and to explore the many trails specially designed for this occasion, through the practice of a healthy and stimulating activity in good company.

At least 1,000 walkers from all corners of Quebec are expected to participate.

For more information or to register, visit the festival website.

Discover Mount Royal by guided podcast

With a multimedia player in hand, explore the summit loop in Mount Royal Park while listening to and watching a series of short vignettes that help you better appreciate the site. Download the podcasts for free at lemontroyal.qc.ca or rent a multimedia player at Smith House during opening hours. Rental: $5 (photo ID required). Approximate length of the tour: 90 minutes but adaptable to your own pace.

Enjoy summertime on the mountain

Walking through the forest. Observing the flora and the fauna. Taking a nap under the shade of a tree. Mount Royal offers all of these activities and more – at no charge and in the heart of the city, a location waiting to be discovered again and again.

The mountain boasts a rich and diversified historic and natural heritage. Its famous park is an oasis of green space and tranquility, while the many institutions located on its flanks possess an abundance of heritage treasures more fascinating than the next.

We invite you to visit our information services at Smith House for information on the many activities and services available on Mount Royal this summer.

TAKE ACTION

Make a monthly contribution to Les amis de la montagne

Monthly giving is one of the most manageable and effective ways you can support efforts to protect Mount Royal. Your pre-authorized gift is automatically debited from your Visa or MasterCard credit card each month. It's convenient for you and provides Les amis with a steady, reliable source of funding. You may change or cancel your pledge at any time and an income tax receipt for the total of your contribution will be mailed to you at the end of the calendar year. For more information, contact Anna Coscia at 514 843-8240 ext. 239.

TD Green Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

TD Green Sunday: 800 trees planted in Mount Royal Park!

Montreal, June 9, 2009 – Green shield, greener thumb! Nearly 250 TD Bank Financial Group employees get their hands dirty in support of Les amis de la montagne initiative to conserve our city's natural treasure. Employees and their families gathered last Sunday in Mount Royal Park to plant 800 trees and shrubs and to cut down alien invasive species in support of an initiative led by Les amis de la montagne to protect and enhance Mount Royal's biodiversity.

Click on the image above to access the complete photo gallery of the TD Green Sunday event held on Mount Royal on June 7 last. Photos: Karine Gagné, 2009.

"This fundamental cause touches our collective future and that of the next generation," said Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. "Thanks to devoted volunteers who work on behalf of the planet, as well as the commitment of institutions and communities, we can make a difference and protect our environment. This activity is a true success and demonstrates our deep commitment!"

TD Green Sunday is an annual tree-planting activity held by employees of TD Bank Financial Group in support of its national charity TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. This initiative is one of many annual events that TD Bank Financial Group and its employees take part in to promote the protection of the environment.

"Les amis de la montagne are very pleased to collaborate with TD Bank Financial Group, an exemplary partner. This multi-year partnership runs deeper than its financial contribution. By coming to the mountain to participate in hands-on tree planting activities or the removal of invasive plant species, the employees and their families embody their companies' commitment," said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director, Les amis de la montagne.

Photos: Karine Gagné, 2009

Nearly three quarters of the participants planted 800 trees and shrubs including indigenous species such as the Red Oak, Striped Maple, Mountain Maple and Cranberry tree. These plantings took place in the Beaver Lake sector of the park. Another 50 participants cut down buckthorn, an alien invasive species on the mountain, also in the Beaver Lake sector.

Les amis de la montagne have been committed to a series of environmental activities and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of Mount Royal's natural environment since 1998, in keeping with the objectives of the City of Montreal's Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan. All activities are supervised by professionals and are in line with a scientific, research-based process aimed at increasing knowledge of the natural environment and intervention methods for its conservation.

About TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF)

Since 1990, TD FEF has provided nearly $50 million in funding to over 18,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across Canada. In 2008, TD FEF provided more than $3 million in support of over 800 projects. Thousands of TD customers and employees donate to TD FEF on a monthly basis and TD Bank Financial Group contributes in excess of $1 million annually. TD also covers the management costs of running TD FEF; this ensures 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes directly to funding environment and wildlife projects inthe community where the donation was made. For more information on how to donate and get involved in your community, visit the foundation's website.

TD Green Sunday on June 7, 2009

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne welcome 300 employees from the TD Bank Financial Group who will lend a helping hand to Mount Royal

“TD Green Sunday” on Mount Royal, Sunday, June 7, 2009

Close to 300 employees of TD Bank Financial Group will join Les amis de la montagne to participate in activities to conserve Mount Royal’s natural environment as part of the TD Green Sunday initiative.

Photo: Karine Gagné, 2008

Date:

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Time/location:

9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Registration and words of welcome, Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Mount Royal Park
9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Environmental activities – planting and cutting, Mount Royal Park, Beaver Lake sector

NOTE: Due to the Tour de l’Île de Montréal on Sunday, June 7, the Voie Camillien-Houde will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including public transportation (bus #11). The western access to Mount Royal Park from Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and Chemin Remembrance will remain accessible.

Click here for more information on the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

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Source/information:

Gabrielle Korn

Les amis de la montagne

514 843-8240 ext. 237

Fiona Hirst

TD Bank Financial Group

514 385-2222 ext. 2474

Les amis' newsletter - June 2009

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"No more compromises"; the Corvée mountain clean-up; the Prix du Mont-Royal awards ceremony

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

No more compromises: the campaign to stop the residential project on the former philosophy seminary site continues

ACTIVITIES

18th Corvée mountain clean-up: Once again, Montrealers show their attachment to the mountain
Prix du Mont-Royal awards ceremony: Recipient, Peter Jacobs, with honourable mention to François Odermatt
Inauguration of the children’s playground, “The Salamander”, for the young and young-at-heart!

CALENDAR

Spring edition of the Three Summits Guided Walking Tour
Fresh air and dining al fresco – summer’s almost here!

TAKE ACTION

Make your annual campaign donation to Les amis

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Your Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is the gem of the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is the location of choice for millions of visitors each year. In order to make these visits to the mountain as enriching an experience as possible, the Ville de Montréal has undertaken the restoration of the park’s infrastructures.

The June forum will be the last before the summer hiatus. We welcome Wendy Graham, landscape architect with the Ville de Montréal, who works to improve the quality of the park. Join us to discuss your concerns about the park and means to improve this important site. Topics will include the park’s restoration program, enhancement projects, park signage and the availability of park furnishings.

Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road in Mount Royal Park
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

No more compromises: the campaign to stop the residential project on the former philosophy seminary site continues

Les amis de la montagne were first to present their position paper at the hearings of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) on the project proposed for the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary on May 27 last.

Les amis recently launched a petition addressed to the Minister of Culture and the Mayor of Montreal asking them to reject the project and to stop the consultation process to ensure that the project receives a rigourous evaluation before any decisions are taken on the future of the site.

The proposal to construct residences on this exceptional site coincides with one of the mountain’s most important steps towards achieving true protection in recent history. Never have elected officials at both municipal and provincial levels debated, discussed or confirmed their intentions to protect the mountain to this current extent.

The project for the site of the former philosophy seminary is the first of importance to be presented under the regulations of both the historic and natural district decree and the city’s recently adopted master protection plan. The process, the analysis and the final result of this project will in essence become the test case, or the reference for all subsequent projects on the mountain.

With the stipulations of the decree and the protection plan, we fail to understand the justifications that qualify this project as “receivable” given that the project will include 325 residential units, 17 new buildings and 671 parking spaces on an exceptional historic site that is characterized by the predominance of a main building in the centre of a garden landscape.

The project is not acceptable to Les amis for the following reasons:

The project does not respect the decree creating the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District in all aspects related to the protection of institutional and historic properties on the mountain, a site that, according to the decree, “deserves protection because it is a unique non-renewable resource and constitutes a site of symbolic significance for Québec";
The project violates the city’s urban plan and the amendment to the plan, the only regulatory documents that outline the criteria for guiding development on the mountain’s great institutions, which comprise 80% of the properties on Mount Royal;
The project goes against the spirit and the intentions of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan, which clearly expresses the notion of the mountain’s capacity to receive new construction;
The project has received unfavourable or extremely critical assessments by heritage and urban planning experts hired by the Ville de Montréal to provide counsel to elected officials. These assessments serve also as reference documents available to citizens during the consultation process. These advisory bodies were unanimous in their position about the project’s density, each asking the developer to modify the project.

You can read Les amis’ position paper (available in French) by clicking here.

ACTIVITIES

18th Corvée mountain clean-up, May 10

Click here to view the photo gallery of the 2009 edition of the Corvée du Mont-Royal.

Photos: © Les amis de la montagne / A. Dobrowolskyj

Under grey skies, more than 300 Montrealers showed their attachment to the mountain by participating in the 18th edition of the Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up on May 10, giving Mother Nature a hand on Mother’s Day.

Since 1990, this annual springtime tradition has allowed the participation of close to 11,000 individuals to make a concrete gesture for their mountain, including the collection of close to 5,000 bags of garbage and the planting of more than 5,000 trees.

For this 18th edition of the clean-up, more than 60 bags of trash were collected from only 40% of the park’s territory, with the discovery of an increased number of illegal campsites, a problem on the rise. In total, six makeshift campsites were taken down, including mattresses, sleeping bags and camp fires.

About one third of the participants planted 500 indigenous trees and shrubs in two areas around Beaver Lake, including the Hemlock, Sugar Maple, Shadblow Serviceberry and Cranberry-Tree.

Two teams of volunteers evaluated previous tree plantings and two teams cut down some common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species on the mountain.

The Corvée du Mont-Royal is the flagship event of “May 2009: Mount Royal Month”, which is the original idea of Les amis de la montagne, realized jointly with the Ville de Montréal, thanks to the generosity of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. May is a month of activities dedicated to the discovery and conservation of the natural environment and the exploration of the many facets of the mountain.

Prix du Mont-Royal awards ceremony, 2009 edition

The Prix du Mont-Royal awards ceremony was held in the newly inaugurated children’s playground in Mount Royal Park on May 25.

Helen Fotopulos, member of the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for Mount Royal, nature parks and great parks, nature museums and the status of women and Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President of Les amis de la montagne, together with Éric Morisset, Managing Director and Group Head, Quebec Investment Banking for TD Securities, awarded the 2009 Prix du Mont-Royal to Peter Jacobs, professor in the School of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Urban Planning at the Université de Montréal, and an honourable mention to François Odermatt, art collector and Montreal philanthropist.

The Prix du Mont-Royal was initiated by Les amis de la montagne in 2005. The Prix is awarded in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal, participants for a 5th consecutive year, and through the generosity of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as principal partners. The Prix du Mont-Royal is awarded to an individual, who through their commitment towards the conservation of our collective historic and natural heritage and their vision, are a source of inspiration to us all.

L to R: Helen Fotopulos, Peter A. Howlett, C.M., Peter Jacobs, Sylvie Guilbault, Éric Morisset, Wendy Graham

L to R: Helen Fotopulos, François Odermatt (with his son), Peter A. Howlett, C.M., Éric Morisset

Photos: © Les amis de la montagne / Martin Roy

Peter Jacobs, committed to the conservation and enhancement of the mountain

Professor in the School of Landscape Architecture in the Faculty of Urban Planning at the Université de Montréal, as well as an emeritus speaker and recipient of numerous awards in landscape architecture, Peter Jacobs has worked many years for the protection and enhancement of our mountain. Together with Oswald Foisy, he wrote a book titled, “Les quatre saisons du mont Royal”, published in 2000 by Meridian Press. He integrates the findings of his studies into the educational content of his university courses on landscapes using Mount Royal as his canvas, and in so doing, contributes to forming the next generation of professionals sensitive to Mount Royal’s historic and natural heritage.

François Odermatt, collector and contributor to the beauty of Mount Royal

Dedicated to the democratization of art, François Odermatt has made a number of donations of works of art to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art. He receives the honourable mention to underline his generosity in establishing the exhibit of sculptures by Ju Ming in the vicinity of Beaver Lake on the mountain, an exhibit also made possible thanks to the generosity of Power Corporation of Canada. Inaugurated in the fall of 2006, the exhibit has been prolonged to October 2009.

