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Environmental activities
Several events, organized by various organizations, aim to heighten public awareness and to encourage citizens to take part in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. These include, notably, Pure Air Day, Earth Day, Car-Free Day and Operation Bike-to-Work.
Urban smog
The main components of urban smog are ozone and fine airborne particles. Ground-level ozone is mainly formed by photochemical reactions on hot sunny days. Emissions from vehicles and factories are the leading sources of ozone formation.
Many studies have indicated that these pollutants can have a harmful effect on human health, especially in the case of children, seniors and those with cardiopulmonary diseases or respiratory problems.
These pollutants also slow the growth of plants and trees and cause various materials, such as concrete and masonry, to deteriorate.
In recent years, Montréal has experienced episodes of smog during the summer. Occasionally, smog has even occurred in the winter.
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The City also encourages the use of electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles. It intends to favour the purchase of those types of vehicles when renewing its fleet. In addition, the City offers municipal employees a training program that aims to decrease fuel consumption.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) also supports the research and development of alternative sources of energy by participating in the Biobus project, which is experimenting with the use of biodiesel as an alternative, less polluting fuel. The STM is also considering the use of vehicles powered by electrical or hybrid systems.
Implementation measures
- Favour a more compact urban form and encourage mixed uses.
- Establish new public transportation routes in order to facilitate trips between different areas of the City (see Action 3.1).
- Increase building density around targeted public transportation stations (see Action 3.2).
- Reduce the supply of parking spaces, especially in the Centre (see Actions 3.5 and 7.2).
- Develop new bikeways to serve major activity areas, as well as parking areas for bicycles (see Action 3.4).
- Design comfortable and safe on- and off-street pedestrian networks, especially around metro or train stations and bus stops (see Action 14.2).
- Establish measures to ease traffic flow, such as reducing speed limits, widening sidewalks and designating crosswalks (see Action 18.1).
- For industries and vehicle owners, strictly apply the clean air regulations established by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and managed by the Ville de Montréal.
- Upon renewal of the municipal vehicle fleet, favour the purchase of electric, hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicles.
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