Last update, Tuesday December 8, 2020

Following the redevelopment of Lock Keepers' Park and the extension of the multi-purpose path on the north side of the Lachine Canal, CN, Soverdi and Parks Canada are working together to provide a new scenic and safe pathway on the perimeter of the historic site by planting several hundred trees, shrubs and plants.

Soverdi, a long-time partner of CN and Tree Canada, has planned a large-scale planting that, in addition to beautification, is intended to discourage path users from crossing the CN railway. For this purpose, the wrought-iron fence installed by CN will be bordered with trees, shrubs and climbing plants to create a physical barrier that contributes to biodiversity while being aesthetically pleasing. In addition, a few tree and shrub beds will be planted to restrict traffic in the most problematic areas.

This four-phase planting, which will take place throughout the month of June 2020, will be carried out in strict compliance with the protocols put in place in accordance with public health recommendations to ensure the safety of visitors and employees. In total, more than 120 trees of about 10 different varieties, including Saskatoon berry, linden and hackberry trees, and 650 shrubs and plants will be planted to refresh the park. The trees bordering the path and the railway will have a small to medium spread so that the branches do not impede the passage of trains or cyclists.

In order to have a rapid impact and promote biodiversity, the trees were selected from a wide range of species, based firstly on their hardiness to ensure that they can withstand the wind corridor created by the opening of the canal, and secondly on their aesthetic appeal to provide visual interest throughout the year with their blossoms or the colour of their leaves in different seasons.