Values of sustainable development have been central to all the decisions made during the planning of Pointe Nord in order to create a unique place to live, close to nature, where elegant high-rise residential buildings become one with nature.

ABC’s of landscaping in a LEED ND neighbourhood

“Environmental values were our first consideration in the choice of plants to work with”, says Maxime Brisebois of Projet Paysage Inc. The public square, paths, and riverside parks had to offer places for relaxation where the surrounding nature fits perfectly with the landscaping, thereby creating a unique and constantly evolving scenery throughout the seasons.

“Our job is to create balance by choosing the right plant combinations that will work together to become a harmonious blend. In Pointe Nord only, we have eight varieties of trees, eight varieties of shrubs, and more than ten perennial varieties, in addition to all the plants added to the riverside. Diversity creates beauty.”
– Maxime Brisebois

Challenges

The choices of plants, flowers and shrubs in Pointe Nord were made based on multiple factors such as their adaptability, their need for irrigation, and use of pesticides. Another factor to consider is wind. The wind can be particularly strong in Pointe-Nord, which has been the source of multiple surprises and sudden changes in the landscaping architects’ plans. Additionally, the absence of snow coverage during the winter period in this area, which is not a bad thing, resulted in the choice of more robust plants in certain areas of this new neighbourhood.

Shoreline
Natural plants were used on the shoreline for perfect integration with the landscape.

Parks
The trees planted in the park and on the commercial street were chosen based on textures and colours of the foliage, which change with the seasons. Oaks and maples create beautiful layers in the parks of the neighbourhood and on the main street.

Perennials
The choice of perennials in Pointe Nord allows for an appreciation of the different periods of flowering, creating an evolving landscape through the seasons. Some varieties bloom early in the spring, whereas others bloom over the summer and into the fall. A feast for the eyes almost all year!

The apple trees and the wild rose bushes are examples of perennials that have been planted to embellish the paths, the walkway, and the surroundings of the water basins.

Projet Paysage reminds us that Pointe Nord is still young! The more the vegetation flourishes and grows, the more impressive the view will be. In conclusion, Pointe-Nord is a work in progress and will only get more beautiful over the years.

With winter on its way, residents and visitors of Pointe-Nord will be looking for every opportunity to take advantage of the outdoors and those last rays of summer sunshine.

Read on to discover the many gems in the neighbourhood – some of which are hidden gems – where anyone can take time away from a busy life to just relax enjoy nature.

1. The Esplanade & the belvedere
The Esplanade, that patch of public green space in the middle of Pointe-Nord, has a magnificent view of the water and is perfect for an afternoon of Frisbee or lounging around. The belvedere, also with an amazing view on the waterfront, has lounging chairs perfect for sitting around and reading a good book. Information boards found on the outside of the belvedere tell the visitors about Nun’s Island’s history. And at night, solar panels will light up their path.

2. The bike paths
The bike paths surrounding Pointe-Nord are some of the most beautiful in and around Montreal. With a view of the downtown and of the waterfront, surrounded by beautiful trees, silver grass and wildflowers, it’s enough to make anyone wonder why they would ever live downtown.

3. The Northeastern point of the island
We’ve mentioned this magical spot before, but it’s worth mentioning again. Accessible by the bike paths and across from the future Evolo X tower, this beautiful area is surrounded by trees and plants and offers an unparallel view of downtown Montreal.

4. The courtyards of Zuni, Evolo and Evolo 2
Each development in Pointe-Nord has a beautiful green courtyard where anyone looking to take in the nature and sunshine can relax and enjoy a zen moment. It’s interesting to note that, in keeping with the eco-friendly philosophy of the neighbourhood, these courtyards were designed as green roofs – they are common spaces for residents set on top of the underground garages. This serves both to hide the cars and minimize pollution, as well as to reduce the “heat-island effect” by reducing exposed paved surfaces. By using non-invasive and mostly indigenous species in the landscaping, the needs for irrigation and pesticides use is much reduced.

5. Parc écologique Gerwurz-Remer
Water basins retain and filter rainwater before it reaches the St-Laurent’s river. The wild rose border is a delight for passersby during blooming season. This location also offers one of the best views of downtown.

Now get out there, no excuses! Take in the last of the beautiful weather before winter comes creeping up on us.