A new accessible and inclusive trail at Bois de l'Équerre

Laval, November 9, 2022 - In Laval's Bois de l'Équerre, a new 1 km pathway has been added to meet universal accessibility standards, including a 32 m linear section of footbridges on stilts. As a result, 2.65 km of trails are now accessible to all, featuring gentle slopes and free of roots and other obstacles. These wider paths, made of stone dust, make it easier for people with reduced mobility to enjoy this rich ecological environment on the north side of the island.

This project is part of Greater Montreal's Green and Blue Network, and was made possible thanks to $212,500 in financial support from the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM).

"The development of this trail, adapted to universal accessibility standards, is excellent news for the entire population of Greater Montreal, who need access to green spaces more than ever. It will not only help prevent the degradation of natural environments by marking out traffic, but will also improve the resilience of the region and the quality of life of its residents. I congratulate and thank Ville de Laval for this inclusive project, which adds another exceptional site to the Trame verte et bleue."

- Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal and President of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal

"The City of Laval abounds in exceptional natural environments, and as citizens we are privileged to be able to enjoy them. To this end, we are committed to showcasing them and making them accessible to as many people as possible. This new trail offers users of all ages and physical conditions a way to enjoy the outdoors while discovering the magnificent urban forest that is the Bois de l'Équerre."

- Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval

Enhancing a wetland

The new trail was built on a former farm road already used by woodland users, and added to the existing trail network. Since the trail includes footbridges on stilts, its integration was carried out with respect for the surrounding wetlands, which represent a high ecological value.

This section is one of 2 lots with a total surface area of 53,060.8^m2 acquired in August 2021 with the support of the Quebec government and the CMM. These acquisitions have consolidated the municipal properties of the Bois de l'Équerre and prevented their fragmentation.

About the Greater Montréal Green and Blue Network

The Trame verte et bleue is a recreational and tourism network that protects and enhances Greater Montreal's natural environments, landscapes and built heritage for the benefit of its citizens. Financed by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Quebec government and the municipalities, the numerous projects of the Trame promote active and public transportation and contribute, in particular, to maintaining biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, improving the quality of life of citizens and reinforcing the attractiveness of the metropolitan region.

For an overview of the trail, watch the video :

Additional information

To learn more about the objectives and actions carried out within the framework of Laval's Green and Blue Network, visit envertetbleu.laval.ca.

Photo and video credits: Jonathan Gaudreau

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Julie Brunet
Montreal Metropolitan Community
Team Leader, Communications and Public Affairs
514 350-3445
[email protected]