A pilot project for biodiversity islands sees the day in Vaudreuil-Dorion

The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion is pursuing its efforts to promote biodiversity and protect the habitat of monarch butterflies and pollinating insects by introducing a brand new pilot project for biodiversity islands, which is divided into two components: residential and municipal.

For 2024, this initiative will enable 30 single-family homeowners to take part in the ecological management of their urban space areas by allowing vegetation on a section of their property to grow beyond a height of 30 cm. The purpose of the project is to promote the establishment of native flowers and grasses to attract pollinating insects and increase urban biodiversity, all while respecting existing criteria and standards for maintenance. The areas selected for this pilot project include Des Chenaux (portion located south of Highway 40), Vaudreuil City Centre (area bordered by avenue Saint-Charles, the Quinchien river, exo railway and rue du Manoir) and the Des Floralies neighbourhood. Residents must agree to comply with the pre-established criteria, which include keeping a two-metre clear strip of land along property lines and controlling the growth of invasive and harmful non-native plants. Properties belonging to project participants will be subjected to inspections throughout the summer by Environmental Awareness agents.

"Grass surfaces make up a large part of cities throughout Quebec. These green spaces have a low ecological value, consume a lot of water, and require significant maintenance efforts. They also fail to contribute to the fight against heat islands during heat waves. The conversion of grassy surfaces into biodiversity islands will let nature back into the City by creating new habitats for flora and fauna while promoting the development of ecological corridors. In the long term, less maintenance efforts will be required to maintain green spaces”, explains Anne-Sophie Lemay, Environmental Coordinator – Conservation and Awareness.

People interested in creating a biodiversity island on their property must submit a request to the Environment Division by June 1st, using the form available on the City’s website.

This project will also be set up on certain municipal sites to serve as sample islands. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting pollinators and to promote the different techniques for setting up such biodiversity areas. The biodiversity islands will be created in the spring and fall of 2024 on the grounds of the municipal library, Parc des Narcisses, Parc de la Canardière and Parc Félix-Leclerc, and in the grassy areas on Avenue André-Chartrand.

For more information on the pilot project, please visit the  Biodiversity islands page or contact the Environment Division at environnement@ville.vaudreuil-dorion.qc.ca or 450-455-3371, option 1.