News

2010-07-07 - Welcome to Les amis' newsletter - July-August 2010

 

Summer day camp on Mount Royal, the CBC/Radio-Canada antenna, supervision of picnic grounds, biodiversity in the city, pedal boats, the terrace and photos - and more!

May: Mount Royal Month

Invitation to participate: Individuals  |  Invitation to participate: Partners  |  The Corvée du Mont-Royal  |  The Prix du Mont-Royal

Mount Royal Month is a month of activities dedicated to the discovery and conservation of the natural environment and the exploration of the many facets of the mountain. Please join us!

 

Calendar of events for May 2010

 

CORVÉE DU MONT-ROYAL – mountain clean-up
Sunday, May 2

Since 1990, the Corvée du Mont-Royal annual springtime tradition has allowed more than 10,750 members of the Montreal community to contribute to this vast awareness-raising operation and conservation activity in favour of Mount Royal Park’s natural environment.

The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. On the occasion of the Corvée du Mont-Royal and to underline the importance of maintaining our biodiversity, Les amis de la montagne invite the community to participate in a series of environmental activities, guided walks, family craft projects and other learning opportunities. For instance, information kiosks on conservation initiatives for Mount Royal’s biodiversity will feature the mountain’s flora and fauna, including endangered species. Other actors and groups on the mountain will also have displays of their conservation initiatives, all at the Chalet du Mont-Royal.
 
Click here for the complete schedule and details.

Information : 514 843-8240, ext. 0
 

LECTURE: FIRST NATIONS’ PRESENCE ON MOUNT ROYAL
Wednesday, May 5
Lecture in French.
 

Over and above the Kondiaronk lookout, what exactly is the First Nations’ presence on Mount Royal and its environs since the last glaciation? For centuries, the First Nations peoples have occupied the greater Montreal region, followed by the first Europeans, missionaries and colonists, up until their withdrawal from the island. This presentation traces the history of the First Nations’ presence on the Island of Montreal, taking particular account of their presence on Mount Royal. We’ll see what remains of the First Nations’ presence on the mountain today.

As part of the Belles Soirées of the Université de Montréal, this lecture will be presented by Philippe Charland, Ph. D. Geography (McGill), professor at the Cegep Vieux-Montréal, part-time history lecturer at the Université du Québec à Montréal, associated researcher of the Chaire de recherche du Canada sur la question territoriale autochtone.

  • 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Pavillon 3744, rue Jean-Brillant, local 107
  • Cost: $20; seniors: $15; students: $5. Group rates available.
  • Reservations required with the Belles Soirées de l’Université de Montréal : 514 343-2020.


"La présence amérindienne sur le mont Royal" is a new publication produced by Les amis de la montagne in keeping with the 475th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s arrival on the Island of Montreal in 1535. Participants of the lecture will receive a free copy.

NATURAL SCIENCES: THE ANIMALS OF MOUNT ROYAL
Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8

As part of the "24 heures de science" activity. An invitation by Les amis de la montagne to discover the mountain's biodiversity and to become familiar with the varity of fauna that calls Mount Royal home, including invertebrates, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

  • Firday, May 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon; free
  • Smith House, Mount Royal Park
  • Information: 514 843-8240, ext. 0

 

MEETING BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THE ARTISTS OF THE WORK GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Wednesday, May 12

Students from the École secondaire Saint-Henri will meet the artists of the work Give peace a chance in situ. Organized by the Maison de l’architecture MONOPOLI and the Bureau du Mont-Royal. A cultural mediation project on public art in Montreal. 

 

LES AMIS DE LA MONTAGNE’ S PUBLIC FORUM
Wednesday, May 12

Guided visit of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery and Esther-Blondin Mausoleum

Mount Royal is home to two great cemeteries that chose to reside on the mountain over 150 years ago and that today, comprise 50 % of the mountain's green core. These places of faith and remembrance with more than one million graves  must now adapt to the changing values of Quebec society.

For the May forum, the Écomusée de l'Au-Delà, an organization dedicated to the protection of Quebec's funerary heritage, will invite participants to discover and discuss the future of these incomparable places, rich in historic, landscape and cultural heritage. (In French).

