Conference-experience | Hit the Waters, Montréaleres!

The access to water in Montréal is often in the news due to citizen advocacy (Grand Splash de Montréal Baignade), political projects and public events. Recent projects, like the access to the Bellerive shoreline, and achievements (Verdun beach, downtown/Pointe-aux-Trembles shuttle, East beach, etc.) punctually demonstrate the interest of citizens toward this issue. If the water surrounding Montréal sometimes intrudes into the public urban domain, through flooding or the surfacing of streams, there is no doubt that Montrealers are cut off, both symbolically and physically, from their shores for recreation. However, this issue always presents itself as unique and uniform to the entire island. The event Hit the Waters, Montrealers! highlights the multiplicity of possibilities for the island of Montréal and is an opportunity to reflect on access to water in the plural. On the one hand, the island of Montréal is comprised of urban grids, historical and contemporary water practices, and different needs in terms of access to water for its fauna and flora. From the island’s shores to the city center, East to West, and North to South, local cultures and environments have distinct constraints and assets that can be unequal. On the other hand, the water surrounding Montréal takes on diverse forms and offers experiences that are either unknown or already overexploited. Despite its variable characteristics, water remains an important connector between the West and the East, between Montréal and its greater region, and between the urban side of the archipelago and its nature.

Thinking not in terms of one access to water, but of several accesses to Montreal's waters can be put in these terms: Should we and can we diversify accesses to Montréal's waters? If so, how should these accesses be? How can we promote diversified access to water without neglecting its connectivity? How do recent and past projects compel us to do better? How can we take action and appropriate the waters around Montréal in diverse and specific manners?

Due to health measures, we cannot hold this conference-experience in front of a public. However, podcasts of the meetings will be broadcasted in the Fall to allow a wider audience to discover the series. Follow our social networks to stay tuned on all the details!

Scientific Director:

• Natalie Boucher (Director, R.Es.P.I.R.E. / CIRM)

Guests:

• Scott McKay (President, Société d’animation de la Promenade Bellerive)
• Gérald Domon (Director, Chair in Landscape and Environment, Université de Montréal)
• Yves Plante (Director, Jeunes marins urbains)
• Victor Balsis (President, Les AmiEs du Courant Sainte-Marie)

CIRM is grateful to the Société d’animation de la Promenade Bellerive for its collaboration in presenting this event. The mission of this organization is to maintain and develop a window on the river through the implementation of sports, outdoor, leisure, cultural and recreational-tourism activities.