Inauguration of the children’s playground, “The Salamander”, for the young and young-at-heart! Another successful project towards the restoration and enhancement of the Beaver Lake sector

First inaugurated in the 1960s, the children’s playground in Mount Royal Park has undergone a complete makeover that is sure to please the entire family. Built in the shape of a salamander, a small, protected amphibian that can be found in the park, the new playground features a variety of installations to play on. The addition of picnic tables in the area and new park furnishings (benches, tables, drinking fountains, etc.), are designed to make the park experience more enjoyable for families. New trees and shrubs have also been planted in the area in keeping with the landscapes of the park, the ecosystem and Mount Royal. The playground concept was the design of the Groupe Cardinal Hardy and the work was undertaken by Ventech.

The Groupe Cardinal Hardy also designed a new pathway that winds through the playground celebrating children’s rights. Unique in North America, this pathway is the result of an initiative of the Société pour un monde digne des enfants whose activities help finance projects in support of the protection of children. The pathway combines a walk with games and information, in order to help visitors, both young and not-so-young, to understand the rights of children.

Text adapted from a press release issued by the Ville de Montréal on May 25, 2009.

Les amis de la montagne wishes to congratulate the Ville de Montréal and its partners for the success of this enhancement project.

CALENDAR

Three Summits Guided Walking Tour

Les amis de la montagne’s guided walking tours have always been popular with citizens and visitors curious to learn more about the historic and natural heritage of Mount Royal and to discover, in the company of our expert educators, its many hidden treasures. One of the most popular and longest-running tours returns this spring. The Three Summits Guided Walking Tour promises the discovery of the entire mountain through its numerous points of view. This walk is also an excellent occasion to enjoy the spring flowers!

Sunday, June 7
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (about 12 km)
Departure from the G.-E. Cartier Monument, corner Avenue du Parc and Rue Rachel
Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0
Price: 13 years and over, $15; ages 6 to 12, $10

Fresh air and dining al fresco – summer’s almost here!

Photo: © Les amis de la montagne / S. Montigné

The summer season is almost upon us! Fresh air aficionados will soon be able to take a tour of Beaver Lake by pedal boat – an activity that is sure to work up an appetite! And to tame those hunger pangs, why not visit us at Café Smith? Take in the café’s warmth and country-like charm on the outdoor terrace, while enjoying a variety of wholesome offerings: sandwiches, warm platters, hot and cold beverages, wine, St-Ambroise beer and an assortment of sweets!

Schedule: Pedal boat rental at Beaver Lake

Weekends of June 6–7 and 13–14, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
June 20–August 23: weekdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; weekends, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Weekends of August 29–30 and September 5–6–7, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Cost: $8/30 minutes—maximum two adults per craft

$2 for a third person (child under 12 years of age)

A deposit of $5 is required

Last rental: 30 minutes before closing

Schedule: Café Smith restaurant and terrace

From May 2 to June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
From June 20 to September 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
From September 8 to November 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

TAKE ACTION

Les amis’ annual campaign: concrete actions for the preservation of our heritage

Les amis de la montagne depends upon generous donations from individuals, foundations and corporations for the majority of its financing. Every dollar counts and allows us to:

Rally the community on the mountain’s protection challenges;
Influence public policy in favour of the mountain’s conservation;
Establish innovative school partnerships providing hands-on nature experiences for thousands of children;
Create unique tools to discover the mountain’s heritage, such as the new interactive map available on the web; and
Deliver environmental education programs, welcome and information services, outdoor rental equipment and dining services to hundreds of thousands of visitors to the park annually.

Support Les amis’ actions – make a donation today. Thank you for your gift!

The time for compromise is over

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The preservation of the mountain demands our call to action!

THE TIME FOR COMPROMISE IS OVER.

The preservation of the mountain demands our call to action!

(Maquette / OCPM)

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal is currently studying a residential development project on the former site of Marianopolis College. The project includes the conversion of the main historic building into prestigious residences and the construction of condominium complexes and single-family dwellings. In total, the project calls for 325 residential units and the addition of 671 underground parking places on the property.

The project, which has obtained preliminary approval from the City of Montreal and the provincial government, violates the city’s urban plan in terms of use, density, height, volume, allowable parking places and construction on the site!

After 10 years of tireless advocacy, we, as a community, have obtained special recognition for Mount Royal from the provincial government as a site of national interest to be preserved, and requiring from the City the creation of a consultative process and protection plan in favour of the mountain’s preservation.

This residential project, the first to be evaluated under the guiding principles of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan, will become the reference project for all others to come.

Les amis de la montagne consider this project to be unacceptable; it must be modified to allow the true preservation of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage for the benefit of Montreal and the community, citizens of today and of the future.

Together, we have the right to demand for ourselves and for our children, those who will inherit this most unique of cities in North America, a project built on excellence and not compromise.

To demonstrate your disapproval of this project, a project that will guide all further decisions on the future of the mountain, we invite you to take action in the following ways:

Sign the petition asking to refuse the project and forward it to your friends, family and colleagues.
Present a written or oral statement to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal expressing your disagreement with the project – the most effective way in ensuring that the community’s displeasure with the project is officially recorded.

For either a written or oral statement, you must register no later than May 21 with the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) by calling 514 872-8510.
Your written statement must also reach the OCPM by May 21.
Hearings begin on May 27.
Please see the attached documents explaining the hearings procedure.

You may also write a letter to the elected officials who will need to make a decision on this project in the coming months:

Ms Christine St-Pierre

Ministre de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine

480, boul. Saint-Laurent, 7e étage

Montréal (Québec) H2Y 3Y7

T : 514 873-2137

F : 514 873-0980

Mr. Gérald Tremblay

Maire de Montréal

275 rue Notre-Dame Est

Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1C6

T : 514 872-3101

F : 514 872-4059

Mr. Karim Boulos

Conseiller de l’arrondissement du district Peter-McGill

Arrondissement de Ville-Marie, Ville de Montréal

888, boul. De Maisonneuve Est, 5e étage

Montréal (Québec) H2L 4S8

T : 514 868-5167

F : 514 872-8347

Invite your friends, family and colleagues to take part.

Thank you again for your support. Should you have any questions, please contact us.

Once again, Montrealers show their attachment to the mountain

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Corvée Mountain Clean-up, Sunday, May 10, 2009

PRESS RELEASE - for immediate distribution

Corvée Mountain Clean-up, Sunday, May 10:

ONCE AGAIN, MONTREALERS SHOW THEIR ATTACHMENT TO THE MOUNTAIN

Montreal, May 10, 2009 – Under grey skies, more than 300 Montrealers showed their attachment to the mountain by participating in the 18th edition of the Corvée du Mont-Royal mountain clean-up this morning, giving Mother Nature a hand on Mother’s Day.

Since 1990, this annual springtime tradition has allowed close to 11,000 individuals make a concrete gesture for their mountain, including the collection of close to 5,000 bags of garbage and the planting of more than 5,000 trees.

About one third of the participants planted 500 indigenous trees and shrubs including the Hemlock, Sugar Maple, Shadblow Serviceberry and Cranberry-Tree, in two areas around Beaver Lake.

Two teams of volunteers evaluated previous tree plantings and two teams cut down some common buckthorn, an exotic invasive species on the mountain.

Photos: Andrew Dobrowolskyj, 2009

“May 2009: Mount Royal Month” calendar of events

A conference on the mountain’s geology will be held on May 13 as part of the Université de Montréal’s “Belles Soirées” (in French). The public will be able to participate in two guided walks with specialists from Les amis de la montagne on the topic of geology on May 20 and on the topic of ornithology on May 22.

The 5th Prix du Mont-Royal will be awarded on May 25 by Les amis de la montagne and the Ville de Montréal to an individual whose vision and commitment to the preservation of the mountain’s heritage is an inspiration to us all.

On Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, the 2nd edition of the exhibit “Sur le toit de Montréal” will be on view at Smith House. This exhibit features works by more than 400 elementary school students in the form of posters created collectively by each class. The project was made possible by the Programme de soutien à l’école montréalaise du ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport and Les amis de la montagne, in partnership with the Université de Montréal, St-Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal and the cavalry unit of the SPVM.

Activities of the mountain’s great institutions

The activities of eight of the mountain’s great institutions are included for the first time in the calendar of Mount Royal Month events: the cavalry unit of the SPVM, Cimetière Mont-Royal, Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, Musée McCord, Musée Redpath, Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, Université de Montréal (Les Belles Soirées) and Université McGill.

The complete calendar of activities organized as part of Mount Royal Month is available on the following websites: lemontroyal.qc.ca and ville.montreal.qc.ca/bureaumontroyal.

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Project on the former Marianopolis College site

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

No more compromises for Mount Royal

Montreal, May 4, 2009

Letter of opinion – Les amis de la montagne

Former Marianopolis College site: No more compromises for Mount Royal

After more than 20 years of advocacy efforts by citizens and associations such as Les amis de la montagne to obtain the protection of Mount Royal, the city of Montreal finally announced the creation of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan adopted by council last week, stating that: “Never in its history, has Mount Royal been so well protected.”

Tonight, citizens are asked to participate in the first of three nights of public consultations concerning a vast residential project planned for the magnificent site of the former Marianopolis College, located within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District. This project derogates from the mountain’s protection plan and the city’s urban planning by-laws with regards to use, density, height, volume, allowable installation on the site and adequate protection of vegetation.

Citizens are being subjected to a remarkably short timeframe to prepare comments and opinions for a proceeding on a multi-million dollar project that has all the appearances of provincial and municipal pre-approval.

The astonishing contradiction between our provincial and municipal leaders’ creation of a master protection and enhancement plan for Mount Royal coupled with its decision to push an overtly oversized if not outright unacceptable project through public consultation is a sad indictment of our provincial and municipal leaders’ weakness when faced with making the right decision.

This dramatic abyss between policy and practice is also an affront to citizens and to true democracy. Rather than debate the very nature of the project, we are forced to criticize its minutiae. As citizens, we are left to defend the mountain in the face of this political ambivalence, earning nothing more than the title of antagonists or worse yet, “immobilistes” or those who fight change for the sake of fighting change.

The provincial ministry of culture and the municipal administration have demonstrated an historic unwillingness to live by their political undertakings and regulatory guidelines as manifested in a long line of important projects they failed to protect. This political “immobilisme” is no longer acceptable – the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan is supposed to announce a new day for the mountain and our community.

And so Les amis de la montagne and the community will spend the next several weeks pouring over plans and documentation as part of the consultation process. But are we being lured into thinking that our only possible reaction is to challenge elements of the project being presented, as opposed to the project itself?

Public monies have been invested into commenting upon and shaping the proposed project, which in its current iteration seems to comply with the criteria of the various requested studies. The project, however, does not comply with the current zoning for the site, the starting point and very essence of the nature of the project, nor does it abide by the communities’ desire to maintain the current, limited amount of green space on the mountain.

The project is neither appropriate, nor worthy of the former Marianopolis College site and is sadly, a reminder of the adjacent “Ferme sous les noyers” project of 1999. The Ferme sous les noyers was a very beautiful property located on the southern flank of Mount Royal, located off Atwater and Saint-Sulpice, with a greystone building in the midst of a terraced garden that hugged the mountain’s topography and that could be discovered only by walking through the property, a hidden treasure in the heart of the city.

A massively intense residential development carried out without respect for the historic character of the site completely transformed the landscape to the point where, in 2003, the site was unequivocally removed from within the limits of the Mount Royal protected territory decreed by the Gouvernement du Québec. Instead, a plaque was installed on the greystone building, reminding us all that once upon a time, this property, as is the case of the former Marianopolis site, was part of the Sulpicians seigniorial domain!

The bitter taste of déjà-vu is bubbling to the surface of this proposed project for the former Marianopolis site, a site that is the last remaining institutional domain of the Sulpicians within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

The municipal administration will receive the opinions of the public and the expression of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal and make its determination which will be endorsed or not by the Ministry of Culture under the provisions of the decree which partially governs the mountain.

If enough members of the community express their viewpoints in writing or in person to the city of Montreal and the Ministry of Culture, perhaps this time we can garner the influence needed to end the cycle of poor decision-making for the mountain.

The Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan has been a community-driven effort that provincial and municipal officials have appeared to embrace. What exactly is stopping us today to use whatever measures and means at our disposal to ensure, once and for all, the coherent, effective and unequivocal protection of Mount Royal?

Peter A. Howlett, C.M.

President

Les amis de la montagne

Les amis' newsletter, "May 2009: Mount Royal Month"

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

May is a month dedicated to conserving the mountain's biodiversity

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Special forum: guided walk on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m.

NEWS

A major residential project on the mountain is cause for concern
The Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan is adopted

ACTIVITIES

Les amis de la montagne launch the youth section of the interactive map
New summer day camp: still some places left!

