On the eve of its 100th anniversary in 2031, the Jardin botanique is putting forth a consistent vision and orientations that will ensure the sustainability of its infrastructures and the delivery of its mission. The goal is to update its contribution to Montreal’s population while maintaining its international reputation — that is, to remain among the world’s top 10 botanical gardens.
Revealing the essential role plants play in preserving life on Earth
To fulfill this vision, the Jardin botanique has adopted three strategic orientations. Those will guide, among other things, the refurbishment and development projects to be completed over the next few years.
1. A model garden for the socio-ecological transition
The Jardin botanique will implement mitigation measures, particularly targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also plans to showcase phytotechnologies across the Jardin — ecological solutions that harness the power of plants.
At a time when the climate emergency has become a crisis of unprecedented proportions, the Jardin botanique de Montréal must play an even greater role in the socio-ecological transition and in achieving the City of Montréal’s carbon neutrality goal. As such, it must be a model metropolitan institution, sharing its knowledge and experience with the public and other organizations in Montréal, Québec, Canada and abroad.
2. An inspiring and universally accessible garden
Certain gardens, exhibits, facilities and services will be enhanced, and new features will be offered to the public. For example, the visitor experience and information will be more accessible and inclusive.
All the accessibility and inclusion measures will take into account gender-based analysis and beyond (GBA+), which aims to recognize and remove exclusions.
3. A garden committed to its community and the world
A number of events will be organized to bring visitors closer to nature, most of which will be based on the collections and cultures presented at the garden.
Espace pour la vie hopes to further involve the public and its partners, particularly Indigenous peoples, by offering them opportunities to create, express themselves, and share.
The Jardin’s programming will also include the enhancement of educational activities aimed at supporting citizen-led actions in favour of a socioecological transition. In short, the Jardin botanique will support community initiatives across the Island of Montreal and strengthen collaborations with partners both locally and abroad.
Take part in shaping future projects
Several renovation and development projects aligned with the priorities of Montréal 2030 and Espace pour la vie are currently in progress. To help create an inclusive and accessible garden, a series of consultation workshops—launched in 2022—have been integrating the experiences and needs of residents, including those from marginalized communities.
1. Redevelopment of the traffic lanes at the Jardin botanique
The aim of this project is to revise the overall traffic flow to ensure a fluid, immersive experience for all visitors. The first phases of this redevelopment project will begin in 2026, but the timetable will vary from sector to sector.
Circulation pathway plan validation
- Phase 1 - January 21 and 23, 2024 (general public)
- January 27, 2024 (individuals with accessibility needs) -
Phase 2 - May 19 and 24, 2024 (general public)
- May 26, 2024 (individuals with accessibility needs)
Summary of the Consultation Workshops – January and May 2024
Held under the theme Toward more inclusive and immersive pathways at the Jardin botanique, these consultations brought together dozens of participants with diverse backgrounds and experiences — including individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as neurodivergent individuals.
Facilitated by the Centre d’écologie urbaine (CEU) and the Jardin botanique, the workshops explored a range of ideas and solutions across several key areas, including environment, heritage, landscaping, and inclusion.
Public participation is helping shape the future circulation routes within the Jardin, with a focus on three key priorities:
- 1. Showcasing the Jardin’s identity without compromising accessibility
- 2. Establishing a clear hierarchy of pathways
- 3. Demonstrating sound ecological practices
- 4. Evaluating and enhancing the visitor experience
2. Refurbishment of the Western Gardens
Among the first exhibition gardens laid out by Henry Teuscher, from 1931 to 1949, several of the exhibition gardens in the western sector, known as the Western Gardens, are now in need of major work. The Western Gardens include the Perennial Garden, the Food Garden, the Garden of Innovations, the Québec Corner, the Monastery Garden, the Medicinal Garden, Poisonous Plants Garden and the Shrub Garden. Work in this sector will be carried out by 2030.
- Workshop 1 - September 2023
- Workshop 2 - April 5 and 26, 2025
Summary of the Consultation Workshops – September 2023 and April 2025
Held under the theme Toward more inclusive and immersive pathways at the Jardin botanique, these consultations brought together participants with and without physical or intellectual disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, family members of people living with these realities, and organizations representing them.
Facilitated by the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM) and the Jardin botanique de Montréal, the workshop helped enrich the conceptual sketches by gathering a wide range of ideas:
- Prioritize beauty and aesthetics in all accessibility measures (the Jardin botanique is encouraged to show creativity in how it develops accessible features).
- Respect and preserve heritage elements.
- Maintain a strong contrast between pathways and flowerbeds throughout the garden to assist visitors with residual vision.
- Develop strategies to improve the accessibility of panels (both signage and interpretation).
3. Project to create a new space with children and families in mind
Four spaces adapted for children and families are planned at various locations on the site to ensure an inclusive and captivating visit for all.
The very first area will be located in the Garden of Innovations, where visitors will find play elements inspired by the theme of “gardening.” By its very nature, the Garden of Innovations is an ideal place for experimentation and demonstration activities. It will be built as part of the redevelopment of the Western Gardens.
Facilitated by the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM) and the Jardin botanique de Montréal, the workshops brought together parents, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, and people from visible minority groups.
- Advisory workshop 1 - April 30, 2023
- Advisory workshop 2 - Held on April 26, 2025, this workshop helped refine the conceptual sketches and prioritize key ideas by identifying participants’ challenges, highlights, and aspirations.
The activities offered were well received, though a few suggestions were made:
- Add quiet zones with low or minimal sensory stimulation
- Create harmonious layouts (with consistency and unity between proposed elements)
- Preserve simple and understated areas
- Include seating and contemplation furniture for all age groups