Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist
The Bye Bye Béton! initiative, which launched in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (VSP) in 2024, is returning for its second year. This program, which focuses on urban greening and collective efforts to reduce concrete surfaces, aims to build on the successes of its inaugural projects. Residents and organizations in VSP are invited to submit their ideas for transforming paved spaces into greener, more community-oriented environments by January 13, 2025.
Building Momentum from the First Edition
In its first year, Bye Bye Béton! led to the transformation of several key areas in VSP, including Triangle Ball and Les Jardins Talon. These projects not only introduced much-needed vegetation to heavily paved urban areas but also created vibrant spaces that encourage community engagement and environmental sustainability.
The program’s approach, centered on collective action and grassroots participation, demonstrated its potential to address issues like urban heat islands while fostering social connection. By inviting proposals from both individuals and groups, the initiative ensured that the changes reflected the needs and aspirations of the people directly affected.
A Collaborative Vision for Urban Renewal
The second edition of Bye Bye Béton! continues to encourage collaboration between citizens, organizations, and the borough’s administration. Projects can focus on either municipally owned properties, such as cultural or sports facilities, or non-municipal spaces with collective purposes, such as daycare courtyards or cooperative housing areas.
This inclusive framework underscores the program’s goal of turning underused spaces into assets for the community. By working with partners such as the Centre d’écologie urbaine and Ville en vert, the initiative integrates expertise in urban planning and ecological design, ensuring that projects are both practical and impactful.
A Response to Urban Challenges
Montreal, like many cities, faces the environmental and social challenges of urbanization, including heat islands, limited green spaces, and the effects of climate change. Programs like Bye Bye Béton! represent an innovative approach to addressing these issues, using small-scale, localized projects to create cumulative impact across a borough.
In addition to environmental benefits, the program highlights the importance of shared green spaces in fostering community interaction and improving quality of life. The emphasis on collective action reflects a broader recognition of the role residents and workers play in shaping the urban landscape.
Looking Ahead
An information session scheduled for December 11, 2024, will provide insights into the application process and share examples from the first edition. This event will help guide those interested in contributing to this year’s projects.
The second edition of Bye Bye Béton! promises to build on its early success, offering a platform for innovative urban greening and community-driven development. As the program evolves, it continues to serve as a model for participatory environmental initiatives, demonstrating the transformative potential of collective action in urban settings.
Published
November 22, 2024