CALENDAR

Photo: A. Dobrowolskyj, 2008

May 2009: Mount Royal Month
18th Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up

TAKE ACTION

Make your annual campaign donation to Les amis
Join us on Facebook!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

As part of “May 2009: Mount Royal Month”, Les amis’ forum participants will be taken on a guided visit of the southern sector of the mountain. The walk begins from the Beaver Lake pavilion and will continue to the former Philosophy Seminary, the Trafalgar-Gleneagles site, the former site of the Ferme sous les noyers and will conclude at the Grand Séminaire on Sherbrooke Street. Join us to discover the history and heritage of this area to gain a better understanding of the development projects slated for these sites and their conservation challenges.

Departure from the Beaver Lake pavilion in Mount Royal Park
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

A major residential project on the mountain is cause for concern

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) will hold public consultations on the residential project planned for the former site of the Sulpicians’ philosophy seminary, more recently the former site of Marianopolis College.

The project consists of converting the main historic building into prestigious residences and the addition of condominium complexes and townhouses. In total, 325 residential units will be located on the property, in addition to 671 underground parking spaces. The project, located within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District, derogates from the city’s urban planning by-laws with regards to use, density, height, volume and allowable installation on the site.

During a special forum held by Les amis de la montagne on April 28, numerous participants expressed great concern over the scale of the project on this magnificent institutional site located within close proximity to Mount Royal Park.

We encourage everyone to participate in large numbers in the public consultation on this project!

The information sessions will be held:

May 4, 5 and 11
Offices of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal
1550 Rue Metcalfe, 14^th floor (Peel metro)

Information on the proposed project and the consultation process is available in French from the OCPM’s website.

Click here for the information pamphlet and public announcement.

The Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan is adopted

The Ville de Montréal announced the adoption of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan by the executive council on April 24 at city hall. The plan is slated for the adoption by the end of the month by the agglomeration council.

This plan underwent public consultation in 2008 and is an update of the Mount Royal Enhancement Plan of 1992. The plan defines the approaches being proposed by the Ville de Montréal to ensure the protection and enhancement of the landscapes, as well as the natural, built and created spaces judged of interest on the mountain.

Les amis de la montagne are satisfied with this plan for Mount Royal, but underline that the true test of its effectiveness will be in the concrete application of the protection measures contained in the document and the execution of an action plan.

Les amis have worked for a very long time in securing protection measures for Mount Royal and are pleased to see results. Following the governmental decree creating the historic and natural district in 2005, the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan is the Ville de Montréal’s expression of the territory’s unique and emblematic importance.

The plan was finally realized thanks to the human and financial resources put in place by the Ville de Montréal since 2005 and also to the importance attributed to the involvement and the consultation by all interested associations, institutions and the public. The success of the application of the plan will likewise depend upon this continued level of involvement from all sides.

ACTIVITIES

Les amis de la montagne launch the youth section of the Mount Royal interactive map

Les amis de la montagne proudly launched a brand new youth section of the Mount Royal interactive map geared for 8 to 17 year-olds. Games, videos, investigations, slide shows and discovery files – all ensure the most dynamic, playful and interactive discovery of the mountain ever!

With the help of 100 multimedia files, young people – at home or in the classroom - are invited to discover the history, geology, fauna, flora and art on the mountain in a most uncommon and original way.

Photo: A. Dobrowolskyj, 2009

Still places left in Les amis’ summer day camp

Les amis de la montagne are offering a new summer day camp in Mount Royal Park for children 6 to 12 years old, in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal.

The day camp experience on Mount Royal will be an immersion into nature in the heart of the city. Reservations are possible for one to two-week programs between June 29 to August 21, depending on the child’s age and interests.

Photo: S. Montigné, 2008

Register your child today - simply complete the registration form and send it to us with a first installment of $50 (non-refundable) at the following address: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2. For further information, please contact Noémie Poirier-Monfette by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

CALENDAR

May 2009: Mount Royal Month

May, officially proclaimed “Mount Royal Month”, is a month of activities dedicated to the discovery and conservation of the natural environment and the exploration of the many facets of the mountain. Mount Royal Month is the original idea of Les amis de la montagne, realized jointly with the Ville de Montréal, thanks to the generosity of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and other sponsors, institutions and collaborators.

Following the public forum, which will take the form of a guided walk on the mountain, two conferences will be held as part of the Université de Montréal’s “Belles Soirées” (in French). A conference on the birds of Montreal will be held May 6 and on the mountain’s geology on May 13. The public will be able to deepen their understanding of these topics with specialists from Les amis de la montagne on geology on May 20 and on ornithology on May 22.

Activities of the mountain’s great institutions:

Click here for the complete calendar of Mount Royal Month activities.

18^th Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up

All members of the community are invited to join us at the Chalet du Mont-Royal on May 10 to celebrate Mother Nature on Mother’s Day!

Schedule

8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Individual registration at the Chalet du Mont-Royal. Participants 6 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Bicycles, dogs and strollers are not permitted on the Corvée work sites. The event will be held rain or shine.
12:30 p.m.: Activities come to an end; bring your picnic lunch!
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Educational show on birds of prey on the lookout.
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Informational kiosks presented by organizations working in thearea of biodiversity at the Chalet du Mont-Royal.

Photos: A. Dobrowolskyj, 2008

Tune us in!

On Friday, May 8, we invite you to tune in to “Les Midis Libre” on CIBL Radio-Montréal 101,5 FM to listen to Joëlle Lapalme, coordinator of conservation activities, who will discuss events planned during the month of May to help preserve the mountain’s biodiversity.

5^th World Congress in Environmental Education

Les amis de la montagne, partners of the 5th World Congress in Environmental Education, being held in Montreal from May 10 to 14, are pleased to welcome 100 people from the four corners of the world as participants in the 18th Corvée du Mont-Royal clean-up on May 10. About 200 trees will be planted to help offset carbon emissions of travellers to the Congress.

As part of the congress, Les amis de la montagne will participant as conference presenters. Éric Richard, director of educational services, will present the environmental stewarship program the Les amis have been running successfully for the last several years, while Jean-Michel Villanove, coordinator of educational services for the general public, will present the interactive map of Mount Royal, designed to provide an original exploration of the mountain.

TAKE ACTION

Donate to Les amis’ annual campaign

Les amis de la montagne depends upon generous donations from individuals, foundations and corporations for the majority of its financing. By mobilizing public opinion, Les amis is a pioneer in developing viable initiatives for the mountain’s long-term protection. Every dollar gets results. To find out more, simply download the annual campaign brochure here. Thank you for your support!

Join us on Facebook!

Residential project on the former Marianopolis College site

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The public consultation is announced

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) will hold public consultations in the following weeks on the vast residential project planned for the magnificent site of the Sulpicians’ former philosophy seminary, more recently known as the former site of Marianopolis College.

For information on the proposed project and the consultation process (available in French), visit the site of the OCPM at: http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/ldvdm/jsp/ocpm/ocpm.jsp.

Click here for the information pamphlet and public announcement.

Summer day camp on Mount Royal

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Open house on April 21

OPEN HOUSE: SUMMER DAY CAMP ON MOUNT ROYAL

Les amis de la montagne proudly announce the creation of a new summer day camp in Mount Royal Park for children 6 to 12 years old. The day camp is organized in collaboration with the City of Montreal and offers campers a beautiful nature setting in the heart of the city.

Download the camp brochure (in French) by clicking here.

A variety of programs with animation in French are being offered from June 29 to August 21, with one or two week programs, depending on the child’s age and interests:

“Les secrets de la montagne” and “Les explorateurs de la montagne” will allow children 6-8 years old a mountain of discoveries of the park's flora and fauna.
For the program titled “Les correspondants du mont Royal”, children 9-12 years old will create a multimedia news story on the mountain and its fascinating history.

Register your child today!

An open house and registration session will be held at Smith House on Tuesday, April 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To reserve a place for your child, please complete the registration form and send it to us with a first installment of $50 (non-refundable) at the following address: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road, Montreal, QC H3H 1A2.

For further information, please contact Noémie Poirier-Monfette by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

News from the April Public Forum

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Challenges and conservation projects for Mount Royal’s natural environment

The public forum was held Wednesday, April 1st at Smith House.

Numerous citizens were in attendance to learn about and discuss the challenges and projects related to the mountain’s natural environment, as well as other issues in the news concerning Mount Royal.

Joëlle Lapalme and Claude Drolet, respectively coordinator of conservation activities and conservation patroller with Les amis de la montagne, made a presentation on the the protection of a natural environment in an urban context and explained the various activities Les amis and the Ville de Montréal have undertaken to increase Mount Royal’s biodiversity. The activities include, but are not limited to the following: litter pick-up in the mountain forest, the cutting of exotic invasive plants, the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs and the continuation of a research project on the control of common buckthorn and Norway Maple.

Discussion with participants following the presentation centred upon the balance between environmental activities and respect for landscape heritage.

The April forum documents may be consulted by clicking here.

Discover Mount Royal on the Web for 8 to 17 year-olds!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Launch of the youth section of the Mount Royal interactive map

Press release – for immediate distribution

Discover Mount Royal on the Web for 8 to 17 year-olds!

Montreal, March 30, 2009 – Les amis de la montagne proudly launched the brand new youth section of the Mount Royal interactive map geared for 8 to 17 year-olds, in the company of students from the École Saint-Germain d’Outremont today.

A presentation and trial run of the interactive map’s new content available at www.lemontroyal.qc.ca was featured on this occasion – games, videos, investigations, slide shows and discovery files – all ensured a most dynamic, playful and interactive discovery of the mountain ever!

Photos (clockwise) : Samuel Montigné, environmental educator, presents the map. Jean-Michel Villanove, coordinator of educational services (general public), guides students in their investigation. Production team and guests: Gabrielle Korn, Samuel Montigné, Jean-Michel Villanove, Myriam Grondin, Éric Richard, Lina Sarraf (member of the advisory committee), Pierrette Trudel (member of the advisory committee), Diane Lacour de Léry (principal of the École St-Germain d'Outremont), Émilie Paul, André Larichelière (commissioner with the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys for Outremont) and Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne. Helen Fotopulos, member of the executive committee of the Ville de Montréal, responsible for Mount Royal, Sylvie Guilbault, executive director of Les amis de la montagne and Diane Lacour de Léry, principal of the École St-Germain d'Outremont, participate in an investigation.(Photos: © Les amis de la montagne/Andrew Dobrowolskyj).

The younger age group (8 to 11 years) is invited to lead a series of investigations: re-trace the history of a coin found of the mountain dating from 1860 or trek through the forest to trace animal prints in the snow.

The colourful “Friendz” super-guides accompany 12 to 17 year-olds on a variety of multimedia challenges that will see them create posters on conservation issues that could even be published on the interactive map via Les amis de la montagne’s website. A downloadable guide for teachers allows further thinking in the classroom.

The purpose of the interactive map, which went live in the fall of 2008 by Les amis de la montagne, is to trigger the visitor’s desire to discover Mount Royal and its hidden assets in order to better appreciate the mountain and participate in its conservation and longevity. The website presents audio-visual capsules on the mountain’s heritage that can be downloaded from the site free of charge.

This project was made possible due to the program supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Content Online Program, as well as the participation of a committee of education specialists.

Les amis de la montagne also wish to extend thanks to the Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire by way of the Fonds de développement de la métropole, the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine and the Ville de Montréal as part of the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal.

To visit the interactive map of Les amis de la montagne: www.lemontroyal.qc.ca

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Source and information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237
gkorn@lemontroyal.qc.ca

Les amis' newsletter - April 2009

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

What's new on the mountain ...

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, April 1st at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

A heliport on Mount Royal?!
The mountain has its limits! Reuse of the building located at 1420 Boulevard Mont-Royal
Work begins to expand the Percival-Molson Stadium
Obituary notice for Mr. Arthur Bruneau, Governor Emeritus of Les amis de la montagne

ACTIVITIES

New summer day camp in Mount Royal Park for children 6 to 12 years old
Conservation activities: “A community in action for Mount Royal”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Call for volunteers: bird inventory and the 18th Corvée du Mont-Royal
Join the team – employment opportunities with Les amis de la montagne

TAKE ACTION

“Become a Friend”

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The next public forum will be held Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

“Challenges and projects of Les amis de la montagne’s Environmental Stewardship Program”

Mount Royal is a fertile territory of natural environments that needs to be protected and enriched. To this end, Les amis de la montagne have undertaken planting, research and environmental monitoring activities for the last several years in collaboration with subject matter experts and the active participation of groups and citizens. Three years ago, Les amis created the Environmental Stewardship Program in order to support owners and managers of the mountain in their efforts to conserve the mountain’s natural environment.

