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GRAME : Groupe de recommandations et d’actions pour un meilleur environnement
GRAME is an organization that works to build resilient communities in healthy and sustainable environments. It works with citizens, communities and other organizations, as well as with governments. It acts on the ground, using education and awareness-raising programs, and putting forward recommendations. Through its Collective Fund for Climate and Ecological Transition, FGM supported greening projects involving residents in two disadvantaged areas.
Participatory integrated greening in Lachine
GRAME’s participatory integrated greening project (Verdissement intégré participatif, or VIP) aims to initiate collaborative action to reduce the effect of heat islands in the eastern part of the borough of Lachine. The first VIP project, in the Duff-Court sector, allowed partners to meet with residents to involve them in the process through a co-creation exercise, then accompany them in planting trees and various plants in the courtyards of their apartment buildings.
As one participant put it: “We want to make this a dynamic place that will bring together the people of this neighbourhood, where families can gather outdoors. In the summer, heat and lack of ventilation are a big problem, so the presence of trees that counteract the heat islands that form around the buildings will improve the health of our families.”
This initiative is part of the ICI, on verdit campaign launched by GRAME in 2013 to create cool areas through the development of diversified green spaces. As well as support from FGM via the Collective Fund for Climate and Ecological Transition, it also relies on the collaboration of the Direction régionale de la santé publique, the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal (OMHM) and the Comité de vie du quartier Duff-Court.
A second GRAME initiative: Ville inclusive, verte, résiliente et équitable (VIVRE)
In this other projet, GRAME, the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM) and the Conseil régional de l’environnement (CRE) de Montréal joined forces to transform living environments in Montreal’s Southwest District. This initiative is known as VIVRE, which stands for Ville inclusive, verte, résiliente et equitable (Equitable, resilient, green and inclusive city).
The strategy adopted was based on the principles of eco-neighbourhoods, and applied them to the existing built environment in order to create resilient, sustainable and healthy living environments, while mobilizing the most vulnerable citizens and raising their awareness of environmental issues. Infrastructures can thus be managed using an ecosystem-based approach, and the project will reduce urban environmental inequalities. As well, it creates new meeting spaces for residents.
This is done through planning, demineralization and greening initiatives, in collaboration with local populations, property owners, local elected officials and community organizations, and through the sharing and dissemination of knowledge, positive experiences and good practices in sustainable urban planning.
Picture © GRAME