“The path that walks”. That is a beautiful name. It is an aboriginal expression for the St. Lawrence River. We are standing at the Belvédère du Chemin-Qui-Marche. This linear park revives a long-abandoned industrial site. It contributes to the rebirth of the 18th-century Faubourg Québec. This was the first neighborhood developed outside the city’s fortified walls.
The Chemin-Qui-Marche Lookout offers panoramic views. You can see many architectural, industrial and landscape icons from here. The views bring the island of Montreal to life.
This park expresses traces of the past. It highlights important moments in history. The esplanade shows the spirit of place. It connects to the contemporary urban grid. The park commemorates the site’s history. It focuses on three key landscape elements. These are the river, the railway and the historic city.
During Montreal’s industrial age, wooden piers marked the line between the river and the city. The linear park has wood decking. This stretches the length of the boardwalk. It is in memory of the old piers.
Numerous train lines once crossed this site. They provided access to the port’s warehouses and Viger Station. The park sits on top of a still-active railway tunnel. It evokes the importance of this use. Plantings accentuate these lines. The site furniture is inspired by the railways.
Three important streets connect the park to Old Montreal. These connections create thresholds. They invite pedestrians to learn about the past, present and future of this unique place.
The layout creates an unconventional terrace. It is suspended between the city and the river. It is a platform for contemplation.
The promenade progressively reveals the site’s history. The materials and furnishings reflect the industrial, railway and marine language of the Old Port. Wood decking, benches and lamp posts tell the site’s story.
The benches invite visitors to relax and enjoy the views. Each bench has a phrase inscribed on it. It recounts an important event in Montreal’s history from 1535 to the present. The benches direct views towards landmarks, strengthening connections between the stories and the landscape.
The light standards also participate in the discovery of the site. Tiny perforations in the steel form railway crosses. They illustrate the outline of the St. Lawrence River. At night, the lights create a poetic image.
Plantings are laid out in linear bands. They accentuate the railway grid. Indigenous plants evoke the spontaneous character of the site. Shrubs, grasses and perennials mix with wild strawberries. Trees provide a vertical framework for the views.
The park improves green space in the neighborhood. It creates a cool retreat. The design incorporates environmental best practices. It uses recycled, reused or sustainable materials. It sources local materials and equipment. It uses woods that respect sustainable forest management.
The Chemin-Qui-Marche Lookout welcomes residents and tourists. It is a safe and friendly space. It supports the urban use of the riverbank. It has become a landmark for the neighborhood and the city since its inauguration in 2012. The park possesses the necessary ingredients to support the urban appropriation of the riverbank.