Everything You Need To Know About The Giant New Montreal Park That Will Become The Largest In Canada

• Montreal mayor Valérie Plante has announced plans to create the largest municipal park in Canada.
• The park, which will be 8 times larger than New York's Central Park, will be an amalgamation of existing parks and land in high risk flood areas.
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

Last week, the city of Montreal announced plans to build a massive new park that would be 8x larger than New York's Central Park. Mayor Valérie Plante wants to cancel condominium developments so the city can turn the land into the largest urban park in Canada. 

Land acquisitions would have to be made, but the city is hesitant to go ahead with the condo development because much of the property lies inside a high-risk flood zone. The city hopes to cancel the 5,500 unit condo project and proceed with plans to build the park as soon as possible. 

Mayor Plante's plans include combining the l’Anse-à-l’Orme park, the Bois-de-la-Roche park and the Cap-Saint-Jacques, as well as other non-protected areas and committing to the protection of essential wetlands in the face of climate change.

Plante put out an announcement on her Instagram account this morning, saying that the Grand Parc de l'Ouest is part of a climate action plan. She writes, "I have a message for those who, like me, are concerned about the climate emergency: with political will and determination, we can make a difference." 

According to the city's official press release, the Grand Parc de l'Ouest will be "3,000-hectares." It will amalgamate Anse-à-l'Orme, Bois-de-L'Ile-Bizard, Bois-de-la-Roche, Cap-Saint-Jacques and Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc, along with other smaller green spaces in the area. 

It seems like the main driving force behind these plans is protecting the environment. Mayor Plante claims that "with over 3,000 hectares, Grand Parc de l'Ouest will become Canada's largest municipal park. This is a historic moment that will mark a major turning point in protecting wetlands and enhancing natural areas."

"This initiative is part of our desire to protect 10% of the surface area of ​​Montreal and aims to conserve and protect in perpetuity the natural areas of the West Island of Montreal."

READ ALSO: You Can Swing Under Palm Trees At This New Tropical-Themed Art-Deco Public Square In Montreal (Photos)

"Faced with the consequences of climate change," the release says, "Montreal is stepping up its efforts to provide resilient and sustainable living environments."

This fall, the city will consult with experts and citizens to comment on the park and determine needs and expectations. Currently, the planned area is under high-flood risk and any development will need to be carefully planned. So far, however, it seems like the city will go ahead with the Grand Parc de l'Ouest. 

[rebelmouse-image 26890333 photo_credit="Google Maps" expand=1 original_size="638x633"] Google Maps

We don't know when the estimated date for completion is or even if the project will proceed smoothly, but we'll bring you all the updates as they come!

Are you excited for Montreal's new park?

New Montreal Park — Grand Parc de l'Ouest

• 3,000-hectares, making it the largest urban park in Canada. 

• Will amalgamate Anse-à-l'Orme, Bois-de-L'Ile-Bizard, Bois-de-la-Roche, Cap-Saint-Jacques and Rapides-du-Cheval-Blanc

• The park is being build to combat the effects of climate change. 

• Rare wetland and natural environment protection and conservation are the top priorities. 

• The city will consult and evaluate the needs and expectations this fall.