A presentation and discussion on the challenges, strategies and projects of this program with Les amis de la montagne’s Joëlle Lapalme, coordinator of conservation activities, and Claude Drolet, conservation patroller.

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator at 514 843-8240, ext. 241.

NEWS

A heliport on Mount Royal?!

Recent media reports have raised the question of whether our hospitals specializing in trauma care should be equipped with helicopter medical emergency services to ensure speedy response times to the most serious accident cases.

In May 2008, during the public consultations on the project to expand the Montreal General Hospital, representatives of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) confirmed that no plans were in the works to add a heliport to the mountain site, neither in current nor future projects.

Less than one year later, Les amis de la montagne are astonished to learn by media reports that a serious analysis has already been undertaken by the Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux to construct a heliport on the Montreal General Hospital site.

Considering that the Montreal General Hospital’s new trauma centre will service 56% of the Quebec territory to as far as Ungava Bay, one could presume that the addition of a heliport will bring about an increase air traffic in addition to the density of vehicular traffic already present in this sector of the mountain.

For Les amis de la montagne, this news adds to the arguments already stated in support of establishing the MUHC’s trauma centre on the more appropriate Glen site and therefore, off the mountain, a historic and natural district unique in Quebec.

The mountain has its limits!

The reuse of the building located at 1420 Boulevard Mont-Royal

The project to convert the former convent of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary into luxury condominiums on the northern flank of the mountain in Outremont is being opposed by many citizens who want to keep our major institutions on the mountain. Their concerns are founded. While it’s true that Mount Royal is currently protected by virtue of a governmental decree, it is not immune to transformation. Maintenance of the institutions located on its flanks, however, comes at a price … click to continue reading …

Click here to read Les amis de la montagne’s position paper (in French) presented March 11^th at the hearings of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal.

NOTE: The building project on the former site of Marianopolis College, located on Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and Avenue Cedar, will be open to public consultations shortly. Les amis de la montagne continue to follow the dossier.

Work begins to expand the Percival-Molson Stadium

The expansion and renovation of the Percival-Molson Stadium on the mountain is moving ahead. The work, evaluated at $29.3 million, will be financed in the amount of $19.3 million by the Gouvernement du Québec, $4 million by the Ville de Montréal and $6 million by the owner of the Montreal Alouettes Football Club, Robert Wetenhall.

The work comprises the addition of 5,000 seats, including 3,800 on the south side of the stands, 18 new corporate loges, the installation of a giant video screen score board and the relocation of the ticket counter and main entrance to Avenue du Parc. The work is slated to begin shortly and will take approximately 15 months in order to accommodate a total of 25,000 fans for the 2010 season.

Numerous modifications to the project have been made since 2006. Nonetheless, once renovated, the stadium is likely to hold more events than just the nine Alouettes’ games. It remains to be seen how the stadium will be managed by its owner in a spirit of good neighbourhood relations.

Obituary notice for Mr. Arthur Bruneau, Governor Emeritus of Les amis de la montagne

Les amis de la montagne wishes to honour Mr. Arthur Bruneau, who died at the age of 85 on December 20, 2008, at Montreal. Mr. Bruneau, a retired executive from Alcan, distinguished himself as a business leader by getting involved in the cause to protect Mount Royal since the founding of Les amis de la montagne. He was actively involved in fundraising efforts for the organization and in seeking financial partners in support of Les amis’ mission, particularly the Smith House campaign.

You may read the Obituary Notice published in The Gazette by clicking here.

ACTIVITIES

New summer day camp in Mount Royal Park for children 6 to 12 years old

Les amis de la montagne proudly announce the creation of a new summer day camp in Mount Royal Park in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal. Open to children 6 to 12 years old, the camp offers a beautiful nature setting in the heart of the city.

A variety of programs are being offered depending on the child’s age and interests:

“Les secrets de la montagne” and “Les explorateurs de la montagne” will allow children 6 to 8 years old to discover a mountain of flora and fauna.
For the program titled “Les correspondants du mont Royal”, children 9 to 12 years old will create a multimedia news story on the mountain and its fascinating history.

Animation will be in French. An open house and registration session will be held on Saturday, April 4 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and Tuesday, April 21 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Smith House, located at 1260 Remembrance Road. For more information or to register your child, contact Noémie Poirier at 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

Conservation activities: “A community in action for Mount Royal”

Calling all individuals or groups interested in the conservation of Mount Royal’s natural environment! Get involved in Les amis de la montagne’s conservation activities, starting this spring.

For individuals, the biodiversity intervention program will improve your knowledge of conservation issues while participating directly to the maintenance of the mountain’s biodiversity. The program runs for a seven-week period and includes the identification of plant species, monitoring of previous plantings, intervention methods to control invasive species and in some cases, indigenous tree and shrub planting. The program for participants 14 years and older takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from May 5 to June 20 and from July 7 to August 22.

For groups, the Environmental Stewardship Program consists of concrete activities on the mountain territory that supports the conservation initiatives of property owners and managers on Mount Royal and their participation in the maintenance of its biodiversity. Activities include the planting of indigenous trees and shrubs and other conservation interventions, including the monitoring of trees planted since 2003, cutting down exotic invasive species and monitoring efforts to control invasive plants.

All proposed activities are supervised by professionals and are in line the Ville de Montréal’s Mount Royal Master Protection and Enhancement Plan, as well as a scientific, research-based process aimed at increasing knowledge of the natural environment and intervention methods for its conservation.

For more information, contact Joëlle Lapalme at 514 843-8240, ext. 234.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Call for volunteers for Les amis’ annual bird inventory

There’s no better time than the springtime migration to discover Mount Royal’s diverse bird life!

Les amis de la montagne are looking for volunteer ornithologists to participate in the 3^rd annual Mount Royal bird inventory. The inventory will take place from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the mountain territory, including Summit Park, Mount Royal Park, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery and Université de Montréal.

An information session will be held Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Smith House. To participate or for more information, contact Claude Drolet at 514 843-8240, ext. 242.

Volunteers needed for the 18th Corvée du Mont-Royal

The 18^th Corvée du Mont-Royal will be held Sunday, May 10, a springtime tradition where nearly 10,500 people have contributed directly to their mountain’s preservation since 1990.

Les amis de la montagne are seeking volunteers to help with the logistical arrangements of the environmental activities planned for this special day, whose theme this year is the conservation of Mount Royal’s biodiversity.

An information sheet on the day’s activities and a description of volunteer tasks are available in French. Other environmental activities are in the planning for May and June 2009 and also require the participation of volunteer team leaders. To become a volunteer or for more information, contact Claude Drolet at 514 843-8240, ext. 242.

Save the date: We invite you participate in the Corvée du Mont-Royal by registering the day-of at the Chalet near the lookout from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2009, rain or shine. Spread the word to your family and friends!

Join the team – employment opportunities with Les amis de la montagne!

Passionate and dynamic, guided by its mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education, Les amis de la montagne are looking for individuals to join its educational services division. Click here for detailed information (in French) on available employment opportunities and how to apply.

TAKE ACTION

“Become a Friend”

Obtain your “Friends’ card” today and you will join a family of dedicated individuals committed to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal. “Friends' cards” are issued on an individual basis and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Available for $20 per person, Friends receive a one-time 20% discount at Les amis’ boutique or Café Smith.

Whether you become a Friend or wish to make a larger gift and become a Donor, your contribution is vital to keeping the mountain healthy and accessible.

There are three ways to purchase your “Friends card”:

In person at Smith House, located at 1260 Remembrance Road;
By secure payment online;
By mail: please download and print the “Become a Friend” brochure.

Reuse of the building located at 1420 Boulevard Mont-Royal

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Opinion piece by Les amis de la montagne

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

THE MOUNTAIN HAS ITS LIMITS!

Let’s recall that the Université de Montréal purchased the convent in 2003. Since then, Mount Royal was decreed a Historic and Natural District and the City of Montreal led a three-year exercise resulting in the Mount Royal Master Protection and Enhancement Plan. This plan recognizes that the mountain has a limit to its capacity for development.

In 15 years, the Université de Montréal and its affiliated schools built six new buildings on Mount Royal (the HEC, Marcelle and Jean Coutu, J-A Bombardier and Lassonde 1 pavilions, and the Centre des technologies en aérospatiale), for a total area of 70,000 m². Considering that the university says its needs the equivalent amount of area for its future expansion, it is difficult to imagine how the current mountain campus can accommodate the equivalent of these six buildings without compromising the fragile balance of the site’s built, landscape and natural heritage.

The former convent of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary no longer figures in the development plans of the Université de Montréal. If the university is forced to preserve the convent, will it not need to review its strategy to redeploy to the Outremont campus? Will it not need to consolidate its actual campus and pursue the densification of the mountain?

Under these circumstances, the evaluation of the project by the public bodies involved must take into account the consequences of imposing the conservation of this building on the university in its development plan. Ideally, institutions are an important element of the mountain’s heritage and should be given priority. But in this particular case, the continued development of the Université de Montréal on its mountain campus is a threat to Mount Royal.

Considering that the conversion of the convent into condominiums does not require any new construction and will therefore, not add to the mountain’s densification; considering also the favourable opinions and recommendations of the heritage experts consulted by the City as to the quality of the project being presented, the choice is clear. The protection of the mountain necessitates a limit to development.

Les amis de la montagne present their position paper tonight, March 11, before the Office de consultation publique de Montréal. You may read the position paper (in French) by clicking here.

Les amis' newsletter - March 2009

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

What's new on the mountain ...

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

ACTIVITIES

The 12th Tuques Bleues Celebration: a great success!

NEWS

Public consultation
Three sectors of the mountain undergo change

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Montreal All-Nighter on Mount Royal
Smith House, 150 years of history

TAKE ACTION

Your donation makes a difference!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The next public forum will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

“Projects to redevelop the area surrounding Smith House and Remembrance Road”

Les amis de la montagne invite you to join the discussion on the projects to redevelop the area surrounding Smith House and the establishment of an ecological corridor the length of Remembrance Road, two projects currently being planned by the Ville de Montréal. Smith House has been a part of Mount Royal’s history for the last 150 years and is the central welcome and education centre in Mount Royal Park.

Guest speaker: Wendy Graham, landscape architect, Ville de Montréal

The graduating class of the Université de Montréal’s school of landscape architecture studied the two sectors in question and their work will be on display at Smith House.

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator.

ACTIVITIES

12th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event: 800 participants contribute to Les amis de la montagne’s mission to conserve and enhance Mount Royal

The 12th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event was launched by ceremonial canon fire on Mount Royal on February 19, an exceptional wintertime fundraising event benefitting Les amis de la montagne.

Click on the photo to open the photo gallery of the Tuques Bleues event held Thursday, February 19, 2009 on Mount Royal.
Photos: © Les amis de la montagne / Andrew Dobrowolskyj / Tzara Maud

This magical night time sporting activity in the heart of the city was inspired by the snowshoe clubs of the 1840s that would gather at dusk to ascend Mount Royal in a spirit of good cheer and camaraderie. Close to 100 snowshoe racers competed for the gold, silver and bronze medals in both the women’s and men’s categories, while numerous teams from companies and organizations contended for the Corporate Challenge Cup, the Sports Club Cup and the Tuques Bleues Trophy. More than 700 snowshoe walkers revelled in the beauty of the freshly-fallen snow at a more leisurely pace.

The honourary co-chairs of the event, Isabelle Hudon, President of Marketel and Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, awarded medals to the race winners during the festivities inside the Chalet. Medals went to: Women: Gold – Stéphanie Simpson, Club sportif MAA (14:14), Silver – Aviva Lavallée-Roberts, Club sportif MAA (14:34), Bronze – Geneviève Masson, Groupe Financier Banque TD, (14:40); Men: Gold – Charles Perreault, Mansfield Club Athlétique (10:42), Silver— Joel St-Louis, Club sportif MAA (11:33), Bronze – Philippe Bertrand, Mansfield Club Athlétique (12:04). The Corporate Challenge Cup was awarded to MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier, the Sports Club Cup to Club sportif MAA, who won by one tenth of a second over the Mansfield Club Athlétique and the Tuques Bleues Trophy to Manulife Financial.

Les amis wish to warmly thank our three hosts, Rob Kemp and Pete Marier from CHOM 97.7, and Jean-Yves Bourdages, as well as Helen Fotopulos, Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough, member of the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal responsible for Mount Royal, who provided words of encouragement to the snowshoers at the departure line.

The Amis team also wishes to thank the many volunteers who joined us this year to help with the organization and logisitics of the event. Special thanks to Circé Labelle of CGI who single-handedly recruited 35 volunteers from her company for the occasion.
Funds raised from the Tuques Bleues Celebration are invested by Les amis de la montagne in educational programs, protection activities for Mount Royal, hands-on projects such as tree-plantings, and the creation of private-public partnerships in support of the revitalization of sectors of Mount Royal Park.

Major sponsors of the evening included Gaz Métro, Manulife Financial, Atmosphere, Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes. We also thank our sponsors of products and services, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, Hewitt, Java U and Le Château, our media partners CHOM 97.7, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse and The Gazette, and the Ville de Montréal.

Note from the webmaster: the Tuques Bleues Celebration photo gallery will be online soon – our apologies for the delay!

NEWS

Three sectors of the mountain undergo change

In the last several months, Les amis de la montagne invited interested citizens and partner associations (Héritage Montréal, Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal, Écomusée de l’Au-Delà) to participate in workshops on the topic of three key sectors of Mount Royal undergoing radical transformation: the southern flank of Mount Royal, the Outremont summit and the Parc-Pins sector.

For each of these areas, concrete redevelop proposals have emerged, inspired by the draft Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan. Maps of each sector have been produced, including explanatory texts and graphics, in order to raise the awareness of those who are concerned with the quality of these respective areas of Montreal.

We invite you to consult these documents (available in French), to forward your comments and suggestions to us and to remain vigilant as to further developments in these areas of concern.

Map 1 – Southern flank of the mountain including the historic domain of the Sulpicians

Map 2 – Outremont summit

Map 3 – Parc-Pins sector

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” as part of the Montreal All-Nighter

On Saturday, February 28, join Les amis de la montagne for a virtual treasure hunt to explore and discover the many facets of the Mount Royal territory as part of the Montreal All-Nighter.

Discover the hidden treasures of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage via the projection of an interactive map in the warmth of the Redpath Museum, located on the McGill University campus: slideshows, videos, discovery files and true-false questionnaires will be featured.

For hardier explorers, we invite you to visit the area guided by downloadable podcasts along a variety of themes: “Mission Geology”, “In the footsteps of photographer William Notman”, “McGill University Campus” and “Historic Streets”. Multimedia players will be available on loan (quantity limited, identity card required.)

Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Place: Redpath Museum, 859 Sherbrooke St. West
Cost: Free

Smith House, 150 years of history

Les amis de la montagne are proud to present an exhibit of the history of Smith House and its occupants to highlight the 150th year since its construction (1858-2008). Step back in time and discover Montreal and Mount Royal when it was the site of farms and horses, the host of the Internal Sculpture Symposium and the venue for a hunting and nature museum.

Date: Ongoing as of March 2
Time: Daily between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
Cost: Free

TAKE ACTION

Your donation makes a difference!

Making an online donation is a simple, quick and direct way to make a contribution. All you need to do is complete the online form. Your transaction is secure and arrives automatically to Les amis. You receive an immediate confirmation of your donation. The funds collected by Les amis are invested in education programs and protection and enhancement initiatives for the mountain. We invite you to consult our website to learn more about the projects, programs and actions taken by Les amis de la montagne.

12th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event tonight

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Benefitting Les amis de la montagne

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

12th Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event
Benefitting Les amis de la montagne

As part of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS festival

Montreal, February 19, 2009 – The ceremonial canon of the 2nd Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery will launch the 12th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event on Mount Royal this evening, the exceptional wintertime fundraising event benefitting Les amis de la montagne.

Canon-fire served a pivotal role in the creation of Mount Royal Park. In response to those who claimed that the mountain was inaccessible, Colonel Stevenson climbed Mount Royal with his battery in 1862 and fired the cannon from the summit. His gesture did not go unnoticed!

Les amis de la montagne wish to thank honourary co-chairs Isabelle Hudon, President of Marketel and Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, as well as the evening’s participants who, by their presence, contribute to Les amis’ mission to conserve and enhance Mount Royal.

The Tuques Bleues Celebration is made possible thanks to the support of companies and the participation of their employees. Thank you to our principal sponsors, Gaz Métro, Manulife Financial, Atmosphere, Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes, to our sponsors of products and services, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, Hewitt, Java U and Le Château, to our media partners CHOM 97.7, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse and The Gazette, and to the Ville de Montréal.

This magical night time activity in the heart of the city was inspired by the snowshoe clubs of the 1840s that would gather at dusk to ascend Mount Royal in a spirit of good cheer and camaraderie. For this 12th edition, close to 100 snowshoe racers will compete for the gold, silver and bronze medals in both the women’s and men’s categories, while numerous teams from companies and organizations will contend for the Corporate Challenge Cup, the Sports Club Cup and the Tuques Bleues Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the company with the highest number of employees in attendance at the event.

The race is followed by a snowshoe walk by close to 700 participants who revel in the beauty of the mountain at a more leisurely pace. The Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event culminates at the Chalet near the lookout with an outdoor barbecue, followed by a gastronomic buffet and medal and trophy ceremony indoors.

For more information on the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, please visit the Tuques Bleues section under the heading "News and Events".

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Source and information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
514 843-8240 ext. 237

Les amis de la montagne begin the countdown to the Tuques Bleues Celebration

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Yes, there's still snow on the mountain!

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE BEGIN THE COUNTDOWN TO THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Montreal, February 17, 2009 - The countdown has begun to the 12th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event to be held this Thursday, February 19 on Mount Royal beginning from Smith House at 5:45 p.m.

Once again, 800 Montrealers will trade their "Bluetooth" devices for the iconic blue tuque, while tramping through the mountain’s moonlit forest on snowshoes!

This evening is magical and emblematic of Les amis de la montagne; the Tuques Bleues support the organization’s mission to protect and conserve Mount Royal.

Funds are invested in educational programs, protection activities for Mount Royal, hands-on projects such as tree-plantings, and the creation of private-public partnerships in support of the revitalization of sectors of Mount Royal Park.

A handful of tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling Anna Coscia at 514 843-8240 ext. 239.

Details on the event are available on Les amis’ website, including:

Evening’s agenda
Guide for participants
Competitions and snowshoe trail
Menus for the outdoor BBQ and gastronomic buffet

You may also view the photos taken during the partners’ launch event held at Smith House on January 29 and listen to the 30 second public service announcement heard on Astral Radio’s CHOM, CJAD and Virgin Radio 96.

Construction project on the site of the Sulpician’s philosophy seminary

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Montreal’s heritage council recommends against the project

Montreal’s heritage council, the Conseil du patrimoine de Montréal (CPM), has recommended against the reuse project presented for the Sulpician’s philosophy seminary located on Côte-des-Neiges Road and Cedar Avenue. The CPM has recommended that modifications be made to the project with regards the density of the construction and the too-high number of parking spaces, as well as the height of the newly proposed construction that would compromise important views. In its current iteration, the CPM states that the project does not conform to the requirements of the Mount Royal Master Protection and Enhancement Plan and will need to be revised and corrected before proceeding to a public consultation. Les amis will continue to follow the dossier.

Click here to read the full report by the heritage council (in French).

Montreal All-Nighter on Mount Royal

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover”

PRESS RELEASE

“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” as part of the Montreal All-Nighter

Montreal, February 2, 2009 – On Saturday, February 28, join Les amis de la montagne for a virtual treasure hunt to explore and discover the many facets of the Mount Royal territory as part of the Montreal All-Nighter.

Discover the hidden treasures of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage via the projection of an interactive map in the warmth of the Redpath Museum, located on the McGill University campus: slideshows, videos, discovery files and true-false questionnaires will be featured.

For hardier explorers, we invite you to visit the area guided by downloadable podcasts along a variety of themes: “Mission Geology”, “In the footsteps of photographer William Notman”, “McGill University Campus” and “Historic Streets”. Multimedia players will be available on loan (quantity limited, identity card required.)

At midnight, the activity will be followed by the guided Flashlight Tours of the Redpath Museum.

Times: 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Place: Redpath Museum, 859 Sherbrooke St. West
Cost: FREE
Info: (514) 843-8240 ext. 0

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Les amis' newsletter - February 2009

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Launch of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and more!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

The Ville de Montréal and the MUHC sign a development agreement for the Montreal General Hospital expansion project
Feeding wild animals: are you for or against?

ACTIVITIES

Help promote the Mount Royal interactive map
A brief history of snowshoeing on Mount Royal

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nordic kicksled demonstration in Mount Royal Park
Montreal All-Nighter on Mount Royal

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Launch of the 12^th edition (listen to our promo here on Astral Radio's CJAD, CHOM & Virgin Radio 96)

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The next public forum will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

"Municipal elections in 2009: what are your election wishes for the mountain?"

2008 was a year rich in public consultations for Mount Royal: draft plans were produced for the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal, a ring-road and north-south access, the Montreal General Hospital, the Radio-Canada antenna and the revision of the Cultural Properties Act. In this year of municipal elections, what would you make of the mountain’s protection and enhancement status and what message would you convey to elected officials? Are you reassured or worried about the future of the mountain?

For more information, contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator.

NEWS

The Ville de Montréal and the MUHC sign a development agreement for the Montreal General Hospital expansion project

The Ville de Montréal and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) recently signed a development agreement for the expansion of the Montreal General Hospital that establishes the urban regulations applicable to the property, as well as the responsibilities and terms for the expansion.

Despite this agreement that aims to improve the project, it is important to remember that the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) and numerous participants in the consultation process, including Les amis de la montagne, strongly questioned the necessity of the MUHC hospital expansion on the mountain, which will increase the above-ground size of the hospital by 30%.

The Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan that was produced by the Ville de Montréal in 2008 recognizes the need to develop and apply the notion of “capacity limits” of the mountain. Considering the substantial projects that have been announced for this sector of the mountain (hospital expansion and development of the former Marianopolis College property), the capacity of Mount Royal to receive new construction must be defined at the earliest.

Illustration of the expansion project. The architectural treatment presented is not necessarily the definitive version of the project; it illustrates the volume of the expansion. (Adapted from Daniel Arbour & Associés, Campus de la Montagne : Projet d’intégration et de développement urbain, 15 janvier 2008, doc. 3.2, sec. 4.1.15).

According to the signed agreement, the MUHC commits to the following:

develop a restoration plan by August 2009 for the Benedictine forest (located at the north-eastern limit of the hospital property);
develop a pedestrian pathway at the eastern limit of the property to allow direct access to Mount Royal Park from Avenue des Pins;
produce heritage studies required to permit the progressive restoration of buildings of heritage interest, such as the Durnford and Birks houses, as well as the indoor tennis courts located on the historic site of the John Wilson McConnell property;
develop a management plan to control traffic generated by hospital activities;
examine the access to the indoor parking garage in order to maximize security of the site;
form a neighbourhood committee for the duration of the construction period.

The public will have the chance to comment on the MUHC’s landscaping plans, once they are made public via the MUHC’s website next summer.

Documents available for consultation (in French):

Feeding wild animals: are you for or against?

Many people question the wisdom of feeding wild animals.

Despite the endearing qualities of the grey squirrel, Montreal has a by-law prohibiting this practice, and with reason: the consequences for squirrels and their habitats can be serious. Feeding squirrels results in an increase in their population. This imbalance causes their habitats to deteriorate and increases the risks of an epidemic.

Photo: Samuel Montigné, 2008

Moreover, squirrels develop a dependency on this food source, which causes a change in their behaviour, occasionally rendering them aggressive. Even though some Montrealers believe that they are helping squirrels by providing them with food, the opposite is in fact true, as demonstrated by studies conducted in the United States that showed illness in squirrels that ate too many peanuts.

If you insist nonetheless on feeding wild animals, a more responsible gesture would be to install a bird feeder in your yard. The impact of feeders on the bird population is positive. Birds do not become dependent upon feeders for their food and the food in the feeders does not make them ill. The only behavioural change in birds is their likelihood to approach humans more easily – usually to our great enjoyment. But be careful – make sure the style of feeder you choose keeps away the squirrels!

