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The 5th Montreal Park People Forum is back on September 17 under the theme “Collaborating for Social Connection and Vibrant Parks.”
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
TIME, DATE
1:30 pm EST, Sep 17, 2025
Location
Montreal, Quebec
📅 Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025
🕜 From 1:30 to 7 PM EST
📍Cité-des-Hospitalières, Montreal
Free Event
For more information, reach out to: communications@parkpeople.ca
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!
This event will be held in French.
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 Wolf trained as an urban planner. He has worked for various municipalities (in Quebec and California) and public organizations,…
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.
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 is rain or shine as the main event will take place indoors.