Air-ou-Vert Program

Officially launched in 2017, the Air-ou-Vert Program aims to stimulate adaptation to the impacts of climate change, specifically heat islands and flooding, through the greening of communities in the region of Outaouais, Quebec. Climate is a major determinant for the development of cities and it influences the way people live. Several impacts are associated with climate change (heat islands, floods, strong winds, torrential rains and loss of biodiversity) and these require rethinking the development of urban centers. The challenge is to improve the sustainability and quality of life of communities by supporting municipalities, organizations and businesses. Climate change presents an opportunity to improve health, safety and quality of our living environments. The Regional Council of the environment and sustainable development of the Outaouais (CREDDO) has been supporting communities and the municipalities in the Outaouais region since 2017 in adapting to climate change by offering them projects focused on urban greening that will ensure the quality of life of current and future generations. Air-ou-Vert promotes a participatory approach, by working with local actors to identify their needs and find tailor-made solutions.

Understanding and Assessing Impacts

Climate is a major determinant for the development of cities and it influences the way people live. Several impacts are associated with climate change (heat islands, floods, strong winds, torrential rains and loss of biodiversity) and these require rethinking the development of urban centers. The Air-ou-Vert project was launched in 2017 from the desire to stimulate adaptation to climate change and reduce the harmful effects of heat islands through the greening of communities in the Outaouais. The challenge of climate change presents an opportunity to improve health, safety and quality of living environments. The Air-ou-Vert Program focuses on the benefits resulting from the various ecological, aesthetic, social and economic roles that trees and urban green spaces fulfill. According to the program, trees provide the best performance per square meter by providing shade and a UV filter as a heat island remedy. They also filter dust, they capture CO2, they provide shelter for wildlife and insects, they facilitate the penetration of water into the soil, they reduce the energy costs of buildings and they improve the quality of life of neighborhoods while promoting physical and mental well-being. According to CREDDO, trees remain the best technology to get there with an excellent return benefits-costs.

Identifying Actions

The Air-ou-Vert project uses the following methodology:

  1. Consultation of stakeholders;
  2. Identification of needs and definition of objectives;
  3. Documentary research, analysis and status report;
  4. Planning;
  5. Cost estimate;
  6. Public consultation; and
  7. Project realization.

As an example, on November 22, 2018, citizens were invited to give their visions on the greening of downtown Gatineau (Île de Hull). This evening provided an opportunity to learn more about climate change in the Outaouais, the Air-ou-Vert Program and the current project on the Island of Hull. Nearly 60 citizens thus raised 111 recommendations on 4 specific themes. These will serve as a starting point to broaden the scope and possibilities of the project, in particular with the private sector (residents, traders, etc.), which represents 93% of non-built areas in the city center.

Implementation

There are currently three projects underway:

  1. Greening the island of Hull – A feasibility study for the greening of Île de Hull carried out by CREDDO identified that it would be possible to plant 1,705 trees on municipal land. These plantations represent a 3% increase in the current canopy rate. To achieve this, various awareness-raising and consultation activities were carried out with local stakeholders.
  2. Master plan for the development of vacant land in the Pointe-Gatineau and Lac-Beauchamp districts – Following the major floods that the Pointe-Gatineau and Lac Beauchamp sectors experienced in 2017 and 2019, CREDDO, in collaboration with the city of Gatineau and several community partners, is working on the design of a Master Development Plan (PDA) vacant land in order to revitalize these two districts by proposing natural and unifying developments adapted to the new hydrometeorological realities. The PDA is carried out in three phases and CREDDO is currently entering the conceptualization phase, ie phase 2. The latter aims to define development concepts and present them to citizens and influential players. Being located in a flood zone, the vacant lots in the Pointe-Gatineau and Lac Beauchamp neighborhoods cannot be rebuilt as before and now belong to the city of Gatineau. CREDDO is working with planning experts and with the community to think together about development proposals adapted to the specific conditions of the areas.
  3. Under the cobble tones (Sous les pavés) – Sous les pavés is a citizen project whose success depends on the mobilization of citizens. The CREDDO team supports its partners from A to Z in setting up the project in a participatory urban planning process (inventory and site assessment, vision exercise, mobilization of volunteers and partners, development of plans, activity validation of plans, maintenance plan, clearing, planting and inauguration activity). The objective of the project is to create friendly green spaces that meet the needs of the communities that host them.

Outcomes and Monitoring Progress

The multidisciplinary team of CREDDO provides support in all stages of the realization of greening projects. A process that starts from planning through to taking action. Citizens are at the heart of their thinking and the innovative solutions that are proposed are accompanied by monitoring tools to assess the achievement of objectives. In order to structure this process, an advisory committee made up of community stakeholders monitors the development of activities. An outcome of the master plan for the development of vacant land in the Pointe-Gatineau and Lac-Beauchamp districts was a toolbox of five different types of development: Nature Lots, Nourishing Lots, Gathering Lots, Shore Lots, Sponges Set. The toolbox helps residents visualize the various types of development options that align with regulations related to flooding issues and meet the needs and desires of residents.

Resources

Link to Full Case Study(in French only)

Additional Resources: