Les Amis de la montagne launches a comic strip to raise awareness among Mount Royal users

November 23 2022

Montreal, November 23, 2022 - Les Amis de la montagne launched a digital campaign today to raise awareness about the vulnerability of Mount Royal’s ecosystems. Presented in the form of comic strips created by cartoonist Michel Hellman, the campaign aims to encourage those who visit the mountain to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and protect this vast urban green space, cherished by Montrealers and tourists alike. Numerous institutions located on the mountain, who share the challenges of protecting its natural environment, will also disseminate the campaign to their respective communities to maximize its impact and make as many people as possible aware of the importance of their actions in the preservation of the flora and fauna of the Mount Royal Heritage Site.

Les Amis and their partners hope that the universal language of comics will stimulate curiosity, dialogue and a desire to take care of Montreal's green lung. Explanatory texts on eco-responsibility issues accompany each episode. The entire series is hosted on the microsite conservation.lemontroyal.qc.ca. Over the weeks, new episodes will reveal desirable or undesirable behaviours and their impact on vulnerable ecosystems that are being endangered by intensive use of the parks and other green spaces on the mountain.

"We need to think about what we can do to maintain the health of these beautiful open spaces in the heart of the city that do us so much good. We hope that those who discover this comic strip will recognize themselves and adopt these small gestures that are so important for the well-being of our mountain," said Hélène Panaïoti, Executive Director of Les Amis de la montagne.

Our partners would like to add:

“Nestled on the north side of Mount Royal, Polytechnique Montréal is a privileged resident of the mountain. Knowing that environmental education is an integral part of our mission, it was only natural for the institution to want to take part in this beautiful eco-awareness initiative. Keeping this large green space healthy and rich in biodiversity is vital. We owe our respect to the mountain, which not only serves as an exceptional study and work environment for our entire community, but is also the green lung of Montreal.” Louise Millette, Head of the Office of Sustainable Development, Polytechnique Montréal

“Enhancing Mount Royal’s habitats is a priority for Université de Montréal as part of its commitment to take action to meet sustainable development goals. We are pleased to join Les Amis de la montagne in this initiative. By joining forces, we can take concrete action to preserve Mount Royal, which is so precious to all Montrealers.” Ronald Jean-Gilles, Director of the Sustainable Development Unit, Université de Montréal.

“Mount Royal, the natural jewel of our metropolitan area, is both beautiful and fragile. Les Amis de la montagne's campaign is a creative reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring the protection of the mountain's natural ecosystems.” Emmanuel Rondia, Executive Director, Conseil régional de l'environnement de Montréal

“As the City of Montréal's most populous borough, we are pleased to partner with Les Amis de la montagne in this initiative and to raise awareness about the little things we can do to help preserve the green jewel that is Mount Royal. In the face of climate change, every action counts and everyone has a part to play in providing a healthy living environment for future generations.” Gracia Kasoki Katahwa, Mayor, Borough of Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

“Nearly a quarter of Mount Royal is within the territory of Outremont, including a good portion of the footpath. The protection of ecosystems is a fundamental value of our administration. Congratulations to Les Amis de la montagne for this essential initiative." Laurent Desbois, Mayor, Borough of Outremont

“The MUHC is proud to join the Les Amis de la montagne community. Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet, and we embrace all initiatives designed to protect the green space we occupy in the heart of the city. Furthermore, we advocate the sustainability and responsible use of the mountain we share with the citizens of Montreal and surrounding communities.” Amanda De Rosa, Planning, Programming and Research Officer, MUHC

"We support this environmental awareness campaign by Les Amis de la montagne for Mount Royal Park, as it is in line with the objectives of our Green Plan and our commitment to the principle of "Leave no Trace" in Notre-Dames-des-Neiges cemetery." Éric Choinière, Director of Sales and Customer Service, Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges.

About Michel Hellman

Michel Hellman is a Franco-American cartoonist born in Montreal. He is the author of Mile End, published by Pow Pow, and Débarqués (in collaboration with André Marois), published by La Pastèque. His interest in issues related to the northern regions led him to publish two graphic novels that explore these themes through the collage technique: Iceberg and Le Petit Guide du Plan Nord. His comic book Nunavik, which recounts his stay in Quebec's Far North, won the Bédélys prize. Visit his website to learn more about this talented cartoonist who is particularly fond of Mount Royal.

About Les Amis de la montagne

Les Amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

For more information, visit Les Amis de la montagne's website at www.lemontroyal.qc.ca and the comic strips at conservation.lemontroyal.qc.ca

Thank you to our key partners: