Canada/ Third community plantation takes shape in Val-d'Or

The City of Val-d'Or is pursuing its commitment to developing more green spaces in consultation with the communities in which they are located. At Parc des Pionniers, the focus was on an intergenerational space.

The community planting at Parc des Pionniers is one of the last steps before the inauguration of the project, explains landscape architect for the City of Val-d'Or, Dany Gingras.

It's the stage with the greatest visual impact, because we'll be planting some forty plant species in addition to the trees that have already been planted in the park," he continues.

From shrubs to climbers and perennials, the species chosen for this project are very diverse.

The concept of biodiversity was very important. Many of these species are also edible, including currants, blackcurrants, cherries, arbutus and camerias. We also have edible flowers such as monards and daylilies," he points out.

It's a really great time, and what's more, we're doing it with the young people from Été en fête!

A quote from Dany Gingras, landscape architect for the City of Val-d'Or

Val-d'Or Mayor Céline Brindamour was proud to see the young people in action. They're participating in large numbers and they've got their hands in the dirt, which is really nice to see," she says.

An intergenerational space

More than half of the land at the corner of Delorimier and Germain streets is dedicated to the development of Parc des Pionniers. 60% of the land has been used to create a park for local residents, while the remaining 40% will be used to build housing. The money made from the sale of the land was used to enhance the park project," explains Céline Brindamour.

There are a number of things [on the park grounds], including a large permanent shelter under which there is furniture and chess sets engraved on tables, as well as a piano for cultural activities. There's also going to be a play area, and there's already a huge accessible training area," says Dany Gingras, adding that the asphalt path around the park will become a work of art.

It's a bit of a microcosm to cater for the different personality types in the population. Sports enthusiasts will be able to train, music lovers will be able to play the piano and others will be able to play in the playground," he adds.

Community plantings have also taken place on 3rd Avenue and at Château-d'Eau Park in Sullivan.

The goal behind plantings like these is to show people that there's work to be done to achieve what they see. Asking citizens to participate gives them a sense of belonging," says Céline Brindamour.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/