The increased attendance at waterfront parks (up to +150%) validates this investment, confirming its essential role in improving public health, social cohesion, and, by extension, the real estate value of the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The 10 km riverbank rehabilitation project directly targets six strategic sectors on the Island of Montréal, ensuring citizens can enjoy long, worry-free walks along the water for decades to come:

• Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park (Grand parc de l'Ouest)

• Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard Nature Park (Grand parc de l'Ouest)

• Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park (Rivière des Prairies)

• Promenade-Bellerive Park (St. Lawrence River, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve)

• René-Lévesque Park (Lachine)

• Former Lachine Marina (Lachine)

Parks Already Benefitting from Riverbank Facilities and Developments

Several large parks and waterfront areas in Montréal already enjoy, or are central to, developments that promote long walks and safety along the water's edge.

Among these, and the zones targeted by recent investments for riverbank rehabilitation, are:

• Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park: The largest park in the West, with numerous riverside trails along Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Rivière des Prairies (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• Promenade-Bellerive Park: A linear park in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, offering a long walk along the St. Lawrence River with picnic areas and services (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard Nature Park: With access to the riverbanks (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park: Trails along the Rivière des Prairies (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• René-Lévesque Park (Lachine): Featuring a large pier and magnificent views of Lac Saint-Louis (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• Former Lachine Marina: A sector integrated into the waterfront developments along the Lachine Canal (sector targeted by rehabilitation funds).

• Lachine Canal: The Lachine Canal park offers a continuous and historic promenade along its banks.

These locations, already popular for their trails and views, are now at the heart of a concerted effort to provide them with greater ecological resilience and safety.

Access to nature and waterfronts has become an essential criterion in real estate searches and urban quality of life.

 In Montréal, the rehabilitation and protection of its riverbanks, along the St. Lawrence River and the Rivière des Prairies, have shifted from an environmental necessity to an urban development imperative.

The goal of offering "long, worry-free walks along the water" is being realized through ambitious projects that secure kilometres of shoreline against erosion while enriching the citizen experience.

Attendance Statistics: Demand is Exploding

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, revealing the immense value of green spaces and nature parks.

Montréal's waterfront and nature parks have seen their attendance skyrocket, with reported increases of up to 150% in some nature parks.

 This data is fundamental: it shows that the ongoing developments meet a massive public need for enjoyment and well-being.

The higher the quality and safety of the riverbank trails, the more usage climbs, enhancing the immediate environment.

Economic Impacts and Allocated Budgets

Investing in the riverbanks is an investment in the local economy.

 The tourism and leisure generated by Canadian parks have significant economic benefits, and the improvement of Montréal's riverbanks aligns with this logic.

Investing in riverbank protection is a strategic investment in climate resilience and the local economy.

The ecological rehabilitation project aims to protect approximately 10 km of shores threatened by accelerated erosion due to extreme weather conditions.

The total allocated budget exceeds $85.8 million:

These funds are used for bioengineering techniques (planting trees and vegetation) to stabilize the banks and better manage the impacts of flooding.

In addition to creating immediate green jobs, stabilizing the riverbanks protects existing infrastructure and increases residential attractiveness, resulting in an appreciation of real estate value in adjacent areas.

In summary, investing in the riverbanks is a cornerstone of Montréal's sustainable development strategy.

 It transforms vulnerable areas into prized destinations, improving the quality of life for residents while ensuring the ecological protection of the territory.