Expect green plan by December

BY DANIEL BARTLETT

Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum announced that preparations to have a borough-based green plan ready before the end of the year have already begun and that residents should anticipate public consultations in early 2008.

On Wednesday, Peter McQueen, president and founder of the St. Raymond Residents Association, asked the borough council what initiatives are currently underway to increase the amount of bicycle paths in CDN/NDG. He gave a number of suggestions, including a Terrebonne Street trail that could unite the borough from east to west, and noted that such a plan would not cost a significant amount.

In response, Applebaum said preparations for more bike paths are already underway and residents should expect a preliminary plan by December. “We will come out with a green plan for our borough and we will also come out with a plan for local bicycle paths,” he said. “You know that André Lavallée has already come out with a plan for regional bicycle paths — arterial — but for us there’s already been a sum of money put aside from our surplus in 2006.”

At this time, Applebaum said Borough workers, in collaboration with City planners, are trying to establish what the needs of residents in CDN/NDG are in terms of green issues. He noted that the Borough plans to have the first draft of the document ready by December, after which public consultations will be held to ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard. “We would like to have the plan and to have some opportunities for the spring to start putting in place certain actions,” Applebaum said. “With this, I am announcing today that you will be invited to these meetings and I think you will be happy with the work.”

Earlier in the evening, Marlowe Avenue resident Claude Casgrain told the borough council of her “wonderful experience” visiting the City of Montreal’s only green roof several days prior to Wednesday’s meeting. The roof was built on the CDN Maison de la culture and Library and has been open to the public since June 5. “It was extraordinary because we had a splendid view. We had the Oratory right in front of us (and) to the left the University of Montréal,” Casgrain said. “I know it’s a team effort but I really wanted to thank the mayor (Applebaum) because in the end he’s the head representative. But I’d like to thank all of you for this pleasure and this beauty.” • The CDN Maison de la culture and Library is located at 5290 Côte des Neiges Rd. For a list of activities the Borough has planned to allow residents to learn more about green roofs and the movement to enhance environmental awareness, visit the Borough’s website and download Cultivating Culture – Even on the Roof!: Special Program. The file is available in Portable Document Format (PDF).