ACTIVITIES

Help promote the Mount Royal interactive map

Help promote the Mount Royal interactive map to your web site visitors by downloading a “Discover Mount Royal” button from our web site!

The buttons are free of charge, easy to use and to install on your site. Choose the type of button that best fits your needs and then copy and paste the source code into any page on your web site. (Note: Your webmaster will know what to do!)

A brief history of snowshoeing on Mount Royal

It’s at the foot of the mountain, in 1840, that the Montreal Snow Shoe Club was formed, the first of its kind, with many other clubs to follow. Back then, snowshoes did not come equipped with fancy stainless-steel crampons, but snowshoers still managed to tramp for more 20 km in a single day, or challenged one another by running sprints or jumping hurdles. By the 1890s, however, snowshoeing began to lose its popularity to ice hockey.

Photo: Snowshoers, Mount-Royal (circa 1901), http://www.musee-mccord.qc.ca/

More recently, Quebecers have rediscovered snowshoeing as an enjoyable winter activity. Today, snowshoes are no longer made with bent-wood frames and rawhide webbing, but with lightweight aluminum-alloy frames, synthetic decking materials and crampons.

Snowshoeing is a sport for all ages and abilities – many people join Les amis for a guided snowshoe walk on Mount Royal to try the new equipment. They become quick converts to this increasingly popular sport. Regardless of the era or the modernity of the equipment, the mountain has remained a unique location to enjoy wintertime in the heart of the city!

For more information on Les amis’ guided snowshoe walks on Mount Royal, including a special St. Valentine’s Day outing with your sweetheart on February 14, visit the calendar of events on our website.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nordic kicksled demonstration in Mount Royal Park

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with LaGlisse.ca, invite you to try a Nordic kicksled this Saturday, January 31 in Mount Royal Park, a unique activity accessible to those 3 to 83 years-old!

Discover this Scandinavian tradition that is both fun for the whole family and environmentally friendly, already adopted by millions of Europeans! Enjoy the pleasures of winter either solo or accompanied by your child seated in front of the kicksled. The technique can easily be learned in minutes – and you’re off!

Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: Beaver Lake pavilion
Cost: 15-minute trial periods are free; available for rent thereafter at $15/2 hours

Photo: LaGlisse.ca

“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” as part of the Montreal All-Nighter

On Saturday, February 28, join Les amis de la montagne for a virtual treasure hunt to explore and discover the many facets of the Mount Royal territory as part of the Montreal All-Nighter.

Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Place: Redpath Museum, 859 Sherbrooke St. West
Cost: Free

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Launch of the 12^th edition

Les amis de la montagne launch the 12^th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event

As part of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival

Montreal, January 29, 2009 – As honorary co-chairs of the 12^th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, Isabelle Hudon, President of Marketel and Rémi Racine, Chairman of the board of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and President and Executive Producer of Artificial Mind and Movement (A2M), invite members of the community to become snowshoers for one evening by participating in this benefit event for Les amis de la montagne to be held on February 19 in Mount Royal Park.

Left to right: Philippe Batani, Chef de service, développement durable, Gaz Métro, David O’Connor, Vice President Quebec Operations, Group Benefits, Manulife Financial, honourary co-chair Rémi Racine, honourary co-chair Isabelle Hudon, Catherine Sévigny, city councillor, Ville-Marie Borough, Peter-McGill District, Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne. Photo: © Les amis de la montagne/Martin Roy, 2009

“I am very proud to be associated, this time as a company president, with Les amis de la montagne. Those who have the chance, like us, Montrealers, to live in a highly urban area with quick and privileged access to a mountain, have the duty to contribute to the preservation of such a precious asset,” said Isabelle Hudon.

“Once again this year, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is proud to support the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, an activity of special significance to the Board of Trade. Indeed, every metropolis must make an on-going effort to promote its attractions, whether they be of an economic, cultural, or environmental nature. And, for more than twenty years, Les amis de la montagne have worked hard to protect this crown jewel of our heritage, a central element of Montréal’s quality of life. It is therefore important for us all to do our part to promote, protect, and conserve Mount Royal. For this reason, we invite all members of the business community to participate in this colourful event, which enables us to discover or rediscover our mountain in all its glory,” declared Rémi Racine.

During the launch event at Smith House in Mount Royal Park, Isabelle Hudon and Rémi Racine thanked the major partners of the Tuques Bleues Celebration for their commitment and contribution: Gaz Métro, Manulife Financial, Atmosphere, Tubbs Snowshoes and Atlas Snowshoes. The co-chairs also warmly thanked the Ville de Montréal, Brasserie McAuslan, Domaine Pinnacle, Hewitt, Java U, Le Château, CHOM 97.7, CJAD 800 AM, Virgin Radio 96, La Presse and The Gazette for their contributions of products and services.

Les amis de la montagne organize this unique wintertime event where participants re-enact the snowshoeing tradition of sports clubs of the 1840s in support of their mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal. Nearly 800 individuals wearing blue toques either run or walk up the mountain in snowshoes along a 2.5 km trail through the forest, decorated by torchlight for the occasion. They make their way from Smith House to the Chalet near the lookout where the festivities begin with an outdoor barbecue, followed by a gastronomic buffet inside the Chalet.

For more information or to contribute to this benefit event, please contact Anna Coscia by calling 514 843-8240 ext. 239. Complete information on the Tuques Bleues Celebration, including online ticket purchase options, can also be found on Les amis’ website.

Nordic Kicksled Demonstration in Mount Royal Park

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Free trials this Saturday, January 31

Nordic Kicksled Demonstration in Mount Royal Park

Les amis de la montagne, in collaboration with LaGlisse.ca, will provide a demonstration of this original activity suitable for 3 to 83 year-olds, this Saturday, January 31, in Mount Royal Park.

Try out this traditional Scandinavian sport that is both environmentally and family friendly, already adopted by millions of Europeans! Whether solo or in tandem with your child seated in the front of the kicksled, enjoy the pleasures of winter. The technique can be learned within minutes and .. you're off!

Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Beaver Lake pavilion
Price: Free for 15-minutes trials; rentals available thereafter at $15/2 hours

Les amis' newsletter - January 2009

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

What's new on the mountain ...

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Smith House

NEWS

Radio-Canada’s telecommunications tower: update on the report by the public consultation office
Report on the meeting of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal
Plans for a new building on Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges
Kudos to Governor Dinu Bumbaru for his appointment to the Order of Canada

ACTIVITIES

A committee of experts is recruited to help build the educational content of Les amis’ interactive map
Snowshoeing on Mount Royal – the "trail" towards responsible recreation

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Cross-country ski lessons for children are now available on Mount Royal
Bird-watching on the mountain – an activity for the whole family

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

With friends or as a corporate team, it’s time to register for this magical event on the summit of Montreal – places are limited!

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The next public forum will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith House.

"Residential renovation within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District"

The Trafalgar, photo: Ville de Montréal

The Mount Royal Historic and Natural District (MRHND) is composed of many residential areas characterized by a diversity of building types and architectural details. Although urban development is now rare within these areas, the multiplication of minor renovations and the lack of maintenance on residential properties can gradually alter the built landscape of the mountain.

Join our invited guests to learn about and discuss the challenges of residential renovation within the MRHND.

On the agenda:

An update on different ongoing projects on the mountain
A presentation by architect Fernando Pellicer of the Groupe DFS Inc., on the restoration of the Trafalgar building located on Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges and The Boulevard
A presentation by Dinu Bumbaru on Heritage Montreal’s training program and information on residential renovation

For more information, please contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator.

NEWS

Radio-Canada’s telecommunications tower: update on the report by the public consultation office

The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) submitted its report on November 24^th last concerning the Société Radio-Canada’s renewal of its contract to rent space for its telecommunications tower in Mount Royal Park.

Les amis de la montagne applaud the recommendations of the public consultation office, several of which were proposed by Les amis in their position paper on the subject. The main recommendation seeks to reduce the length of the contract from 10 to five years with an option to renew after five years, conditional on three studies. The studies include the feasibility and costs of relocating the tower outside the limits of Mount Royal, the historic and heritage value of the tower and the identification of solutions to lessen the impact of the tower on the mountain landscape.

Following the recommendations of the OCPM, the Ville de Montréal stated that the Société Radio-Canada is about to carry out the study on the feasibility and costs of relocation; collaborate on the enhancement of the tower; and produce a report on the status of the tower with respect to security norms established by Industry Canada regarding modifications to antennas.

While Les amis salute these additions to the contract, the organization remains disappointed that the main recommendation concerning the length and conditions of the contract renewal were disregarded by the parties concerned.

We invite you to consult the following documents (available in French):

Position paper by Les amis de la montagne
Report of the OCPM
Press release from the Ville de Montréal

Report on the meeting of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal

The Table de concertation du Mont-Royal, of which Les amis de la montagne is a member, held its biannual meeting on December 12th last. Numerous important dossiers concerning Mount Royal were treated, including the transportation plan, the security plan, the patrimonial pact and the action plan concerning protection measures for the mountain. We invite you to consult the documents prepared by the Ville de Montréal (Bureau du Mont-Royal) related to these topics and to share your thoughts and ideas with us in advance of the next working group meeting to be held January 30, 2009.

We invite you to consult the following documents (available in French):

Building plans on Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges – Les amis appeal the decision

An eight-storey (27-metre) building of mixed vocation could be constructed on the site of the former service station located at 4470 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, corner Avenue Forest Hill. The building project, named Le Forest Hill, does not conform to the stipulations of the new draft regulations that have been in effect for the last year for all new construction within the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District. The project was submitted by the promoter, Groupe SBI, four days prior to the coming in effect of the regulation and is therefore, exempt of the measures put into place to ensure the protection of the mountain. By virtue of this new regulation, the building promoter would have been required to limit the height of the building to 16 metres. Les amis de la montagne are appealing the decision to the Côte-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough council.

Image from the presentation made at the demolition

permit request meeting

Click here for further information on the construction proposal that was presented during a meeting of the CDN-NDG borough’s Comité d’études des demandes de demolition.

Dinu Bumbaru is appointed to the Order of Canada

Dinu Bumbaru, Governor of Les amis de la montagne and Policy Director of Héritage Montréal was appointed to the Order of Canada on December 30, 2008, in recognition of his leadership in promoting, protecting and enhancing the historical, natural and cultural heritage of the Montreal area, and for his dedication to preserving world heritage sites. Congratulations!

ACTIVITIES

Educational content for school children will soon be added to the interactive map of Mount Royal

The interactive map of Mount Royal, online since last October, is an original and information-rich tool that invites you to discover Mount Royal’s many assets. Les amis de la montagne are currently continuing the development of the site in order to add points of discovery for school children.

The interactive map will therefore contain pedagogical tools combined with activities geared to children, together with a variety of downloadable podcasts. Teachers interested in helping Les amis evaluate the content of the site are invited to contact project coordinator Jean-Michel Villanove before the end of January.

Snowshoeing on Mount Royal – the "trail" towards responsible recreation

There’s nothing like fresh-fallen snow to bring out snowshoers on Mount Royal! For a second year, a designated trail has been marked for snowshoers in Mount Royal Park, a 3 km loop beginning at the Beaver Lake pavilion. This trail allows you to discover the beauty of the mountain forest under its blanket of snow, the footprints of wild animals and the spectacular views of the city and river below, while conserving the natural environment of the mountain.

In fact, by following this designated trail, you help to reduce the degradation of the fragile underbrush since foot traffic in the area breaks branches and the tops of young saplings hidden by the snow, threatening their ability to regenerate. In the last several years, tree plantings have been held in the wooded areas most accessible from Beaver Lake. Natural regeneration of trees in this disturbed area is problematic. A large number of otherwise vulnerable saplings are present in this area. One study has demonstrated that the low survival rate of saplings planted on Mount Royal is due in large part to the disturbances caused by snowshoers walking through the underbrush.

This winter, for a pleasant and forest-friendly tramp in the woods, please take the designated snowshoe trail!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“Jackrabbit” cross-country ski lessons for children on Mount Royal are now offered

Beginning January 10, 2009, Les amis de la montagne are launching the Ski de fond Québec cross-country ski initiation course called “Jackrabbit” in Mount Royal Park.

This program is for children 6 to 9 years old and will teach both the classic and freestyle methods. The Jackrabbit course has four technical levels and emphasizes the progressive integration of additional techniques, such as waxing, equipment, safety and ethics.

