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The 6th Montreal Park People Forum is back on September 17 under the theme “Remembering, Looking Forward, and Taking Action for Urban Parks".
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The Montreal Park People Forum returns for its sixth edition, bringing together park enthusiasts, community groups, organizations, and professionals who help care for and activate urban parks.
This year’s Forum is centred on the theme “Remembering, Looking Forward, and Taking Action for Urban Parks.” As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Mount Royal Park, we will take time to reflect on the history of our parks while exploring the visions, ideas, and actions that will help shape the parks of tomorrow.
The Forum offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who are committed to Montreal’s green spaces and working to make them vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
An afternoon of learning and connection, featuring an optional guided tour, a panel discussion, networking opportunities, and a cocktail reception.
Come join the conversation!
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This event will be held in French.
If you are not participating in the guided tour, we recommend arriving at 2:45 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
Join us starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors. Between activities, connect with other participants and discover the booths hosted by partners of the Montreal Park People Network.
2:00 to 2:45 p.m.
Explore the history, unique features, and challenges shaping Mount Royal Park through three tour options. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
1. Wetland Sector Improvements, presented by the City of Montreal
Discover the project to improve the wetland sector and its watershed, designed to protect and preserve the integrity of this unique wetland in Mount Royal Park. Learn about the work carried out to manage stormwater, restore forest cover, rationalize the trail network, as well as new amenities. With Marie-Michèle Perron, Landscape Architect.
2. Behind the Scenes of Mount Royal Conservation, presented by Les Amis de la montagne
Take a closer look at the work carried out by Les Amis de la montagne’s volunteers to help protect Mount Royal. This tour will introduce you to the hands-on conservation and monitoring activities taking place and highlight the essential role volunteers play in caring for the park. With Charlie McNeely, Monitoring, Outreach, and Natural Area Conservation Lead.
3. Mount Royal: A Landmark Shaped by Multiple Challenges and Opportunities, presented by Les Amis de la montagne
Explore Mount Royal, a conservation park, heritage site, recreational space, and living environment in the heart of Montreal. This guided tour offers an overview of the key considerations shaping the park today, from the protection of natural areas and visitor use to recreation, heritage, and the coexistence of different groups of park users. With Charles Caron, Public Program Lead.
Register soon, spaces are limited. If you register but are ultimately unable to attend, please let us know by emailing us at communications@parkpeople.ca.
Please note: Not all tours are fully accessible to people with limited mobility. For more details, please consult the first question in the FAQ.
3:00 p.m.
Welcome remarks, keynote and panel
Panel: Experts and park leaders will share their perspectives on the role of urban parks as commons through the lens of collective heritage and civic engagement.
Featuring:
Moderated by Chaïma Ben, Executive Director of the Centre d’écologie urbaine.
Opening Remarks: Gabrielle Rousseau-Bélanger, City Councillor, responsible for the environment, ecological transition, and green spaces.
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Continue the conversation over refreshments, exchange ideas about your projects, and connect with others working to make Montreal’s parks thrive.
Founder of Jardins pour tous*, Geneviève Dubé has worked in the community and philanthropic sectors for nearly 20 years, including…
Barbara Rufo is a psychosociologist and group dynamics specialist. She currently serves as Co-Executive Director of Parole d’excluEs*, an organization…
Sarah-Maude Cossette is a geographer and researcher at Organisme Respire, a Montreal-based non-profit organization specializing in qualitative research on urban…
Charles Caron is a professional in cultural and educational program management. He has experience in facilitation, cultural outreach, project coordination,…
With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban planning, Chaïma Ben has more than 8 years of experience with the City…
Secure your spot on Eventbrite
Designed in 1958, the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors, located in the heart of Mount Royal Park, is both a landmark and an iconic symbol of the mountain. The building is distinguished by its harmonious integration into the landscape and its openness to the surrounding natural environment.
Mount Royal Park is a cherished urban oasis and gathering place enjoyed by Montrealers year-round. It was a natural choice for this year’s Montreal Park People Forum, particularly as the park celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The site is also closely connected to Les Amis de la montagne, a leading organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal and a founding member of the Montreal Park People Network.
Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors
Yes. The Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors is accessible to people with limited mobility.
The Montreal Park People Forum will take place on the upper floor. All participants will access the registration desk via the accessible ramp located on the outside of the building. For more details, see the full accessibility information at the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors.
If you have specific accessibility needs or would like to request accommodations to support your participation, please let us know through the Eventbrite form or by emailing communications@parkpeople.ca.
