The Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Borough Unveils Montreal’s First Vertical Solidarity Garden
Montreal’s urban landscape welcomed a groundbreaking addition this summer with the inauguration of the Fielding Vertical Garden in Loyola Park, a pioneering venture by the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough to promote urban agriculture.
Spanning 770 square meters, this innovative project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the accessibility and sustainability of food production in urban settings.
Made possible through funding from the City of Montreal’s 2024 program and a substantial investment from the Bureau de la transition écologique (BTER), the Fielding Vertical Garden represents a fusion of science, community engagement, and food security efforts.
The project engages 20 citizen gardeners in planting, tending to plants, and assessing the effectiveness of vertical production technologies, as it aims to empower residents and foster a sense of community through hands-on involvement.
Managed by AU/LAB, the garden showcases 500 plants in low-tech vertical structures and over 300 more in surrounding beds, featuring edible and pollinator-friendly flora.
Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa highlighted the garden’s significance in providing accessible and sustainable urban agriculture solutions, emphasizing its role in enhancing food self-sufficiency and biodiversity in urban settings.
Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in the area, the Fielding Vertical Garden leverages space efficiently to establish a resilient, community-driven food system.
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the garden’s raised beds cater to individuals with reduced mobility, while its vertical layout maximizes space utilization and promotes diverse plant growth.
Incorporating a wide array of nutritious plants, the Fielding Vertical Garden not only serves as a green oasis but also functions as an educational hub, food security measure, and communal gathering spot, nurturing a sense of solidarity and environmental stewardship within the community.
Keyphrase: Montreal vertical garden
