Projects by, for and with the community

Since 2014

The Darlington Ecological Corridor

Supported by Éco-pivot, the University of Montreal and in collaboration with the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, this project aims to reconnect nature to the city.

What is an ecological corridor?

Ecological corridors link green spaces, promoting the movement and the preservation of biodiversity. They enhance city life, offering a greener vision and improving residents' environment. These corridors also help cities adapt to climate change and its numerous impacts.

Montreal features several urban ecological corridors, also known as green paths, green corridors, biodiversity corridors, and linear parks. The concept may vary between projects depending on the chosen terminology.

The Darlington Ecological Corridor stands out due to its consultative approach and phased, multi-scalar implementation. This method addresses the urban context and the complexity of its execution.

A Corridor at the Heart of Côte-des-Neiges

The Corridor project focuses on developing an integrated ecological network through greening, urban agriculture, stormwater management, and other ecological interventions to enhance residents' quality of life.

The approach is collaborative, participatory and partnership-based. It emphasizes projects for and with local actors (residents, citizens, the municipality, institutions, businesses, organizations, and experts) by proposing interconnected micro ecological projects based on development opportunities and the needs of various stakeholders.

Choosing the Route

The primary goal of the corridor is to connect the biodiversity hub of Mount Royal to the "biodiversity highway" of the nearby railway. After assessing the terrain and governance issues, we decided to operate within the public domain of a single borough, prioritizing a route with minimal impact on the urban fabric.

Darlington Avenue meets these criteria and adds unique elements to the project. Its route follows the bed of a now-underground stream, offering a distinctive character and the potential for river revitalization. Interestingly, a 1992 document with a similar vision was discovered, revealing that the proposed route aligns with the current one.