Consolidation of the Bellerive Recreotourism Hub in the Borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal, Quebec
Document reference number: 1
May 22, 2025 – The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) have determined that the proposed project Consolidation of the Bellerive Recreotourism Hub in the Borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal, Quebec is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Mitigation measures considered for this determination are the following:
Before construction:
- Public information: The borough will inform the public about upcoming work.
During construction:
- Water pollution: The management of potentially contaminated surface water is governed by the City of Montreal's general requirements.
- Air pollution: Air pollution is regulated by the City of Montreal's general requirements, particularly through the application of Regulation 90 of the Montreal metropolitan community (MMC).
- Noise pollution: The City of Montreal's general requirements outline the necessary noise mitigation measures. Project-specific requirements govern the work schedule (Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.).
- Soil contamination: The presence of contaminated soil on the site is addressed by several general and project-specific measures adopted by the City of Montreal, including the segregation of excavated materials and the protection of temporary storage piles.
- Birdlife: Measures are in place to avoid disturbing nesting bird species present in the area during construction.
- Archaeological remains: Project-specific requirements mandate the installation of protective fencing around archaeological remains.
- Public Safety: The contractor must erect fencing around the site to ensure public safety.
In addition
- A supervisor is hired to ensure that the contractor complies with the required environmental mitigation measures and that the work is carried out in accordance with the plans and specifications.
- The contractor must have an emergency response plan, which includes the phone number of the Montreal Port Authority's harbour master's office.
Following the construction:
- Plant survival: Project-specific measures—including pre-cutting of roots and requirements mandating the presence of a City representative (Director) when working in sensitive protection zones—are implemented to minimize the impact on trees on site.
- Invasive species: The eradication of common buckthorn and the supervision of plant debris removal are included in site preparation activities.
- Nocturnal wildlife: The design includes low-impact lighting installations to reduce disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.
Therefore, the authorities may exercise their powers to allow the project to be carried out, in whole or in part.