Blainville Honoured for Expanding Public Access to Natural Spaces

By Dimitris Ilias
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Blainville has been recognized by Nature-Action Québec (NAQ) for its efforts to improve public access to natural environments while protecting ecologically significant lands throughout the municipality.

The distinction was presented during celebrations marking the environmental organization’s 40th anniversary. Acting Mayor Jean-François Pinard and Renaissance District Councillor Michèle Murray accepted the award on behalf of the city.

Municipal officials say the recognition reflects years of work aimed at balancing environmental conservation with public accessibility.

“We are extremely pleased that Nature-Action Québec has recognized both our achievements and our vision regarding access to natural environments,” said Pinard. “For several years, and particularly since the adoption of our Ecological Transition Plan in 2023, we have made woodlands and natural areas accessible to residents through the development of trails and public infrastructure that contribute to the quality of life for which Blainville is known.”

Nature-Action Québec officials praised the municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its willingness to invest in projects that connect residents with nature.

“This 40th anniversary allows us to measure how far we have come, but also to highlight what makes our work possible: the courage of municipalities to act and the collaborative efforts of our partners,” said Pascal Bigras, Executive Director of Nature-Action Québec. “Through its initiatives, the City of Blainville has become an inspiring model for access to nature by placing both environmental protection and the well-being of residents at the centre of its priorities.”

Significant Natural Assets

Blainville possesses one of the largest collections of natural spaces in the Laurentians region. Municipal data indicate the city contains 19.2 square kilometres of woodlands, 9.86 square kilometres of wetlands and more than 50 kilometres of waterways.

A major component of the municipality’s conservation strategy has been the acquisition and protection of approximately 560 hectares within what is now known as the Grande tourbière de Blainville. The vast wetland complex plays an important role in preserving biodiversity within the greater Montreal region.

Over the past several years, the city has invested in making these natural environments more accessible through the creation of trails, observation points and recreational infrastructure. Among the projects completed are improvements to the woodlands surrounding Lakes Fauvel, Parc équestre, Plan Bouchard and the Fontainebleau ravines.

Regional Leadership in Conservation

According to municipal officials, Blainville strengthened its conservation efforts in 2023 by registering several protected natural areas in the Metropolitan Directory of Municipal Conservation Initiatives maintained by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.

Environment and Ecological Transition Committee Chair Francis Allaire said the protected lands entered into the registry represent an area equivalent to approximately 195 soccer fields.

“These sites account for nearly 11 per cent of all municipal natural-environment conservation initiatives listed in the directory,” Allaire said. “This places Blainville among the leaders in the Greater Montreal region when it comes to municipal conservation efforts.”

The city also highlighted the Seigneurie des Plaines cycling path, which crosses the Grande tourbière de Blainville and offers residents and visitors an opportunity to observe local wildlife and plant species. The 21.5-kilometre route connects Blainville with the neighbouring municipalities of Terrebonne and Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines.

Chambéry Woodland Project Advances

Blainville’s largest ongoing environmental-access initiative is the development of the Chambéry Woodland.

Construction began in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026. Once finished, the site will feature 4.3 kilometres of trails, eight pedestrian access points, seven rest areas, three picnic spaces, two wildlife observation platforms and a bird-watching shelter.

The project is being carried out in partnership with the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal through the implementation program of the Grand Montréal Green and Blue Network.

Municipal officials say the development will provide residents with additional opportunities to enjoy protected natural spaces while minimizing impacts on sensitive ecosystems.

Longstanding Partnership

Councillor Michèle Murray emphasized the important role Nature-Action Québec has played in helping the city inventory, protect and showcase its natural environments over the past 15 years.

“NAQ’s experts have been valued partners of Blainville for many years,” Murray said. “They have helped us identify our natural environments, enhance them and make them accessible to residents through high-quality, environmentally responsible developments.”

She added that the municipality looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the organization as new environmental projects move forward.

The award comes as municipalities across Quebec face increasing pressure to balance urban growth with environmental protection. Blainville officials say expanding public access to nature while preserving biodiversity will remain a key priority under the city’s ecological transition strategy.