Mount Royal: 20 years of protection. Collaboration and challenges for the future

Open Letter from Les Amis de la montagne and Héritage Montréal on the 20th Anniversary of the Mount Royal Heritage Site – March 2025

Twenty years ago, the Government of Québec and the City of Montréal took decisive action to recognize and protect Mount Royal, a symbol of both the metropolis and the province. On March 9, 2005, a government decree granted it the status of a historic and natural district, which was later reclassified as a declared heritage site in 2011. The following day, the City of Montréal established the Mount Royal Round Table (Table de concertation du Mont-Royal – TCMR) to bring together municipal, institutional, and community stakeholders to collaborate on its preservation.

This status, obtained through the persistent advocacy of our organizations and the support of the public, raised awareness and reinforced our collective responsibility for Mount Royal’s conservation. The Ministry of Culture, along with the cities of Montréal and Westmount, has closely monitored interventions within its territory to preserve its heritage value. Several studies, including inventories, tree diagnostics, visitor access analyses, and mobility reports, have contributed to a better understanding of the site.

With the support of the TCMR, public authorities have adopted key planning frameworks, notably the 2009 Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan (Ville de Montréal) and the 2018 Conservation Plan for the Mount Royal Heritage Site (Ministry of Culture). These frameworks have encouraged institutions located on the mountain to develop master plans that balance their operational needs with the preservation of the site. Numerous projects, such as the revitalization of heritage sites and the implementation of coordinated ecological management, have enriched both our knowledge and our stewardship of Mount Royal.

Beyond these policy advancements, Mount Royal’s privileged status has enabled several tangible achievements. Notably, new parks and a scenic pathway were created through a collaboration between the City, major cemeteries, and the Université de Montréal, linking various sectors via the Outremont summit. Other significant developments include the reconfiguration of the Parc–Pins and Côte-des- Neiges–Remembrance interchanges, the renovation of the Peel entrance, and the municipal acquisition of the Hôtel-Dieu nuns' convent and its orchards.

Despite these successes, the past two decades have also been marked by challenges and controversies. Certain projects, such as the expansion of the Montréal General Hospital on Cedar Avenue, the conversion of the Outremont convent, and the redevelopment of the former Séminaire de Philosophie, have raised significant concerns. The proposed closure of Camillien-Houde Way has divided public opinion, while the spread of the emerald ash borer and the neglect of some heritage buildings have required urgent interventions. Moreover, real estate pressures and urban densification continue to threaten the balance of Montréal’s landscape and the ecological integrity of Mount Royal.

As we enter 2025, Mount Royal faces major challenges. The future of several institutional sites, including Hôtel-Dieu, remains uncertain. While the repurposing of the former Royal Victoria Hospital is underway, notably with McGill University’s involvement, the plan to establish an inter-university hub on the site remains unconfirmed. Additionally, the rising number of visitors and the increasing intensity of recreational activities such as mountain biking are putting added pressure on the ecosystem. Climate change is affecting both the natural and built heritage of the mountain, and Mount Royal’s inclusion on Canada’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites remains incomplete. However, there is reason for optimism, as the Humanized Landscape project for the Montérégiennes, which includes Mount Royal and aims to enhance biodiversity protection, is progressing positively.

The governance of the heritage site is also a pressing concern. The presidency of the TCMR remains vacant, and the Mount Royal Bureau, once directly linked to the Mayor’s Office, has now been integrated into the municipal parks department with limited resources and political support. It is crucial to recognize that Mount Royal is more than just a park. It is a historical and territorial landmark, a defining feature of Montréal’s identity and a cornerstone of Québec’s cultural heritage. This emblematic landscape, at the heart of a dense urban environment, is home to exceptional biodiversity and an architectural heritage that plays a vital role in Montréal’s quality of life.

Two decades after the landmark decisions that secured its protected status, it is now imperative to strengthen conservation efforts, improve stakeholder collaboration, and ensure sustained support for Mount Royal’s long-term preservation. The 20th anniversary of its designation, combined with the planned revision of the Mount Royal Protection and Enhancement Plan, presents a rare opportunity to take action for this exceptional site. It is our collective responsibility to preserve this invaluable heritage for future generations.

Julie Laurence, President, Les amis de la montagne     

Robert Y. Girard, President, Héritage Montréal