To help with skill perfection in an atmosphere of fun, the instructor will use a variety of educational tools, including a series of 70 activity cards, as well as games, chases, relays, races and courses. The course duration is for six 1.5 hour sessions over six consecutive Saturday mornings, beginning January 10, 2009 to February 14, 2009. Courses are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The course costs $200 plus taxes including equipment rental (boots, skis and poles) or $160 plus taxes, if you have your own equipment. Registration will end the morning of January 10, 2009.

To register your child, you must complete the registration form and payment in person at the following locations:

At Les amis’ equipment rental counter on the main floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road):
- Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At the boutique in Smith House, located mid-way between Beaver Lake and the Chalet near the lookout (1260 Remembrance Road):
- Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closing on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Bird-watching on the mountain – an activity for the whole family

Evening Grosbeaks, photos: Les amis de la montagne

To fully appreciate the birds of Mount Royal this winter, come and join Les amis de la montagne for a family-friendly guided walk along the bird feeder circuit on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. beginning January 10 to March 14, 2009.

Accompany a member of the conservation patrol as they fill the feeders along this 2 km loop around the mountain’s summit and spot the many species of birds that feed, their different habitats on the mountain and the type of food they seek this time of year.

Different questions will be explored: does the presence of feeders influence the birds’ behaviour? Do birds become dependent upon the feeders? Where have all the Evening Grosbeaks gone? … and more!

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Registration is now open – places are limited!

On February 19, Mount Royal will be aglow during one of the most magical events of the Montréal winter season, the 12^th edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event.

Honourary co-chairs, Isabelle Hudon, President of Marketel, and Rémi Racine, Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and President and Executive Producer of Artificial Mind & Movement, invite all mountain admirers to contribute to the evening’s success in the following manner:

By organizing a corporate team of 10 people or more;
By purchasing tickets for friends or yourself at a cost of $200 each;
By making a donation to Les amis de la montagne.

Every year, some 800 people gather on the mountain for this exceptional and unique night time fund-raising evening that recalls the famous torchlit snowshoe hikes of the early 19^th Century and that has an objective of raising $250,000, a third of the goal set for Les amis’ annual campaign.

To register, please complete the registration form or visit the event webpage to make a secure online payment.

"Jackrabbit" cross-country ski lessons for children (6 to 9 years)

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Registration begins on Monday, December 22

Les amis de la montagne are launching the Ski de fond Québec cross-country ski initiation course called “Jackrabbit” in Mount Royal Park starting January 10, 2009.

Les amis de la montagne will create three groups of about 10 children for this first year of the program.

The course duration is for six 1.5 hour sessions over six consecutive Saturday mornings, beginning January 10, 2009 to February 14, 2009. Courses are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The course costs $200 plus taxes including equipment rental (boots, skis and poles) or $160 plus taxes, if you have your own equipment.

Registration begins Monday, December 22, 2008 and will end the morning of January 10, 2009, or earlier if the maximum number of students has been reached.

To register your child, you must complete the registration form and payment in person at the following locations:

At Les amis’ equipment rental counter on the main floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion (2000 Remembrance Road)
- Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At the boutique in Smith House, located mid-way between Beaver Lake and the Chalet near the lookout (1260 Remembrance Road)
- Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closing on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Les amis launch their winter activities on Mount Royal

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

New in 2009: Cross-country ski lessons for children

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE LAUNCH THEIR WINTER ACTIVITIES ON MOUNT ROYAL

Montreal, December 5, 2008 – Mount Royal is a winter sports paradise in the heart of the city. Les amis de la montagne, partners of the Ville de Montréal, offer you a complete range of outdoor sporting equipment and a choice of stimulating animations on Mount Royal this winter, in addition to our welcome services at Smith House with the Café Smith restaurant and its menu of healthy, hearty food.

Skating enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the fresh new ice of the artificial skating rink near Beaver Lake as of 9 a.m. this Saturday, December 6. Tobogganers, skiers and snowshoers will have to wait a little longer – the snow is on its way!

Equipment rental counter at the Beaver Lake pavilion

All the equipment required to practice your favourite winter sports are available for rent at our counter located on the ground floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion: skates, cross-country skis, snowshoes, Nordic kicksleds, carrier sleds for babies, children’s helmets, learn-to-skate walkers, and for sliding, inner-tube rentals.

Interpretation activities

Les amis de la montagne also offer a variety of interpretation activities for the general public in addition to our programs for school groups. Back by popular demand, the evening snowshoe walks include “Snowshoeing by the light of the city”, an “illuminating” way to discover the mountain, and “A mountain of energy”, a snowshoe walk at a more energetic pace.

“The birds of Mount Royal, for all ages” is an invitation to the whole family to join a member of our conservation patrol for a walking visit of the birdfeeders along the summit loop to discover the many birds that feed in the park. “Discover Mount Royal by guided podcast” takes you along the summit loop trail with a multimedia player in hand to listen/watch a series of short podcasts to better appreciate the site.

NEW IN 2009: Cross-country ski lessons for children

Les amis de la montagne are launching the “Jackrabbit” cross-country ski initiation course of Ski de fond Québec in Mount Royal Park as of January 2009. This program is for children 6 to 9 years old and will teach the fundamentals of the sport. The course emphasizes the progressive integration of additional techniques, as well as games, relays and races to help with skill perfection in an atmosphere of fun. The course duration is for six 1.5 hour sessions over six consecutive Saturday mornings. Full program information and fees, with or without equipment, will be available soon on Les amis’ website.

WINTER SCHEDULE AND SERVICES

Information and fees: visit our "Calendar of Activities”

Group reservations: 514 843-8240, ext. 235

Outdoor equipment rental counter

Located in the Beaver Lake pavilion, main floor. Please note that rentals end one hour prior to the closure of the rental counter. An identity card with photo is required for all rentals.

December 1^st to December 18, 2008

Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 19, 2008 to March 15, 2009

Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Holiday hours

Closed as of 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2008

Closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1^st, 2009

Open at 10 a.m. on December 26, 2008 and January 2, 2009

Skates

$7 - 2 hours

Skis

$8 - 1 hour

$15 - 3 hours

Snowshoes

$7 - 1 hour

$13 - 3 hours

Nordic kicksled

$15 – 1.5 hours

Carrier sled for babies

$5 - 2 hours

Locks

$3 plus $5 deposit

Children’s helmet

$2 - 2 hours

Learn-to-skate walker

$4 - 2 hours plus $10 deposit

Skate sharpening

Ski waxing (not available on weekends)

$6 / $9 / $15 (varies depending on the service required)

Refrigerated skating rink

Please note that the Ville de Montréal is responsible for maintaining the ice and a maintenance schedule is posted on-site. Free.

December 6, 2008 to March 8, 2009

Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Holiday hours

Closed as of 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31

Closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1^st, 2009

Inner-tube rentals

From December 15, 2008 to March 15, 2009 (snow conditions permitting)

Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2008

Closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1^st, 2009

Holiday period from December 26, 2008 to January 4, 2009 and during spring break from March 2-6, 2009

Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fees:

4 to 12 years, $5

13 years and over, $8

Passes are valid for the day. One person per inner-tube.

Children 4 years of age and under are not permitted on the inner-tubes.

The pass provides access to one inner-tube and the reserved lanes for sliding.

Group rates (min 12) are available by reservation and on weekdays only.

Please call us at (514) 843-8240, ext. 0.

Welcome centre and boutique at Smith House

From October 14 to December 14, 2008

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

From December 15, 2008 to March 15, 2009

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturday until 7 p.m.

Holiday hours

Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2008

Closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1^st, 2009

From March 16 to May 1^st, 2009

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Café Smith restaurant (at Smith House)

From October 14 to December 14, 2008

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

From December 15, 2008 to March 15, 2009

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturday until 7 p.m.

Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2008

Closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1^st, 2009

Holiday period from December 26, 2008 to January 4, 2009 and during spring break from March 2-6, 2009

Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From March 16 to May 1^st, 2009

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

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Les amis' newsletter - December 2008

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

What's new on the mountain ...

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Shriners Hospital for Children

NEWS

New park planned for the northern summit?
Sale of the former Marianopolis College
Mountain biking in Montreal – project update

ACTIVITIES

Bravo to our volunteers of the Environmental Stewardship Program
The National Geographic Society wants to know your top picks for Montreal
Peter A. Howlett, C.M., is named to the Academy of Great Montrealers

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Guided snowshoe walks at night – make your group reservations now!

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Welcome to Isabelle Hudon and Rémi Racine, honorary co-chairs of the Tuques Bleues Celebration, 2009 edition

INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM

The next public forum will be held Wednesday, December 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shriners Hospital for Children, located at 1529 Cedar Avenue.

Photo: Ville de Montréal

What does the future hold for the Shriners property and the other hospital properties on the mountain?

The Shriners Hospital was built on the southern flank of the mountain in 1925 to provide orthopaedic care to children whose families could not afford the care otherwise. Due to a shortage of space and the fact that expansion on the existing site is not possible, the hospital plans to leave its current property on Cedar Avenue to build anew on the Glen site.

A guided tour of the Shriners Hospital will be provided, followed by a discussion with special guests on the future of hospital properties on the mountain. For more information, please contact François-Xavier Caron, public forum coordinator.

NEWS

New park planned for the northern summit?

The 2009 municipal budget announced November 26 includes the creation of a park on the mountain’s northern summit.

Since 1986, Les amis de la montagne have advocated for the protection and enhancement of this “forgotten” summit, located in Outremont that is the least known by the community due to the absence of any formal landscaping or public access points. Les amis will follow the progress of this announcement with great interest.

Sale of the former Marianopolis College

The Gentlemen of Saint-Sulpice have sold their property located at 3880 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, the former location of Marianopolis College. Property developers Tony Miceli and Carlo Bizzotto have purchased the site with plans to construct a significant residential project. The area is currently zoned institutional and is occupied in part by St. George’s School and The Study. Les amis de la montagne met with the developers in order to sensitize them to the mountain’s protection challenges. The project will eventually be submitted for public consultation.

Mountain biking in Montreal: Towards finding paths to sustainable solutions

More than a year has passed since Les amis de la montagne launched their project concerning mountain biking in Montreal with the participation of a working group on this issue. Les amis’ Conservation Patrol led an awareness-raising campaign between June and October, where contact was made with close to 4,000 people. In order to arrive at concrete sustainable solutions, there is no question that alternatives to Mount Royal must be found for the mountain biking community. A working group of representatives from the cycling community has been formed to look for alternative sites on the island and Les amis will continue to follow the project.

ACTIVITIES

Bravo to our volunteers of the Environmental Stewardship Program

The 2008 edition of Les amis de la montagne’s Environmental Stewardship Program was a resounding success thanks to the participation of 1,082 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to carry out a variety of tasks for the benefit of Mount Royal.

More than 2,300 hours of time and energy were devoted to the mountain territory between May and October, with the following formidable results:

460 volunteers planted 1,470 indigenous trees and shrubs in Mount Royal Park and on the property of the Université de Montréal. These plantings serve to sustain the natural regeneration of the forest, diversify the age classifications of the trees and reduce the number of exotic invasive species.
68% of the indigenous trees and shrubs planted have survived since 2003, according to follow-up studies on the survival rates and growth of plantings, an encouraging result for a territory under tremendous urban pressures.
40% of Mount Royal Park benefited from litter pick-up activities with a total of 100 bags of garbage collected during the traditional Corvée this year, despite the heavy rain.
More than 2.5 tonnes of stems, branches and saplings from exotic invasive species were cut down on Mount Royal as part of a research project led by Les amis de la montagne in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal and a scientific committee.

The detailed results of the program will be available shortly on our website under the heading “Conservation Activities.”

The National Geographic Society wants to know your top picks for Montreal

Montreal became the first city in the world to sign the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destination’s Geotourism Charter in 2007! Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents.

By having signed this Charter, and to promote Montreal as a sustainable destination on the international scene, a working group in Montreal, including Les amis de la montagne and the National Geographic Society, are in the process of producing a tourism Mapguide of the island.

The National Geographic Society wants to know your favourite Montreal picks. Visit the website geomontreal.com before January 15, 2009, in order to nominate your choice attraction, place, activity or treasure on the mountain, in Montreal or your neighbourhood. Your choice just might be selected one of the 200 favourites to be included in the Montreal and National Geographic Society tourism Mapguide.