Guided Tours
1. Marécage (Wetland) Sector Improvements
The proposed route includes some wooded areas, packed-dirt trails, fairly steep slopes, and stairs. Accessibility is therefore limited for people with mobility impairment.
2 & 3. Behind the Scenes of Mount Royal Conservation | Mount Royal: A Landmark Shaped by Multiple Challenges and Opportunities
These two routes are easy to moderate and follow well-maintained trails. They include some elevation gain at the beginning, between the pavilion and the summit. Participants should be able to walk between 2 and 4 km on these trails.
Not sure if you can attend one of the tours? If you use a mobility aid or have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at czerini-lereste@parkpeople.ca. We would be happy to discuss the routes and possible accommodations with you.
The Forum will be held in French.
The Forum will take place on the upper floor of the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors, at 2000 chemin Remembrance, Montréal. The registration desk can be accessed via the accessible ramp located on the outside of the building.
By car: Two paid parking areas are available near the Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors. Parking costs $4.25 per hour, up to a maximum of $15.
By public transit:
By bike: A BIXI station and bike racks are located near the parking area.
Music will be playing in the background during the event. It will be at low/moderate volume.
Interaction level will be high. Participants are encouraged to initiate conversations and engage in discussion with others. However, this is optional.
We’ll be serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and finger foods, including vegetarian and vegan options, during the networking session following the talks. Water stations will be on-site, so we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle to help reduce waste.
The Forum will take place rain or shine, as most of the event will be held indoors.
Explore our exhibit showcasing over 15 years of park projects led by Torontonians making incredible things happen. It is proof of what is possible–not in other cities, but here at home.
Come and reflect on what we have done and learned together. Add your voice. Share your vision for the future of our urban green spaces.
We are at a critical moment for Toronto’s parks and public spaces. The upcoming municipal election is an opportunity for us all to contribute ideas and impact parks for years to come.
Let’s co-create an ambitious vision – and then make it happen.
The Urbanspace gallery was created to explore the city. A venue for diverse exhibitions and events, the gallery investigates how cities work, how we might improve them, and how we can learn from the past to create visions of the future.
The 5th Montreal Park People Forum is back on September 17!
This free, network-wide gathering brings together park changemakers from Montreal and beyond under the theme “Collaborating for Social Connection and Vibrant Parks.” It’s a great opportunity to meet or reconnect with NGOs, community groups, municipal staff, and advocates working to make parks more dynamic, accessible, and resilient.
What to expect: a guided tour of the monastery garden, insightful presentations and panel discussions, a cocktail reception, and networking opportunities — an afternoon full of meaningful connections, learning, and inspiration.
Join the conversation on the future of Montreal’s city parks and explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnership!
1:30 PM
Join us from 1:30 pm at Cité-des-Hospitalières. In between talks, engage in activities, meet like-minded people, and discover new initiatives at our community stations.
If you’re not joining the guided tour, we recommend arriving from 2:15 p.m. onward.
2 to 2:45 PM
Discover the rich history of the “secret” garden at the monastery of the Religious Hospitallers of Saint Joseph, along with the heritage buildings of the Hôtel-Dieu. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Don’t wait to register, as spots are limited. If you’ve registered but can’t attend the tour, please inform the organizers.
3:15 PM
Park leaders will share insights and inspiring stories on how community-driven initiatives and local collaborations are transforming parks into vibrant spaces that foster social connection.
With:
The panel will be moderated by Christophe Derrien, Executive Director at Les Amis de la montagne.
5 to 7 PM
Continue exploring new initiatives at our community stations while enjoying finger food and engaging conversations.
Christophe Derrien has been the Executive Director of Les Amis de la montagne since January 2025. With over 25 years…
Joshua Wolfe holds a master’s in urban planning. He has worked for various municipalities (in Quebec and California) and public…
Marc Langlois has been a member of the Coalition des ami·es du parc Jarry since its founding, over 20 years…
Alexandra Nadeau is a researcher with the Centre d’étude en responsabilité sociale et écocitoyenneté (CÉRSÉ). She holds a master’s degree…
Chato Rene Melara is an artisan from Panchimalco, El Salvador, who has lived in Tiohtià:ke for over 15 years. He…
Secure your spot on Eventbrite*
Cité-des-Hospitalières is a historic heritage site located in the heart of Montreal, near Mount Royal Park. This former convent complex was founded in 1861 and acquired by the City of Montreal in 2017. Since then, it has been undergoing a transitional project in partnership with the non-profit organization Entremise, aimed at revitalizing the site as a public space. The project focuses on honoring its rich history and heritage while reimagining new cultural, artistic, and community uses. It embodies the values of reconciliation, hospitality, women’s leadership, and the common good, reflecting the social transformations of Montreal.
