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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".
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
TIME, DATE
1:30 pm EST, Sep 17, 2026
Location
Montreal, Quebec
📅 Thursday, Sept 17, 2026, from 1:30 to 7 PM EST
📍Pavillon du Lac-aux-Castors, Mount Royal Park, Montreal
Free Event
For more information, reach out to: czerini-lereste@parkpeople.ca
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
Keynote: “Opening the Other Eye: An Equitable Perspective on Public Park Design and Planning” by Carling Sioui, Artistic Director and Facilitator specializing in Indigenous Collaborations.
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 O’yenhra’ Consultations, Carling Sioui (Wendat) is an artistic director and facilitator specializing in Indigenous collaborations. She holds a…
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.