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
To obtain more details or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.
Mobility
Getting to Mont Boullé
To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location of the Mont Boullé at Parc Jean-Drapeau posted on Google Maps.
Subway Station
The Jean-Drapeau subway station on the Line 4 — Yellow is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!
River shuttle
During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.
STM shuttle
Three STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions.
Bike
The Parc is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike: simply take the bike paths of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge or the Bike link.
Walking
People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.
With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.
Parking
Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.
Nearby parking areas: P10, P15
Taxibus service
You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare.
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