Community room at la Cité-des-Hospitalières:
Please indicate your needs in the Eventbrite form or email us at communications@parkpeople.ca so we can support your participation.
Monastery garden:
The uneven terrain of La Cité-des-Hospitalières’s garden is not entirely accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you use a walking aid or wheelchair and would like to take part in the garden tour, please contact us at communications@parkpeople.ca to discuss possible accommodations.
This event will be facilitated in French.
The event is taking place at the community room at the Cité-des-Hospitalières, located at 251 Ave des Pins West in Montreal.
Please enter the building through the secondary entrance (at the back of the community room, on the garden side). The barrier-free entrance is located at the main entrance (security post), through the central door of the building, recognizable by its stained-glass window.
Parking:There is no car parking available on site. However, parking is possible at Hôtel-Dieu (for a fee) or on nearby streets. We recommend using public transit if possible.
Public Transit:The site is easily accessible by public transit, with two options:
Biking:The closest BIXI station is located at the corner of Sainte-Famille and des Pins streets. Bike parking is also available in front of the building.
The Forum is rain or shine as the main event will take place indoors.
Join us and hundreds of park changemakers—NGOs, community groups, municipal staff, and advocates from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond—for a day of knowledge sharing, connection, and inspiration.
This network-wide event gathers those dedicated to creating vibrant, accessible, and climate-resilient parks and public spaces.
Join the conversation on the future of city parks in Toronto, explore potential collaborations, and gain fresh perspectives from diverse voices in the community.
12:00 PM
Join us from 12:00 pm at Daniels Spectrum. In between talks, take part in engaging activities, meet like-minded people, and discover new initiatives at our community stations.
1:00 PM
With Ange Loft, Interdisciplinary Artist, who will reflect on Indigenous connections, partners, and aspirations that deepen Indigenous presence in parks.
3:00 PM
This panel will be moderated by Eunice Wong, Lead Researcher at Monumental.
4:00 PM
Enjoy finger food while exchanging ideas, sharing inspiring projects, and envisioning the future of our urban parks.
ANGE LOFT (Kanien’kehá:ka, from Kahnawà:ke, Canada; lives in Toronto, ON, Canada) is an interdisciplinary performing artist. Her collaborations use arts…
Eunice is an award-winning urban designer, researcher, registered planner, and all-around curious person. As a lead researcher at Monumental, Eunice…
Analytical, energetic, and detail oriented, Shakhlo Sharipova is a passionate leader who thrives on turning ideas into action. With a…
Ana Cuciureanu is a sustainability leader working with the City of Toronto to advance green infrastructure and promote equitable climate…
Julia Hitchcock’s ancestors are from Latvia and England and she was born in Hamilton. Julia has been an organic vegetable…
Daniels Spectrum is located on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit Nations.
Daniels Spectrum is a community cultural hub in Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood. It is home to many outstanding arts-based and community-focused organizations, and contains several event, performance and exhibition spaces that host tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of arts and cultural events each year.
We encourage you to visit the Daniels Spectrum Hallway Galleries (free and open to the public) before or after the summit to explore the ongoing art exhibitions, which showcase the work of talented artists from Regent Park and beyond.
Building access:
Daniels Spectrum is fully accessible by Ontario standards. Barrier-free access to the building via the Dundas Street entrance.
Amenities and Support:
Email Cynthia Hashie to let us know how we can support your attendance at chashie@parkpeople.ca.
This event will be facilitated in English.
Daniels Spectrum is located at 585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7. The main entrance is on Regent Park Blvd, barrier-free entrance is on Dundas Street.
Parking:
Paid public parking at Daniels Spectrum is available in a lot located underneath the building (approx. 100 spaces). The vehicle entrance is located at the rear of the building, accessed via Sackville Street on the western side of the building. Parking is $10.00 for 8 hours. We encourage you to come via public transit if possible.
Public transportation:
Cycling: A Bike Share station is located a 12-minute walk away.
If transportation assistance is needed, please let us know, and we can arrange coverage upon request.
We’ll be serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and finger foods—including gluten-free and vegan options—during the networking session following the talks. Water stations will be on-site, so we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle to help reduce waste.
The Toronto Park Summit is rain or shine as the event is indoors.