Peter A. Howlett, C.M. is named to the Academy of Great Montrealers

Peter A. Howlett, C.M., founding president of Les amis de la montagne, was named to the Academy of Great Montrealers by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal on October 29, together with Heather Munroe-Blum, Denise Robert and Rémi Marcoux. Each year, the Academy honours four well-known Montreal personalities. Their contribution to society and initiatives in their respective fields are a shining example for all of us and an exceptional asset to our city’s prestige. Mr. Howlett was recognized under the social sector for his many contributions to the community.

Mr. Howlett is a second-generation member of the Academy in his family. His mother, Mrs. Alphonsine Howlett (1913-1992) was named in 1978, the first woman to receive the honour in the inaugural year of the Academy.

Peter A. Howlett, C.M., Heather Munroe-Blum, O.C., Ph.D., MSRC, Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal, Denise Robert and Rémi Marcoux, C.M., O.Q., F.C.A. (Photo: Maude Lajeunesse)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Guided snowshoe walks at night – make your group reservations now!

What can be more invigorating than a walk under the stars in the company of a guide from Les amis de la montagne to discover the mountain under a blanket of snow, while enjoying a winter sport in the heart of Montreal?

Les amis de la montagne are offering “brilliant” guided snowshoeing walks at night for groups of friends or work colleagues. The guided walk titled, “Snowshoeing by the light of the city” is a night time discovery of the mountain forest, while the activity titled, “A mountain of energy” is for those snowshoers seeking a quicker, more energetic pace. The evening snowshoe walks begin as of January 10, 2009, but reservations are being accepted now.

Custom outings are also available for groups of 10 to 60 participants.

Complete dates and details are available on our website under the heading “Activities and services – Calendar of events” or you can call us at (514) 843-8240, ext. 235.

THE TUQUES BLEUES CELEBRATION

Stars and superstars: the Tuques Bleues Celebration, 2009 edition

Les amis de la montagne are proud to welcome two “superstars” of the Montreal business community as honorary co-chairs of the 2009 edition of the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event, Isabelle Hudon, President of Marketel and Rémi Racine, Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and President and Executive Producer of Artificial Mind & Movement.

Photo: Marie-Claude Hamel

The Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event is Les amis de la montagne’s signature fundraiser, one of Montreal’s most original and dynamic wintertime events. Next February 19, strap on your snowshoes and join the hundreds of mountain fans for a magical evening that raises funds towards the conservation of Mount Royal.

Don’t forget that places are limited! No need to wait for your invitation in the mail. You may register for the Tuques Bleues Celebration – on your own or as a team – with just a few mouse-clicks by secure payment on the Internet. Details can be found on our website in the “News and events – Tuques Bleues Celebration” section, or call us at (514) 843-8240, ext. 239.

A ring road will encircle Mount Royal

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A 10 km path will be constructed by 2011

The Ville de Montréal and the Government of Québec announced a project to create a ring road and north-south roads on Mount Royal during a press conference at the Beaver Lake pavilion on November 14, 2008. A new 10 km ring road creating a loop around the mountain will provide access to pedestrians and cyclists from the western and northern flanks of the mountain, a project estimated at $7.5 million.

During Les amis de la montagne’s presentation of their position paper before the Office de consultation Publique de Montréal on June 19, 2008, Les amis brought a number of concrete questions forward, despite their generally enthusiastic approval of the project.

“This project is very worthwhile for Mount Royal, an opportunity to correct accessibility issues and an occasion to “step outside” the Park in order to explore the mountain in its entirety,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of the organization.

Nonetheless, the project must avoid giving the impression that it consists of six divided sections spanning three boroughs, rather than a single ring road on the mountain. On top of the project’s planned development, the concept must be supported by correspondingly appropriate management practices that meet the high quality of standards expected for a site of such emblematic importance.

“Our elected officials must now answer questions regarding the means to be deployed for this project, the staffing that will be assigned to it and which borough will be responsible,” added Sylvie Guilbault. “While the city is preparing to add close to a dozen kilometres of public infrastructure on the mountain, an efficient management model is essential.”

Call for volunteers for the FeederWatch project

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Every Friday and Saturday from November 14, 2008 to March 28, 2009

The FeederWatch project is an inventory of winter birds at feeders that began in Canada and the United States in 1976.

The patrol will be participating for a fourth winter. If you would like to become a volunteer participant or have any further questions, please contact Claude Drolet at (514) 843-8240, ext. 242.

Renewal of the lease with the Société Radio-Canada for their antenna

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne present their position paper at the OCPM

Les amis de la montagne react to the renewal of the lease with the Société Radio-Canada for their antenna on the mountain

Les amis de la montagne presented their position paper before the Office de consultation publique de Montréal on October 29, on the project to renew the lease between the Ville de Montréal and the Société Radio-Canada for their antenna located in Mount Royal Park.

Les amis are pleased that the renewed lease includes a financial compensation to be directed exclusively towards the protection of the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District.

With the renewal of the lease, occurring for the first time since the creation of the protected district in 2005, Les amis propose that different scenarios be envisioned to better integrate the tour in the mountain landscape. You can read Les amis’ position paper (available in French) here.

Launch of the interactive map, "Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover"

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne make innovative use of new technologies to encourage the discovery of Mount Royal

Montreal, October 3, 2008 – Les amis de la montagne are inaugurating a new online tool today that encourages the discovery of Mount Royal through the innovative use of new technologies. “Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” located at www.lemontroyal.qc.ca is an interactive map that focuses upon the discovery of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage through the creative use of Internet technologies.

“The Mount Royal Historic and Natural District is a priceless ‘collection’ of locations, buildings, landscapes, activities and monuments that have all contributed to the history of this country and, as the symbol of Montreal, continues to represent the city’s dynamism and its quality of life,” said Sylvie Guilbault, Executive Director of Les amis de la montagne. “To provide Montrealers and visitors alike the opportunity to capture all the richness and uniqueness of Mount Royal, the new interactive map is an interpretive site for the discovery of the unexpected and little known assets of the mountain, its makeup and its inhabitants. Everything is within reach of the visitor, who opens themselves to this proposed adventure and be guided by their senses.”

The purpose of the interactive map is to trigger the visitor’s desire to discover Mount Royal and its hidden assets in order to better appreciate the mountain and participate in its conservation and longevity. The website presents audio-visual capsules on the mountain’s heritage that can be downloaded from the site free of charge. Daring in its means and original in its approach, the interactive map offers a choice of walks or the possibility to create one’s one walk through a variety of themes or itineraries through neighbourhoods or across pubic or institutional properties on the mountain.

This project, that meets the objectives of both sustainable development and sustainable tourism, was made possible by the ministry of Heritage Canada, the Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions and the Ville de Montréal and the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine as part of the Entente de développement culturel de Montréal, as well as the expertise of our partners in technology, the companies SedNove and Lichen Communications.

Les amis de la montagne would especially like to thank Mr. Raymond Bachand, Member for Outremont, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Montreal region for his support this project, as well as the 16 institutional and association partners on Mount Royal who contributed to the realization of the site.

To visit the website of Les amis de la montagne: www.lemontroyal.qc.ca

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Source:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
514 843-8240, ext. 237

Reports from the Office de consultation publique: Les amis' reaction

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Les amis de la montagne receive the reports of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal with enthusiasm on the subject of the draft Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan and the project to expand the Montreal General Hospital.

PRESS RELEASES
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Les amis de la montagne react with enthusiasm to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal’s report on the draft Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan

Montreal, 26 August 2008 – Les amis de la montagne are in favour of the report by the commission of the Office de Consultation Publique de Montréal on the City of Montreal’s draft Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan rendered public today.

“The draft Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan proposed by the City of Montreal for consultation purposes brings together an impressive amount of professional expertise. The draft plan draws a precise picture of the state of the mountain and its heritage assets, as well as its major challenges and problems. Nonetheless, the draft plan remains incomplete on a number of essential matters, which the commissioners corroborate in their report,” said Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President, Les amis de la montagne.

According to Les amis de la montagne, the following elements are missing from the draft plan:

A vision for the entire territory of the mountain. The document limits itself to the boundaries of the historic and natural district decreed by the Quebec Government.
Treatment of the concept of the three summits and a vision that orients objectives and determines priorities.
Guarantees for the plan’s realisation and follow-through on announced intentions.

More fundamentally for Les amis, the process that oversees development on the mountain as outlined does not meet the requirements that Montrealers would expect for a territory of such importance, including objectives related to transparency, consultation and participation. The municipal administration evoked these objectives in the creation of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal and they were the primary motivation behind Les amis’ involvement in the process overall. These objectives also reflect the concerns brought forward by the participants at the consultations.

According to Mr. Howlett, “Through our analysis of the draft plan, we conclude that good work was done in the analysis and the identification of needs, but that much remains to be accomplished, what with the real work only just beginning. To ensure the success of this process, the municipal administration must direct the appropriate financial and human resources to the realization of this plan. Otherwise, the plan will become just another reference document, filled with good intentions.”

Les amis de la montagne are likewise convinced that the objectives of this plan will never be realized without the involvement of the greater Montreal community. To garner support, mechanisms need to be put into place to provide information to the population on an ongoing basis, to ensure transparency in decision-making and to encourage the real involvement of citizens and various mountain partners in the process.

Recall that during the public consultations, Les amis de la montagne put forward the following specific recommendations related to the draft plan:

That the cities (Westmount and Montreal) and boroughs demonstrate their willingness to preserve the mountain’s heritage over-and-above the current ministerial requirements and work towards a more global definition of the territory to be protected.
That the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal takes on the exercise of translating into action a global vision for the protected territory.
That the City of Montreal, together with the Table de concertation, quickly establishes a plan identifying priorities, measurable objectives, timelines, budgets and the individuals responsible for the plan’s realization.
That the Table de concertation becomes incorporated in the Charter of the City of Montreal and that its role becomes central in the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal.
That the Table de concertation has a say in the establishment of priorities entered into annual and tri-annual planning.
That the Table de concertation receives a report annually on accomplishments and financial statements related to the plan.
That the members of the Table de concertation are invited to benefit from this privileged platform of information and exchange to make known their needs, projects, development plans and accomplishments related to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal.
That the elaboration of the Patrimonial Pacts and the development agreements that ensue are realized in a spirit of openness and transparency to include all stakeholders of the process thereby allowing for the improvement of said initiatives.

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The expansion of the Montreal General Hospital (MUHC) on Mount Royal still raises important questions: the report of the Office de Consultation Publique de Montréal arrives at the same conclusions as Les amis de la montagne.

Les amis de la montagne are in agreement with the conclusions of the public consultation report held on the project to expand the Montreal General Hospital. Les amis are relieved that the commissioners share the organization’s doubts as to the pertinence of the project within the protected historic and natural district and have therefore, fixed limits on the site in question.

“The MUHC’s reorganization project will be an important marker in the history of this city and the mountain. The time has come for elected officials to make the decisions that best reflect the concerns of the community expressed in the commissioners’ report, as much in the name of excellence in health care delivery, as in the protection of this exceptional heritage we have in the heart of our city,” said Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President of Les amis de la montagne.

Recall that in 2001, the Heenan Commission recommendations for the Montreal General Hospital stated “that no other project should be authorized on these grounds.” The heritage evaluation conducted of the site also demonstrated that the construction of the hospital marked the beginning of a collective consciousness-raising on the limits to the mountain’s capacity and the importance of limiting development. In 1957, the Association of Architects adopted a proposal in a similar vein, limiting the number of new buildings on the southern flank of the mountain to six stories, legally recognized in a 1963 zoning by-law. Today, the MUHC project proposes a 50 percent expansion of the hospital. Will this project be the last?

Convinced that the Mount Royal context requires projects that take strides to significantly reduce their impact and even contribute in an exemplary fashion to the enhancement of the collective heritage of the mountain, Les amis de la montagne participated with Héritage Montréal in a number of discussions on the hospital project with the MUHC. The Montreal General Hospital project requires above all else correctives to the hospital’s place in the mountain landscape through architectural interventions and landscaping that would reduce the place of the automobile on the site and the imposing mass of the structure to the benefit of its relation between the city and Mount Royal Park. The hospital project and the protection of the mountain should not be treated as opposing objectives, but developed with a global vision for the sector.

Les amis de la montagne is an independent organization founded by the Montreal community in 1986 dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal. Les amis pursue therefore, a very long tradition in Quebec of citizen involvement in the preservation of the mountain.

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Information:
Gabrielle Korn
Director of Communications
Les amis de la montagne
(514) 843-8240 ext. 237

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