The City of Montreal, the Montreal North Borough, the Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain (Soverdi) and the Working Table partners of the Green Corridor of Five Schools in Montreal North came together on April 26th to announce TD Bank Group's contribution to the project. Much work will be done to the entire Green Corridor currently underway thanks to $500,000 in funding from TD. TD is now the leading major private financial contributor to be involved with the project.
"The Green Corridor of Five Schools will provide a legacy of green spaces, places where people can relax, play and meet," said Sylvie Demers, Chair, Quebec Market, TD Bank Group. "TD has been committed to revitalizing and enhancing green spaces in Quebec for several years now. This year will be no exception as we are committed to supporting 150 projects across Canada through the TD Common Ground Project. These projects create gathering places and improve the quality of life of the communities in the long term."
The Green Corridor is meant to set up cool areas where people can get together, and they promote active and healthy lifestyles. TD's $500,000 contribution will allow, among others, 750 trees to be planted, two small squares to be built and recreational equipment to be installed. Events will be organized to liven up the neighbourhood and encourage residents to come out with their families and friends. The key component of the project is to set up a recreational and educational park on the grounds of Lester B. Pearson High School. A mural will be painted in collaboration with students to enhance the architecture of school buildings and to make the neighbourhood more appealing.
"We're pleased the business community is responsive to the sustainable development issue and has made a financial commitment to a sustainable development project initiated by Soverdi and the Montreal North Borough," said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal. "The Green Corridor is a unifying and sustainable project for our administration. The project is in line with the Sustainable Montreal 2016-2020 plan and will receive $1.35 million in funding from the City of Montreal through the integrated neighbourhood program that endeavours to develop liveable neighbourhoods."
"We are delighted with TD's participation in the Green Corridor, which is a large community project," said Montreal North Borough Mayor Christine Black. "TD's involvement will certainly improve the life of residents and people in the sector, and make them feel comfortable spending time there and using the facilities. It will perfectly complement a dozen projects that will be completed in the area this year."
"At Soverdi, we believe the Green Corridor of Five Schools project is a natural fit for the TD Common Ground Project," said Malin Anagrius, Executive Director at Soverdi. "The vision that gave rise to and guides the project is based on an urban planning concept that connects members of the community. Young students are our main concern. We need to provide them with beautiful and inviting spaces that are conducive to learning and playing."
The Green Corridor of Five Schools in Montreal North is a unique, multiethnic area covering 0.4 km2 in Montreal that is densely populated but lacks green spaces. Over 6,000 children, parents and teachers pass through that area of Montreal North every day.
The Green Corridor project began in 2015 thanks to the support of partners such as the City of Montreal, the Montreal North Borough, the Commission scolaire de la Pointe-de-l'Île, the English Montreal School Board, Vélo-Québec and Soverdi. The project is part of a collaborative approach that also includes a fortnight of local organizations and many residents.
