MONTREAL – To celebrate Earth Day, the mayor of Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough has announced the launch of a new green laneways program, in the hopes that locals will come up with plans to beautify the neighbourhood’s alleys.
Mayor Lionel Perez has pledged $25,000 for 2013 to fund five green laneways in the borough, which is hoping to counter the phenomenon of urban heat islands – spots in a city that are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas because of human activity and development.
The money is intended to make expertise available, provide financial support and help local residents in their efforts to “green” their neighbourhood.
“This program is a demonstration of our determination to intercede in environmental matters and take concrete action in order to bequeath a green, healthy environment to our future generations,” said Mr. Perez in a statement.
“The greening of our laneways will create added value for our environment, freshen our neighbourhoods during heat waves, and enable residents to experience a friendly, peaceful communal environment.”
The borough suggests that greening an environment could include planting trees, fruit bearing shrubs or climbing vines, building flower boxes or laying out planting beds in the back alley.
To receive financial support, locals will need to have the support of at least 51 per cent of the alley’s adjoining residents, and a committee of three of those residents needs to ensure the initiative flowers.
To find out more, visit the borough’s website for full details.
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