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Developments and work at Mont Boullé

Prior to its expansion ahead of Expo 67, Île Sainte-Hélène was noted for its geology, flora and the heritage that marked its unique landscape. To promote this cherished heritage, the Parc initiated development work on the hill.

Landscape developments

The plan entailed naturalizing degraded areas such as the random trails, trampled undergrowth and areas invaded by exotic vegetation. The trails were subsequently refurbished and furnishings were added. The network of trails was significantly improved, thereby offsetting some of the deficiencies in the servicing of the sector. The first historic trail crossing Mont Boullé was enhanced and illuminated.

The P9 parking area was vegetated and set up to encourage the practicing of free play and exercising outdoors. Hills, play and game structures and outdoor training modules composed of pre-fabricated structures and materials recovered on the Parc's site enhanced the activities on offer while at the same time reducing the "heat island" effects.

Heritage work

Conservation was done on the sector's heritage works: the hill's picnic shelter was rehabilitated, while the military cemetery was restored. Other work to preserve the masonry will be done on the Mont Boullé belvedere and on Île Sainte-Hélène's stone stairways.

Rehabilitation work

Planting vegetation to naturalize the degraded areas.

Removing the invasive exotic species in certain sectors.

Redeveloping trails: removing segments deemed to be of low value, better network meshing, renewing and adding furnishings.

Marking and lighting of the first historic trail crossing Mont Boullé.

Vegetating and refurbishing the P9 parking area: this major reduction of the mineralized area helps in managing rainwaters and reducing a "heat island". There will be more parking stands for people with reduced mobility and they will be relocated nearby.

Restoring of the hill's picnic shelter (1967) and military cemetery (1937). Conservation measures are to be carried out to enable the conservation of trees (false cypress and spruce) around the monument.

Preservation work on the masonry of the Mont Boullé belvedere.

Enhancing of the universal access pathway ramp and restoring the stone stairways of the Mont Boullé belvedere.

Restoring Île Sainte-Hélène's stone stairways.

Features and components of the sector

Mont Boullé's forest has an exceptional forest ecosystem recognition, issued by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts. Amid the groupings of Western hackberries and sugar maples stands the oldest tree at the Parc: 100 centimetres in diameter, the massive hackberry is located near the former military cemetery.

The original foundation of Île Sainte-Hélène is composed of diatreme breccia rock. This type of stone was used as construction material for the island's buildings, such as the Aquatic Complex, the Hélène-de-Champlain pavilion and the fort on Île Sainte-Hélène. This rock is also found in the smallest masonry works on the island, such as the Large Powder Magazine, the military cemetery monument, the Mont Boullé belvedere and the outside stairways.

Île Sainte-Hélène has undergone various stages of development since the creation of the public park in 1874. The sector had a first phase of development in the 1930s, 1950s, in preparation for hosting Expo 67, and then in the early 1990s. Each of the development plans left recognizable traces on Mont Boullé, leading to the outstanding landscape that the upcoming work aims to perpetuate, enhance and showcase.

Timetable

June 2024 to December 2025

Budget	$13 million
Status	In progress
Impact	The pedestrian and cyclists pathways on Mont Boullé will be interrupted at certain times and locations. Signage indicating the detours will be erected. The Mont Boullé belvedere and military cemetery will be closed to the public while the work is being done. The P9 parking area will be inaccessible once the work begins. Parking for people with reduced mobility will be temporarily relocated nearby.

Learn more

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Mobility

Getting to the Mont Boullé

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Nearby parking: P10, P13, P15

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