On the eve of its 100th anniversary in 2031, the Jardin botanique is putting forth a vision and orientations that will ensure the sustainability of its infrastructures, the consistent delivery of its mission and the realization of its contribution to the Montréal community, in addition to maintaining its international reputation as one of the 10 most important botanical gardens in the world.
Revealing the essential role plants play in preserving life on Earth and achieving the socio-ecological transition
To fulfill this vision, the Jardin botanique has adopted three strategic orientations that 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 and a showcase for demonstrations
It will implement mitigation—notably for GHG emissions—and adaptation measures. It plans to integrate phytotechnologies so that plant-based solutions can be showcased throughout the institution. 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, showcasing the beauty of plants and the crucial role they play.
2. An inspiring and universally accessible garde
The visitor experience will be revamped with a new, appealing and safe itinerary that will enable all visitors to enjoy it in equal measure. Certain gardens, exhibits, facilities and services will be enhanced, and new features will be offered to the public, notably to make the experience and information more accessible and inclusive. All these accessibility and inclusion measures will take into account gender-based analysis and beyond (GBA+), which aims to recognize and remove exclusions by taking into account all people who may experience forms of discrimination based on a number of factors, including age or limitation. The Jardin botanique will ensure its long-term future by refurbishing its infrastructure and showcasing its rich heritage.
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, while also enhancing the reputation of Espace pour la vie and increasing visitor traffic. The Jardin also hopes to involve the public and its partners, particularly Indigenous peoples, by offering them opportunities to create, express themselves, and share. Programming will also include enhanced educational activities to help citizens take action towards the socio-ecological transition, notably by promoting the development of key skills and bringing plants at the core of solutions.
Espace pour la vie invites citizens to reflect together on upcoming projects
Several refurbishment and development projects are currently underway, in line with the priorities of Montréal 2030 and Espace pour la vie. In order to create an inclusive and accessible garden, Espace pour la vie proposes participatory workshops to integrate the experience and needs of citizens from the earliest project planning stages.
Initiated in 2022, these targeted consultations will help to plan projects in collaboration with members of groups experiencing exclusion. This is crucial to ensure that the design considers the diversity and range of needs of the population as a whole.
The process, initiated in 2022, is ongoing. Everyone is invited to register for the workshops.
2.1 - 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.
- Workshop 1 - January 21 and 23, 2024 (completed)
2.2 - Refurbishment of the Western Gardens
Among the first exhibition gardens laid out by Henry Teuscher (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 and Poisonous Plants Garden and the Shrub Garden. Work in this sector will be carried out between 2026 and 2028.
- Workshop 1 - September 2023 (completed)
- Workshop 2 - Fall 2024 (dates to come)
2.3 - 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. It will feature participatory games and experiments focusing on the discovery of water. By its very nature, the Garden of Innovations is an ideal place for experimentation and demonstration. It will be built as part of the redevelopment of the Western Gardens between 2026 and 2028.
- Workshop 1 - April 30, 2023 (completed)
- Workshop 2 - Fall 2024 (dates to come)