EMSB celebrates the success of Green Corridor project in Montreal North

The City of Montreal borough of Montreal North  celebrated four years of success with the EMSB and the Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île (CSPI)  on the implementation of an innovative Green Corridor project.   This concerns the area between Pascal (north), Renoir (south), Rolland (east) and Laurier (west).

This is unique for the fact that in this small half a kilometre space are five schools, two parks, a cultural community centre/library, an arena and a public pool. Over 6,000 school children, parents and teachers pass through this area every day. The five schools are Gerald McShane Elementary and Lester B. Pearson High from the EMSB and École Secondaire Henri Bourassa, École Jules Verne Elementary and École Carignan.       

Speaking at the event to mark the occasion, EMSB Chair Angela Mancini stated that over the last four years   considerable efforts have been made in this busy area in order to create a pleasant living environment and make it an accessible, active and friendly atmosphere.  

Projects undertaken by the two EMSB schools have included: the planting of trees and plants on school grounds with students; the elimination of fences/redevelopment of crossings on the grounds of both schools to open up the area and make it more accessible to students and citizens;  allowing for the installation of bike racks (Vélo-Québec) on the grounds of both schools to encourage cycling; the redevelopment of Gerald McShane's schoolyard to encourage physical activity and reduce heat islands; an energy saving project at Gerald McShane, including the installation of LED lights inside and out and the installation of a high energy performance boiler and the  change of  the  ventilation system with energy control; and the construction of a 60-metre mural on the wall of Lester B  Pearson with students and internationally renowned Chilean artist Alejandro "Mono" Gonzalez in collaboration with different partners.  Efforts continue to redevelop the existing soccer field and athletics track and to rebuild existing parking lots and facilities, with such work planned for next spring.