  • 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Departure from the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery, Esther-Blondin Mausoleum - from the Avenue Decelles entrance
  • Metro Cote-des-Neiges + 10 minute walk; or free parking on site
  • Free
  • Information : 514 843-8240, ext. 241

 

MOUNT ROYAL BIRD INVENTORY, 4th edition
Friday, May 14 to Sunday, May 16

About 40 amateur ornithologists will volunteer their time to continue the bird inventory begun in May 2006 on Mount Royal. Individuals will independently observe birds and collect data following a scientific protocol. The inventory will take place on the greater territory of the mountain, including the Université de Montréal, the Mount Royal and Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemeteries, Summit Park in Westmount and Mount Royal Park.

  • 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Information: 514 843-8240, ext. 242

 

GUIDED WALK: FOLLOW IN DAWSON'S FOOTSTEPS
Sunday, May 16

An archaeological activity not to be missed! Follow in the footsteps of famed 19th-century archaeologist William Dawson to unearth the history and early findings of Canadian archaeology and to discover several artifacts that attest to the existence of a First Nations' village that predates the arrival of Jacques Cartier. Particpants will explore a corner of downtown Montreal and the Redpath Museum.

  • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $13/adults, $10 seniors (65 and over)
  • Places are limited. Reservations are required no later than May 13 by calling the McCord Museum at: 514 398-7100, ext. 222

 

GUIDED WALK: A LIVING MOUNTAIN
Monday, May 24

To celebrate the 134th anniversary of Mount Royal Park, inaugurated May 24, 1876, as well as to underline the International Year of Biodiversity, Les amis de la montagne invite the community to explore the richness of the mountain’s flora and fauna during a guided walk through the woods in all its springtime glory.

  • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Round-trip from the George-Étienne Cartier Monument (at du Parc and Rachel), in Mount Royal Park
  • Cost:  $5 per person, special anniversary price
  • Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0

 

INAUGURATION OF THE PEEL ENTRANCE AND THE WORK GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Monday, May 31, 11 a.m.

The work Give peace a chance is part of the redevelopment of the Peel entrance of Parc du Mont-Royal, financed by the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal between the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine and the Ville de Montréal.

The Peel entrance is the main access to Parc du Mont-Royal from downtown Montreal. The redevelopment of this site needed therefore, to be exemplary. Teams of seasoned professionals undertook a rigorous analysis of the site to consider the ecological, landscape and functional qualities of the project. Even if the redevelopment work required was distinguished by its scope and complexity, the result needed to be perfectly integrated in the existing environment.

The work Give peace a chance was subsequently created in harmony and coherence with the site, and also to illustrate the theme of peace in all its facets. The artist Linda Covit and the landscape architect Marie-Claude Séguin, were inspired by the eponymous song by John Lennon, written in Montreal in 1969. The work consists of 180 coated limestone paving stones laid side by side on flat ground, with the text Give peace a chance engraved on 40 of the stones in as many languages. Plants have been inserted between paving stones to punctuate the surface and to echo the surrounding forest.

 

6th PRIX DU MONT-ROYAL AWARDS CEREMONY

The Prix du Mont-Royal is awarded to an individual, who through their commitment towards the conservation of our collective historic and natural heritage and their vision are a source of inspiration to us all.

  • By invitation
  • Information: 514 843-8240, ext. 240

2009
Peter Jacobs, professor in the École d'architecture de paysage de la Faculté de l'aménagement de l'Université de Montréal
Special mention: François Odermatt, art collector and benefactor

2008
Claude Corbo, chairman of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal

2007
Édith Jacobson Low-Beer, president, EJLB Foundation (d.)

2006
Jean Décarie
Honourable mention: Héritage Montréal

2005
Pierre Dansereau
Phyllis Lambert, CC, GOQ, CAL, FRAIC

 

PHOTO EXHIBIT OF MOUNT ROYAL: "LA MONTAGNE EN IMAGES"
 

The photo contest "La montagne en images" is organized by Les amis de la montagne in order to turn the spotlight on the riches of Mount Royal through photography. A selection of the best photographs received on the theme of nature and biodiversity will be on exhibit during the month of May in the Café Smith.

  • As of Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Café Smith, ground floor of Smith House in Mount Royal Park
  • Free

Click here for the regulations and details of the "La montagne en images" photo contest. (In French)

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN


Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
www.museedeshospitalières.qc.ca

Le jardin du monastère au temps des lilas
Visite guidée en français, le dimanche 23 mai 2010, de 13h30 à 15h30
Réservations requises au Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal : Dominique Trudeau 514 849-2919


Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
www.saint-joseph.org

Stroll in the Oratory’s Gardens
Free visit or guided on demand
Starting May 1st from 8 am to 8 pm
For information, contact the Saint-Joseph’s Oratory at 514 733-8211

The Dominical Organ Concert
Every Sunday at 3:30 pm in the Basilica
For information, contact the Saint-Joseph’s Oratory at 514 733-8211

The Carillon Recitals
From Wednesday to Friday, at 12 pm and 3 pm. Saturdays and Sundays, at 12 pm and 2:30 pm
For information, contact the Saint-Joseph’s Oratory at 514 733-8211


Cimetière Mont-Royal
www.mountroyalcem.com

Walk in the Cemetery followed by an illustrated talk: "Watching Birds Naked"
Led by Dr. David Bird, Professor of Wildlife Biology and Director of the Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill University
Saturday May 1st at 8:30 am
For information, contact the Mount-Royal Cemetery at 514 279-7358  

Annual Photography Exhibition and Sale  
« The spirit of the mountain through texture in all its forms »
Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd, from 1 pm to 5 pm
Vernissage: Saturday at1 pm. Awards Ceremony: Sunday, at 4 pm.
For information, contact the Mount-Royal Cemetery at 514 279-7358  


Cavalerie du SPVM
www.spvm.qc.ca

Visit the police stables
Free. Reservations required at 514 280-2277


Fédération québécoise du loisir littéraire
www.litteraire.ca

Vous, un bon livre et le parc du Mont-Royal
4 livres coups de cœur choisis par nos animatrices et animateurs. Discutez-en sous un noyer de plus de 150 ans !
Frais d’inscription de 50 $ (45 $ pour les membres de la FQLL) inclus l’exemplaire du livre, envoyé quelques semaines plus tôt (tout port payé).
Point de rencontre devant la Maison Smith (à l’intérieur en cas de pluie).
Réservation avant le 20 avril au 514-522-3033   


Musée McCord
www.musée-mccord.qc.ca

Parents and Tots
May’s workshop is “You've got rhythm, baby!”. Toddlers make their first rattle-maracas.
Wednesday, May 26, bilingual, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
For information, contact the McCord Museum at 514 398-7100

Montreal Museums Day
Come and visit our new exhibition “Deam Weavers - Cirque du Soleil Costumes” and (re)discover for free the Museum with your family.
Sunday, May 30, bilingual, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
For information, contact the McCord Museum at 514 398-7100

Wathahine - Photographs of Aboriginal Women by Nance Ackerman
Through her portraits, documentary photographer Nance Ackerman tells the story of remarkable Aboriginal women - elders, artists, teachers and activists - who have fought to improve their own lives and those of their families and communities.
From March 10, 2010 to May 15, 2011
For information, contact the McCord Museum at 514 398-7100

Dream Weavers - Cirque du Soleil Costumes
This exhibition is a tribute to the savoir-faire of the costume designers and artisans at Cirque du Soleil and provide fascinating insight into 25 years of enchanting fabric, colour and form at the heart of the magical shows staged by this Quebec Company's.
From May 27, 2010 to January 9, 2011
For information, contact the McCord Museum at 514 398-7100

Being Irish O'Quebec
Come discover how the Irish community, came to settle in Quebec in the era of New France, has culturally, politically and economically influenced our province.
Until October 11, 2010
For information, contact the McCord Museum at 514 398-7100


Musée Redpath
www.mcgill.ca/redpath

Biodiversity downtown?! The Urban Forest of McGill University
We tend to think that biodiversity exists only in the wild - wherever that is. But cities, in fact, are often havens of biodiversity. During a walk through the trees and gardens of McGill University, you will learn some of the important elements in encouraging biodiversity - as well as how to identify at least 20 trees!
Cost : 12 $ includes information sheet and a small tree donated by the Conseil de l'Industrie forestière du Québec (CIFQ)
Friday, May 7 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration required: 514 284-7384

From the McGill campus to the Piedmont of Mount Royal: the trees and flowers of spring

Nothing beats the beauty of the maple-hickory forest in spring. Trilliums, trout lilies, striped maple and elderberry are but a few of the 40 species of flowers, trees and bushes we will meet on this walk. We begin with the native trees on the McGill campus and continue in the forest of the Piedmont (northeast flank) of Mount Royal.
Sunday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., bilingual
Cost: $15
Reservations required: 514 284-7384


McGill University
www.mcgill.ca/channels/events/