The awards ceremony was held on the 129th anniversary of the inauguration of Mount Royal Park, held May 24th, 1876.

THE RECIPIENTS

Mr. Pierre Dansereau
The first annual Prix du mont Royal is awarded to Mr. Pierre Dansereau, considered the father of ecology in Quebec. He is known as a scientific genius in Quebec, Canada and in many other countries around the world, especially for his research in the area of ecosystems. He has taught at over 20 institutions of higher learning on five continents and has published over 600 scientific journals. With more than 15 honorary doctorates to his credit, he is also known for his commitment to political and social causes concerning the environment, namely the preservation of nature and sustainable development. In March 2002, Mr. Dansereau graciously accepted the invitation to open the Mount Royal Summit organized by Les Amis de la montagne and its partners. This summit led to the recent decree, confirming the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District in March 2005.

Ms. Phyllis Lambert, OC, CQ, OAL, FIRAC, FRSC, RCA, LL D
The first annual Prix du mont Royal is awarded to Ms. Phyllis Lambert, architect and founding director and president of the Fiduciary Board of the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal. As the most important international centre for research and museum dedicated to the art of architecture, the mission of the CCA is to sensitize the public of the role of architecture in society, to support research at the highest levels in this area, and to promote innovation in the practice of design. Ms. Lambert also played a significant role in the creation of the Société d’amélioration de Milton-Parc, the largest business dedicated to the renovation of a housing cooperative in Canada. Since 1984, she has been a Director of the Board of the Old Port of Montréal, responsible for the transformation of this historic site from industrial usage to social usage. She is known internationally for her contribution to the advancement of contemporary architecture and for her defence of the social aspects of urban conservation, as well as the public dimension of architecture.

LE PRIX DU MONT ROYAL

Mr. Dansereau received a colour photograph of a Small Horned Owl of Mount Royal, by Montréal photojournalist Normand Blouin. This bird is the most highly associated with the forests of Montréal. They are most commonly observed in the wooded parks and cemeteries of Mount Royal. Typically, one can spot the owl on a clear, sunny date, sleeping peacefully on the branch of a tree, perched near a cavity in the trunk. The owl is the symbol of wisdom, of perspicacity and of goodness.

Ms. Lambert received a work of art in mixed media on paper, titled Mac Mountain 2 by Montréal artist Suzanne Dery. Mount Royal is a much-appreciated landmark for the artist, whose renderings can often be found in her work. The artist presents us with a realistic vision of “her” mountain, drawn with minimalist, yet great strokes, from which rises the impossible, the unexpected, with a powerful arm capable of controlling the frenetic urban traffic and construction that encircles Mount Royal. This work represents the new generation’s interpretation of the mountain, an affectionate look at the mountain, combined with vigilance and realism.

We would like to thank our partners for their much appreciated collaboration:
STM
The Gazette
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MIX 96
CJAD 800 AM
CHOM 97.7
Hydro-Québec
Alcan
Pratt & Whitney
Banque Nationale du Canada
Fonds de l’environnement Shell
American Apparel
Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges
Canon Canada
Mouvement des caisses Desjardins