Come together with community members, nature enthusiasts, park professionals, and municipal staff at the Park People Vancouver Forum on April 3, 2025.
This network-wide event is completely free and offers a great opportunity to meet or reconnect with others who share your passion for green spaces. Join the conversation about shaping the future of urban parks and public spaces, and gain fresh perspectives from diverse voices in the community.
All are welcome! Whether you’re deeply involved in Vancouver’s parks or simply curious to learn more, we’d love to see you at the forum.
From 1:00 PM
Join us from 1:00 pm at the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre. In between tours and talks, take part in engaging activities, meet like-minded people, and discover new initiatives at our community stations and discussion tables. Fun games and activities will also be available.
If you do not wish to join a guided tour or visit the garden on your own, we suggest arriving at 2:00 pm.
Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot.
Pirates and Astronauts – Led by the Vancouver Botanical Garden Association
Ever wonder how important plants are to human survival? Come join us for a walk through the garden and learn about how pirates and astronauts, two groups that seemingly have nothing in common, actually share a very similar relationship to plants.
Trees, Our Oldest Resource – Led by the Vancouver Botanical Garden Association and Sayemin Naheen from Solastalgia (Accessible tour)
Many species of trees have been around since the beginning of time and have endured the various changes to the Earth’s environment since then. Yet, many of these species are now struggling to survive due to human activity. Join us for this tour to learn more about what threats trees face and how botanical gardens work to protect them.
A Taste of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) – Led by Tamiko Suzuki, trained ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) Forest Guide
In this walk, you’ll be introduce you to Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing, which aims to connect people to the more-than-human being world around us. We won’t have time for a full length experience, so consider this a “taste” of what a Forest Bathing walk is about!
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You can also visit the Botanical Garden on your own before the official start of the event at 2.30 pm. Self-directed digital walking tours are available here.
2:30 PM
With Talaysay Campo, Indigenous Business Advocate and Co-Owner of Talaysay Tour, which offers immersive experiences to discover Indigenous culture and nature’s healing.
3:45 PM
This panel will be moderated by Robyn Chan, Project Manager for the False Creek South Community Housing Trust and the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association, and member of Park People’s board.
5:00 PM
Born and raised in the Squamish and Sechelt Nations, Talaysay Campo is a respected Indigenous entrepreneur, health and wellness advocate,…
Tamiko Suzuki is a trained ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) forest guide. Recently retired from a career in…
Grace Nombrado is founder and Executive Director of Free the Fern Stewardship Society, an environmental nonprofit based on the Champlain…
Dennis Josey a 2024 Senior Parks People Program Leader is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University (BA Sociology and…
Robyn Chan is the Project Manager for the False Creek South Community Housing Trust and the False Creek South Neighbourhood…
Sayemin is a climate advocate committed to building a more climate-just future—one project at a time. She is passionate about…
Carmen Rosen is an artist, singer, community organizer and Founding Artistic Director of Still Moon Arts Society. She has Art degrees…
VanDusen Botanical Garden is located on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis featuring over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the globe. Highlights include totem poles, large stone and wooden sculptures, a maze, a Korean Pavilion, a cypress pond, and a seasonal heritage vegetable garden.
The award-winning Visitor Centre, with its green roof and orchid-inspired design, provides a beautiful indoor space overlooking the lake and garden, an ideal setting for our forum.
Attendees of the Park People Vancouver Forum will have free access to explore the garden before the official start time (between 1 and 2.30 pm). Please note that the garden will close at 5 pm.
Facility and garden access: The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and most paved garden paths are fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.
Touring the garden: Some of the pathways, both paved and unpaved, can be uneven. Care should be taken for those using walking aids. Some steps do not have handrails or handrails on both sides.
Guided tours:
Participation in the tours is optional.
Amenities and Support
The event will be held at the Visitor Centre of VanDusen Botanical Garden, located at 5151 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 1A2.
Registered attendees will receive free access to the garden—simply show your ticket at the entrance.
Parking: The VanDusen Botanical Garden parking lot is located on West 37th Ave, just off Oak St. Parking is free, and accessible spaces are available. A designated accessible drop-off loop is located near the garden’s front entrance on Oak St. The parking lot is about a 5-minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
We’ll have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. Water stations will be on-site, so we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle to help reduce waste.
Ice cream and finger food will be served during the event, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
The forum is rain or shine. The main event will be indoors, but please dress appropriately for the tours.
We want to make the event accessible to everyone. Upon request, we can cover local travel expenses and offer a flat rate for childcare costs, subject to available funds. For more details, please contact Joy at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca.