Press releases

Photo : © Chloé Lecavalier

The Return of the Mount Royal Clean-Up Kicks Off Spring Festivities on the Mountain for the Month of May!

Les Amis de la montagne invites all Montrealers to enjoy Mount Royal and its verdant open spaces in the heart of the city during the 2022 edition of May: Mount Royal Month. Organized in partnership with the City of Montreal and with the support of TD Bank Group through its TD Ready Commitment program, events will officially begin on Sunday, May 8, with the first of two Mount-Royal Clean-Up activities.

Mount Royal Clean-Up: A 30th edition in two parts

This year, the Mount Royal Clean-up organized by Les Amis de la montagne also benefits from the support of Rio Tinto. It will take place on two different days, in two separate locations. The first clean-up, on Sunday, May 8, starts at Smith House in Mount Royal Park; the second is scheduled on Sunday, May 29 in Tiohtià:ke Ostira’kéhne Park on the mountain’s Outremont Summit. For each clean-up, some 150 citizens will arrive at 9 a.m. to collect garbage and recyclable materials from the mountain’s undergrowth. After a morning spent picking up litter and helping to keep Mount Royal’s parks clean and green, participants are invited to enjoy the volunteers’ picnic hosted by Les Amis de la montagne, as well as activities for the whole family.

May: Mount Royal Month – A tribute to Olmsted

This edition of May: Mount Royal Month marks the 146th anniversary of Mount Royal Park and the Bicentennial of the birth of the creative genius who designed it, Frederick Law Olmsted,. Exploring Olmsted’s legacy will be the common thread linking a dozen or so activities and events to be held as part of the celebration of the mountain, which include:

  • Discovery walks on the mountain
    Six guided walks will focus on the history of the mountain, the value of its green spaces, the benefits of nature, the mountain’s landscapes and its place in the heart of the city.

    Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. - Sunset Summit Walk
    Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. - Mount Royal’s Northern Slope
    Friday, May 13 as of 9:30 a.m. (full day) - Three Summits of Mount Royal
    Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. - Shinrin Yoku Walk: Forest Bathing on Mount Royal
    Saturday, May 21 at 1:30 p.m. – A Glimpse into the Therapeutic Value of Mount Royal and its Influence on the Vision of the Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph and of Frederick Law Olmsted
    Tuesday, May 24 at 9:30 a.m. - Climbing Mount Royal    
     
  • May 24: Olmsted and Mount Royal Park, Past and Present Conference
    Focusing on one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s masterworks, this conference will examine the ways in which this great man’s forward-thinking vision still drives our efforts to maintain public spaces that play a key role in the health and resilience of individuals and the community.
     
  • May 26–27: 2nd Montreal Park Forum: Community Engagement for Urban Parks
    Join park lovers, planning and public service professionals as well as community group members, to discuss with experts the different ways to activate community engagement in Montreal's parks and green spaces. Organized jointly by Park People and Les Amis de la montagne.
     
  • Other activities that encourage citizens to rediscover the mountain
    We will also launch the 2022 edition of Les amis’s annual photo competition, The Mountain in Pictures, and our environmental awareness programs as part of May: Mount Royal Month. 

“Mount Royal was a lifeline for millions of people who sought out its green spaces as a refuge from the stress and isolation of the pandemic,” says Peter A. Howlett, C.M., President of Les Amis de la montagne. “This place of relaxation, contemplation and renewal is also the green lung of our city. If we protect it, the mountain will be able to continue contributing to our health and well-being. Let us all show our affection for our mountain by participating in the Mount Royal Clean-Up and all the other activities and events that make up May: Mount Royal Month!” 


Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante highlights the role of committed citizens in preserving the natural jewel that is Mount Royal. “The Mount Royal Clean-Up enables Montrealers to personally contribute to the mountain’s health and vitality. In addition, Les Amis de la montagne’s volunteers have planted over 35,000 native trees and shrubs and continue to monitor their growth. I thank each and every person who gives generously of their time to preserve this gem in the heart of our city.”

Visit Les Amis’s website to learn more about all the events and activities planned during the 2022 edition of May: Mount Royal Month.

VITAL SUPPORT

May: Mount Royal Month is an annual event held in partnership with the City of Montreal, which has supported the mission of Les Amis de la montagne for more than 35 years.

Les Amis would like to acknowledge the support of TD Bank Group as lead sponsor of May: Mount Royal Month and Les Amis's environmental stewardship initiatives through the TD Ready Commitment program. 

The Mount Royal Clean-Up and Les Amis's environmental stewardship and awareness initiatives have also enjoyed the support of Rio Tinto since 2021.

Les Amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization that protects, improves and promotes Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

 

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